# 27
  .  .  .  and beyond  

Plans

Back in January Mike and I, and Mr. and Mrs. G, friends that went cruising with us in April, booked a Mediterranean cruise for the end of September.  August was going by so quickly and it was almost time to start the suitcase dance.  What will fit where?  How many outfits? Am I taking too many pairs of shoes?  Which swimsuit looks better wet?  This was going to be a much longer cruise and we planned to stay an extra week and visit family in Italy, so packing for a 3 week stay was a bit tricky. October in Italy can be cool or really hot.  Mixed weather makes for a lot of clothes.

Two of our suitcases had been ruined on our way home from the Caribbean cruise in April, so we went out and looked for a couple of decent (not huge) pieces for our 11 day cruise.  We actually got a really good deal on two pieces of Swiss Gear soft sided luggage at Winners.  I wouldn't have thought of going there except that Mrs. G had just bought a new travel piece there herself. Thanks girlfriend.

Our flight was leaving Toronto at 6:30 so we needed to be at the airport before 3.  That meant leaving home before 11 so we could get to Park and Fly and take the shuttle to the airport. It was coming up fast.  We were actually "Getting Excited" to start the trip!