It’s my last day on American soil for a while and I would be lying if I didn’t say it’s producing a bit of anxiety, not unlike sweaty Nic in this pic! It’s just a long time to be away and a lot to pack for weather that’s going to veer from the 80s to the 50s in a matter of a few weeks. Do I pack light or do I bring creature comforts? And then there’s that part about the language(s) I don’t speak. 30+ days in lands where I won’t be able to communicate! Someone asked me if I was going to find myself and I replied, “Actually, I think I’m gonna get a little lost!”

First stop is Rome, then up to Northern Italy and Lugano, Switzerland to visit family then checking into Chez Rolla de Paris for the month of Rock-tober.

Regardless, it’s an adventure of a lifetime, a dream come true, and all a bit weird. Check back here daily-ish for the latest document of this long, strange trip, and don’t forget to visit meatonthestreet.tumblr.com, aka StreetMeat, for the latest in global street food trends.

In the meantime, I leave you with the above image containing a couple of my favorite things and what I love about America – the Casa Rolla hot tub and “Bad Lieutenant: New Orleans Port of Call”.