You know the old saying: Be careful what you wish for? Well I realized that I haven't been on a plane in over a year, and I was starting to get itchy feet again. So I threw it out there to the universe: "Gee it would be nice to do some travelling again". And.....WHAM!
My first trip to London & Paris was with my step-mum, Evelyn. Actually, my first trip outside North America, to Australia, her homeland, was with my step-mum. I have always considered myself fortunate in this regard, and it really helped me to create an adult relationship with my step-mum. It was time for return on that karma.
I called my step daughter - who is 20 - and asked her: "If you could go anywhere in the world, where would you go?"
"Rome", she replied. "I don't know why, but I really want to see Italy."
"Ok - let's go!" I said.
The desired effect being achieved (shock! awe! excitement!) we started planning. I said we would cash in my frequent flier points (some of them) and take off!
I decided that we would first stop in London. This is R.'s first trip overseas - she's really had limited travel to date - in fact, the only time she's been outside of Canada has been to visit my family in Michigan - so I thought it would be helpful to stop in London first. At least they speak English and it might be a little less overwhelming - if you can call a city with a vast international population of 15 million "less overwhelming" then the tiny town in Nova Scotia she lives in now. Of course, the primary motivator for me is to see my old friends!
We'll be staying with my dear friend, Catherine, for our stay in London.
I'm hoping if the French family responds in time, we can take the Eurostar to Paris for a couple of days. I do love Paris! And I find it a real contrast to London.
And then - off to Rome for 5 days. I found a great website that identifies B&B's and small private apartments. It is run by a couple who run one of the best hostels in Rome, The Beehive, according to my Lonely Planet bible. The Beehive acts as a booking agent for B&B's and private apartments in Rome and some other cities in Italy, Spain & Paris. Cross-pollinate is the website. Apartment secured, we can now start to decide what sites are on our "Top of Things to See" lists. Mine includes shoe shops - I know that shocks so many of you. :)
Once all these travel plans were decided on, the universe decide I wasn't done. It threw two more opportunities at me. I take off to San Francisco this weekend for some product training - and it is so close to my brother and his family, that I am able to stay with them and visit instead of a hotel. Then, the week after I get back, I head off to Calgary for a short visit, for a client workshop. I'll be able to meet up with some friends one night before I leave. I do like when I am able to mix business with pleasure!
