Vatican City Museum

Visiting the Vatican City Museum was extraordinary. We were allowed to take pictures without flash. There are tapestries on the walls that must be protected. When you walk along the main walkway you are surrounded with exquisite beauty from ceiling to floor. It is hard to comprehend that what you are seeing is centuries old and each piece of art..each and every tapestry..each and every figure and scene.. tells a story...a story many have read or have heard from the time they were little children.

Entrance to the Vatican Museum

The exquisite ceiling in the museum

Closeup of the ceiling...some of the figures I thought were painted are actually sculptures and are three dimensional

Wall tapestry

Wall Tapestry

Unusual statue because it is of an ordinary and weak man and not a politician or emperor

Close up of unusual statue

Graceful statue

A nun who was making beautiful cameos for sale

I would love to have been able to purchase one of her beautiful hand painted cameos. Proceeds would have gone to charity. I just couldn't afford to do it. I loved her gentleness.

From Street Vendors To The Vatican City

As I look at my pictures, I wish I knew more about the things I saw. I hope I don't give wrong information about the pictures, but it is entirely possible that I might. We were given small transistor listening devices for what was called our "whisper tours" I think. We followed a tour guide on each expedition and he/she gave lessons on the historical significance of the sites we were visiting. There were many tours going on and depending on the quality of the reception I am sure there was a lot that was missed. I know that is true for me.

Before doing this post I looked up The Vatican City Rome and learned that The Vatican City is the smallest independent state in the world, ruled by the Pope, Europes's only absolute monarch.

A major part of the Vatican consists of the Basilica St. Peter, Catholicism's most sacred shrine. I will post pictures of St. Peter's next.

Below are some pictures of The Vatican City.

The last picture is where the audience sits when the Pope makes an appearance. The statues on the top of the building are the saints.

Postscript: It has come to my attention that I should let everyone know that the pictures I am posting are pictures I have taken. It seems one of my readers thinks the pictures look professional and he wanted to make sure everyone knew that I had taken them. Thank you, Joe! I love that you appreciate my pictures!

First Hotel In Rome

I didn't know what to expect in terms of hotel accomodations. Our first hotel was old and one might say the rooms were cozy. It had a certain charm if you are looking at it from the outside and not actually moving in. Cozy charm was quickly translated into "Oh my goodness, where am I going to put anything and still move around." The room was maybe 12 x 12 with two doll size twin beds maybe two inches apart and no real closet. There were two cubby holes that you could hang a few things in, a nightstand beside each bed and a small desk. The bathroom was designed for half a person with a big sense of humor. There was no air conditioning, but there was a nice window that could be opened and I could look out onto my first Rome street which I discovered became the home to early morning street vendors. Now that had some charm!

Christopher really enjoyed the feeling of "cozy welcome" of the early morning street vendors. It would really have been nice to have more time to just meander along the street and look at all the wares being sold.

As I continue to share our experience I think I will be making the distinction between things we saw and moments we experienced. Taking in the early morning scene outside this hotel was a wonderful, romantic and briefly experienced moment. I wanted more of this moment.

Scenes As We Drove Into Rome

I took these pictures through the bus window as we drove from the airport into Rome and to our hotel. I am absolutely amazed at the soft beauty of these beautifully romantic scenes. I sincerely hope you enjoy them as much as I do.

I Love The Sky

Christopher had never flown before. He wanted a window seat and these pictures will show you why. I handed my camera to him and this is what he saw. The sky is a neverending story to me. You took some beautiful pictures Christopher!

Jet Lag

We are home.............I think! I am having significant jet lag plus a slight fever and a cough. Tom, Sarah, Kara and Sam were at the airport to meet us and it was so good to see them. Our plane arrived later than it was supposed to.........midnight rather than the 10:30 p.m. original time. We ran into unexpected delays out of Philadelphia and by that time everyone was very ready to be home. My friend, Joe, tracked our whole flight home online. He knew where we were at any given time. He could see a little plane flying across the ocean. Isn't that amazing? My ankles were so swollen they looked like elephant legs and when the swelling started to go down the itching started. I guess that is what happens when swelling goes down. This is all new to me. I will be posting pictures soon. This afternoon I thought I would take a nap about 4:00. I woke up four hours later at 8:00. I think jet lag still has me in its grips. How are you doing Christopher?

Back on US soil

Tom here reporting in for Judy.

"We're in Philadelphia, back on American soil so I can once again read all the signs." Their departure from Frankfurt was delayed. When they approached Philadelphia they had to circle for 30 minutes or so waiting for a weather system to pass. They had just cleared customs when I spoke to Judy. They leave for Minneapolis in another couple hours. She and Christopher are anxious to be home with family.

On Way Home

Joe here reporting for Judy...11.10am Thursday, Frankfurt time.

Judy and Christopher and their group are on their way home. Although somewhat uncomfortable, they are safely at Frankfurt airport where they have approximately another two hours of their stop over before catching the onward flight to Philadelphia.

When I spoke to Judy, they were trying to find a place to sit down having had to vacate their seats at the departure gate to make way for travellers who were catching an earlier flight.
At least, she is not feeling the cold now as she managed to find a shirt in her luggage.

Well I'm glad to report, that despite their ordeal, they are both in good spirits and looking forward to eventually getting home.

Visit to the Temple of Apollo and Delphi Museum

Judy at Temple of Apollo

Judy and Christopher at Temple of Apollo

Central among the number of imposing ruins that are interspersed on the Southern slopes of Parnassos mountain is the temple of Apollo. It is an imposing temple of the Doric order whose existence was woven through the turbulent history of the site, and endured numerous incarnations before it settled to the ruinous state we find it today, and which dates back to the 4th c. B.C. The temple of Apollo was first built around the 7th c. B.C. by the two legendary architects Trophonios and Agamedes. It was rebuilt after a fire in the 6th c. B.C.. and was named the "Temple of Alcmeonidae" in tribute to the noble Athenian family that oversaw its construction with funds form all over Greece and foreign emperors. This temple was also of the Doric order and had 6 columns at the front, and 15 columns at the flanks.

Temple of Apollo

This temple was destroyed in 373 B.C. by an earthquake and was rebuilt for the third time in 330 B.C. Spintharos, Xenodoros, and Agathon, architects from Corinth. The sculptures that adorned its pediment were the creation of Athenian sculptors Praxias and Androsthenes. It was built to similar proportions and size as the Alcmeonidae version of the temple, with a peristasis of 6 and 15 columns along the short and long edges respectively.
The temple's foundations survive today along with several Doric columns made of porous stone and limestone which is fairly soft material, and have allowed for the temple's advanced decaying. Very little is known about the temple's interior arrangement.

Inside Delphi Museum..large spinhx of Naxos c. B.C. 566

Kouros Statues..Kleobis and Biton c. B.C. 580

Perirrhanterion Tripod and Caryatids

Aged philosopher..280 - 270 B.C.

and Delphic Oracle

Inside Delphi Museum

All above pictures by Judy.

Some Pictures From Judy

Christopher and Gma on board ship

Walls that change colour two days a year

Street in Delphi

Judy and roommate, Tammy

Christopher

Water

Greek letters

First cloud in Greece

Judy at store near hotel

Hot hot hot in Delphi!

Tom here, reporting in for Judy.

I just got off the phone with Judy, Skype, that is. She was talking to Sarah and Davey via PC to PC. Then Joe appeared on Yahoo messenger so we had quite a party, or at least Judy did. We could not hear the others but Judy could hear all of us.

They were in Delphi today and visited the Temple of Apollo in extreme heat.

"It was 115 degrees here today. It was so hot that we were totally exhausted from all the walking. On the way back to the hotel, I had to keep talking to myself in my mind to find the energy to keep going. I kept saying to all those I love, 'I'm coming, I'm coming' just to keep myself going. I really had to work hard. Happy anniversary!"

From the Associated press.
Europe heatwave leaves 31 dead
Jun 26 11:54 AM US/Eastern
Sizzling temperatures in Greece, Italy and Romania has brought power cuts and brush fires in a heatwave that has led to at least 31 deaths in south-east Europe in recent days."This is the worst day since the heat wave started with 46 degrees (Celsius; 114.8 Fahrenheit) in two towns," Nikos Kanteres of the Greek meteorological service, said.Seven large brush fires broke out on Monday and today in Greece and hundreds of people were evacuated from threatened homes near the southern city of Pyrgos, 200 miles south-west of Athens. The Greek government closed most public services early at noon, as temperatures in the capital reached 43 Celsius (109.4 Fahrenheit).

Tomorrow is a bus tour, resting the feet.

Photos to come later.

Some Pictures From Greece

Picture of Christopher sitting on Mediterranean beach

Picture of me in bathroom mirror

Driving to hotel in Delphi

View from hotel room balcony

Beautiful moon over Greece

Judy at restaurant with nice gentleman that welcomed the group

Calling from Greece

Tom reporting in for Judy.

"We arrived today in Greece after taking an overnight ferry - more specifically, a medium sized cruise ship. Christopher and I selpt most of the trip... the best night sleep we have gotten so far. We left Brindisi, Italy and arrived in a harbour of the Ionic sea. We took a bus from there to Delphi. Today was a very relaxing day and this part of the trip is less hectic than was Italy. It has usually been after 9:00 PM when we arrive back at our hotel. "

"Christopher is doing great and having a wonderful time here. The Greek food is absolutely wonderful and our hotel room is beautiful with a little balcony that looks out on the mountains. The view is spectacular!"

Judy's phone message. http://www.box.net/shared/68vqqlqpdu

The Isle of Capri

Tom here, reporting in for Judy.

At 3:50 PM Saturday Minnesota time, I received an urgent call from Italy. Yes, it was Judy. She and Christopher had just spend the day on the Isle of Capri and now it was nearly 11:00 PM.
"It is one of the most beautiful places in the world! Christopher and I both marveled at how amazingly pretty everything was. Then we swam in the Mediterranean."
I said, "Judy, you didn't bring a swin suit did you?"
"No."
"Did you find a nude beach???" (Long pause.)
"No... I zipped off the legs from those cargo pants I bought at REI and wore a t-shirt over my bra."

Back to the urgency of her call.

"When I went to download all the amazing pictures I took today, a message came up on my computer asking if I wanted to format my memory card!!!!!! I had used a brand new memory card today and I didn't realize that you are supposed to format the card first. Is there a chance that I can save all those wonderful photos??"
My first answer was no. I told her there were no pictured on her memory card if she did not format it first.
"No. I can see all my pictures on my camera."
I told her in that case, not to worry because we have the software utility that can find and save photos from a corrupted memory card, even after it's been formated.
She will set that memory card aside and use others, as she brought several.
She didn't want to go to bed tonight without getting an answer to that queston.

Her cell phone has not worked in Italy at all so she was using a pre-paid phone card at the hotel phone.
She said their luggage finally arrived, but in the mean time she wore Target pajama bottoms and a t-shirt to St. Peter's Basilica and the Sistine Chapel on their first day in Rome.

"I'll be in no shape to go back to work when I get home. It is absolutely exhausting! This is the most exhausting thing I've done in my life. Even with my expensive hiking shoes, my feet hurt.
I asked about Christopher's boots.
"His feet hurt too. Everybody's feet hurt from all the walking."

She said Christopher realizes again and again how lucky he is to be there. "Every day the two of us have several magical goose-bump moments."
"Last night we were sitting at a tiny little cafe when on the street a man began singing opera. Then a woman joined him. We were looking across at The Colosseum. Now, if we'd been home in Minnesota, sitting at Perkins, we'd be looking out at a Ford dealership!"

"Tomorrow we get up early and are off to Pompeii. Christopher has been saving his disposable camera for Pommpeii. Then, we take the night ferry to Greece."

Ciao.

Some First Day Pictures

A meal of frankfurter sausage at Frankfurt airport in honour of my dad whose grandpa came from Germany (Adam take note)

Our plane that bore us safely from Frankfurt to Rome.

Judy and Christopher on board plane.

A Roman street.

Roman road sign.

We Arrived Safely

I am sitting in a phone store or something like that about 2 1/2 blocks from our hotel...we are at the Hotel Florida in a room about the size of our closet. It is 9:35 Rome time and this is the first I have been able to get on the internet. This is an internet hotpoint and I guess I am lucky it is so close to the hotel.

I wanted you to know we are here. There is a ton to tell - a comedy of errors for the first few days here. The entire groups' luggage didn't make it here, it is supposed to be arriving at midnight tonight - x your fingers.

Waiting for luggage that failed to arrived

It is hot - mid 80's and humid, a bit unseasonable for this time of year. We all drink water like crazy and with sweating more than I ever have in my life and drinking gallons of water I still hardly have to go to the bathroom. Sorry guys, but that is the truth. I am laughing; it is the truth of the situation. Our feet hurt, our legs hurt. We have walked and walked and walked and walked, and go ahead and multiply that by about 10.

The tour is extremely fast paced and we are taking in a lot. Tomorrow morning we leave for our optional at Florence at 7 am - it is a 4 hour drive. We will be there about 11 and will leave for home about 4 in the afternoon, back in Rome about 8 and then dinner someplace.

We have had two wonderful and full days and when I get another chance to get on the internet I will write more. I can't even begin at this hour of the night after such a long day to start sharing the events and the high points. Well one makes me want to cry. We were in the Sistine chapel, so much to tell about that. I stood in front of the alter looking at Christ on the crucifix and all I wanted to do was say the Lord's Prayer. So I did! Then I called Christopher over and said it with him standing next to me and then I said every prayer our family says at bedtime and meal times and blessed you all. I just blessed you all. It was the spot that
the Pope stands when he is there, it is an active chapel. And yes! there is lots of information but for me saying prayers was a very emotional and touching experience. We walked on the floors of the coliseum that the Romans walked on 2000 years ago. It is all very overwhelming and I am sure has not made its way into my being yet.

Christopher is having a wonderful time, he and I both got goosebumps today when we visited St. Peter's Basilica and the Sistine Chapel.

Safely in Frankfurt

This is the other reporter, Joe, checking in. As Judy, Christopher, and their group of fellow travellers have arrived in my time zone, it is my pleasant task to relay this report. They have arrived safely in Frankfurt. Their flight was pleasant, but as both Judy and Christopher were unable to catch any sleep during the flight, they are both totally exhausted.

When I spoke to her earlier, they had a further two hours of the stopover remaining before catching the onward flight to Rome, where they will arrive at approx 1pm local time (6am Minneapolis).

Their highest altitude during the flight from Philadelphia to Frankfurt, as shown by the inboard route tracker, was 37,000’. The outside temperature at that height was -62 Fahrenheit.
Further update will be relayed as soon as it comes to hand.

On our way!

Thanks to Chris and his charter school class trip, we are leaving together for Rome from the Minneapolis Airport.

This is Tom reporting in for Judy. I saw Chris and Judy off this morning, just a few hours ago. Judy was up at 5:30 AM reviewing her packing decisions from the night before and making last minute changes in her wardrobe. (We will learn from her later whether she made the right choices.)

I'm leaving for the Minneapolis airport, luggage in tow.

Just When I Thought

Yep, just when I thought I was settled on what clothes to bring I visited my daughter, Sarah's, closet. She sent home three pairs of pants and two shirts to see if I wanted to take them with me. I will try things on tomorrow and see what goes and what stays.

I also tried one of her visors on which seems to be a good deal. Each little thing makes me feel like I am on my way.

Thanks Sarah!! I remember the days when you used to visit my closet. How fun is this? It is still a little hard to believe we fly out day after tomorrow!

Incidentally, the picture behind me is my Mom and Dad's wedding picture.

It Is Time

In many ways I feel like I have already been on this wonderful trip. Seeing pictures of the places I am going to see and reading a little about each one has transported me into the future. I usually try to stay in the moment but the planning part of me took me into the future in the best possible way.

I am going to go start packing now. Why? Because....................

It is time!

Safe Travel Hints

Here are some helpful hints to make our travel safe and hopefully we will all come home with no losses that could have been prevented.

1. Be very wary of pickpockets around public transportation and in and around the museums in Athens.

2. Do not carry anything you cannot afford to lose.

3. Women, do not carry a purse that would be easy to snatch.

4. Men, do not carry your wallet in your back pocket.

5. Enjoy the trip!

Our Tour Is Coming To An End With These Last Two Attractions

When you leave the Plaka area, look for Hadrains Arch. From here you can see the Temple of Olympian Zeus and the other attractions in Athens.

Hadrian's Arch

The Temple Of The Olympian Zeus

Shopping In The Plaka District..I Hope!

The Plaka district is on our itinerary. After reading a bit about the goods that are available I might just be packing an extra suitcase or two. (No, I won't. I am already at my limit for what I can carry.) It is just knowing I will probably not be heading back to the Plaka district anytime soon.

Just down from the Acropolis is the Plaka District. This area is made up of pedestrian streets that wander this way and that and offer excellent shopping and dining opportunities. A visit to the Plaka is almost a given after a visit to the Acropolis. Relaxing in one of the sidewalk cafes enjoying a local dish and some ouzo is a great way to spend the lunch hour.

Temple Of Athena Nike

The Temple of Athena Nike ("Victorius Athena") in Athens was the earliest Ionic building to be built on the Acropolis. The temple was built around 427 BC and completed during the unrest of the Peloponnesian war.

Made completely of marble, its small size was compensated for in its position, resting on a rocky outcrop, purposely positioned so the Athenian people could worship the goddess of victory in hope of prosperous outcomes in the war's endeavours.

The decision to build Athena Nike was an expression of Athens's ambitions to be a world power as opposed to Persia. The frieze on the temple displays the decisive victory over the Persians at the battle of Plataea and a meeting between the gods Athena, Zeus and Poseidon.

Once the temple was completed the Athenians added a protective parapet. The parapet displayed an expression of determination and hope for final victory.

In the cellar of the temple is a statue of Athena as Nike Apterus, the goddess without wings. Her wings may have been removed by the Athenians in the hopes that she would remain in Athens.

The Acropolis An Historical Site Not To Be Missed

The Acropolis is the one historical site you can't miss. You can take a tour or wander up there yourself but during the summer, whatever you do, unless it is overcast, go early or late in the day. It can get very hot up there and gasping for breath can take way from your ability to marvel at the greatest of all archaeological sites.

The Parthenon and other main buildings on the Acropolis were built by Pericles in the fifth century BC as a monument to the cultural and political achievements of the inhabitants of Athens. The term acropolis means upper city and many of the city states of ancient Greece are built around an acropolis where the inhabitants can go as a place of refuge in times of invasion. It's for this reason that the most sacred buildings are usually on the acropolis. It's the safest most secure place in town. As little as 150 years ago there were still dwellings on the Acropolis of Athens.

Even having seen a thousand photographs one is still not prepared for the immensity of the Parthenon. The building was designed by the architects Kallikrates and Iktinos as the home of the giant statue of Athena. It took 15 years to build and was completed in 438 BC and is probably the most recognizable structure in the world next to the golden arches of McDonalds. From a temple it became a church, a mosque and finally as a storage facility for Turkish gunpowder. In 1687 the Venetians bombarded it from below. A cannon ball hit the gun powder and blew it up.

Omonia Square Worth A Trip

Omonia Square is a must see when visiting Athens. It is like visiting New York City and knowing you must take a peek at 42nd Street.

As the main square for Athens business centre, Omonia sees a constant stream of people and cars 24 hours a day.The bustling square does not really have any aesthetic quality itself, but is surrounded by shops, offices and many hotels. It is a major station for metro, trolleys and buses and it is easy to travel to any part of Athens from there. Omonia Square has become more cosmopolitan in the last few years, and down the side streets you may find a few Indian, Pakistani and Chinese businesses and restaurants. The kiosks of the square sell a multitude of foreign newspapers and magazines, and you are sure to find something in your language.

The Olympic Stadium Athens Greece

It will be amazing to visit the home of the olympic games. Below is a picture of the old olympic stadium and the new olympic stadium.

The stadium was originally designed in 1979 and built in 1980-1982. It was completed in time to host the 1982 European Championships in Athletics. It was inaugurated by the President of Greece, at the time, Konstantinos Karamanlis on 8 September 1982. It also hosted several events of the 1991 Mediterranean Games and the 1997 IAAF World Championships in Athletics, sought in order to prove that it was capable of hosting major sporting events after the failure of Athens to win the 1996 Summer Olympics. It was extensively renovated in time for the Olympics, including a controversial roof designed by Santiago Calatrava that was added atop the sidelines in order to shade fans from the strong Athens sun. The roof was completed just in time for the opening of the Games, and the stadium was then officially re-opened on July 30, 2004.

Trying Out My Noise Cancelling Earbuds

They work!! I wore them last night as I worked around the house getting things in order before I leave on Tuesday. Tom came up to talk to me as I was moving about and I didn't hear him at all. I have never had an mp3 player before and I am really enjoying it. It is like being in a different world. It just might make cleaning house something to enjoy! OK, that might be going a little far!

And On To The Delphi Museum

Our next visit will be to the Delphi Museum. How does a person comprehend all we will be seeing and hearing about? I am beginning to think, as I share all this, that my life will be changed in ways I can't even fathom!

The Delphi Museum is situated right next to the ancient site of Delphi, and is a fascinating museum, filled with truely remarkable artifacts, statues and findings from excavations that have taken place in the site of Delphi.

The main building of the museum is a shining white marble structure, that is very modern, considering the ancient site next door that dates back thousands of years.

Temple Of Apollo

In Delphi we will be visiting the Temple of Apollo. Apollo was the Greek god of prophecy and Delphi was dedicated to him. This photo (and the upper left of the photo below) shows what is left of his temple which was built late in the 6th century BC. The temple was the largest structure in Delphi and and the center of oracular activity. Delphi's tradition of providing prophecies to pilgrims (who first dropped a few coins at the treasury and sacrificed an animal) continued eight hundred years until the 2nd century AD.

From Patras To Delphi Greece

Our overnight ferry ride from Brindisi in Italy will take us to Patras in Greece. There is something romantic about that. I wonder if it will feel as romantic as it sounds.

Our first day trip in Greece will be to Delphi. Today, Delphi is one of the most attractive archaeological sites of Greece. Its rich grounds and museum represent classical antiquity with such clarity even the uninitiated visitor can grasp. Its importance as an archaeological site, coupled with its location at an idyllic landscape makes it one of the most visited sites of Greece.

Delphi was considered by the ancients to be the center (Omphalos = navel) of the world, and the oracle of Delphi was a religious center, most famous for its accurate predictions of the future. The oracles were given by Pythia, the priestess who muttered incomprehensible sounds in a state of trance, which in turn were translated in comprehensible language and given to those who made the pilgrimage in search of answers.

Common folk, generals, and kings alike, consulted the oracle of Delphi on matters of importance. Matters of importance ranged from mundane every-day family disputes, to the decision of a state to go to war with another, or to establish a colony. The reputation of Delphi crossed cultural boundaries, and throughout history it held amicable neutrality with its oracles. At the same time, the oracles of Pythia were notoriously ambiguous, and could be interpreted several different ways.

Credit Card and Debit Card Travel Notification

I learned something else today as I continued my preparations for the trip. I never would have thought of contacting both my credit card company and my bank to notify them of my travel plans. The Commercial teller at Wells Fargo alerted me to yet another safety precaution.

He said to contact customer service, let them know when and where you will be traveling so they will not wonder about new expenditures on your card and possibly lock your card. You wouldn't want to find it locked when trying to use it and not know what was happening.

You should also get the international 800 numbers for your credit card company and your bank. In case of loss or theft you can call the international number and report your loss.

I learned from calling my Wells Fargo debit card customer service that there are different international 800 numbers for Ialy and for Greece. I will be making a hard copy of all this information to have with me so I will be prepared for even the worst case scenario.

My friendly banker told me he learned by experience. This is one case a person really can learn from someone else's experience.

TRANSPORTATION SECURITY ADMINISTRATION SITE

Yesterday was the big meeting at the school. Information was handed out regarding our flight itinerary, hotels and packing. As expected there were a lot of questions to be answered.

Here is the site for the Transportation Security Administration. It gives all the information necessary for what is allowed and not allowed in your carry-on bag.

It gives the what and the how to pack things to speed the process of going through security.

http://www.tsa.gov/

The Day Of The Mandatory Meeting

Today is the day we get our airline tickets and itineraries. Tom took this picture early this morning. Looking relaxed and in control is as much a surprise to me as anyone. I am wearing a new shirt that I just love and will be wearing on the trip. If fact, I own several of these shirts and will be wearing them almost every day. What I love is the message on the back, Life Is Good. ( And, life is really good!) Not only do I love the message, I love the story of the two brothers who started the company. If you have an interest in reading a success story through struggle and determination, check out the website. I will post the address below the picture.

www.lifeisgood.com

Big Meeting On Monday June 10, 2007

There is going to be a mandatory meeting on Monday, June 10. All the tour participants that are able to make it will receive their airline tickets, itineraries and a free backpack. Any questions anyone has will be answered and some of us will be meeting others for the first time. I am looking forward to meeting some, if not all, of the people I will be traveling with. There is something about spending this kind of time with new people. We will see each other at our best and at our worst. We will eat together and sleep together and see the world together.

As far as my preparations have gone.......I am thrilled to be almost done. I have a few things left to do, but for the most part I am ready, except for doing a trial packing.

I have planned for three things that are important to me.......safety, comfort and independence.

The truth is, this is only my second international trip. On my first international trip, I was fortunate to be going to a friend's home, where Tom and I would stay for the duration of the trip.

I think there are many people my age who are seasoned world travelers. I am not, although I feel much more seasoned now. I have spent a lot of time giving thought to making sure I am prepared in as many ways as I am able to predict. While I can solve problems well, I prefer to prevent problems. It makes life so much easier.

One of the nicest things I have done in the last couple of days is put music on my mp3 player. It was a Mother's Day gift from Tom. I expect to enjoy some of my music on the long flight. I know on other flights I have loved to watch the sky to Bach. There is something truly magical and majestic about that.

I will be picking Christopher up tomorrow and we will go to the meeting. I think it is going to seem really real when we hold those airline tickets in our hands!