Been taking mental ‘snapshots’ of late, small yet ever so special treasures to draw on whilst squirreled away in Europe. Perhaps my little treasures will inspire you to lift your eyes from the mobile and commit to memory your very own special moments. Enjoy and I will see you in six months!
Friends’ features, characteristics, mannerisms, gestures and laughs, the colours of their eyes.
Fellow commuters staring at phones with weary ‘another day, another dollar’ facial expressions.
Candidate’s grins as they learn how to develop strength proving achievements.
The sun’s dying rays reflecting on the city’s skyscrapers, RiverCat rides with the autumn sun’s warmth on my face, a nippy breeze on my cheek.
The smell of ozone after a rain shower, wet grass, market conversations, vendor repartee, fresh ground coffee, excited dogs straining on their leashes.
Yes, similar pleasures beckon in the European countries I’m about to settle in…new languages, culture steeped in an incredible history compared to this ‘young’ country…yet it’s the things right under my nose that will ensure my return. Friendships I cherish, local sensations yet to be savored, city secrets yet to be explored…can’t wait to go, can’t wait to return!
Off today to follow that dream my lovely followers, do come along via the blog and I will see you in November.
Local preparation well underway, satisfying ticks galore. Original 3 week holiday well taken care of thanks to a years worth of planning with travel mate Jenny. Additional six month sabbatical with a writer’s retreat thrown in? Less than 10 weeks!
Friend sounding boards, research, long lists, endless packing, one of the busiest work periods since the Global Financial Crisis and just a tad of angst and I’m breathing easier…wine to combat ‘whine’ supplied by work colleagues at day’s end. Have I told you how much I love my colleagues?
Looking to add a few travel and accom hints ‘n tips to your repertoire? Rejoice with me as we continue the list ticking…
Pay for Writer’s Retreat: No turning back now. The lovely Lisa collecting those participating from Florence then returning us, brimming with inspiration and enthusiasm 7 days later. Hint – Part payments within the bank’s daily maximum international transfer limit attracted hefty transfer fees per transaction on top of poor exchange rate. If transferring funds higher than your bank’s maximum transfer limit, apply to increase the limit.
Book Paris to Florence flight: Late evening flights much cheaper than train. Promise myself I’ll take time to view the scenery via train on return journey. Hint – If wandering Europe and have the time, a Eurail pass will naturally provide unparalleled scenic viewing, overnight journeys with a sleeper saving accommodation costs. The trains are always punctual too!
Book Florence accommodation: Booked via travel agent whereas Jenny, now joining me for a few extra days, booked direct. She saved €25 per night. Lovely travel agent let me cancel and do same. Lesson learnt. Hint – Do a little sleuthing and book direct with the hotel, a travel agent booking will likely be at the more expensive ‘on the day’ rack rate.
Book post retreat Pied-a-Terre: A fabulous yet economical 2 month rental with stunning ocean view…tick! While busily congratulating myself, the owner was busy double booking over the leasing agent…disaster!
European getaways now approaching peak season, endless research and many wines (and whines) later, things were looking grim, park benches gaining appeal. Then..voila! Lucette, my wonderful leasing agent and new best friend (we’ve bonded over 42 emails to date) received a new listing. Same region, away from the holidaying great unwashed, a view, a balcony, a garden, two whole months. I’ll take it! No photos yet? Don’t care. Infested with cockroaches? Don’t care. Bet you can’t wait to hear outcomes? Very handy hint – If looking to take one’s self off to a quiet longer term retreat in peak season to live like the locals or simply to recharge, book at least 12 months in advance.
June, July, August sorted…Sept to Nov?…stay tuned!
So your back? Looking for more hints on how to manage your own house pack then? Or just plain curious about that meltdown?
April Week 1- prepare for advertising:
• Launder curtains: disassembled three lots, floor to ceiling necessitating an extremely clever use of ladder, bundled for eLaundry pick up and drop off, re-assembled, hang and a gave self a congratulatory pat on back, rewarded with well deserved wine. Hint – photograph how curtain hooks actually connect curtains to linings prior to dismantle…you’ll be glad you did!
• Assemble spring cleaners: provided clear and concise instructions, place must look sparkling and immaculate ready for photographer ok? Clearly not concise enough. Reassembled, provided clear, concise instructions… again; limited English, this could take a while Hint – develop creative use of sign language, may be necessary sans English
• Enter carpet cleaner: moved everything off floor then back on again when finally dried…at midnight. Then ‘styled’ in preparation for Photographer due next day. Hint – give carpet an extra day to dry pre traffic
• Style for photographs: must look exactly as it would for prospective tenants therefore kept a few less precious decor items back for styling purposes. Hint – supplement with flowers and fruit, just one color, efforts could result in an additional 5%+ rent
Meanwhile…about that Italian accommodation that just fell through? Oh! And organizing the finer details of connecting flight, insurance etc…stay tuned!
