*All writing below is from my travel journal

May 9, 2007: Portland Airport 4:43am

I arrived at the airport shortly after 3am, the airport was barren. Now through security I am sitting here at gate United E2 with my bagel and chai. I wait exhausted but full of anticipation and excitement for the trip ahead.

May 9, 2007: Chicago to Frankfort

4243 miles of land and sea. A plane full of strangers soar in the sky each in pursuit of their own destinations. The flight crew is welcoming overall, and besides the spurts of turbulence and the physical discomfort of being in a chair for so long, the flight is relaxing and peaceful.

Wow, this is happening. . . I will be stepping on forgien soil, beginning one of my ambitions. A turning of a new page in my story; what does this chapter hold? what adventures lie ahead? The answer is unknowingly simple; where my feet lead me I will follow and where my heart calls I will answer. I will dance in the light of my thoughts hopes and dreams.

I will 'seize the day' and 'what will be will be.' I will simply live my adventure. As Eleanor Roosevelt once wrote: "The purpose of life is to live it, to taste experience to the utmost, to reach out eagerly and without fear for newer and richer experience."

May 10, 2007: Frankfort Airport 6:24am
Touched down in Germany, I am officially on forgien soil. Coming off of the plane there are several instant differences that hit you. One, the smoking; anyone is free to smoke anywhere and there are cig. ads everywhere. The design of the airport is distinctly different, this one feeling more business and technology savvy (not built for comfort). The noise level is considerably lower, impart could be due to the hour, but overall people seem at peace without load of commotion. It is nice to not have constant announcements over the intercom. The business oriented feel of this airport is through and through, or maybe it is the European dress (I am in freak'n Europe!) but no matter the case jeans stick out. Oh man do I need a shower . . .

Processing alot now. It is interesting to hear/see everything in German first, English second. Taking it all in.

Oh, I met my first international traveler. I sat next to John on the plane to Frankfort John hails from Louie Ville, KY and is headed to Greece to study with a professor. It is his first time abroad too. Should have snapped a photo, I'll keep that in mind for the future.