It Happens Every Year
I am flush with excitement and the anticipation that comes when you're about to embark upon something spectacular and life-changing.
Except for my treasured relationships with my loved ones, nothing satisfies my soul more than travel - especially to other countries. Lucky for me, Michael shares my love of exploration and we've been fortunate enough to visit several different European countries each year for the past five - England, Wales, The Netherlands, Belgium, France, Italy and now - Spain.
Like a child anxiously awaiting Christmas Day, the anticipation starts many months before the adventure. The planning always starts with, "so ... where do we want to go this year?"
This year, we were all set to visit Scandinavia, but there were no reward seats available for the time we wanted to visit. So - we opted to visit our favorite Italian city from our last visit there (Venice) plus a city I've longed to visit for years (Barcelona). I now can't imagine going anywhere else!
Since we reserve our air travel months in advance, the trip and all that goes along with it exists within a remote corner of my brain for a long time. Sure, there is some planning to do, but once the plane tickets are secured and apartments reserved the bulk of the advance "work" is complete.
Fast forward to six weeks ago, when I developed version 1.0 of my packing list. This is always when it becomes more real.
I approach packing for a trip like some sort of highly specialized science, much to Michael's amusement. What he doesn't understand, is that every piece of your travel wardrobe - your ensembles - takes up valuable space and weight in the suitcase, and that every piece is dependent on every other. For example, it's impossible to know which undergarments to pack until I have decided on the tops, jackets, pants, and so on - ever see striped and flowered underpants through some woman's breezy white capris? I'm not going to be that person!
Except for my treasured relationships with my loved ones, nothing satisfies my soul more than travel - especially to other countries. Lucky for me, Michael shares my love of exploration and we've been fortunate enough to visit several different European countries each year for the past five - England, Wales, The Netherlands, Belgium, France, Italy and now - Spain.
Like a child anxiously awaiting Christmas Day, the anticipation starts many months before the adventure. The planning always starts with, "so ... where do we want to go this year?"
This year, we were all set to visit Scandinavia, but there were no reward seats available for the time we wanted to visit. So - we opted to visit our favorite Italian city from our last visit there (Venice) plus a city I've longed to visit for years (Barcelona). I now can't imagine going anywhere else!
Since we reserve our air travel months in advance, the trip and all that goes along with it exists within a remote corner of my brain for a long time. Sure, there is some planning to do, but once the plane tickets are secured and apartments reserved the bulk of the advance "work" is complete.
Fast forward to six weeks ago, when I developed version 1.0 of my packing list. This is always when it becomes more real.
I approach packing for a trip like some sort of highly specialized science, much to Michael's amusement. What he doesn't understand, is that every piece of your travel wardrobe - your ensembles - takes up valuable space and weight in the suitcase, and that every piece is dependent on every other. For example, it's impossible to know which undergarments to pack until I have decided on the tops, jackets, pants, and so on - ever see striped and flowered underpants through some woman's breezy white capris? I'm not going to be that person!
The clothes also dicate the shoes - is a slight heel required to accomodate a longer pant or a feminine skirt? What colors of shoes will go best with the clothing items I've selected? Which shoes are the heaviest? (because those will be worn on the plane)
Finally, a few choice accessories are added to the mix and voila! - packing is done.
And it only took six weeks.
Oh, I can hardly wait for the adventure to begin. I'm almost as excited as you are to live vicariously this year through your travels! Enjoy "my" trip!!
Barb
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I love your blog! I can't wait to read about your trip. Have a wonderful time!
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Envious, as always...
I hope you'll be ready to retrace your steps when J and I are old and can finally get to Europe, too! A guided tour would be just lovely!
Have a GREAT time!!
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thank you for this interesting info. i was looking for something like this.
i enjoy reading your blog
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