am i insane?
Wasn’t there a book, diary of a mad housewife?
Now there is a blogg, I think I went insane when it turned 50
You get your aarp card and things change
- you become invisible (this is an entirely separate topic)
women of a “certain age” will know what I am talking about
no longer do married men bother you, YEAH
but cashiers in stores don’t see you and ask the person behind you if they can help
try to pay for something when there is not a “check out” and let me know what happens
thank goodness for the automated check out lines at home depot.
2. life changed and suddenly time felt short, the term “short timer” comes into your vocabulary
So with aarp card in hand I now make spur of the moment decisions.
Motto: if it does not work out MONEY will solve the problem and get you back to your safe room in Atlanta, NJ or thanks to Jimmy a room at the beach. Life is really good, just ignore the bad stuff
So I am going “home to Italy” as I have for the past 5 springs. The excuse has been the Remax convention but it has turned into a real and physical invisible draw to go back to a place where you can just “live” Last year I passed as an Italian if I did not speak and even then tourists thought I was an expat!
But this year I am combining adventures.
Have always wanted to take a freighter trip but since pirates have NOW gotten in my way, I am trying a repositioning cruise.
Ships go in the spring from the USA to Europe and beyond for the summer season. They will come back for the winter cruises in the Caribbean.
Along with the poor economy the cost to go “over” was no more than a business class ticket, I think even less. Room, board (24 hrs a day)
Entertainment and transportation all rolled into one.
So NOW I will be traveling with 3,000 of my new best friends from Florida to Rome with a few quick stops in Spain, France, Morocco, Portugal and parts of Italy I have not visited.
Yes, what if I hate it. Have already received “permission” to jump ship early if I want to.
So with debit card in hand a leave for the Atlanta Airport. Realized I had not flow in a year!
The cab fares are double, Delta wanted money to check my bag and with any luck it will arrive when I do.
Actually I am going a day early because as a professional worrier, if the bag is lost I can do 5 hrs of panic shopping OR I spend 3 weeks in the same t shirt.
My new life as a travel researcher begins:
What will it be like with 2999 cruising passengers? Those that dress for dinner? Those that bring jewelry for each outfit? Will it be warm enough to go outside once we are in the MIDDLE OF THE OCEAN>
Any family member not bored already that they hit the delete key will know my first trip to Italia was by ship. Left for a semester in Italy on the Michelangelo! 8 days of BLACK WATER, NOTHING TO SEE AND THE BIGGEST DAMM WAVES YOU HAVE EVER SEEN.
Yes I was sea sick the first day but now they have wrist bands that “prevent this” we will see.
Hope there are some Italians on the ship. Would like to practice before I arrive. Last year in Sorrento my skills went from the level of a 3 year old to a 5 year old. But I was able to travel, living in an apt., shop etc for 90 days with only some problems.
Want to thank those that wished me bon v. Before I left. Buon Viaggio in our language. My aunt (zia) actually called to see if I got up in time!
Sorrella Carol emailed at 5:30! Who is up at 5:30????
If any of il familia are reading this, call Nancy. See if she is taking her medicine, even if it does cost $200.00, and getting any better.
If you all call we can nag her mercilessly. A family trait we are very good at….
So on to the next legof the adventure.
Check in at www.HomeToItaly.com for more writing about nothing.
Will not be online until 5/7 since they charge $30.00 an hour for the internet. Will look for carrier pigeons.
A presto.
Leah