Innocents abroad

"It was a novelty in the way of excursions—its like had not been thought of before, and it compelled that interest which attractive novelties always command. It was to be a picnic on a gigantic scale."

~ Mark Twain, The Innocents Abroad (1869)

On Saturday afternoon, we launched our ambitious tour of Europe: 5 countries, 8 cities, many splendors and new stamps in our passports. 

As early readers of The Honeychurch Chronicles know, the girls are seasoned international travelers.  We have been planning this trip for months, having taken only a few short vacations in the last year when we lost Grandpa Wong to cancer.  In 2009, we took a similar trip during Nicole's sabbatical from Google.  Just three years later, the girls seem so grown up!  Sophie is a shoe-size larger than Nicole and  is quickly catching up in height.  She will be old enough to drive in just 5 years!  Anna, always an eloquent speaker, is now a very sophisticated conversationalist and hurdling with her sister toward adolescence.

All of this made us realize that the window of their childhood is closing quickly.  ("No it's not!" exclaims Anna, holding tight to her stuffed caterpillar.)  We don't know if a 6-week trip to Europe can slow that process - like sending an astronaut into space - but we'll try anything.

It all begins with one long plane ride.  The flight from San Francisco to London logs 5,359 miles in 9 hours and 37 minutes.  ("We went over Greenland!" said Sophie who discovered that it was quickest to go over the top of the earth.)  In that time, we now know it is possible to watch two movies, eat two (pretty awful) meals, and sleep (but not much).  The girls also entertained themselves with art projects -- working in the mediums of colored pencil on paper and finger on iPad (see above).  Best thing about the British Airways flight?  "We love their accents!"

We are slaughtered by jet lag.  Will post more from London soon!