Sunday, June 29, 2008

Odds and Ends

Hi Char!

I have some odds and ends you are more than welcome to use. I have some Euros we could exchange(I think it's like 38E). Plus I have an adapter that I won't be using-never know when you need an extra plug. I also have a language book you can use. And last but not least, if you need a suitcase, I have a great hard-side Samsonite. I call it "Big Green" because it's big and bright. If you think you could use any of these things, I'll bring them with me the next time I come over. I'm so excited for you all! Talk to you soon. Lisa

Monday, June 23, 2008

Of Visas and packing

Since all of us will be in the EU for more than three months, we do need Visas. So, more paperwork to submit to the Italian Consulate, which fortunately has a branch in Philadelphia. Had I been more prompt in filling out the forms, I could have submitted them last Friday when the girls and I visited Robin and enjoyed an historic tour of Independence Hall area. We have been diligently sorting and packing and completing packing checklists for things that are better to take, while noting items that are easier to get over there. I spent a fortune at Happy Harry's (regional drugstore) getting vitamins, basic medicines (aspirin, Motrin, topical antiobiotics, Claritin, etc.), first aid kit, sewing kit, tool kit (hey, one never knows!), clothes line, chapstick for Emma, plug adaptors, ziplock baggies (all sizes). Thank goodness for Rick Steves' list! To supplement the list which is meant for travel, I have had to think "What do we need for LIVING there?" -- basic items in the home that we take for granted, until, of course, we need them.

And then the clothes packing. Packing "light," I've decided, is defined by gender. To Tim, it's enough underwear and socks for a week, some shirts, a few pants/shorts, and basic shoes. To Abbey, Emma, and me, it's a year's worth of outfits for three seasons. As our "take" piles grow, we are now contemplating what we will wait to buy over there. "Do I really want to take these boots I bought 4 years ago at Boscov's? Or should I buy a pair of Italian ones in Florence?" Hmmm, no-brainer there; we'll sacrifice the boots to save fuel for British Air and purchase some in Italy. Add in the non-apparel too: Emma's stuffed animals ("Mom, but I can't sleep without Bo, Gigi, puppy . . ."); some reminders of home such as pictures ("No, Abbey, you can't take the frames, just the pictures! And don't sneak in any more pairs of shoes!"); textbooks and schools supplies; laptops (3 of them); cameras; i-pods; portable dvd player and some beloved dvd's, especially for Christmas; etc., etc., etc. I think our suitcases will be full; we might need an overflow bag. Hmmm, maybe that's why Tim has taken to hiding his suitcases!!!

Thank goodness British Air allows for two checked bags at 70 pounds each for every person!

Thursday, June 19, 2008

Warding off unwanted male attention

As I recently went to Italy and got some unwanted male attention (from an Egyptian), I think I will spew this advice once again. I highly stress that the ladies learn how to say "you disgust me" in Italian, as my friend, Jen, told me she did. She had constant unwanted daily attention for the few months she lived there, and this was the best defense. Watch out! Some of them are much more hands-on than we are in America. Just looking out for you!

Thursday, June 12, 2008

Only More 11 Weeks!

The past few weeks have been very busy with summer school, graduations, dance recitals, etc., so plans & checklists for our year abroad were sidelined for a while. Not good. Yesterday, I discovered that Abbey's passport had expired, having forgotten that she got it for a 2003 trip to the UK and Ireland at a time when youth passports were granted for only 5 years. PANIC! The US Post Office assured me there is plenty of time. Hmm. Right. I will feel much better when all is processed and in hand.

We did find out last week that the program wants me for the spring semester, so the girls and I will be staying until May definitely! (Only downside is a fee for changing British Air ticket dates!) Anyway, if anyone wants to plan a trip to Italy in the spring -- let us know!!! Our language skills should be passable by then!
Tim will return to the States in early February following his Winter Session tour with students to Germany, Czech Republic, Hungary, & Austria.