Travel Tips and T's Troubles
March 11, 2012

It's March 11.  In my head, I'm leaving for Belgium in about five or six weeks.  Loads of time, right?  Of course it is.  Except, I'm leaving in two weeks.  TWO WEEKS!  How is this even possible?  Two weeks?  I think I could be in some trouble here.  There's far, far too much to do and a whole lot to get sorted out.  Wow.  Two weeks.

True to my warped psyche, I have many moments of interal freaking out, thinking 'What in the heck am I doing?'  But, it's too late to turn back and so I must press forward.  I actually started a list - I'm on page two already! - but I think I will feel better when I start crossing some of the to-do's off the list.  This upcoming week needs to be highly productive because I don't want to be running like a chicken in the two days before I go.  That would just stress me out more.  So, in line with that, I'm putting the call out for travel tips.  Essential things to bring, ways to pack lightly, smart behaviour and practicality.  Believe it or not, despite my rambling, I am pretty clear-headed with this stuff, but I'm sure some of you have some great ideas that I haven't encountered before.  So?  Anyone?  (Buehler, Buehler?  Class?  Anyone?)  Yes, yes, another movie quote.  LOL.  And no, I don't mean Urs Buhler.  :P

So, photocopy all important documents (IE: passport, credit cards, insurance cards) and leave a copy with someone and bring a copy with me; just in case I'm pick-pocketed or robbed.   Speaking of that, I know there a lot of pick pockets in Europe.  Aside from the usual - be alert and don't go to shady areas after dark - any tips for ensuring that I'm not a victim?  I've heard people going to extremes and wearing a money belt, etc. etc.  I'm not prepared to do that.  Forget it.  I'm not turning my back and rummaging around under my shirt if I want to buy a bottle of water!  Can you imagine?  LOL.  What's WRONG with that woman?  hehe 

What else?  Four pairs of jeans is enough, si?  One pair of black trousers.  One black skirt.  Divo dress.  A fresh shirt for each day.  And maybe a spare or two.  2 cardigans.  2 pj's.  Let's not go to the unmentionables, because Papa Fred reads, but obviously I'm bringing unmentionables.  :P   Then there's the jacket issues.  And the shoes.  Always the shoes.  Still I'm in a quandry about the shoes.  Sigh.    I'll keep you posted how I work that out.     So, anyhow, that's enough clothes right?  Not too many, but just the right amount for a 10 day trip?  I think so.  And it covers all possible events that I may need to attend.  Events?  LOL.  I didn't know I was attending events, but I guess I am.  Every day is an event, right?  :)))) 

Now, my troubles.  I'm concerned.  I have a problem with my pelvis/hip.  Its a chronic injury.  Both are rotated, which sets off a bunch of other problems I won't bore you with.  Usually it's managable and it's been okay for a while now, with regular maintenance at the orthopedic doctor who has really been helping me.  Except, I've done something to myself this week - not sure what and either is the doc - and I'm completely freaking out because I am totally crippled up.  I have to be able to walk - lots - by the time I leave or what will have been the point of going all the way over there.  Imagine, sitting alone in my B&B thinking.....I can't go out because I can't walk more than two blocks before I'm crying in pain?  (Yes, it is that painful sometimes.)  How depressing, right?  So, the doc has been awesome, but fixing it means other stuff hurts while my body adjusts.  Ugh.  Its' so frustrating and becoming worrisome.   And it also plays into the shoe issue, because obviously anything uncomfortable (and nice looking) is probably out of the question to ensure I am as mobile as I can be.  So.......   I'm just moaning about this, I don't expect anyone to fix it.  But it's weighing on my mind.  It could be tricky getting around and since I'm not an elderly grandmother I don't want to be walking like one.   You know, there's probably some elderly grandmother's who are far more mobile than I am at the moment.  Wow.   

Okay, moan, moan, moan.  Enough.  It is what it is; I have to deal with it as best I can.   I must start blogging more as we draw closer to departure, but I really dont' know what to blog about.  LOL.  You wouldn't think that wasn't possible given how much I ramble, but.....*giggle*.  

So, in parting, I leave you with this.  A friend brought this back from Jamaica for me.  Isn't he hysterical?   Maybe I should throw him my bag for moments when I need a chuckle (and am crying in the public toilet :P)   Maybe I need to throw Carlos in my bag instead.  He might provide a little more courage than Mr. Rasafarian.  :P

Till next time, Brew-Meisters.

T.
xx