9 more days of work, 24 more days until we leave...

{quaint handmade}

And I am ready to go!

Some updates from my last posts- we decided to keep Salzburg, take out Vienna and add Normandy...who said you can't do it all?

Also, I decided to only buy one month's supply of Malarone. After talking to several people, I think this should be fine.

"Sound of Music" or D-Day?

In the past few months, I've made a point to ask all my friends their favorite European city. While most people gave me the usual Paris or Rome (cities that obviously would make the list anyways), I was all ears when anyone mentioned a place I hadn't heard much of. That's how Salzburg came to be on our route.

A couple years ago, my sister and her friend, Jaime, spent 6 months working and traveling all around Europe. Out of all the countries they visited, they said Salzburg was their favorite place. As Jaime went on and on about how pretty the town was, she then said one thing, "It's where the "Sound of Music" was filmed". SOLD!

{Nathan Bergeron}

Then we talked to our good friend Mark about Normandy....

{Paul Indigo}

Now, don't get me wrong, I am very interested in seeing the D-Day beaches and paying respect to the soldiers who fought during WWII. But Mont St. Michel? This place looks unreal. Plus, I heard there is some really good food in this region of France too...we're talking camembert cheese people.

Obviously in only two months we are not going to be able to see ALL of Europe. So, it's time to make decisions. "Sound of Music" or D-Day? What's your pick?

Do you think this would look good on me?

This week my main mission was to call my doctor and get all the prescriptions I would need for the Southeast Asia portion of our trip. I already had the Typhoid vaccine and my Hep A shot 2 years ago, so I was excited that the anti-malaria pills would be my only large expense. WRONG! Make that a HUGE expense.

I knew the prescription would be expensive from a previous trip I had taken (a months supply was $80), so I was ready to pay something around $200 since I need a two months supply.

"How much is the damage?” I ask.

"$195" says the pharmacist.

Sounds about right I think and whip out my credit card.

Just as I'm about the swipe, the pharmacist mumbles, "You can come back in a month to pick up your refill."

"What refill?!” I asked in complete confusion. I already had the two months, what is she talking about?

"Your insurance only covers a one month's supply at a time, so you'll have to come back in a month to get a refill for the second month."

Do the math...that's right, $400 total!!

So, Malarone or Malaria? I am starting to seriously consider taking my risks with the latter.

Anyone have any experience with this? We'll be visiting Cambodia, Laos, Vietnam, Thailand and the Philippines...think I can make it with only a one month supply?

Also, has anyone taken Mefloquine? It's cheaper and this is what Matt is taking, but the side effects look horrible (depression, anxiety, paranoia, no thanks!)