It's finally settled. I'm going to Colombia. Even now I can scarcely believe it, though every now and then I enjoy a spine-thrilling stomach-fluttering electrical revelation that this is it and I'm actually doing it.

I've been talking about it for months now, never (i'll be honest) really confident that I would back it up and walk the walk. Because that's what it is: a walkabout.

Leaving on Cinco de Mayo--a Mexican holiday with no relevance in South America, but a bit titillating nonetheless--for a solid three months. I'll spend all my money, have a great time, and write nonstop. Then back to the States for Eric's wedding and a few months of work to save up for the next jaunt.

I registered with the U.S. Embassy today.

Purpose of Visit: Escaping the clutches of the hometown to see the world. The plan is to hostel-hop around all the northern South American countries. Return to the US in early August; departure site unknown.

What are the chances someone at the embassy actually reads the Purposes of Visit listed by various excited travelers. That would be a fun job; just read and react to people's reasons. Get some diplomatic interaction going with the disaffected proletariat. Let us in!

Anyway, I'm extremely excited and I plan to use this as a travelogue. Consider this the first entry.