10 days

In 10 days we'll be off to our new adventure in Rome, Italy. We're certainly not the first to make such a move, and it's been great to get information from many friends and acquaintances about what to expect. So to prepare, we've got many pairs of walking shoes, a hearty appetite, and an openness to the unexpected. Our going-away party also yielded a book of Italian epithets, a souvenir shirt from Palo Alto (our now former home), and cash to spend on travel toys and art. Our sea-frieght of photo albums, favorite knick-knacks, books, & toys, and kitchen stuff will arrive by October (we hope). And we're looking for villas to rent in Cassia, or the northern part of the city.

What more should we do to get ready?

My children (ages 11, 9, 5) have mixed feelings. The older two don't want to leave friends but look forward to Roma games (they're soccer fans); the younger is apprehensive about change. We'll see what happens. I'm very slowly learning Italian (Come sta?)...hubby is preparing for a new, exciting job.