I used to travel for work. Every Monday, I'd hop a plane to Santa Barbara, or Seattle, or San Diego. After a week of work, restaurant food, rental cars, and hotel rooms, I returned home each Friday for two precious days before starting it all over again.

Well, I've ended all that. Now I travel for fun. On September 14, 2004, Vlad and I hopped a plane to London, each armed with a small pack of clothes, passports, and ATM cards. For a year, the plan is to see dozens of countries around the world. Europe, Africa, Asia, and South America had better prepare themselves, because I'm taking a break from the rat race -- I have some real living to do...