The idea of going to Europe was circulating in the back of my mind for a few weeks.  Financially, I was secure, at least for the summer, and I had a few jobs when I came back.  Why not go to Europe?  Routinely I check for inexpensive airfare, but from Portland, Oregon, airfare across the Atlantic is always going to be quite expensive.  My decision to go was hastened by two friends, Sybil and Ashley, who were also considering the trip.  Sybil was planning on studying in Barcelona for a few weeks and Ashley just wanted to visit.  The three of us all worked together, and consequently booked our tickets at the same time.  Through STA Travel, which was the cheapest tickets we could find, we acquired tickets for about $850.  I also spent another $800 or so on my Eurail pass, two months of unlimited travel, which I intended to use fully!  I was not so smart the weekend before we left.  I partied on Friday night (that was interesting; kudos to Sara), and got home at 6:00 a.m.  The next day I drove to the coast with a few friends and went to the casinos.  We got home at about 9:00 a.m.  I packed, stayed up until 1:00 a.m., and then had to wake up at 3:00 a.m. to get to the airport.  Clearly, I did not prepare myself for a good start. As I said, my life was (and is) exciting, but it needed an extra little kick.  So, I got on the plane with Ashley, and our adventure started.  I brought my Palm VX and an attachable keyboard to record the adventure, which probably explains some of the spelling errors.