Getting It Right...

Courtesy of Rick Steves "Great Britain 2010":

We tend to use "England", "Britain", and "UK" interchangeably, but they're NOT the same:

• England is the southeast part of Britain.
• Britain is the name of the island.
• Great Britain is the political union of England, Scotland, and Wales.
• United Kingdom adds Northern Ireland.
• British Isles also includes the independent Republic of Ireland.
• British Commonwealth is a loose association of possessions and former colonies (including Canada, Australia, and India) that profess at least symbolic loyalty to the Crown.

Trip Becoming A Reality...

Siew and I have always wanted to live abroad - but both of us haven't had the guts to do something drastic like take a sabbatical for a year with the risk of coming back to nothing.  So when we first found out that Siew was pregnant with our second child back in Jan 2010, we essentially said "Screw it - let's go during parental leave."  In the back of my mind, I've always wondered if we would follow through with our talk.  I'm glad to say that as of last week our dream trip to spend a good amount of time in France has become more concrete - although a little departure from original plans.  Our plane tickets are booked and only one place (Avignon) for accommodations have to be confirmed.  But barring any health setbacks, we are on our way!  Here is our itinerary:


May 16 - Depart from YYC - Calgary (International)
May 17 - Arrive in LHR - London (Heathrow)
May 17 to May 28 - London (South Kensington)
May 28 to June 6 - Cardiff
June 6 to June 25 - Paris (Ile Saint Louis)
June 25 to June 28 - Roussillon (Louberon Region)
June 28 to July 9 - Avignon (Palais des papes)
July 9 to July 19 - Nice (Old Town)
July 19 - Depart from NCE - Nice (International)
July 19 - Arrive in YYC - Calgary (International) :(


Three month counter starts now...