Skipping Thanksgiving

John Grisham wrote a novel a few years back called Skipping Christmas about a couple whose only daughter leaves for the Christmas holidays, hence leaving the couple to celebrate Christmas alone. The couple then plans to leave on a cruise and skip Christmas altogether. A movie was made based on the book, Christmas with the Kranks.

I have to say that last night it really hit me that Kyle and I would be skipping Thanksgiving this year. That meant no grandma's houses or playing with cousins. No Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade or football games. No sneaking Christmas decorations just a little early. As much as I'll love Italy, I will miss these nostalgic traditions I've grown up with.

We leave our house tomorrow at 4:30 a.m.! I honestly do not remember the last time I was awake at such a terrible hour of the day. Our flight from leaves at 7:00 and we'll hit SLC and Chicago, then straight to Milan. We'll arrive Nov. 16 at 7:30 a.m. Italian time. Kyle said the trick to beating jet lag is to sleep on the plane and stay awake the entire next day. It might be easier in theory than actual practice!

I have everything ready at work, but not many things packed at home. The only thing I've packed thus far is my carry-on. Zoiks! as my pal Scooby would say.

Thanks to those who read my blog. It's nice to know people care enough to read about what you're doing. The next time I post, I'll be in another world! I'll keep you posted!

2 Days Until Italy!

Only two days to go until Kyle and I take our trip. We are so excited! Last night we started packing our carry-on bags. With all the new TSA regulations, it has been more of a process than I expected. I've double and triple checked that we only have 3 oz. liquid containers in our 1 quart zip top plastic bags. What ever happened to just packing what you wanted and leaving? I guess that doesn't exist anymore. Luckily, Kyle and I are going through security in Idaho Falls, which should be deserted at 6 a.m. (I'm hoping anyway!) We should have an easier time going through security than if we were to go through Salt Lake City.

So I have to admit, I'm a bit nervous. I've never been so far away from home in a place that is so different from Idaho. Thanks heavens for Kyle, though. He'll make the transition easy and fun.

Our first planned stop is Bologna for the weekend to revisit Kyle's old friends. Then we're off to Rome for 4 days and Florence after that for 2. We'll make a few side trips to Venice, Verona, Siena, and San Marino before heading back to Milan to come home. Two weeks sounds like a lot, but I'm sure it will come and go faster than Christmas break for school kids.

A lot of people have asked me what I'm most excited about. To be honest, I'm not sure. I think the place I look forward to the most is the Vatican. I learned we can hike to the very top of the dome and look out over the entire city. I'm counting on that being a breath-taking, once in a lifetime experience.

I plan to post while I'm there and keep a travel journal. I'll try and post pictures when I write as well. Until next time, arrivederci!