Getting psyched!

Well, it's Monday the 14th, and we're busy packing and running around town dealing with last-minute errands before we leave on Thursday. And not only are we gearing up for the big trip, but we have the added excitement of our preparations for my "Deal or No Deal" callback this coming Wednesday. Here's hoping that all works out so we can actually afford this trip! Given my game show track record -- this will be number FIVE after The Price is Right, Wheel of Fortune, Pictionary and Pyramid -- I'm betting on a big payday.

As for our big European adventure, we've gotten lots of great recommendations from friends and family, so the planning has been really fun. Our focus has been on our 16 nights in Barcelona as the Italy cruise stops are pretty much taken care of, either with a pre-purchased shore excursion or simply by virtue of the fact that we've only got about 8 hours for each stop.

I think our favorite advice was to check out Couchsurfing.com. It's a worldwide community of travelers who are willing to host other travelers, whether just by showing you around town or by actually hosting you on their couches. For free! God bless the internet.

Okay, so I've really gotta run out to my last minute dentist appointment - no WAY was I going to end up at a dentist's office in a foreign country - and to run a bunch of errands. I'm just so excited and I needed to get it out! - Gina