Maybe there will be a person or family who will duplicate our trip and care about how to do this. I'm going to write this for my own sake- un-tested of course until we are there and actually traveling. This sysptem may not make much practical sense once we are there.
Several people have asked, "How are you packing for 5 people for 8 weeks?" Assuming about 40-50 degree weather, everyone is taking:
3 sets silk long johns
4 long sleeve shirts (2 turtlenecks)
3 short sleeve shirts/dresses
4 dark colored bottoms.
8 undies
8 prs of socks
3 prs of shoes (waterproof hikers, crocs and walking shoes)
2 pajamas- 1 warm, 1 cool
Outer waterproof coat w/fleece zipout lining
Our carry-ons include the computer, camera, ipods, hand held games, a travel blanket, school work and handwork.
Now- the variable I'm struggling with is BOOKS! How many? Which ones? There are unlimited choices and the need for reference and interpretation into English is well, unknown. Eight weeks of reading is easily 50lbs for me. The choice will be made Saturday a.m. when time runs out.
The house has been another daunting project. Getting Grandpa ready to steer the ship alone requires constant anticipation.
Then there is this resentment building. I'm leaving my safe little circles of community- family, school, church. Places where I can debrief and laugh with others about the antics of our lives.
I don't look forward to the isolation and the communication barrier. I'll be very motivated to find at least the mama phrases in Italian "How old is your child?" "Do you have other children?" "What did your child do that made you laugh today?"
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