I Am a Traveler - Off to Northern Europe

     A while ago I read a CNN report that said "experiences" make people happier than possessions because they create memories that remain with you long after the event has occurred.  Experiences connect you to people and create a sense of being alive.  Maybe that is why we always look forward to an opportunity to experience a new place through travel.

     In a couple of days we will take off, via British Airways, for a short trip to Northern Europe.  School is back in session so the sites should not be as crowded; we are into the shoulder month of summer so the climate should be less intense.

     We have arranged our trip through Untours, an organization that provides apartment rentals in neighborhood locations, local transportation and a local support contact. Other than that we will be independent travelers.  Untours was founded by Hal Taussig who believed that Americans would benefit from experiencing the cultures of other countries by living up close and personal with the people. Almost all of their profits go to the Untours Foundation, whose motto is "a hand UP not a hand Out," which provides low interest loans to people and businesses throughout the world, helping create work, housing and fair trade.  They have Untour destinations in various countries.  Italy is always the destination of my heart, but Jay has convinced me that there is actually more to the world than Italy (really??) and we should venture forth.  This time we are visiting two countries that are new to us...spending 1 week in Leiden, Holland, a university town outside of Amsterdam, and a second week in St. Goar, Germany on the Rhine River.

So now I am in the throes of last minute details:
Packing:
We have always traveled "light" but this time we are attempting to have only carry-on luggage.  Two weeks of essentials contained in one size-specific rolling suitcase.  We will navigating on and off trains and will need to be agile!  We have decorated our suitcases so they are distinctive and easy to identify...and who would wander off with one of these by mistake?

Suitcases

Closing up the house:
Set up the sprinkler syster...check, stop the newspapers and mail...check, notify neighbors to retrieve any newspapers and mail that is still delivered...check, empty the refrigerator...check, pay bills...check.  We travel often enough that this aspect is a matter of routine.


Setting up Emergency Information:
This last task is always sobering for me.  I go through the Emergency Folder that is to be opened by my son "only in case something happens to us while we are gone."  This is always a reminder to me that this life is temporary and someday will end.  Have I told everyone I love how much I appreciate them in my life?  Do I have any "unfinished business" to resolve?  This last task usually results in a flurry of phone calls to my sons, who listen patiently, probably rolling their eyes in the process, and responding with, "I love you too, Mom...have a great trip!"
Auf Wiedersehen!