The Laid-Off Peripatetic (LOP)

I have teeth, I'm just not using them...

My name is Erin Burke and I’d like to share my story so that you better understand how I came to be the Laid-Off Peripatetic (LOP).

It was mid-April 2009 when it happened—the layoff, that is. With the nod of the Powers That Be, I was one of 11 people who received a corporate beheading. And after a few martinis, I realized I was okay with this path that life had chosen for me. The time for change had long since passed and I was finally getting paid to do whatever it was that I wanted—for a spell, anyway—because of a rocking severance package. But I must credit Dav-eed (one of my gays) for planting the seed of European travel. I was well into my second martini when he called to offer support and condolences as well as the silver lining.

So, with my trusty Eurail pass in hand, I traveled throughout Europe for two and a half months starting in Amsterdam and ending in the Aeolian Islands (Sicily) before seeking a cheap flight out of the EU. You see, I purchased a one-way ticket so that Fate would have carte blanche to shape my future. But both Fate and I decided I should go back to the States in mid-August, if for no other reason than to partake of a decent cheeseburger. Though, in truth, I was pining for my English-speaking brethren around the two-month mark. The cheapest ticket home I could find was out of Dublin, so that is where I headed via London (cheers, mate).

After my return to the States in August, I moved from Chicago to LA. Even though I’m not traveling to a new country and/or city every four to seven days, I have decided to maintain my blog. It’s a work in progress, though. Most days I write about travel-related stuff, but I also share restaurant reviews and LA oddities because there is hardly a shortage of those. But one day I will take to the road again because travel is what I love. And when I do, I will be happy to take you along for the ride.

Halloween 2008: I was supposed to be a cloud with a silver lining, but instead looked more like a Victorian-era hooker or Amadeus in drag