Exactly one week from today I will be sitting at O'Hare waiting on the first leg of my fabulous Italian getaway.
Why am I so freaked out?
I took the girls to the library yesterday and picked up a bunch of travel books to try and do some research into public transport and hotels.
When I get to Malpensa Airport in Milan, I need to find my way to Stazione Centrale and find a place to stash my luggage while I see the sights for the day. Then I need to get back to the station and catch a train to Venice where my cousin is meeting up with me.
I tried to make reservations to see The Last Supper, but there aren't any slots left for the day I'll be in Milan. I did find a few guided tours that say they stop there, so I guess I'm going to try that out.
I will have a cell phone my cousin sent me that will work over there, so I won't be completely on my own, but...
I'm kind of lost as far as finding my way.
A book can only tell you so much. I know how to read a map, but how will I know one piazza from another?
After a few days with my cousin in Venice and maybe Florence/Tuscany, I will on my own once again in Rome.
I'm thinking of doing budget hotels while I have a travel companion, and maybe splurging in Rome. Then I feel guilty for spending so much money on myself.
I need to be talked off the ledge.
Who's been to Italy and can give me some real life advice?
