I am going to Europe for my Not Crappy Birthday. I have no idea what I'm going to do once I'm there but I'm going.

As a testament to my Scottish upbringing, I am flying the most indirect flight possible for the least amount of money. Sure, I could have spent $500 more and had a more direct route, but that's a lot more money. It's a deal breaker. So instead I will be travelling for something like 31 hours including layovers. Instead of covering only 3744.4 km (2326.7 mi), I am instead covering half of Canada plus 3744.4 km (2326.7 mi). I am going YYT-YUL-YEG-YYC-LON. The positive is that I get to see my Mom for the first time in over two years on the six hour stop over in Calgary.

While in London, I'm staying with a total stranger. I've exchanged emails with this lady and I'm paying her money to stay there, but I've never met her and I have no way of knowing she's not a serial killer. I'm willing to take my chances, however. I am renting her room through AirBnB. If this is successful, I see myself using this system very frequently. If not, lesson learned.

What am I going to do in Europe? Whatever I want. I will be in England for <s>Guy Fawkes Day</s> Bonfire Night, for the Lord Mayor's Show (I have no idea what it is past what the website tells me) and for Remembrance day. I wish I could get to Vimy on Remembrance Day, but they don't do bus tours out there. One year I will go back when I can drive.

I'll be posting pictures and videos along the way. If I can get foursquare to work on my tablet again, I'll be checking in as well.

I should be napping but instead, I am doing this. Ho hum.