Last minute stuff

Hard to believe that we will be leaving for the airport in just 3 days. Suitcases are 'almost' packed along with our 'chocolate' gifts for flight attendants, medications for most common problems (lesson learned from our Mexico trip several years ago), empty water bottles to fill at the airport, and lots of singles for tips! Trying to prepare for this trip at the same time as we're packing boxes for our upcoming move has been quite the challenge.

I, somehow, neglected to note that we are traveling just before a major holiday weekend when our reservations were made. Needless to say, we will spend much of the afternoon at the airport (for our 6:30 PM flight) to ensure getting through TSA more easily and having a relaxing meal before boarding. It will be a relief to get the bags checked and have nothing to do but look forward to the wonderful trip ahead.

Less than 2 weeks to go!

After all of the planning, emails, Facebook messages and discussions, it's hard to believe that we will be on our way in 11 days! Oh, and while all of this was happening, we also prepared a house for sale, kept it clean every day, received an offer on the first day, worried our way through the house inspection, repairs and due diligence period and began packing...not for the trip but for moving. Did I mention that it has been a very stressful process? For the first time in my life, I am looking forward to an 8 1/2 hour overnight flight! Just the idea of no telephone calls, Internet, or questions from friends and neighbors sounds peaceful and relaxing!

A few chores left...transportation from the airport to hotel in Barcelona (still deciding between a taxi or a private car) and transportation from the port to hotel in Venice (water taxi - expensive or land taxi - harder to ensure one that will carry 4 people plus cruise luggage. Decisions will be made this week. The good news is that our hotel in Barcelona is hoping to have rooms ready for early arrival and has assured us that we can shower and change in the spa if we have to wait for the rooms.

Carson's graduation was flawless - very exciting to see our 2nd oldest grandson walk across the stage, receive his diploma and be ready to focus on starting college in the fall. But first things first - our trip to celebrate his graduation!