No Hang ups. . . . . . . . .

It's that time again and today I'm doing the packing dry run.

Packing  - always a pain.

 'Crossing the pond' time - full of expectations.

Off soon on a journey to new places - exciting.

HERE is where we're headed on Tuesday.

I didn't get the portable clothes rack (above) out for organizing my wardrobe

for this trip. I usually do that as many of you know, however this time, because 
we'll be on an expedition ship and no formal attire is required, packing
 is somewhat easier. Also, the weather should be close to perfect - visiting
 Sicily and Malta in May sounds like the best time of the year with temperatures
 in the low 70's and very little rain. Hopefully this means light clothing 
and layering should work.
Hooray!
It will be a long journey to get to the ship in Naples. . . . . . . . . .
. . . . . . I just know I'll be ready to be rocked to sleep that first night
on the water. That reminds me - I need to pack pj's. . . . . . . . . also
go to a birthday party this afternoon, transplant some cucumber plants,
 feed the birds, make soup, clean out the 'frig, get a manicure/pedicure. . . . . 
. . . . . . . . . . and just a whole list of other things which require attention
 this busy weekend before we lock the doors and head to the airport.

Enjoy your weekend dear friends.

It's in the bag. . . . . . . . . . .

. . . . . . and these few items still on hangers that aren't packed will be 
keeping me comfy as once again I cross the pond tonight!
This is our third trip to Europe this year so will have spent time in Spring, Summer
 and now Autumn - each season bringing its particular beauty and weather. 

 BTW, the vintage blouse doesn't go - it's just the guest room window decoration.

Below is a map of the upcoming trip, We will be traveling the entire 
length of France with our usual group of wonderful friends
 Transportation will be on two river boats, the first one Paris and 
north to Normandy, second one from Dijon - mustard anyone? - then south to 
Provence. Connecting the two boat cruises we'll be taken by the high speed
TGV train from Paris to Dijon.
Sounds like rather a lot of unpacking and packing that bulging suitcase,
 but also some wonderful places to see along the waterways of the Seine,
 Saône and Rhône rivers.

Our trip doesn't end when we disembark in Arles. 
Bob and I will be taking a train westward to meet my brother and sister-in-law
who live in the vineyards corn merchant's house in a tiny Languedoc village 
near the historic walled city of Carcassonne. 

Early morning at my brother's house - Caunes Abbey in the background - 2008

Last there in Autumn 2008, we know what to expect. . . . . . all of it colorful,
 pastoral, historic and relaxing, with good food and excellent Languedoc wines.
 After visiting for a few days, the four of us take a train to Spain where we'll enjoy
 a few days in Barcelona, olé!

Will try to post along the way and share Autumn scenes from these lovely places.