We're Off!

It is finally here - departure day! I'm not sure what will happen to the counter at the side once we have left but I can deal with that when I run into an internet cafe somewhere.

The airways transit shuttle service picks us up at 4:30. This seems ridiculously early for an 8:30 flight but who am I to quibble. I just want to get to the flipping airport! If we have two hours during which to lounge about the Air Canada lounge at least we will be comfortable!

I booked our flights on Orbitz back in February. The tickets cost about $ 1300 each including all taxes and surcharges at the time. The cost was less than when we flew to Rome last but more than what other flights were going for. However, it was an open jaw ticket with the times we wanted so I went for it. Sometimes you have to pay more to get the convenience that you want.

Arrival in Turin:

Air Canada 890

Depart:	8:25pm evening	Toronto, Canada Toronto Pearson International (YYZ)
Arrive:	11:00am morning	Rome, Italy Rome Intercontinental Airport Leonardo da Vinci (FCO)

Change planes. Time between flights: 2hr 20min

Alitalia 1417

Depart:	1:20pm afternoon	Rome, Italy Rome Intercontinental Airport Leonardo da Vinci (FCO)
Arrive:	2:35pm afternoon	Turin, Italy Turin Citta Di Torino (TRN)

Total duration: 12hr 10min | Total miles: 4743 miles.

We return from Florence on June first routed through Munich.

Incidentally - the same ticket on orbitz right now is now about $ 1900. OUCH

A few days ago I posted about packing lightly (not something I adhere to at all!). I defy anyone to fit all of this into a carry on:

You'll notice Victor sound asleep on a freshly dry cleaned shirt (one he later vomited on, ARGH). Heck - just my shoes alone would fill a carry on (running shoes, sandals, dress shoes, casual walking shoes). Add to that 2 pairs of jeans, cords, casual pants, dress pants, 2 shorts, bathing suits and on and on and you'll get the picture.

Just packing the empty wine carriers (soon to be full of lovely brunellos and barolos) took up half of the space in our luggage.

Everything has wheels so we will be fine. Of course, the only challenge will be fitting it all into the rental car. :-)

I am a bit out of sorts. I have about 9 hours to go and little to occupy my time. I am too organized and requires some sort of major panic attack before it feels like we're going away.

I will be blogging from the road whenever I can find an Internet cafe or if my iTouch can pick up on a wireless signal. I've put together a bunch of 'canned posts' to fill in the spaces when I can't find a connection. I don't have a clue how to manage photos though - i have brought just about every cable I own so hopefully something will work.

See you soon!

Comments

[Deborah]

The pile of packing is impressive. BUT, what catches my eye is that gorgeous 1940s style dresser in the background.

[Deb R]

Oh don't forget....have a great time!

[Jerry]

Deborah - you are good. It is a beautiful dresser in a art deco style - unusual for the 1940s. I believe it was from 1946.

When I first moved out I furnished the house in antiques with a bit of modern pieces mixed in. I like the combination of the old and the new. Funny how the old seems to last far longer than the new! *smile*

[Jerry]

Thanks deb - I can always use a reminder about that! LOL

[Kayte]

Have a great and safe trip...we will all be waiting for the posts and photos! Mark and Matt went last year for 11 days and saw some of the same sights...they really really want to go back and are looking forward to your photos and posts. Matt sang with a choir and Mark went as a chaperone...a great way to see Italy...singing along the way! Wishes for a wonderful trip from all four of us!

[Eden]

Have a great time! Who will take care of the cats?

[Marta]

Have a wonderful trip. I'm looking forward to reading your posts. Spring in Italy!

[Jerry]

Thanks Kayte - I don't know if I can figure out how to do photos while in Italy. If not they will come later! LOL I'm somewhat challenged by technology.

Eden - we have a variety of cat sitters taking care of them. We are lucky to have so many wonderful folks nearby just jumping for a hcnace to help out!

Thanks Marta!

[Barb Cabot]

Jerry and Paul, Have a wonderful trip!Take us with you in your hearts and blog when time permits. Have fun!

[Palma]

Buon viaggio, Bro! Enjoy Torino, Acqui Terme and Lucca. See you in Montisi!

[girasoli]

I wonder also what will happen to your counter? Maybe fireworks will go off :)

Have fun with your new camera! If you figure out how to download photos, let us know the trick. I have yet to figure that out either.

Buon Viaggio!!

[Laura]

Wishing you a great trip. Eat well!

[sandrac]

Have a fabulous time, Jerry. I'll be watching your blog for stories and art!

[Jerry]

Barb - we shall!

Palma - we're looking forward to seeing you again in a few weeks!

The fireworks will go off in my head I think Susan!

Thanks Laura - I hope when I return you're feeling better!

Thanks Sandra - lots of art and wine is my goal!

[Sheena Engelhart]

Jerry & Paul have a wonderful time - although I do worry about that little group getting together in Montisi.... sounds like sure fire trouble to me!

Your counter still hasn't reached zero - but at a bit over 3 hours to go I am sure you must be at the airport. Safe flight!

[sandi @ the whistlestop cafe]

The counter is now at a +4. I will keep watching it for ME.
Bathing Suit?? I'll see if I can squeeze in a teensy one.
A Presto!

[Barb Cabot]

Woke up this morning and thought of you. Now the counter says zero days, hours, minutes. I'm thinking you're there! This is EXCITING!