Thursday, June 18, 2009

Planes, Trains, and Automobiles

I am a very lucky woman who married a very wonderful, good looking, sweet, kind, and cheap man. I appreciate all of those positive qualities, but even he would admit that he brings the term cheap to a whole new level. (Hubby edit: No, I don’t!!!!!!) Doctor Cheapo, as I once dubbed him, enjoys looking generous while secretly being cheap.

You see, with a few notable exceptions, most of our wanderings are on someone else’s dollar. Generally speaking, if he can sneak me along on a business trip, Hubby will “kindly” let me tag along. This means that his flight, our hotel, and usually most of our food are paid for.

Don’t get me wrong, I’m not complaining and I don’t mean to sound ungrateful. (Hubby edit: Too late for that one …) I love traveling and am willing to do so pretty much any way I can. But every so often, I kind of wish our trips were for us. You know, romantic getaways that weren’t squeezed in-between meetings, presentations, and cocktail parties with the folks footing the bills.

Which brings us to today’s post. Even as you read this, I am currently flying to Europe for a fabulous combination business/romance trip. Hubby and I will be spending almost a week in Hungary for his work during which time I will get to meet the fabulous Nicole, whose blog I adore, reunite with amazing friends from our days in the Midwest, and hopefully sneak in time for some window shopping when Hubby isn’t watching.

The best part of our trip is that once the work portion ends the fun portion will begin! Hubby and I are planning to rent a car and go on our very own Eurotrip-inspired vacation. During that week and a half, we plan to drive through Austria, Liechtenstein, Switzerland, Germany, the Czech Republic, Poland, and Slovakia. In each country, I have insisted to Hubby that we must complete at least one culturally significant task.

Normally when I travel, I forget about the blog because I’m a bad blogger. *shame* This time around, however, is going to be different. Stop shaking your heads and doubting me! You’re my Devoted Readers, you’re supposed to have faith! Hmmph!

My goal is to try to post at least once from each country. Sometimes this won’t be possible because we’ll be on the road (Liechtenstein) or because there is no Internet since Hubby is being too cheap to pay for ten minutes worth of access. (Hubby edit: Ummmm…) But I’m going to do my best to blog as often as possible during the trip. So keep an eye out, and you too can play, “Where in the World is Carmen SanDiego Typ0?"

27 comments:

Corinne said...

Sounds like fun! You lucky duck, traveling for free is the best way to go. ;) Your Euroroadtrip sounds like a lot of fun...I'll enjoy seeing your posts!

LadyFi said...

Please don't forget about us on your fabulous trip! Remember to visit Stockholm next time round...

Oh - and have fun!

United Studies said...

I miss the days when Peter worked for his former company and took several trips to Denmark each year. It was so much cheaper for us...since his ticket and rental car was paid for. :-)

I so envy you your trip!!!

Sandy said...

That sounds fabulous! I am so envious of all the places you've been and I've been a few myself but nothing compared to you. I remember my first year with Paul, he took me to Canada....a very romantic trip to Montreal and Quebec. He planned the whole thing, just told me to pack and picked me up the day we left. I was in heaven thinking I had found a man you could plan a vacation! Well, let me tell you that was the last vacation he planned (except for the trip to Africa which was a safari and really a hunt). But I don't mind too much, I pretty get to pick what I want but sometimes I think....wouldn't it be nice?

Anonymous said...

Have a wonderful, safe, and fun-filled holiday. The same to hubby who does look after you very well. :)
Of course, you will be staying in daily touch...(hummmm)
merthyrmum

Katherine Roberts Aucoin said...

You write the most wonderful stories about your travels and I look forward to reading them. Enjoy all of your travels!

Christina Lee said...

ooohh have loads of fun!!

Unknown said...

Sounds great; don't forget to buy the beautiful lead crystal in the Czech Republic, costs so much less there.

Unknown said...

I have faith in you!
I'm just not sure I will really be able to make it on Monday.
:(
I know you are looking forward to it and so am I.
But riding that train for altogether 8 hours and leaving the dogs here for more than 12....I think I'll chicken out :(
Hope you can forgive me :( !

Kathy B! said...

This sounds WONDERFUL!! I am so looking forward to this. I adore reading of your travels. You're kind of like my world traveling, seasoned, really cool alter-ego :)

Three Prince Designs said...

Fun- take lots of photos of the landmarks you see!! Sounds wonderful- enjoy yourselfs and be safe.

Anonymous said...

I'v never left the US. not even to Canada or Mexico. I'm green with envy! have a good trip.

theUngourmet said...

What Fun! Have a great time! :0)

Laura said...

Sounds wonderful! You are very fortunate to be able to see the world like that!

And the blogs would be LOVELY! Not only to document the trip but to let us live vicariously thro you!

The Blonde Duck said...

That sounds like a blast! And I loved Carmen Sandiago. I used to watch it every night before dinner!

Miss Footloose said...

Take a notebook! Jot down your observations, even the ones that don't seem significant. It can be fast and furious because you don't need to worry about spelling or making sense to anybody. Just so you'll remember later, because you will forget the details. And of course, take them pictures...

Sorry if I'm preaching to the choir here!

Have a great time!

Miss Footloose
www.lifeintheexpatlane.blogspot.com

Jennifer said...

OOooh! Eurotrip! Eurotrip! I'm so excited for you! I want pictures, pretty please! :-)

I told my husband that I wanted to go to Europe again before our son turns two - that way we don't have to pay for his flight. Who's the cheap-o in my marriage? ;-)

Have fun, fun, fun! Oh, I wish I could come with you in your luggage!

Marshmallow Circus said...

Don't forget to blog! Some of us are traveling through you. lol :)

Anonymous said...

I'm doubting but if you manage good on you! And ENJOY! :)

Amanda said...

Can I come? I'll buy rounds ;-)

N said...

I'm so looking forward to read your trips. Have a safe trip!

Debbie said...

I can't wait to hear about your travels. I am envious.

zelzee said...

How lucky are you!!!

I can't wait to hear your impression of Slovakia. I believe I still have family there!

Laural Out Loud said...

Despite the business aspect, what an adventure!!! Have a wonderful time, and I'm really REALLY looking forward to your travel posts!

Melissa B. said...

Bon Voyage, and have a great trip! If you have time in between ports of call, don't forget to swing by and celebrate Sx3 with me today. A Tar-Jay Gift Card is at stake!

Veronica said...

When I read the first para I was really worried that we might be married to the same man, or at least brothers, as all of our "holidays" for many years were planned around business or conferences! But then I read on and realized he mostly actually takes you with him most of the time; once the kids got older, I stayed and looked after them while he travelled to exotic places ... (disention from him at this point!).
Definitely a benefit of no kidlets!!!
Now we travel together again ... but still Dr Cheapo!!

Unknown said...

Sounds so fun!!!! :) Enjoy!