2013 - A North American Odyssey

Wow! Its been a LONG time since I blogged. A LONG, LONG, LONG time!

Lots has happened since I blogged, but rather than catch you all up on everything that has gone on, Ill catch you up from whats going to happen in the future. And, as of today, the VERY exciting thing that is going to happen is our 2013 North American Odyssey.

Many of you will remember the last North American Odyssey I went on. It was in 2001 and I had this amazing photo taken.

This is a page from my photo album. Unfortunately, 10 days later, those 2 amazing architectural masterpieces were no more and almost 3000 people were killed.

So, the plan was to recreate the 2001 North American Odyssey with Kylie in 2011. But, that didnt happen. Let me take you a step back......

One of the things that have happened over the last four years is that Kylie has gotten involved in 'Stampin' Up' and she has done very well (as is to be expected.) What is Stampin Up? Well, its basically a company that supplies craft products. They supply paper and cardboard, ribbon, stamp sets in a variety of colours etc. Get the idea? Anyway, over the last four years, I have often been tearing my hair out. The picture below explains why....

Anyway, Kylie persevered. And, persevered. And, she is now a Senior Manager at Stampin Up. It used to be just a 'thing on the side' but, she has now quit her job and focuses on this. Her website is here. Check it out. Kylie sells some things on eBay and conducts classes. 

Another thing that happened this week is that Kylie was featured in the Stampin Up demonstrator magazine.

So, because of her perseverance, there was an incentive that was on offer for Stampin Up demonstrators. And, KYLIE ACHIEVED IT! What is the reward, I hear you ask? Well, it is a TRIP to Salt Lake City  FOR HER and ME! And, today, we confirmed dates and flights. So, it is REAL! 

While we are in North America, we are going to visit a few extra places to recreate the 2001 North American Odyssey and add some extra places (Las Vegas, New York City, Niagara Falls, Montreal, Vancouver). Im still without speech that the biggest expense (flights) are covered by the company. Im still expecting the bill ...... but it wont be coming. Without speech I am!

We will no doubt visit some extra places and we have purposely left some space between flights to allow for trips

For example, while we are in Vancouver visiting our great friends Greg and Maureen, we are taking advantage of being over the other side of the world are doing another one of our new favourite pasttimes - Cruising! We are going on a cruise to Alaska. The prices are so much better on that side of the world, particularly at high season. 

Additionally, a few months ago, our friends Travis and Annette went to Europe. They told us about this website that they booked their travel with - Air BnB. Now, I never told them this, but I have to admit that I was worried that they were going to get there and nothing would be confirmed or the accomodation would be terrible. But, their accomodation was at a greatly discounted rate. And, everything was better than expected. I read an article in The Age about AirBnB today, which was REALLY interesting. So, we have found some really nice places at half the price of the hotels in the area.

So, id love to hear about some places you think we should go to in those cities and nearby. Add comments with your suggestions.

So, I might add some blog posts about other stuff weve done recently.