Packing up

So I broke the number one travel rule and bought shoes for the trip to Rome only a day before taking off with my sister Anne.  Anne is living in Rome temporarily while working at the UN’s FAO.  These shoes my friend Linda had spotted on the sale rack, and because they fit, were named the #1 travel shoe by USA Today, and were just what I was looking for, I decided to snatch them up.

Packing--it’s difficult to know what to pack for 14 days in the Italian fall.  I scoured advice on the web, was aware it could be rainy, so decided to toss in a raincoat. Temps would be in the 70s, so I jammed leggings, long-sleeved & short-sleeved t-shirts, 2 light sweaters and multiple over-shirts into my suitcase, along with sandals, my Toms, running shoes, the new Taos walking shoes.

I changed my onboard ensemble three times, finally deciding on black knit pants, a longer black knit top, an over-sweater, scarf and black boots (slip-ons in case I needed to take these off during airport security).  In my carry-on I always have an extra light windbreaker and blanket--have been cold on the plane one too many times.  Final suitcase weight--40 lbs.  Perfect.