Go with the Flow

We've been working on a deadline here and sweating every detail, painstakingly gathering reams of information from books and the web to comparison shop. We pour over intricacies of rail line schedules and flight deals, debate the best routes and sights. That's right: it's travel time!

It's fair to say the decision of when and where was accidental. The timing was in consideration of his office and responsibilities there; and the where happened when I noticed European travel was very reasonable while searching for trips to Hawaii.

Once a BIG trip was decided, we first considered a Mediterranean cruise, easiest in terms of maneuverability and comfort. The ship would slide us in and out of ports with day trips. That was all well and good until we realized we'd never actually see Italy or France or be able to wander back streets and shake hands with the good people while leisurely sipping on their world-famous cappuccinos. So that was out.

We then explored an organized tour, one of those eight hotels in twelve days deals and a chop-chop-chop schedule. Although the trip solved the travel and accommodations issue, we didn't want to face being whisked away from the Sistine Chapel for a rigid schedule. So sorry, but no.

We hadn't seriously considered planning our own trip (language barrier, inexperience, etc.) until we had dinner with Jim and Pam who recently traveled to Italy on their own, planned their schedule and even drove a rental car like Italian crazies. By the end of the evening, we were not only convinced we could do it but have a wonderful time in the process.

They've been right so far. This is where logistics intersects with an open travel plan. I'm not exactly the fbtsoyp* kind of traveler, but it's worth a shot. And he has acquiesced to my need for some pre-arrangements so the bones of the trip are in place.

It has been a blast building such a romantic trip together and working in plenty of freedom to use public transportation everywhere and travel throughout Italy by Eurail. Heck, the schedule has even allowed us to wiggle in days in London and Paris. What do you think about that?

So what if we miss a sight or two along the way, just so we gain some lingering mid-days of people-watching and savoring the time together. And for me, the best sight of all will be watching his face discover what the two of us find.

*fly by the seat of your pants