Planning is half the fun

Linda, Helen and Tamara are off to Greece

I've been planning my trip to Greece for a year now and the date is rapidly approaching. Helen, Tamra and I will be leaving Lewiston on Wednesday morning at 6 am. The money has been wired, the tickets in hand... and the bags are packed.

For many, the planning and anticipation, for a trip is just as much fun as the trip itself. If you're like me, I've had a trip to Europe on my list of to do things for most of my life. It has always been way on the back burner while I've been raising children, working, teaching and just paying the bills. Last summer when Helen was first talking about a group trip to Greece it just seemed like the whole thing could really happen. Then the financial crisis began. The cost began to rise with all of the possible vacationers Helen said would join us disappeared. Tamra and I decided to take the leap anyway. We both got tickets and started putting the funds away. Corrie and I first thought we'd do the tour together. Corrie loves to bike and tours are the perfect vacation for us. Corrie is not a happy traveler. I'm sure it's got to do with all the details, "shopping", hiking to ruins that he doesn't enjoy at all, plus our plans looked like our miles would be pretty low. We talked about the trip and I had pretty much said we just couldn't afford the cost for us both to go. It looked like at least $5000 each... that was last fall! Corrie asked me" would you be disappointed, it you didn't go?" I thought about this and contemplated all the problems I would have to deal with; cost, not having Corrie with me to share this experience, my mother, work, and just the whole idea of living in a foreign country for a month. I thought for quite awhile but I answered yes, I probably would have felt regret if I didn't go. So, from then on he was supportive and encouraging... To have a husband that is supportive and understanding of his wife's personal dreams is the core of a happy, successful marriage.

The planning has been fun. Helen has been working with Yorgous, our guide, planning the itinerary and details. Yorgos is a native Greek who has been a tour guide for several years. Helen has claimed he is the best. She has been on several European bike tours with this company and says we have nothing to worry about.  Greece has been her favorite tour and the safest.

I've been searching the web for Greek travel sites and pictures. Helen gave me a Greek language tape for Christmas, so I could get a few phrases under my belt. We've all had the high school language class experience so you can imagine how little I've mastered, but at least I've got yes, no, excuse me sir, please and thankyou down.

I've been packing and unpacking now for weeks. Helen insists on keeping our luggage to only 1 bag and a backpack carry on. This wasn't too hard for me as I tend to pack light anyway. Picking the right 4 tops and bottoms plus deciding what is essential and what can pass has been a challenge. No long pants for me, a skinny book and sudoku, minimal toiletries and the hardest of all, Helen says leave the purse at home!! Impossible I say. Easy for pick pickpockets she says. A money belt close to your body at all times is all you need and pockets. I have compromised in taking a small bag for just a few things that if lost will not cause any problem.

Really Easy Baklava

Saturday I invited some friends over for a bike ride and a greek breakfast afterwards. It was fun. I found some wonderful Greek yougurt at Rosaurs which I served with fruit and nuts along with bread and cheese and my home made baklava. Helen said it was wonderful, very authentic. Helen brought over a CD of Greek music which added the proper atmosphere. I tried to get the group to do a little greek dancing but I guess we needed an authentic greek to make this work.

Ready or not here I go. I hope I can figure out the internet over seas. I'm sure blogging will help me connect with home and family.