The countdown begins

Welcome to our blog! Having only just ventured into the blogging world, this is somewhat foreign to us but hopefully will serve the purpose that we want it to, which is to keep our friends and family updated as we leave New York, bounce around a few countries and start a new life in England.

The countdown has begun for both of us for leaving this magical city, and it's hard to fit into a few corny paragraphs my feelings about our time here and it coming to an end. For me, New York City has been the singular most pivotal chapter in my life and its not one I'm moving on from easily. I've gained a community of friends that have become closer than family, I've set upon a career path as a social worker (glutton for punishment, I know) and I'm taking with me my buddy for life, Andy. I have to say, up and leaving a country and starting a new life (again!) is infinitely less frightening with someone at your side :)

We've been trying to live it up as much as possible over the past few weeks, and have had great times seeing bands, shows, museums and eating and drinking in our fave spots with our fave people. Yesterday we spent the day with about 13 or so of our friends cooking, eating, playing Taboo and taking an unexpected tour of downtown Brooklyn and lower Manhattan in what has officially been dubbed the "Eastermobile". Good times.

In the meantime, I'm finishing up work this week and trying to pack up life and get it together for leaving for Peru! I'm realizing how much I'm gonna miss my clients at my job. Crazy, high-maintenance and crack-addicted though they may be, I've been very shaped by working with this population and I am supremely inspired and impressed by their perseverance and hope despite even the most incredible obstacles they face.

Okay, turns out I'm that annoying blogger who doesn't know when to shut up. Who knew ;) We'll both be posting on our travels but this is just sort of an intro. If you like, you can follow our thoughts and pictures here as we leave New York and head to Peru, Bolivia, Argentina, Chile and perhaps elsewhere en route to England.

Enjoy the ride; I know we will :)