Ahh Venice

Well hello from Italy!
The trip in was long and at times arduous but we made it yesterday. So did our checked bag! This was my first trip back to Europe since I left with my family as a babe.

We made it to our hotel without any issues and settled in. We showered, had some great complimentary snacks provided by the hotel (snacks, wine and tea from 2-11) before we headed out yo explore. We were surprised by all that we could see in such a short time of wondering: Rialto Bridge and Saint Marks Square are only 10 and 15 minutes away, respectively. We got gelato and pizza. It was great!

Today we revisited Rialto and Saint Marks Square. Again we got gelato, this is me after all! We explored the Doges Palace and the Rialto market and they side of the Grand canal. We were having a leisurely walk when it started to rain, but it was no big deal.... When in Rome... Err... VENICE! we ended up at this restaurant where we hoped to wait out the rain. I got to use the Italian I have been practicing. We got a little lost in the dark but found our way back to the hotel. We are now enjoying an Irish Pub and free wifi!

Packing

I like planning. I have so much fun in the planning process.  So when it came to planning for what I wanted to wear and pack for my Italy Adventure I took my time. I made flash cards. I religiously checked the weather forecast leading up to leaving and as the weather patterns shifted so did my wardrobe choices.

For this trip I wanted a new suitcase. I didn't want to have to check luggage to Italy (I can totally see having to check it coming back). Also, the menagerie of suitcases that take residence under the stairs are not, as a whole, in terrific shape. They have been gifts (both new and used from parents) and have all seen some travel. I also wanted a hard-case suitcase. It is more durable and I am klutzy so that is always to my advantage; also I felt that I wouldn't be able to OVER pack even if I wanted to. And lets be honest, no matter that I LOVE planning, I do have a tendency to over pack. Mostly because I like options. I like the variety that extra clothes allow. But as we are going to be in Italy  with their quaint cobblestone roads, we will be taking trains across the country and having to walk from the stations to our hotels I felt like this would be my best choice.

SO since I have established that I love planning I am going to let you in on a secret: I wanted to PACK a week ago. But that just wasn't logical as I wear most of the clothes I planned on taking to work or on the weekends. So I resisted and waited until today. I have five days to go until we embark on our journey and I am almost completely packed: clothes, shoes, basic toiletries and jewelry as well as accessories. I have to decide on make-up and there will be an additional blog for that. I will also have final packing of items like toothbrushes, deodorant, contacts etc.

So here I am, mostly packed and super excited for out journey!