We leave in approximately 70 days. I still have a lot to do. I rolled over my 401K to a new IRA at my banking institution and had some deposited into my checking account. This money is to pay off my hospital bills from last year, to help with Rome and any emergencies I might incur while unemployed. I know I'll be penalized come tax time next year, but its Rome! Still haven't found a job but not giving up on this trip.
We're working on planning some tours while there. One I think most of us are interested in is a new one. Vatican Breakfast. We'll have breakfast in the Vatican, before its open to the public. Afterwards, we'll be touring the Vatican. I think going to Venice is out of the question for me. They're trying to see if I can still make it with them. I don't believe everyone is going, so I won't be alone if I do stay in Rome. Bought a cross the body purse/travel bag. Its small enough to be convenient and large enough for a camera, money, passport, cell phone and a few essentials. Plan to bring a larger bag everyday for a few things too large for the travel bag (such as sweater for churches where my shoulders need to be covered, travel books, maps, sunscreen, water bottle) and anything I may buy. The items in this bag won't matter so much if I lose to pickpockets, which I hear are rampant in Rome. The shoulder strap for the cross the body bag is uncomfortable. Going to see if I can figure something out to soften it a bit before going. Need to still go through my Rome box (only looked thru it once since I was fired) to see what I have and what I still need to get. Should do that this week or weekend. Another concern I'm having is my back. I've been in a lot of pain lately. I have a terrible mattress. Hoping to get a new one this week. Hopefully that'll help. I can't imagine walking around Rome when I'm in so much pain. Can't go to the doctor; no job = no insurance = no doctor. I've gained weight also. Getting fired, not finding a job, worry about this trip, I fell into a depression and stopped caring about myself. Not sure how much I can lose in 2 months time but going to try to lose as much as I can. Problem is I can't do much walking due to my back! Can't walk fast or far if I can't stand straight. I'm worried I'll be slowing everyone else up while in Rome. Worries, worries, worries!