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With
three weeks to go I focused on the essentials. My first
trip was to the library, where I checked out all the relevant
videos I could find. Especially comforting were the ones by
Rick
Steves. He makes traveling independently look easy and accessible.
I also picked up some "Learn to Speak Italian" audio
tapes. I found some useful books as well, including Europe
101 and Europe
Through the Backdoor, and First
Time Europe.
I already had a passport, the result
of planning for an Italian wedding/honeymoon that was not to
be.
I knew I wanted to travel as independently
as possible, and that meant packing light and smart.
Rick's advice, plus a copy of The
Packing Book helped me get clear on about how to pare down
and still be prepared.
Rick
Steves Travel Shop provided many useful basics: his travel
pack (which is now much improved from the one I used), shoulder
strap, day pack, pack locks, lexan picnic ware, compass, travel
towel, sleep sheet, and (most essential) a money belt.
Clothes from TravelSmith
were indispensable (I live close to their outlet store, so
the prices were within my reach) but I also found useful discounted
items at Ross
(Tencel stretch "jeans," microfiber underwear, coolmax
socks, rayon dresses, an ultralight and super-compact umbrella).
A long put-off trip to the dentist found
and filled a cavity I didn't know I had. I visited the doctor
for Hepatitis A & B shots and a Flu shot.
I had very little idea about where to
go and what to do once I got there, but I purchased a twelve
day Italian Rail pass (also from Rick) for maximum freedom
and minimum hassle. Rick included a free video about using
the pass, as well as a free guidebook to Italy.
One of my last stops was to Book
Passage, which has a really amazing travel book selection
and very knowledgeable staff. I picked up Rick's guide to major
museums in Europe (Mona
Winks), a guide rating hostels in France and Italy, and
an Italian phrase book.
Next:
Away I go... |
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Breakfast in Florence
includes hot chocolate almost as thick as pudding.
10
Things I'm really glad I packed:
- Money
Belt
- Water
Bottle with Shoulder Sling
- Shout
wipes
- Febreeze
- Swiss
Army Knife
- Innocents
Abroad by Mark Twain
- Photos
from home
- Minidisk
Recorder
- Vitamins
- Jelly
Bellys
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