It's Not As Easy As You Think

Delighted to get my renewed American passport in the mail!

Passport Renewed!

My next trip to France is coming up in exactly one month from today.  In a bold self-affirming move, I am taking spring term off from PCC. I will continue tutoring private students and  teach my French Book Club Class.  Also on the menu  for spring is a French Cooking Class chez moi. Date to be announced.

You may think traveling must be a breeze for me since I do it so often. Non, non, et non!  I just spent at least six hours online arranging my next flight to Paris this summer.  Indecision and pickiness plagued me. I want a reasonable fare in a comfortable duration of time with a not too early  morning departure.  What!  Ce n'est pas possible! Actually, it is not. I finally made peace with the ungodly early departure time and the not quite such a bargain fare. Oh, I forgot to mention that I also want to earn air miles.

Well, it's done now.  The next steps will be car and hotel rental and purchasing train tickets before I can finally arrive at our beloved home in Monflanquin. You know what they say. The joy is in the journey. At least, I tell myself that.

As I write this pre-trip blog, I am going to share my pre-trip anxieties and pass along any tips that  help me and might help others who struggle with the pre-trip jitters and the myriad of details necessary to leave husband, home, and dog in a somewhat sane state of mind.

Tip #1: At least a month before a trip, take a clothing inventory.  Have I gained weight? Yes! :(  My favorite jean skirt no longer fits.  My body seems to have read the article on what to expect during menopause and  followed all the unwanted changes exactly.  Time to make a few new purchases of roomier basic clothing items. If anyone wants details, I am happy to share. In the meantime,  my foot size remains a diminutive six or six and a half worthy of rejoicing.

More later. Would love to hear any tips you might have about clothing and packing. I allow myself only a carry on no matter how long the trip so it is always a challenge.