19 days and counting

We've been planning this adventure for almost 2 years and finally we've started the count-down. Nineteen days before my sons Caleb, Ben and I leave for six weeks in the Netherlands as part of my sabbatical from UMaine!

And count-down #2 is for my fiancé Kyle and his Mom, Jane - 34 days before they leave to join us for two weeks!

This is a trip of firsts. I'm sure more will occur to me, but off the top of my head -
* The boys' first travels outside the US, and Jane's first travels to Europe,
* My first opportunity to study with international colleagues on their own turf,
* My first visit to Europe and chance to re-connect with my Dutch host family in 32 years....

As the count-down continues, most of the big stuff is under control. Passports, plane tickets, lodging, chip credit card, plan of work for my sabbatical research - check, check, check. General concept of activities for the boys so that screen time remains at an absolute minimum - semi-check. We are down to the details now: figuring out international calling, ordering plug adapters, figuring out cat care, and launching the travel blog.

So there you have it - entry one of "Life and Times in the Netherlands." Oh, and if you need a refresher on fun facts about the Netherlands, here's a link sent along from my host sister, Katja van den Doel - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eE_IUPInEuc&feature=youtu.be Looking forward to sharing the experience with you! Kristen