Oh the Planning!

I don't think I've ever put so much time or effort into planning a trip!!

The many steps I've taken to prepare for this trip include:

**I've read books, including those shown in the photo, plus "Brunelleschi's Dome" (so good!) and The Marriage Portrait

**I've listened to lots of podcasts about Florence and Italy travel

**I've studied maps and researched the internet endlessly

**I found and joined Facebook groups called "Florence & Tuscany Travel Tips" and "Solo Travel Wisdom for Women over 50"

**I've watched the weather forecasts and tried to plan my travel wardrobe accordingly

**I've watched Rick Steeves on TV

**I've made and revised many lists--Things I want to see or do, Restaurants that I'd like to visit, Small towns to tour, and what to do when I get there, which tours seem most appealing, and more

**I've been studying Italian for almost 2 years now (really, my abilities should be much better. I'm a very slow learner)

**I've spoken with several friends who've spent time in Florence before, in some cases multiple trips or many weeks at a time. And I found it interesting that Florence has such a different appeal to different people! My art loving friends get excited about the art museums and art history that is so prominent in Florence, my foodie friends want to recommend their favorite restaurants, and architecture buffs love the history and ancient buildings in the area.

It's going to be a fascinating trip!