We did a practice pack yesterday. This, like just about everything else thus far, was at Belinda’s suggestion. And,like just about everything else thus far, it was a good idea. It seems that our fairly modest cases will suffice, unless we have forgotten some significant detail.

Belinda has spent a lot of time researching and planning. Which is fine by me. At first her efforts focused on plane bookings. Day after day, week after week, she reported cheaper and cheaper flights. Some seemed too good to be true, which, it turned out, they were. In the end we are happy with our deal with Qantas/Emirates.

Then it was the leased car. She found a great deal, after trawling through books, blogs and websites. It’s a Peugeot. As a “semi-automatic” it should feel like driving some sort of weapon. Vroom. But then the confusion and hassle of buying winter tyres, storing the factory-fitted tyres, before buying back the original tyres… Belinda looks again and finds a cheaper Peugeot, with winter-grip tyres fitted as standard. Well played Belinda. Again.

Lately the focus has been on shoes. What to take? Cons or runners? Thongs? (It should be warm when we arrive in Italy.) Belinda finally bought some low cut, all-terrain, general purpose boots. Should she still take her hiking shoes? Then she received some longer boots as a gift from a friend. This should be good news, but, alas, this just created more indecision. Which would she take? Both? Where would they be packed? Which pair was right to wear on the plane? But what outfit would work with that choice? Every acquisition only seems to lead to more anxiety.

I am sure things will work out. In the meantime, planning and anticipation are fun and diverting. 47 days till departure.