For those who know me, I’m usually flying out of the country on my last day of work…or the next day at the latest, but I’m still here. Actually, It’s been nice being here and getting things in order before I leave. I’ve been spending time with the boys, seeing friends, and making sure everything is taken care of. However, it’s time to ‘get the hell out of Dodge’ or Ft. Lauderdale.

I’ve got a great itinerary planned. First, I’m headed to see my mom for a few days in Perry, Florida. What can I say about Perry? Nothing. I’ll leave it at that. I’ll let you know how mom’s doing.

Then from there, I’m going to New Orleans to see my sister Suzi graduate in pediatric dentistry. Woohoo! My dad, stepmom Mehri, and and sister Nati will be there too, so I get to see everyone. And of course, can’t forget new brother-in-law Adam…my cigar smoking buddy. Unlike Perry, plenty to do in New Orleans…like eating my way through it. Nom Nom

Much as I’d like to, I can’t consume all of my calories in New Orleans. I’ll have to save some room for the next destination of my journey which is Turkey. I’ll be meeting John in Marmaris on the SW coast of Turkey. We’ll spend 4 weeks aboard Quetzal sailing the south west coast of Turkey from Marmaris to Antalya as well as the Dodecanese Islands of Greece with a road trip in between to visit the caves of Cappadocia.

The last leg of my journey will end in France. My mom doesn’t understand why I have to go to the same country every year. What can I say? I love France! We will be in the Languedoc region of France to do my annual canal boat trip on the Canal du Midi. Finally, the icing on the cake…figuratively and literally…will be celebrating my birthday in Paris, my favorite city in the world. J’aime Paris.