Literally, as you read this, I will be in the process of boarding a plane – a big plane in New York City at JFK – for a six-hour flight to Paris, then a two-hour layover at Charles
DE Gaulle airport and then on to Florence, Italy.
Never having been before, I asked a lot of people for advice.
Here is some of it:
A good thing to bring is your one-of-a-kind jean jackets that you sell – it’ll keep you warm and who knows? You might even make a few sales.
For G-d sakes, don’t wear your ridiculous unitards – you can’t be getting totally undressed every time you have to pee.
Don’t forget your passport. And compression socks for the plane.
Eat gelato.
Buy a sling for your feet to use during the flight.
Pack lightly and you won’t regret it, but carry with you a small tooth brush and tooth paste.
Must take this book along to read: Nobody Will Tell You This But Me by Bess Kalb.
You must have a fanny pack.
You must have an adapter.
Forgot the baseball caps and yoga pants – Italian ladies look like ladies – dress accordingly for once.
Keep a journal.
Bring a scarf, rain jacket, bathing suit and pashmina.
No unitards, please. Geez.
Buy tubes to pack your clothes in.
Remember to pack lotion for your hands, an eye mask (I have a great one for you), a neck pillow and sunscreen. And fuzzy socks for the plane.
Wear skorts for travel.
Forget the heels – too many cobblestones.
Check out the high and low temperatures of each place you’re going and dress appropriately.
Wear a cross body purse and a fanny pack.
Get your Euros early from your bank.
You didn’t need another Covid vax four days before your trip – that was stupid – of course you got a reaction.
Pack a light wrap for evening.
Eat gelato.
Lose those ridiculous unitards you insist on wearing – public bathroom are really small in Europe – you can’t be undressing!
Wear your gym shoes on the plane because they take up a lot of room in your suitcase.
Order risotto – even better than pasta. And, oy, yes, gelato!
Apply the 5-4-3-2-1 rule – 5 tops, 4 slacks, 3 dresses, 2 purses 1 sweater.
Try wild boar, it’s delicious.
Sleep is important. Take Ambien on the plane.
Xanax works wonders if you want to avoid jet lag. Take it right after dinner on the way to Europe. Works even better with a glass of wine.
Have to get in your 40 winks on the flight? Take Z Quill.
If you wanna sleep, take Melatonin.
Eat gelato – whether you want to sleep or not.
Leave your AmEx card at home – Master and Visa card only and let them know you will be in Europe.
Get an international phone plan for the time you will be traveling.
Practice up on haggling. Practice some more.
Carry your Cincinnati Reds backpack – you’ll be a magnet for everyone from the State of Ohio traveling in Italy.
Please, please leave your Cincinnati Reds backpack at home – honestly, you look like an idiot carrying it.
Buy leather goods. Lots of leather goods.
Ship home the fabulous balsamic vinegar, oils jams and condiments.
Check out Rick Steve’s guide books – his free audio tours are fabulous.
Watch “Tea with Mussolini” – on DVD – before you leave.
Eat Gelato.
Sip the luscious wines and eat the amazing food while you are there – forget the scale for once.
I realize as I get ready for my first foray to Italy, that I am so fortunate to have so many people – friends and relatives – looking out for my welfare. I no longer have my mom, but in her place, I have a friend (Lynne Billing) who not only coordinated my wardrobe, but packed for me and Harry’s girlfriend Jen, who brought over a whole care package of stuff. And Margie who spoke with me in detail for over an hour about my upcoming foray. Plus, I received a constant stream of words of advice from my little sister!
I am truly blessed.
So thankful for real friends and relatives who always help me to Keep Preserving My Bloom,
Iris Ruth Pastor