July 2008

I looked at the clock this morning, did a little math and realized that this time two weeks from now, Paula and I will be at the docks and boarding the Serena! And then, being me, I thought "I need to start making a list!" Thanks to everyone who has offered packing tips and tricks. I will do my best, but this will be the challenge of all challenges to pack "light." (I'm not sure that sentence has ever been uttered much less accomplished in my vocabulary.)

Paula may shoot me for this, but I thought it would be fun to upload a couple of our back in the day Midway College pics to kick off the trip. Awesome memories as we get ready to write a whole new chapter!

Greetings! It's been suggested by a few friends that I create a blog for my upcoming adventure, so here I am! (Sheri, be proud. I did it all by myself...)

Here's the plan: On August 7, 2008, I will be journeying to Brussels to meet up with Paula, one of my best gals from our college days. I've mentioned to Paula that I'll be creating a blog to capture our experiences, and she thinks it is a brilliant idea, as long as I manage it. Be careful what you ask for, dear girl.

From Brussels, we will fly to Venice to spend a day or so before boarding Costa Serena for a 7-day Mediterranean cruise. It will take us to Bari (Italy), Greece, Turkey and Croatia.

Once we arrive back in Venice, it's off to London for three days where Paula's cousin, Gabie, has graciously offered her hospitality. After years of friendship, I am thrilled to be meeting the Calamatta family! From London, we head to Malta, Paula's home, to visit with more family and have more adventures! I cannot wait to see in person what looks to be a historical paradise. I know I will be overwhelmed with the richness of culture, history and overall experiences of my first European trip. Hopefully, I will be able to do it justice here as I complete the journey...