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A few people have asked if I am nervous or scared of travel to a foreign county alone.  I admit, I am somewhat anxious – mostly about the financial aspects of it – but I like challenges and the unknown aspects of life.  There always seems to be an amazing something around the corner. My ten years in Italy and friends who are still there make a difference.

Others have asked what I hope to learn or achieve with such a trip.  That takes more thought – in fact, having time to think and reflect is a major plus of this “sabbatical” time. This is truly the first time I have had  without an unfinished project, family need, work issue, or goal I was working toward waiting for me upon return.   I do hope to improve my Italian, meet interesting people, take the road less travelled by train and bus, and restore my soul and spirituality. Time to breathe, think, walk, read and travel is a true gift to myself.

What I have learned so far:

Follow your dreams.  Make it happen!

The last week or two before leaving your comfortable home,  family and friends may be the hardest. 

I have developed a working budget for this trip. Lodging, food, transportation are big items.  I am most fortunate to be staying at a friend’s home for a good bit of my Italian adventure and working out of it.  I really splurged with a week-long, all- inclusive stone carving class - deciding you should not economize on special events or opportunities that come your way.  It has also been on my bucket list for 15 or so years!

Lack of a visa is sending me to Scotland for almost 3 months.  I have visited in the wonderful highlands of Scotland before and lucked up renting the house of a friend’s daughter again for almost the whole duration.  Train and bus travel is easy from there and I will jump over to England for a couple of weeks. This really gives my 6 month trip variety.

I am only renting a car when I first arrive in Italy. Rick Steves suggested a consolidator, such as Auto Europe.  You have a choice of any major rental company at a much better rate.

Extra Health and medical evacuation insurance is not as expensive as you think.  I used Allianze and am paying $65 for a good policy.

Am finding wonderful  free apps that I will mention as I travel.  One of the best is Rome2Rio.  It is for any country and gives you options for getting around anywhere. Say , Aviano to Verona or even Boston to Quincy, Mass.  This app gives you several ways to get there with costs. One of the joys of this trip is that I do not have a clue where I may be going in August.  I am now spending time looking at areas I do not know or places I have not been.

I move out June 1, leave the Fairhope area around June 7, and leave Atlanta on June 11 to fly non-stop to Venice!  Then the adventure really begins!  The next post will be from Italy.