Getting Ready

 I believe the majority of us old folks have a bucket list, or at least have in mind some sort of things they would like to do before they die, or after they retire or maybe when they have saved enough money.  Mine was to go to other countries.  I can't say I have never been out of the US but when I went to Mexico and Brazil it was for mission trips, it was not for pleasure.  This time I just want to explore the culture, see new sights, and embrace the diversity in people. 

My husband and I decided on GoAhead tours to help make this trip as painless and stress free as possible. They arranged travel, the hotels and the tours.  They have kept in constant contact with us.  Our journey will consist of London, France, Italy and Spain.  

We leave next week and are already stressed about what to pack.  The stay is 14 days. Do we pack that many clothes?  Will we be able to do laundry? A friend said to be aware of pickpockets so we bought fanny packs.  We bought neck pillows for the long plane ride. My husband, Steve, is in a chat room with other travelers who will be on the trip with us.  They seem to have similar stresses.  What will the weather be? What type of clothes do we take?  Are shorts and sleeveless shirts ok?  Should we bring dress up clothes, if so how many?  The aforementioned friend said not to wear T-shirts with any writing that would reveal we are tourists.  Well, I checked my closet and that seems to be my entire wardrobe.  I did find two Toastmaster shirts and those seemed universal enough, but when my husband and I open our mouths and that southern twang rolls out those pickpockets will target us for sure, so we are staying close to the tour group.  No wandering for us. 

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