Packing for Europe tour

Graduation was over, the celebrations were complete and summer vacation was beginning incredibly well. I had pulled both our suitcases out of the attic and storage room and took them outside to air out, wash and dry in the sun. Our tickets were paid for in full and all of our business before leaving overseas was settled. My mother bought us a trip to Europe for two glorious weeks. My babysitting and hospitality management/waitressing money came in handy as 'extra' spending money for me and mom was tucked away in the flap of my passport and briefcase.

I went through my closet and drawers and old boxes of clothes I had not worn in years and of course while packing, the stereo is playing loudly. Since this was a graduation present for me, my sister was not going. It was just going to be me and mom and probably a tour-group of about thirty other people. I had never been to Spain, England, or Europe for that matter, it was the first time I was ever going to be on a jet for more than five hours. I was thouroughly excited !

As I was listening to the words of Three Dog Night's, "Never Been To Spain", I realized none of the places they sung about I had been to but I would be soon be and I was thankful. I took all of my favorite clothes that I could fit into one large suitcase, a smaller one and then one carry-on. Mom reminded me clothes and shoes were very inexpensive in Europe so I did not need every sticth of clothing she had ever bought, so I packed a little lighter than I had wanted. However, I am glad I did because we came back with some great stuff and really fabulous memories.

My mom and I hope to get back there again someday but for now memories of 1984's summer tour of Europe's famous continent especially Italy, France, Germany, and England will always be one of the very best ! England has its own special song memories that can be found soon . . .