I had to buy a watch. I don't wear a watch, and hate the cheapo one that's gotten me through previous vacations. The face is hard to read. So, I took a leap on another cheap watch online that has a better face. As much as an atomic watch would've been cool for travel, the ones I looked at in my price range were quite ugly.
I also bought a sleep mask for the plane. Not sure it was a worthy investment, but at less than $10, I'm not sweating it. I have a scarf that will nicely convert to a blanket (bought for 1.98 on clearance last winter), a pillow and earplugs to help me sleep, so I should be set.
I have a Jodi Piccoult book and Caucasia to read on the trip. Figured a page turner like Piccoult would help pass the time.
We arrive in Amsterdam very early in the morning, so I plan to get off the plane and freshen up. Fro suggested accessibly packing my toothbrush and brush to clean up. I'm also packing some face wash wipes. I figure washing my face and putting on some basic makeup will make me feel better after the long flight.
The anxiety of traveling to Europe for the first time is starting to sink in.
ETA: Packed my toiletries and my plane bag last night. Realized I need handi wipes, a mini spray lysol (in case there is room odor) and sleep drugs. We are taking two backpacks as our carry-ons. With a stop in Detroit and Amsterdam before getting to Rome, we need things that are easy to carry, even though we'll be a fashion faux pas. One will be a laptop backpack, so at least it doesn't look like I'm a college student wandering Europe.
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15 comments:
Those are some good tips.
You are going to have so much fun!
Watch story: I was in Dallas 100 years ago (give or take a few years) and my watch strap broke. So I decided to go to that West End Mall (which is really just a tourist trap) to get a new one. The most modest, least gaudy watch I could find was a watch with a blue band and face, and the face of the watch had the outline of the state of Texas in rhinestones.
Mind you. This was the LEAST gaudy thing I could find.
So for about a year it was my travel watch, and I had a lot of people asking me if I was from Texas. Haha!
Yes, freshening up either on the plane will make you feel better. It helps a lot to scrub off all of that airplane air that settles on you while you sleep. :)
You're going to have so much fun. Enjoy!!!
I remember watches.
I hope you have a wonderful time! I think you have thought of just about everything. How long is the flight time to Amsterdam?
I can't wear a sleep mask because they give me S&M nightmares.
I believe Amsterdam has some amazing live sex shows. Really, really amazing...
Oh Swami, how I miss you when you disappear from blogland for awhile. *snort*
That sounds like an awfully fancy watch, Fro. You are a rhinestone cowgirl!
I am very envious of your trip to Europe. Give Amsterdam my love.
I used to have a watch fixation. I think at one point I had 16 different ones, and wore them all the time, switching each day to match either my outfit or my mood. I have not worn a watch in over 2 years.
Why 'must' you have one?
I "must" have one because we will not be able to use our cells in Europe (we don't have the right SIM cards). I'm looking into possibly renting one, but am undecided. So, we usually use our cell phones for time. Won't have that now!
You young 'uns really crack me up.
There's this 20-something that works with me and she got all discombobulated one morning because she lost her cell phone and had no idea what time it was.
Land-a-goesha. What's this world coming to?
By the by, I'm gellus of your trip but not of the flight to get there.
Oh this trip is going to be great! I went to Italy when I was 14 or 15 with my parents. I loved it but would really like to go back because I am sure I did not appreciate it that much.
My favorite towns were the small towns out in the countryside. I loved Siena and Assisi.
There is something so awesome about driving in a city like Rome with modern- semi-modern buildings then seeing the Collesseum rise up around the bend. You certainly don't get that blend of ancient here!
The flight might not be so bad. But then again you are flying from the mid-west and not the east coast. Just remember that Europe has a different hotel rating and that a first class hotel in Rome might not even be as nice as a Holiday Inn! Twin beds!
You are so lucky!!!! and I am so jealous!!! Have a fantastic time. I know you will.
I'm well prepared for the hotel reality, zombs. I can see why you mention it though, as I think this where a lot of "ugly american traveler" sentiment comes from. I know young colleagues that have thrown a bit of a fit about hotel rooms not being up to the standard they THOUGHT it should be.
After some research, I think we are renting a cheapie cell just for emergencies. The cheap one doesn't get the greatest reception, but it's free incoming calls and comes with at US and UK number, so our cat sitter and colleagues can call us for free.
What Piccoult book do you have?
Keeping Faith.
I read two Piccoult books this summer: Vanishing Acts and The Pact. I liked them both. Let me know what you think. I saw that one but have reservations about it.
I've read The Pact, My Sister's Keeper and Nineteen Minutes. My Sister's Keeper was my favorite, but I enjoyed the others well enough.
I hope you have the backpack that has wheels. :)
Check for bedbugs. Did you know there's a worldwide epidemic? I just found that out - who knew.
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