Less than 1 week to:
- Learn Spanish
- Pack 6 weeks of clothing (and shoes!) into a carry-on rollybag
- Carry on with business
- Errands, errands, errands
- Learn how to blog
- Put blog online
- Get the house/bills/accounts in total leaving order
- Make all outstanding reservations
- Buy all hurricane supplies (we’re in Florida…might be one when we return)
- Stay calm
Welcome to my first blog post in my new bloggy world! (Just trying to get used to the word) I’ve been sitting on this post for so long the original title was, ‘less than 2 months to…’ so I decided to take the advice I used to give my kids at the edge of the swimming pool…just jump in! Yea! Still a little cold and scary, but here I am!
In less than a week we will be leaving on a 6-week trip to the Pyrenees and environs. Although I couldn’t have started packing then, 6 months ago, when we started to think seriously about a long-term break, would have been a good time to start the Spanish.
Maps and guidebooks…check
And this would be a good occasion to come up with a powerful mantra, something like…Oooooommmmm…it will all get done, it will all get done…
The ‘to-do’list gets longer every day, with only the odd thing crossed off, like buy the tickets. Nowhere on the list does it say, start writing a blog. Aah! still need a hotel in Bilbao! What am I doing writing a blog? (Rhetorical, no good answer) So, this is a peek into how I get organized and ready to leave home for 6 weeks. (well, ready, anyway)
I am going to use this blog space to chronicle our experiences, in word and photo (including the ‘6-week/1 carry-on challenge’)
Our landing spot is Barcelona, Spain…the closest gateway to the Spanish/French Pyrenees. Regionalism is alive and well in Spain and that is just fine with us and our quest for local foods and time-honored cultures. We will be visiting only a few of the autonomies (autonomous regions) and all in the north.
Catalunya…here we come!
NomadicChique 
Sounds like fun.
It does, doesn’t it? I guess you’ll find out soon, Mr. Levine.
I hope to be as cool as you are one day 🙂 Thanks for teaching me how to travel (and occasionally taking me along)
Well, keep taking notes, and one day you will be as cool as I am. And you are very welcome for the ‘on-site’ lessons.
So excited to read about your adventures! Rosie sends kisses!
Can’t wait to read about all of your adventures! Rosie and I are sending big kisses to both of you!!!
Thank you mama Jordana…big kisses back to you both!
Fran, you are so cool I can’t even describe it. love, Jill
Thank you, Jill. I get it from you!
Can’t wait to hear and see your journeys…….have a great time!
The NY Frankels
Thanks! Stay tuned…
Watch out Mr Sawday- there’s real competition on the block. remember to take photos for the book!
Take that, Alastair! Yes, photos are coming.
I can’t wait to read about your adventures………just HAVE FUN!
Thanks, Deb!
I’ll be watching …
Have an amazing trip! I bet you’ll have this blog thing perfect in no time. We will be following your journey and wishing you peace and love.
Thanks, Elyse. Looking forward to the peace, tranquility (and fresh, cool air) of the mountains.
I’m here. Safe travels.
Thanks. I hope my pictures turn out as great as yours always do.
Thanks. So what is Steve doing while you post everyday?
Driving!
Impressive!! A blogger and already thinking about what to pack and do!! We wish you safe and wonderful travels and can’t wait to follow you. Have fun!! Love you both!
Thank you, Judi! I think what to do will be easy…I’m sure it will unfold in front of us. Now what to pack…different story.
Bon voyage! Looking forward to meeting up with the blogger and the driver next week!
Bon Voyage! Love the blog can’t wait to recieve updates. Have a wonderful time!
0h my goodness..I have a friend who is a blogger. You inspire me- especially with the carry on luggage! Including shoes!!
p.s. didn’t I inspire your coolness too? Haha!
Yesterday I didn’t even know what a ablog was and here I am already reading about your packing. I’m really impressed, Frannie. Can’t wait to hear about your adventures. Luv Mom
Franny,
Steve,
We’re following in your footsteps. Scott told me you’re in the hood. We’ll be flying into Barcelona on 8/23 and plan to be in San Sebatian / Bilbao area on labor day and back to Barcelona 9/9. Any hotel / restaurant suggestions appreciated. Last week of August in Lyon/Montpellier area.
Arthur and Simone Menko