It'ly - go for it!

This is one of those trips that came about when I saw I had enough airline points to fly for free. I wanted to go somewhere before my daughter had her baby - due in December. When I gave my daughter-in-law the list of places I was thinking of visiting, New Zealand, Australia, Spain or Italy, she said she would recommend Italy. So, that's how I chose my destination and trip time.


I have done some pre-planning since I bought some books (read one partially), found out I had enough hotel points to stay in Rome 3 nights and Milan 3 nights for free and then found a couple of interesting places to stay in Venice and Florance. I did also book a time to see The Last Supper, since you have to do that at least a month ahead of time.



I also bought 3 suitcases to try to find the "best" one -with wheels - that I could bring on board the plane. During my trip to England, I found that "backpacking" wasn't the way to go - everyone had suitcases on wheels and I had a hulking monster pack on my back. So, I finally found a suitcase at the Phoenix airport last week. It wasn't easy to get it home since I already had 2 carry-ons, but I figured it out.



I also have gone a little crazy with electronics. I bought a hand held GPS that covers the USA and Europe so I'm hoping that will help me to find my way to my hotels and museums. My sense of direction is next to nil. Then I bought a translator since I know no Italian. IT does 20 languages and I'm just learning to use it. I will bring the instruction manual to read on the plane. I got a new pedometer because I want to see how many steps I walk each day. Lastly, I set up the ipod I bought last Christmas so I have music to listen to on the flight. I think I'll have more electronics than clothes with me.



In my limited readings of Italy I learned 2 things:

1. There are pickpockets EVERYWHERE!!! I'm actually thinking of putting open safety pins in my pockets but my daughter thinks that I'll forget they are there and will stick myself ( I better also pack some bandages.)

2. When a bird poops on me (and I know it will happen) I should not wipe it off but let it dry and flake off. I'm looking forward to THAT little experience!



I leave in about 36 hours. I am so lucky to have my good friend watch my little dog Seymour. All I need is for my daughter to not have her baby while I'm gone . . . . .

I plan to keep everyone updated while I'm in It'ly (the SW Pennslyvania way to say it) and I will leave it open for anyone to write comments so please do!