Couch surfing?

With the help of The Washington Center, I spent last fall interning in Washington, D.C. with an organization called Meridian International Center. The experience was truly priceless.

Wolken (the previously referred to Brian who is venturing to Europe with me) and my buddy Adam Brown actually made it out one weekend to visit me. A good time was had by all, though we undoubtedly spent too much money in too many Washington, D.C. bars! Either way, Wolken and I have decided to fly into DC on the night of the 3rd and then fly out of DC for Dublin on the 4th. Actually, as of now, a one-way flight from Chicago to Dublin is more expensive than the Chicago - Washington - Dublin plan. It's amazing how the airline industry works.

I was explaining my plans to the family this weekend and my sister mentioned how I'd have to take the cost of a hotel room into consideration. This would be true but A) I know a couple of people where we could hopefully stay and B) there is always the intriguing backup plan of, Couchsurfing.org.

Couchsurfing.org, a non-profit organization, presents a fascinating new way to travel throughout the US - or, the world. Members of the organization create a profile and included in this are the amenities (couches, extra bedrooms, etc.) they have for travelers. Instead of staying in a hotel for $100/night in D.C., you can research the profile of a member in D.C. who would be willing to put you up for the night.

Couchsurfing.org's F.A.Q can explain it better than I. Check it out ...

Welcome

Hi everyone. Thanks for stopping by my blog.

I'm moving to Ireland on or around September 4th. A buddy (Brian Wolken) and myself intend on living someplace in Ireland until the 31st of December - after this, we'll be moving to London.

We're going with the minimal assistance of Bunac.org. Bunac is responsible for securing our work visas - this is clutch as it is difficult right now to obtain a work visa in Ireland. Ireland's Celtic Tiger economy has brought unprecedented growth and prosperity to Ireland. Without Bunac, we'd have to be sponsored by an employer prior to moving to Ireland. Bunac allows us to get off the plane and begin looking for work.

The plan is simple. Work, live, travel, and experience other parts of the world for a year. I graduated from The University of Iowa on the 12th of May with a BA in Political Science. The world is my oyster, right? I've never been abroad and have nothing tying me down to the states- my thought: Why not now?

As of yet, we still don't know where we'll be living in Ireland. Perhaps Dublin? Dublin is home to Google's European Headquarters. What a great company to get involved with. Dublin though is also a bustling city of over one million. A pub in a small town in County Cork also is pretty appealing.

As for now, I'm in the process of pricing one-way airfare to Dublin, finalizing details with Bunac, and researching my choices for health insurance.

If you've stopped by my blog, I would guess you have some interest in me. I hope to keep anyone who cares in the loop with my thoughts, news, pictures, and experiences while preparing for and spending a year abroad.

Please stop back often and add your comments as you feel like it.