Wedneday's Meeting

Hi Travelers!

Remember that we meet every Wednesday at lunch.  With soccer games on Tuesday nights, I can't always get a post ready for the meeting, so please come with or without a blog post.  If you miss a meeting, just check in, and be sure to come to the next =). 

First, I reminded you to consider what you are packing.

• You want to be warm. 
• It is wise if you can keep your packing to your two carry-on bags.  Most girls (we have 7 girls and 6 boys traveling) will have a harder time making that work, so I found a packing list for you to consider.  This woman is packing for 2.5 weeks in Italy during a cold season.  She does it with only carry-on bags.  You can do it!  Maybe she will give you some good ideas!
• Girls' example packing list

• Pack long clothing (pants, shirts, etc.).  We should wear pants (boys and girls) or long skirts or dresses (girls) when we go to religious sites (which is often).  Girls will not be allowed into Vatican City with exposed shoulders or generally immodest dress.  So...keep it neat and sweet. 
• Comfy leather shoes or boots may be a good choice for girls as we will walk a lot and it may rain.  Then you can be both stylish and comfortable.  Do not pack or bring high heels.  
• Guys, mid-top leather shoes or chukka boots may be good...or spray a nice pair of leather sneakers with scotch-guard. 

We still need to iron out some roommate details next week.

 I also focused on lunch in Italy.

• We talked about the Euro a bit.  Currently, 10 US Dollars gives you 7.3 Euro.  That means a $10-15 lunch will be about 7-11 Euro.  I thought that might help your planning. 
• I noted that if a waiter puts bread on your table, and you don't want to pay for it, you should refuse it (they will assume you are eating and will charge you for it). 
• You can drink tap water in Italy (it is treated as it is in the U.S.).  If water from a tap is not drinkable, it will say aqua non potabile. 
• If you ask for water at a restaurant in Europe, you will generally receive bottled, carbonated water.  If you do not want carbonation, say "without gas," as that usually translates well enough.
  
  acqua non potabile
  acqua non potabile