Seven months ago when we decided to embark on this trip it seemed like so far away and now it's here, today we leave and will arrive in Belfast tomorrow.  There are only two big things left to do; clean the apartment and pack.  The pile was bigger than I expected, I'll have to pare it down somewhat but it is all essentials, I swear.  I didn't realize how difficult it would be to pack for a trip where it all has to carried with me.