By Mermaid Jennifer
For over 20 years, I have been dreaming about traveling to Europe. In a few short weeks, that dream will be realized as my husband and I will be going on a cruise to the Mediterranean. We are excited about this trip and feel very fortunate to be able to take it.
On the trip we will start in Barcelona, Spain. We will be able to stay there for a few days before boarding the cruise ship to tour ports in Italy, Cannes, France, and then back to Spain. While in Barcelona we will enjoy some free time as well as a City Tour.
Starting to dream...
I'm dreaming of romantic sidewalk cafes with handsome dark-skinned men, and beautiful sophisticated women sipping espresso in tiny white cups. There will be fresh open fish and produce markets colorfully lining the streets in front of ancient architecture and art. There will be people from every part of the world speaking in different languages. Beautiful little Italian and Spanish children will be going to school and running through the streets on errands for their mothers.
Without having been there yet, it is an opportunity to dream. To remember all of the travels that I've read about in books from Hemingway and Kundera.
What we'll be doing...
Once we board the cruise ship, we will be able to stop in ports like Malta, Naples, Rome, Florence, and Cannes.We will explore fountains, and ancient ruins. We will eat pizza in Naples, and wander into boutiques.
Getting ready to go...
As we prepare for the trip, it feels surreal that we are finally able to do this. Sure, we could stay home and invest in a new washer and dryer (our are 18 years old!) or maybe a newer car for my husband. But, instead, we are going to do something for us - for our marriage - and for our memories.
Preparing to record the experience...
During the trip, I'll be keeping a travel journal that my sister bought for me. Holding the hardbound book in my hands enables me to dream about the faraway places the we will visit.
"Life is a journey, and love is what makes that journey worthwhile." - unknown
"The voyage of discovery lies not in finding new landscapes, but in having new eyes." - Marcel Proust
Very important - what to wear...
I'm planning new outfits for the trip and found a fabulous red orange dress that just says "Tuscany" all over it. Here it is:
This JcPenney model thinks it's a great look too!
Stay tuned...
When I return from the trip, I'll write about it in this blog and on Mermaids of the Lake- so stay tuned!
What journey's are you planning for? Where are you going? Share your travel dreams with us.