final annoucement at work

Today I have delivered the leave news to the team, which I want them to hear from me directly before any agency public announcement. I admit that, I certainly attach with this group deeply, through up and down, easy and hard time. They are very supportive and such a hard working group. I enjoy the time with them, and truly will miss them dearly. As I plan the departure, I am working on the transition to make sure the smooth process.

On another hand, back home, it is madhouse, completely chaos, about my packing, donating, dumping and cleaning up. What on earth did I end up these much stuff? I miss the old days when I fist came to U.S. with only two suitcases.

Change is good, as long as you are willing to let your heat follow the change. I am gradually tasting the emotional hardship to say goodbye in many ways. This place witnessed my growth personally and professionally.

get ready for moving

Ever since the conversation with boss regarding to this education opportunity, I have been amazed with his support and such open-mind handling style. Have to admit, so far, he has climbed to the top of best employers I ever had. well, somewhat, this sounds different, but that is in deed truth. good thing, I do not pass around my blg except putting my thoughts here. I asked myself if I could handle this well and support my staff, being in this situation. Management, what a heavy, yet so much to learn, field.

Getting ready for moving? this is a hard task, which I definitely underestimate the efforts, esp. the emotional connection I had with this place, though Boston is only temporarily.

Where should I start with my place, the books? clothes? music? or just the overwhelming kitchen. Suddenly, I found myself stuck into the typical American life dilemma -- having too much less useful/useless stuff. Without sorting through and through away for couple years, I face the simple, toss or keep, question. oh, my, I need help.

more on the road

For past couple months, there were many things happened. The biggest news was the engagement, which came so sweet and very surprising in the good way. As much as I could decribe the whole story, everyone understands love in the unique way, only one who does not cherish treats it lightly. I am happy to see where I am, and looking forward to the jorney of sharing life with this fine young man. When we prepares to compose a life together, it certainly invovles a continual reimagining of the future and reinterpretation of the past to give meaning to the present.

Stepping into management over several months, I see the growth in me to make adjustment, willingly and unwillingly. On one hand, I find myself enjoying the management of technology very much; on another hand, there are a lot things I need to learn, know and practice, esp. dealing with different personalities. Sometimes, I hide myself inside coding to forget those tedious management tasks, but, the transition from technical work to management requires me to focus and experience every new incident. So, if this happens again, I won't be surprised.

One year waiting for the paper did not go as the plan I had. Instead of wondering or even complaining, I will take a step to go to execute the plan. Cheer up, the unknown can be great in this journey!

11th year anniversary

Congratulations to myself on the 11th year in U.S.! I can not believe that this fact, but I just love this adventurous journey.

Keep up and make best out of every day's life!

nice compliment

Ever since I finished my vacation, I am back to normal routine, busy but challenging in many ways.

Today as I briefed work staff with my Director, as well as current ongoing recruitment. I suggested to bring new fresh blood for a demanding technical position. He looked at me said "Charlotte, you are the best hiring I ever had. You're truly what God sends to us!" I stared at him, could not believe my ear, these are so far the best compliments I consider about my professional development. I thanked him. On the way back home, there're more reflection on how much this means to me and what encouragement for me to be on management path.

I had a struggle to let my technical strength put aside and pursue leadership in management, though I spent a lot of spare time to keep up my technical skills. I know someday I want to be a good leader in technical management, but expecting bumps on the road. To have my employer appreciate my hard work and see my strength in leadership is amazing.


(xixi, I feel that I am bragging here. oh well, since I do not share my blog, I am just telling myself how fun this journey has and will be!)

The first weekend of Aug.

I am still slowly recovered from my trip's jet leg, somehow going to bed around 6 at night, getting up around 3 in the morning and wondering around, wishing all friends are up for breakfast or coffee something.

When I got back, Washington is like dessert, hot and unbearable. I wonder if I get back to the right place. Wednesday it was 104 F. I was sort of feeling that I was on the stove :(

Marilyn came to see me on Saturday on her way back from China. I met a few of ELIC teachers at airport, so good to see Bill there.

Since she and I are both getting over jet leg, we got up quiet early on Sunday and head to Peninsula, Quanault Rain Forest. We hiked for a whilte and saw the world largest spruce tree, 191' tall!



Saturday I attended Sarah's wedding in Olympia. As we walked into the reception hall waiting for the newly-wed, we certainly found the way to have a fun.

Dress nice to attend a wedding
$20

Getting the nerve to put a spoon on the face
$30 bottle of wine

Actually standing in front of your church people to perform your spoon skill
another $30 bottle of wine

Having everyone's face hanging a spoon(include your pastor)
Priceless

London Trip July 17-28, 2009

Aha, welcome to London! Ever since my friends Albeck moved back to London, I always want to visit. Now, I had a great opportunity to see them and visit that country. Everyday, is a new and special day for me to learn this great country history and culture.

July 27th Monday -- Stonehenge
Today we will go to visit Stonehenge, which is a very ancient and mysterious place which was built and rebuilt several times. What we can see are only the remains of the stone circle.



My favorite picture of Benjamin, while others looking/taking pictures of stones.




Dinner is Austra dish -- Topfenpalatschinken, which needs Quark, unique cheese. Georg made this very nice. I admit that this international family has very thoughtful and made my trip very special. Tonight is my last night for my trip here. I am so thankful for eveything they did for me and looking forward to next meeting occasion.

July 26th Sunday -- English Channel and Rye
I woke up early with outside sunny day. Have to say goodbye to Keeble's family.





This kind of house used to process hops and produce beer.



Melissa showed me a very narrow lane that is used for two-way car driving. I have to admit that with my driving skills, I will absolutely not drive a car in U.K. Then we stopped by the church they got married, which was a pretty old England Church with a big bell tower.
We went to English Channel, playing sand dune, blue sky with nice breeze. Georg told me that this is only around 30 miles to France, quite close.

I played with Mattias and Benjamin on the sand, building sand castle and track. They are such sweet kids, very good in nature and keep talking with me on so many good things.

They went to the city of Rye, an England ancient city. This is a busy seaport village from handreds of years. It was frozen in time as silt built up and the sea retreated in the 16th and 17th centuries, leaving only a skinny waterway to remind it of better days.


Mellissa took me to have traditional England cream tea, which is a fresh scone with clotted cream, butter and jelly, very tasty.



Sunday back home we got some traffic, though this takes long time, this is still better than Washington's I-5.

July 25th Saturday -- Kent, Leeds Castle
Today is such a sunny day. I will go with Albecks to Kent, where Melissa's parents live. It is such a special place, where is called as "Garden of England".

By the road, this building is an old bank.



The weather is gardrous, sunny and beautiful. They have a nice view of valley, how to describe, reminding me some of England scenery descriptions in Jan Austin's books. I never could understand/imagine until now I see this with my own eyes.

Melissa's mom Dianna made a really nice lunch.


Afternoon, we will visit Leeds Castle. This castle has attracted a lot of visitors.



The lovely Albeck couple.









Evening dinner is seafood pie, very delicious. I really enjoy this family, fun, kind, knowledgable and very open-minded. The highlight of evening is that Mattias and Benjamin will camp outside first time. They are so excited.
July 24rd Friday -- Windsor Castle and Eton College

Today is much a lay-back day. Georg brought me and their kids to Windsor Castle, where is the official home of England's royal family for 900 years. So far, it's said that it is the largest and oldest occupied castle in the world. There is a changing guard service by 11:00, a little different with Bucking Palace changing guard service.






Can you find me in the crowd?





There is the crooked house of Windsor, just like the Leaning Tower, totally lean to one side.



By Windsor Castle park, there is a beautifal Royal walk. Since there is no flg by the castle, which means today Queen is not here. Through this week, I began to understand more about this 'Queen and King' system, as well as impacts to this country.





Right cross the bridge from Windsor Castle, there is Eton College, the most famous 'public' high school in Britain. It was founded in 1440 by King Henry VI. "Eton educateds 1300 boys(age 13-18) who live on campus, which has molded the characters of 18 prime ministers, as well as memebers of the royal family, most recently princes William and Harry. The buildings are certainly sharing a lot of similarities with other old Britain buildings.

On the way back, Georg shows me where Melissa works, such a pretty British building. Then we swing back 'Pinewood Studio', where 007 made here as well as other British movies, sort of like America's Hollywood.


Again, through the visit, there was pouring, shower, cloudy and very sunny moments. You can count all weathers in such short periods. Later we stop by grocery store. I would like to make chinese meals after they have been feeding me so many great British and Austria foods. Suddenly, I found out that I could not find much chinese ingredients, since there are not many chinese residents here :( shall see, what I will cook tonight...

July 24 Thursday -- London Day 3 -- Shakespear's Globe, Tower of London and Greenwich

Since Tuesday I got the ticket to Tower of London, I do not have to worry waiting a long line to get in. While, I plan today as my third day and last day to get into London. I check to see what I want to see. For sure, Shakespear's Globe, and Greenwitch.

About Shakespear's Globe, the original Globe Theatre has been rebuilt, half-timbered and thatched, just like in Shakespear's time. "This is the first thatched roof in London since they were outloawed after the Great Fire of 1666". The cool part about this area, is that Shakespear did live around here and wrote & directed his works here. The Globe originally accommodated 2200 seated and another 1000 standing(they call groundling).Currelt, it gets smalled, about 900 seated and 600 groundlings. "Its promoters brage that the theater melds 'the three A's' -- actors, audiences, and architecture -- with each contributing to the plan.".

I came to the exhibition first and wait for the tour of the Globe, getting chance to see actors' rehearsal. It turns about that day it will play 'Troilus & Cressida'. My exhibition ticket can turn into a play ticket. Since I want to spend majority of day at tower of London, I only got a groundling ticket so I can leave early. How to describe this experience, Marvellous! really fantastic! after studing years of English, seeing Shakespeare's works, now I can sit here to see the play, what a moment!

As the play takes place during Greek moment, so the stage is decorated all whitish, covering a lot of really globe stage setting. Appently, in the old time, even now, the best seats are the sides of middle and upper galleries, not the center ones at all. The second gallery south seats are royal ones.







Next stop, taking ferry to Tower of London. First, I took a free tour with 'beefeater', who has great sense of humor and visit chapel, then went on audio tour visit white tower, crown jewrel and walking around castle. only thing I did not get chance to go is the place old time they do execution.





The picture has no way to speak the beauty of this ancient tower.






In China, there is only one time zone, not like in U.S. or other countries which has multiple timezone. So, you can imagine when I first learn time prime meridian of the world, wondering how coule the time works through the world. The word of 'Greenwich' has been a popular word in my mind but never thought I would visit the place someday in U.K.

Coming to Greenwich takes a long time since it locates in the far Southeast. It is so beautiful weather and such a nice hiking road up inside of Greenwich park. The Royal Observatory Greenwich is filled with people.

Greenwich Mean Time(GMT) has a quite history. The Royal Observatory Greenwich locates on the prmie meridian (o lonitude), the obervatory is the point from which all time is measured. But, the observatory's early work had nothing to do with coordinating the world's clocks to GMT. TThe obervatory was founded in 1675 by Charles II to find a way to determine longitude at sea. Now, the Greenwich time signal is linked with the BBC. From above the obervatory to see th eorange Time Ballo, also visible from the Thames, which drops daily at 13:00.

Right by outside the courtyard of the obervatory, I can use my foot measures up to the foot where the public standards of length which are cast in bronze. All of these are free. While I pay for many sights, some of wellknown places are free, so nice!







July 22 Wednesday -- West of Chipping Campden -- Stow-on-the-Wold, Snowshill, Stanway, Stanton, and Oxford

Two days in London definitely got me the idea of how crowded London can be, though Melissa has told me before. Today, George took me with his two cute kids to west of Chipping Campden and Oxford.

"Located 10 miles south of Chipping Campden, Stow-on-the-Wold -- with a name that means 'meeting place on the uplands' -- is the highest point of the Cotsworlds." It definitely presents us with its charm and merits. Right by the parking, there is a lock that you can lock a person in the stocks on the green.



While walking through the market, there is over 500 years Market Cross stood there, "reminding Christian merchants to 'trade fairly under the sight of God.' The iron fence in the concrete base -- a reminder of how countless wrought-iron fences were cut down and given to the government to be melted down during World War II. The Plaque on the cross honors the Lord of the Manor, who donated money back to his tenants, allowing the twon to finally finance running water in 1878.

Here, the houses were built by limestone, which is light yellowish stone, much different with what I have seen by London area red brick houses.



By the time we got to Stanway, it began drizzling. But I did not get bothered with the weather at all, as I got well-trained in washington with its rain :)

This is one of Thatch roof house, an old style, with some kind of net holding up to avoid strong wind. Usually, it needs to be replaced in 30 years.




Driving on the countryside in England is so much fun. First, you need to get used to the tiny road, then so many beautiful scenes while you are through different weather at the same time. I would say that what presents me today is definitely not less interesting and fun than what I saw in London.

Among all these four villages, they all have a Manor house. Again, going back to U.K. history. In Stanway house, the timline could go back to 1202. At Stanton, though the houses are similar, but I feel more like that I was into a movie scene, just unreal, the plants, flowers, and hourses styles, etc.

There are some lenvendar planted around the houses.


I noticed something here by the road, apparently, this is salt for winter rough road avoid sliding.

We went to visit Stanton's Church of St.Michael, which betrays a pagan past. "Stanton is actually at the intersection of two ley lines. St. Michael's well-worn figure with a sundial above the door when you tenter. inside, above the capitals in the nave, the pagan symbols for the sun and the moon." From reading, this building can go back to 13th century. The wall-painings have been fading away. But church itself is still holding up the history.



By reaching Snowshill, the manor house looks much dark and mysterious. It is said that this old palace is filled with the lifetime collection of Charles Paget Wade, one big, musty celebration of craftsmanship, from finely carved spinning wheels to frightening samurai armor to tiney elaborate figurines carved by prisoners from the bones of meat served at dinner. just take seriously his family motto "let nothing perish", Wade dedicated his life and fortune to preserving things finely crafted.
The house really shows off Mr. Wade's abililty to recognize and acquire fine exmaples of craftsmanship.

Afternoon is to see Oxford. For years when I go to a new place, I always want to see the local college or university. Here, I am in U.K. I really want to see Oxford, that all my english dictionaries are Oxford ones.



When the human stands in front of knowledge, he will knows how little he knows. Stepping into Bodleian Library, I feel small, and wish I studied here. Here, there are more than 5 million books and acres of underground stacks. Bodleian is one of the world's largest and most famous libraries. A copy of every book printed in teh UK is sent here. It looks so different with other libraries I have been too, totally seeing a master piece of works of art.

Around campus, there are Sheldonian Theatre, the first major building designed by Sir Christopher Wren, just marvellous. I do not know which is the better word; Ashmolen Museum of Art and Archaeology, a huge massive renovation, just completed. When I am walking on the street, not looking at the road at all, just looking up with all those buildings design and impressed with what inside, can you imagine? if you can, just double your thoughts, as it is really feel like walking into an old days, facing all the arts which artists want you to see, and reminds you that learning is endless.





I saved the best at the last, which is Christ Church College. Here is some official history --- This college is the alma mater of William Penn(founder of Pennsylvania), John Wesley(influential Methodist leader), Charles Dodgson(a.k.a. Lewis Carroll), and 13 prime ministers. This is the lasgest and most pretigious with so many things, e.g. 800 year old chapel, many splendid, Gothic, hammerbeam-roofed hall replicated in the Harry Potter films(stone stairecase, dinning hall, Duke Humfrey's LIbrary)

I tried not to tie my UK trip too much with Harry Potter's books, though I enjoy reading it. Here, right by the entreance, there is Meadow, the setting Lewis Carroll used for crouet scenes in Alice's adventures in wonderland. Apparently, this story was for Alice, daughter of dean, much to say about this, just check out for your own reading.





July 21st Tuesday -- London (day 2), Platform 9 3/4, Britain Library, Britain Museum, Covent Garden, Leicester Square, China Town, St. Paul Cathedral, Millinum Bridge, and Ferry

After yesterday some walking and getting familiar with London map, I tried not to waste some duplicated routine or miss anything.

When I got on train, a nice England lady made some suggestions, which help me to work out some details. First, I went to King's cross station to see platform 9 3/4, if you have read Harry Porter, you know what I am talking about. That is the place(in the books) that Harry and his other friends to lead the human world to magic places and attend school at Hogwarts. Inside the glass-roofed train station, on the pedestrian sky bridge over the tracks,Hagrid gives Harry a train ticket to Hogwarts. Here, you can find the exactly same scene, complete sign and a luggage cart that appears to be disappearing into the wall -- on the way to platform 9 3/4.



Walking out the train station, just one block away to Britain Library.

Only one block away, there is a nice building in remodeling.



I was told that in Britain Library there are two rooms must to see, one if literay treasures of Western civilation, from early bibles to Shakespears's Hamlet to the Magna Carta to Lewis Carroll's Alice's Adventures in Wonderland. Some are Lindisfarne Gospels transcribed on an illuminated manuscript, and Beatles' lyrics scrawled on the back of a greeting card. In these dark rooms, I was so impressed with what I saw, just could not believe that they kept this long and well. oh, remember do not take pictures, the guard warned when people walked in. Within 10 minutes, 3 persons got kicked out due to their behavior against rules. The most impressive piece to me is Magna Carta, which significated impacted on U.S. independence and UK human rights. Though only 3 phrases from Magna Carta, the third one has been significantly impact the law since 1215.

Walking towards South, I head to British museum, which you just clearly needs days to completely visit this museum. This is the greates chronical of civilization of ANYWHERE. There is a long hike through Encyclopedia Britannica National Park, by Great Russell street, there is a great court, a huge glass-domed hub of a two-acre cultural complx, with so many things. not sure what to describe here, you just have to see with your own eyes.






My next stop is to Covent Garden. I do not know how I could mess up this name with totally different thing. I thought this is a nice garden to see, filled with flowers and plants, but this is a boutique-ish shopping district with a lot people watchers delight, some puch-and-judy acts... well, I guess I will never mix this name with any other things. side story, I had a little trouble to locate this place, an nice England man holding a long sandwitch came to me, just offer the help, since I kept looking at my map and constantly wonder to different direction(pretty easy to tell "I am a tourist!"). He took me down couple blocks and showed me the place. Through conversation, he said he manges the web design team for Britain Museum!


This is some kind of street show by Covent Garden.

Two blocks east is Leicester Square, where Royal families have a lot of big events here, though it is quite a small square. Guess whose status I saw there? Comedy actor Champlin! I watched nearly all of his works and films he directs.



One block east is Chinatown.


I plan to buy a roast duck meal for Albeck to have them try some Chinese food. They have been such good friends to me and we can always pick up where we left before. (Later, this duck has an unusual journey with me :) To pay for duck meal needs cash, not credit card, I had an interesting experience at HBS bank, a lady in front of holding an evelop with 10,000 pounds cash in hand, a lady behind me has 2000 pounds cash in hand. I was sort of wondering what kind of daily routine is that??

My next stop is St. Paul Cathedral. A side story, right by the entrance of St. Paul Cathedral, while I purchased the ticket, the staff member asked what is in my bag and my hand. Since I just got a roasted duck, I told him that is duck. He looks stunned and refused to have duck get into the Cathedral. Finally he agreed to put it into staff room's fridge. I wonder if duck in the old days worships...
After seeing Westminster Abbey, St. Paul Cathedral has some similarities, but many difference. The size, the drawing and its significant history & impact in last centry has put it into an important London site.

There are so many marvellous pieces inside of St. Paul Cathedral.



I went for the dome walk, more or less to say that is dome hiking due to the steep stairs and many steps. First is whispering gallary, one of three world well-known whispering architecture, that you stand on one side, speak to the side of wall, another person can hear it. Then I went onto the stone gallary, which was outside gallary, viewing the city between pillars. The last is gloden gallary, by then though the weather is drizzling, I was sweating very much from walking up the stairs. The view of city makes all these efforts worth it.

Before I left cathedral, I went to crypt downstairs, which again, presenting me with British history and how they honor people who passed away.

Millium Bridge is the bridge build in 2000, crossing Thames river, one side is St. Paul Cathedral, another side is Tate modern museum and Shakespear's Globe.

When I got to Shakespear's Globe, due to evening Romeo & Juliet performance, there is not inside tour today. I feel much pitty, wondering if I could come back another day to take a look, or see a play.

I got on a ferry boat to Tower of London. I guess today is the day that I have trouble to locate the place or go to the place that I want to be. I mixed the direction between the tower and bridge. When I got off, I was by the London Bridge.
well, I am tourist, and I am lost, why not get most out of it! The bridge is so pretty, which spoke itself through many occasions and events.








By the time I reached Tower of London, less than one hour to close. The admission staff suggested me to come later on another day since the tower will take a long time to go through. So, Thursday I will be here to see the tower.

xixi, getting back on the train, got lost on different route, oh well, what can I say :) one thing for sure, I need tomorrow as a break, from London.

July 20th Monday --- London (day 1) -- Big Ben, Houses of Parliament, Beckingham Palace, St. James Park, White Hall(Downing Street, Banquet building, Horse Guard, Trafalgar Square, National Gallery), Churchill War Room and Museum, Westminster Abbey(love its Choir Service)
Today I took train to London. Albecks lives by Beconsfield, close to train station Uxbridge. The London subway is so convenient, which is called as 'Tube'. The sightseeings in London are not quite for young kids. So trips inside London I am on my own.

Big Ben & Houses of Parliament


By 10:30 there is a big changing of guard service in front of Beckingham Palace. After taking a look at Big Ben, I head to Beckingham Palace to see the service, then return to House of Parliament.







Coming back, I walk through St. James Park, which is so pretty. Right by the center of London, with Hyden park(a lot of history there), It somewhat just like central part in NYC.

Before I walk through White hall, right by the square facing house of parliment, there are so many, so many protestors. Some information are so weird and easily to spot the errors. I feel little confused.

Walking through White Hall, you will see many important buildings next to each other, the monuments for memorizing people/soldiers who died in the war, Downing Street, Banquet building, Horse Guard, all the way to the end is Trafalgar Square. North of Trafalgar Sqaure is National Gallery. Ye, for sure I want to see those collections inside of National Gallery. Every year, in the world, different art museums come here to borrow certain painters' works for exhibition. how to say, you will get yourself lost here in a happy way.







The Horse Guards do not have an easy job. In the hot days, they wear so much cloth, maintaining their professional, not smiling and speaking. We kept touching his horse.


Do not think I did popcorn travel here, this is a small area that you can walk through certain spots fast. After Trafalgar Square, I came back South, to go to Churchill war room and museum. For years learning WWII history, I found Churchill was the great leader leading Britain to go through tough moments and succeed. I read couple of his biography, but standing here, seeing the place he worked underground during the war, his portrait and many of his stories, such rewarding feeling and real touch!

I save my rest of day for the best: Westminster Abbey. This building contains so much history, also many famous people who were buried here. I spent nearly 3 hours here, taking my time to hear England history and impact between this Abbey and various England King/Queen. I found out that Hyden and Jan Austin were buried here, as well as many famous writer, composer etc. Before I left, I heard the chior practices with beautiful organ playing, finding out there is 5:00 choir service. I decided to stay to hear this world famous choir in this old magnificent building. Only when you sat next to Choir, looking architectures, the sound achoing through the abbey, telling you the spirit.







July 19th -- Sunday, going to Church and Rohald Donal Museum

The morning is rainny. Melissa told me that they have quite a few sunny days, just these couple days starting rain. But, it just does not bother me, part of me exciting for this trip, taking a break with my busy schedule, part of me, after living in WA NW weather, this rainning weather so does not bother me.

The Church we went is such an old England Church with much contemporary service. I found myself enjoy the music they play, a few news songs and serman with British English accent.

Afternoon, Melissa took me and her kids to Rohald Donal Museum. I bet you red some of his works, such as Charlie and the Chocalate Factory, etc. That is an well-designed museum, very children-friendly.

Melissa made a special Austra dinner -- Knoedel, very tasty sweet dish with fresh apricot inside. Talking about coming to a right place, I am so much in the right family to visit :)




July 18th -- Saturday, reach London, Happy-Happy, Thames River having ice cream
I started my Europe trip today July 17th, by the time I reached London, it is already 18th. My friend Melissa came to pick me up and her lovely two kids: Mattias and Benjamin. This is my first time to meet Benjamin. Two boys are so polite and sweet.

I am so excited to see Albecks, which last time we met was nearly 4 years ago in New Mexico. They moved back U.K. couple years ago.

After lunch, they took me to Hurley, walking by Thames. There are so many great old traditional British houses, many boats by the Thames. There is river raising lock. It is a nice walk, pleasant, very green, esp. they kids are playing games with me. Benjamin kept asking me to guess the password when we pass through each gate. Apparently the password is 'lightening the Queen', one of cars he owns and he gave its unique name.

The kids are certainly got their parents music and language gifts. Mattias played Cello later. Due to jetleg, I was nearly falling into sleep by early evening. So glad for this trip to start.