We know the title of this blog is "This summer in Europe", but as we get ready to leave again, we keep thinking of all the lessons we learned last year. It has become painfully obvious the things we wished we had done differently. After our trip we were going to sit down and write down all of the hard lessons we learned so that we could avoid learning them agan, but procrastination set it. . . So, here are the major pitfalls that we are trying to avoid.
- Pack light. It is amazing how small things add up!!!!! We had this strange problem that we have downsized to the point where our suitcases feel strangely empty. It is tempting to fill them up. Right now every last thing we are taking with us (including a backpack and a small bag we wear when walking around) fits inside two very small suitcases. I keep having to remind Sue . . . .no matter how sad the cats look, DO NOT PACK THEM!
- Buy a map. Everywhere you go. Really.
- Eat lots of bread. Yum. And Gelato. And chocolate. And pasta. Eat lots of everything.
- SLOW DOWN and take more naps. I guess there is a reason everything closes up in the middle of the day. Who knew?
- Take more pictures (With a flash - right Shellee?). At times it may even be appropriate to stop moving before we take them. (We just thought that was why the camera we took had a "kids and pets" setting. Turns out that feature is for moving objects in the picture. It isn't so kids and pets can take pictures.)
- Write down the funny things that happen. It is amazing how much is amusing once you are out of your element. Even trying to figgure out how to flush a toilet can be a fun adventure.
- Prepare to sweat like you have never sweated before. And bring sunscreen.
So, everything has been done that can be done. We are ready for some adventures. Although we don't fly out until tomorrow, we are leaving for Cambridge tonight so we will effectively be "going dark" (thanks Jack Bauer) at about 6:00p.m. and abandoning our cell phones. Talk to you in August!
No comments:
Post a Comment