I just received an e-mail from my apartment manager in Venice.  Her name is Ketty and she gave me her cell phone number.  Now I really need to get hopping on making my decision about what phone I'm going to buy for my trip.  We will touch base again closer to my trip.  I'm soooooo excited. 

 

I'm going to I-T-A-L-Y . . .  I'm going to I-T-A-L-Y . . . I'm going to VENICE . . . I'm going to LAKE COMO . . . I'm going to MILAN. . .  I'm day tripping to Switzerland!  Whoo Hoo! WHOO HOO! WHOO HOO!

 

It's Zucchero time again! 

 

Lately, I've been reading this really cool blog from a Slow Travel member.  There is this couple who has been traveling in a Winnebago throughout Europe.  In each blog entry they provide a very interesting, historical and earthy description of the places they visit, the experiences they go through and the wonderful people they meet along the way.   I'm really drawn to their blog, because their entries are filled with lots of interesting information and are just flat out fun to read. 

In fact, I've enjoyed their blog entries so much that Turkey has now moved up on my list nearly tied with Spain/Portugal for trip 2008!  And then there's Switzerland, Eastern Europe and Amsterdam!!  The only thing I'm sure of for 2008 is it unfortunately won't be Italy.  I'm trying to alternate between Italy and somewhere new and/or different. 

 

It's funny but before joining Slow Travel I never used to think about a trip two months in advance let alone a whole year!   Well, I kind of like it because it keeps me in that constant travel mode.

 

Anyway, after reading their blog and a couple of other blog, I've rediscovered my sense of wonder and excitement over my trip. I’m going to be in Italy in less than two months!  The excitement meter is definitely on the rise! 

 

Well folks, I think "Trip Count Down" has officially begun!  Woo Hoo!

 

 

After my little “freak out” episode this morning I went out for a long ride.  Sure I’m a little (a lot) nervous about my trip, but I think nerves are a part of it.  I've read that even the most veteran travelers have a bit of the “nerves” before their trips, so maybe my little fit this morning wasn't so bad.  Well, it’s over for now and I’m beginning to feel more confident again.  I have a feeling that between now and my trip, I’ll go through some emotional peaks and valleys . . .

 

This afternoon (in the coolness of my brand new portable AC unit) I decided to work a bit more on my trip.  I researched the operation hours for the sights that I’m interested in visiting and I’m going to prepare my “trip itinerary” and all my important contacts and information.  This is the part I like the least, so I might as well get it over and done with. 

 

This Friday, I’ll go to the Auto club (since I’ll be off) and get

my International Drivers License.  I want to be prepared in case I decide to drive somewhere.  You just never know!!

 

Today was a gorgeous beach day!

 

 

Yesterday was July 14 and I am now exactly two months from my trip!!  I’m pretty much done with my research, but feel like I’m still not prepared ENOUGH!  I think it’s just those OMG I’m going to Europe nerves.  This trip will be longer by a week from last year so that adds to my gitters!  You know what?  I should just freaking RELAX!

 

I think I’ll play my great Italian Songs playlist and head out for my ride.  And that’s the other thing . . . . I’m going to do that climb in Bellagio and only have two months to get my legs in hill climbing shape.  Okay . . . enough of my whining . . . I’m outta here!