Tuesday, May 5 - I called my friend Kerri and asked her if she was up for joining me in Holland to take in some Tulip Time festivities. Kerri is always up for spontaneous fun. Actually, Kerri is usually up for anything and I really like this about her. We met downtown, watched the Dutch Dancers, made our way over to the Fattening Food Carts for Elephant Ears and Caramel Apples. We sat on a bench in the setting sun and told stories. Kerri said, "Are you up for a beer at New Holland?" When have I ever turned down a trip to New Holland?!
We settled in. We were talking about our experiences on Priceline.com (the good and the bad) and out of the blue Kerri says, "You know, diane, tickets to Europe are really cheap right now. We should go." To which I promptly reply, "No, I can't. I'm going to be debt free in December and I've worked really hard to get there. If I went to Europe that would set me back. Nope, can't do it." Pause. "On the other hand, when I'm 70 years old will I really care that I was debt free in Dec 2009 or March 2010? So yes, let's go to Europe." Folks, that is nearly verbatim. Welcome to my thought process.
Next we discussed where go to? I lived in Europe in 1998 for 3 months. I traveled extensively on the trains throughout Northern Europe, but never went to Italy. Kerri has never been to Europe at all, so she had no preferences. I suggested that we go to Switzerland and Italy for I know how much she loves the mountains AND Switzerland is full of adventure. Perfect for Kerri. She agreed.
Then we discussed how long to go? A week? Two weeks? Somewhere in the middle?
And finally, price. I said, "I'll go if we can find a round-trip ticket for under $400 pre-tax" She held up one hand, "How about $500?" We met in the middle at $450.
That night I went online and searched for good flights. Flying in and out of Rome was around $700 and my heart sank. In the span of a few hours I was already looking forward to my trip! But it looked like it might not work after all! The next day I thought maybe flying into Zurich would be cheaper than Rome? I gave it a shot and found round trip tickets to Zurich for...$358!
And the cool thing is that our return flight has a lay over in Rome! So we don't have to make our way back up to Zurich after all our travels! We'll just catch the flight in Rome!
By now it's been 14 hours since Kerri first suggested this trip. I immediately emailed her my findings (I had the day off from school). And then I waited (she is also a teacher). She emailed shortly with "Let's do it! We'll meet after the parade today!"
19 hours after the idea was born, Kerri and I were sitting at Herrick Public Library, buying two tickets to Europe from July 6-16! We checked out travel books and have randomly exchanged emails which mostly say, 'We're going to Europe!"
I have no idea where we're going or what we're going to do. All I want is 2 days in Rome and I'm leaving the rest up to Kerri. We have a lot of brainstorming to do! This trip is helping me get through these last few weeks at school. For Serious.
4 comments:
How exciting, especially during these last weeks of school...I know they can drag on.
I can't wait to read all about the trip.
$358, eh? Wow. Add a zero to that, and you've got our China tickets. LOL. You've got to love bargains!! Have fun!!!! My SIL/BIL went to this really neat place in Switzerland, a rotating restaurant, located on a peak. If you get a chance, SPLURGE...the pics of the view were breath taking. Hugs. -K
Whoah -- love it!
I would like to be spontaneous in New Holland one day. That sounds pretty sweet.
hey diane, i am enjoying reading about you : )
in case you and kerri want to go to scotland (i am really bad at geography and have no idea the vicinity this is to zurich or rome) BUT in case you want to see scotland my friend emma loves people and im sure would welcome you two.
let me know.
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