A grandmother is a mother who has a second chance

Friday, March 13, 2009

And off we go

Tomorrow Ed and I head to Portugal for 17 days. Neither of us has been there before. We're both really excited - although he's getting stressed out about leaving his business behind for that long. He'll get over it.

Ed is Portuguese and his grandparents came from Madeira. So we'll spend five days there and try to find some of the towns his family came from. Plus I plan to eat a lot of seafood and perhaps partake in some local wines!

I have been making lists for the past month of all the things we need to get done before we head out and all but the last minute items (checking in on airlines, turn off computer, etc.) are done. So that's good. Since we're changing planes along the way, we'll carry on our luggage which leads to a whole set of complications in packing and in putting all of my terribly dangerous cosmetics and hair products into a quart-sized bag. The first time we went to Italy, my daughter bought me a journal which I kept in my purse and would write in it several times throughout the day. It's amazing how quickly you can forget what you've done, where you ate, etc. and I love having the journal to read later - it brings back all the memories that tend to get jumbled together after a vacation. I also have to pack my little travel gnome (another gift from Jenni) so I can take photos of him in various places. Yes, I know I'm a dork - it's been pointed out several times.

Hopefully we'll have internet access so we can post some photos and I can share any good Ed stories. I'm sure he'll do one or two things that are blog-worthy. He usually does.

5 comments:

ba and the boys said...

im so excited for you guys! i cant wait to see photos of all the seafood you ate!
be safe!

Frequent Traveler said...

Sandi,
It is impressive how organized you are in your planning ! Have a great time in Portugal with Ed :)

namaste said...

i missed your send off. ugh! portugal sounds amazing. when i grow up i want to travel like you and ed. have the BEST time. write everything down! and travel safely to all your destinations especially the trip home.

i'll miss you, sandi!

love,

maria

Luz said...

Safe travels and can't wait to hear about the trip. I've always wanted to visit Portugal myself.

tunia said...

have fun you guys! :)
I got news for you.. will tell when you're back! :)