Preparation: Part Deux

Last week I shopped for small personal items to carry on my trip: make up in smaller bottles, disposable facial wipes, a small flashlight just in case, a small can of Lysol spray. You get the idea. Joan gave me some advice today. She said when she travels, she pins a small bag - she's used a baby sock - in her bra and keeps some money there. She has taught herself how to reach in furtively to snatch what she needs. My friend Lori in Chicago has sent me a map of France, a book of Paris markets, and beautiful, lacy, bleu scarf ala Francaise. I already see me sitting at a little round table outside a cafe or boulangerie on rue Cler with with it flowing across my shoulders. My friend Judi has lent me a set of Michel Thomas CDs to help me with the language. Now if the French will just talk slowly and use the same phrases, I will have it made. I have been reading a Victoria magazine from 2000, the Paris issue, that I have saved in the hopes that one day I would be there. One informative tidbit said charm is valued highly. I must brush up on that skill that I learned as a Southern girl! Preparation is part of the pleasure of the journey.