Last Minute Preparations

We leave this week! Panic sets in... What did I forget?

There are probably better lists, but here is the list of things that we've gone over to make sure that we didn't forget something.

1. Call your cell phone company. If you're bringing a cell phone, and want it to work, you need to make sure that the phone company sets up your GSM service in Europe before you leave.


2. Pack early. We packed in earnest on Friday, a whole week before we leave (okay, we just can't wait, but it sounds like a good excuse). With our combined lists from one bag and other sources, we started packing our carry-ons. We checked off items as we went, and realized that there were a few items we didn't have, nothing that a quick trip to a local Target or Wal-mart can't fix. One of the items we'd completely spaced was a clothesline. We got some of those 3m adhesive anchors (the ones that don't leave any marks but hold 30-40 lbs.) in case we can't find a good place in the rooms to tie up the clothesline. I know that they recommend suction cups... we'll see if these work better.


3. Call your banks and credit cards. All of them want to know that you'll be using your cards overseas (or even in a different area of the United States), and you don't want to have any charges declined while you're gone. Kudos to CapitalOne for being the only one that allowed me to give them all my travel information via an automated line 24 hours a day. Everyone else had interminable waiting (okay about 15 minutes) and really bad 80's oldies music played alternately too loud and too soft.


4. Copy all your documents. We're taking multiple copies of all our important documents. Airplane boarding passes - two copies; hotel reservations and google maps - two copies each; will-call tickets to the opera - two copies; passport first page - 6 copies; telephone numbers (not the toll free ones) for every debit and credit card - two copies. And an extra copy of everything in a password secured location on the internet (gmail or google apps works well for this).


5. Other items: local maps, sewing kit, antacids, ibuprofin (you probably aren't used to all the walking you'll be doing), water purification tablets or filter, universal sink stopper, door wedge; Did you remember extra batteries for the camera(s)?

Oh, and one more thing, a big thank you for all the well-wishers and friends that we wish were all coming with us. You've been more help than you know to help this dream become a reality.

Ok, I think...maybe we might be ready to go, oh yes... one more thing: PICK UP MOM FROM THE AIRPORT!