Quick Update

I'm finishing up exams here, so I haven't had much time to post. I've been so stressed I feel sick, and I'm having trouble sleeping, but it's ok, because I'm out of here one week from tomorrow. Plus, I only have one exam and the journal competition left to do.

Here's a family photo from Easter: 

I bought my train tickets for Venice to Florence and Pisa to Rome. They're about 43 euros each normally, but I got my tickets for 17 euro each. I had budgeted $200 for trains inside Italy, and I only spent $50. I still have to buy the Florence to Pisa ticket, but that's regional and can't be bought too far in advance. And I'll still need to buy a vaporetto pass in Venice and a metro pass in Rome. But I'm expecting to total just under $100 spent on trains. I can buy a lot of gelato with that other $100!

I also bought my Leaning Tower of Pisa ticket, so I'll definitely be climbing the Torre Pendente di Pisa. I booked early in the morning, so it shouldn't be too hot. If' it's 80 degrees, I'll forget the prepaid ticket. I don't think the tower is air-conditioned, and I hate climbing stairs at the best of times...

I packed my bag today. I'd love to say it's finished, but I'm afraid I've packed too much. It only weighs 15 pounds, but considering my purse weighs another 9, that's not much of an accomplishment. I want to leave some room, but I cannot think of a single thing to get rid of. I may have to just take what I've packed and resign myself to mailing some of it home as soon as I figure out what I don't need. It all seems essential right now.