Footwear Part II

The shoes that I bought recently, the ones that are giving me blisters, are still going to make the cut when I downsize my luggage by half (something I always do toward the end of my packing process). I figure some blister blockers should make them usable. However, the quest for the comfortable sandal option has proven to be a bit tricky. Attractive sandal options out there? Yes. Comfortable sandal options out there? Fewer, but yes. Attractive and comfortable sandal options? Difficult to find.

Here is a pair that I found first at Macy's for a pretty penny, then and DSW for a reduced price, then at TJ Maxx for a deep discount. Cute little sandals and quite comfy too. Excellent.

Then here's an option I stumbled on today. They're very comfortable and reasonably attractive. A little pricey for my pocket, even on sale. We'll see.

How many pairs of shoes am I going to bring? No idea.

Pack light!
Pack light?
Yes, pack light!
It's really hard for some of us though.

Icelandair: Humphrey

Icelandair (our airline) is handled by Sun Country and is located in the Humphrey terminal, not Lindbergh (the main terminal). It will be nice flying out of this one because it's smaller and not as hectic (read: easier for us to gather, harder for us to lose one of our group members). Usually the security checkpoints are shorter as well. Now, that being said if a whole bunch of people happen to be flying Southwest or Sun Country, it will be one crowded little airport lobby.

Mrs. Cardona's New Obsession

So I just discovered this site ielanguages and I might be playing around on this for next next few hours. I love languages and I'm rusty when it comes to French pronunciation, so this is exciting stuff. Go check it out!

Down at the bottom of my blog's main page, I have posted a list of common/helpful phrases for you.

Assignment

Your first big blog assignment is as follows:

1. Write a list by Tuesday, May 25: Top 5 Things I'm Looking Forward to in Europe
2. Explain each one with a bit more than a sentence or two. Let's hear your voice!
3. Include at least one image.
4. Include at least two links.
5. Check out everyone else's blogs. Read them and comment on at least three of them by our next meeting.

I'll see you at the last meeting before the trip:
Tuesday, June 1

Footwear?

J-41 shoes. Adventure on!

Picked up these shoes at DSW for the trip (and for regular use) and after I break them in a bit they should be pretty comfy. Still looking for a more sandaly option. Ok, let's be honest, I have plenty of shoes that could work but I'm using this as an excuse to get new shoes... Guilty.

So I'm in the process of breaking in these bad boys and while they're supportive and cushy on the bottom, they're eating away at my heels and the cris-cross action is a little on the tight side for my thick little feet. 

Meeting on Tuesday!!

Well, first things first, you must be there.

Now that we've got that out of the way, here's what we're doing on Tuesday:

• Discuss Bill Bryson pieces
• Share other travel writing excerpts you found as well as any other excerpts you found
• Share French/Italian phrases and cultural details
• Review the packing list (you pack it, you schlepp it)
• Other reminders
• Bond, of course

Optional Excursions

Tivoli Fountain & Gardens (Rome)

Windsor Castle (London)

Don't forget that you have this option...

If you haven't already signed up, but you're itching to go 

call the folks over at Explorica 1.888.310.7121. 

Make sure they sign you up for the correct excursions!

Remember that you may also choose to go on the day of, 

but you will have to pay cash and it will likely cost a bit more.

Also, keep in mind the already hectic pace of out tour...

You may not mind having the afternoon free to people watch
in a plaza over a scoop of fudge gelato...I'm just sayin.

A Departure from the Norm

Ms. Decker wrote up a nice little reminder about our next steps. I won't reiterate everything she said, but put together your blog and get excited! Start compiling travel writing and culture facts about the places we'll be visiting. Chat each other up about what you want to see and do. Write about what you want to see and do. And for the love of sunshine, please give me those student info packets!!

Next meeting for students: Tuesday, May 18th 2:30 in C114.

Please come. Consider that we're people you will be traveling with. You want us all to believe that you can remember times and places for meeting and that you can follow through and show up...right? Yes. Good.