Where in the World is Dayna?

The number one question I receive from those who know me well is "how will you survive for six months without Dayna?" I just hope I can. The first two days have been rough. I am definitely going through withdrawal. I miss her cheerful personality and her ability to make even a challenging day more manageable.

Dayna has been my fabulous Executive Assistant for the past four years. When I told her about this journey she was shocked that I had booked flights around the the world without her. Or, maybe she was panicking that she'd have to do it. I reassured her that Greg at Airtreks.com had taken the burden off us both. Airtreks is an RTW (around the world) ticket specialist located in San Francisco that I found on Bootsnall.com. Greg has arranged 14 changeable/refundable flights, told me how to book the Trans-Siberian railroad, and he even chose my last destination--the Maldives.

Greg's been great, but no one can compare to Dayna! I wonder what she'll do when I call her from Cairo and ask "what should I have for lunch?" Thanks for everything Dayna!

The Kindness of Clients

I'm astounded by the support of my Tupperware and Gallo Winery clients! The kind words about our work together and offers of assistance on my travels are truly humbling.

And, the presents! The complete kitchen make-over I received from Tupperware makes it even harder to leave my new fabulous apartment. I can't wait to return in December and entertain everyone in my picture perfect kitchen.

My fun Gallo clients certainly know what I love in addition to great wines. The popular imports team sent the most adorable Bon Voyage card I've ever seen with a gift certificate to my favorite Union Square neighborhood restaurant. I will toast you as I spend my last night in New York at Blue Water Grill! My friends on the premium wine team at Gallo made my last week beautiful by brightening my office with the most amazing and exotic floral arrangement. All the orchids are filling me with thoughts of what's to come on the other side of the world.

I would like to say "Thank You" to all my colleagues at Gallo and Tupperware. It's been a privildege to work with you and learn from you.

Leaving my DeVries team is the hardest part!

A South of the Border send off from my group at DeVries!

Planning to run away

Planning for my RTW adventure began in March. I started with guide books looking for famous itineraries, but in the end I just made a list of all the places I'd like to visit. The next step was to sit down with the world map, the average temp/rainfalls, and a calendar--and my itinerary was born.