Structured thoughts about "unstructured" day in Florence

Our one "free" day is in Florence. Of all of the places to wander aimlessly as a group, this is the coup de gras. Without a doubt, our first stop of the day should be the central market. This is no HEB; It's the real deal. Italians have been coming here for hundreds of years to buy the goods they need to feed their families on a daily basis. Fruits, veggies, meats, cooked goods, fresh flowers, herbs and much much more. What will we do? Buy some of this ourselves, of course. A fresh piece of fruit? Bottle water? and a smile from a sweet Italian vendor? Perfect way to start the day. The leather vendors (stall after stall, every alleyway stuffed to the gills) completely encompass this grand market so we'll make our way out to do a little shopping. In addition, Florence has two of the "must see" museums in the world. Michealangelo's famous, "David" is housed in the Galleria dell' Accademia and the Uffizi is easily one of the biggest and best museums in all of Italy. These two museum stops are not part of our EF package, but definitely something recommended. We will have to reserve these tickets in advance and they will be approximately 15euros combined. If you would like to attend these and wait to decide until we arrive in Italy, it will be too late for the Uffizi and perhaps also the Accademia. So be thinking about this and be ready to commit one way or another as we'll be getting a headcount soon.

Baggage- MAX Size and MAX weight

Just in case you are scared of over packing here are the baggage requirements from Air France.
We are only allowed ONE checked in suitcase.
The max weight/ dimensions: 50 lb weight and 158 cm / 62 in (height + length + width)
They charge $100 for additional weight, and up to $300 for larger dimensioned bags.
:(
So please.... leave some room (weight) in your suitcase for your souvenirs.

Make sure to include your name address on a luggage tag and to remove any old tags.

Backpack decorating Contest!

Since a lot of you guys are already competitive about these backpacks we decided to let you know the prize! The best backpack (judged by Savage, Satterwhite and Mrs. Lee) will win a free gelato in Venice, Florence and Rome. (All paid for by Mrs. Savage and Mrs. Satterwhite)
Get your paint, fabric, and sewing needles started! We cant wait to see what you will come up with!

A word about electricity and adapter/converters

http://goeurope.about.com/cs/electricity/l/bl_electricity.htm

I recommend reading this, looking WITH your student at all electronic devices, compare the tag information with the example pictures here adn THEN determine what it is that each item needs. Make a written list to pack in his/her bags. The odds are much better that the item will "blow out" even if using adapter/converters than not, because of improper use (I am speaking from experience.)

Know the difference between an adapter and a converter.

I recommend this kit. I also love the diagram of what order the gadgets go in to the sockets:
http://www.walkabouttravelgear.com/electg.htm?gclid=CIP2rv3Pg6cCFUJm7AodhT-mfg

Money Belt

Here is a visual example of the money belts we talked about at last nights meeting. They arent incredibly fashionable, but they are worn under your clothes.

The what to pack list.....

Carry on Bag: (don’t over pack this! )
Entertainment items: Magazines, a book.
Electronics: ipod, PSP, camera etc.
Snacks (granola bars, sweets, etc.)
A pair of underwear as well as a shirt.
(This is just in case your luggage is delayed, it happens!)
A small quart size ziplock bag with the following in it:
deodorant, toothpaste, tooth brush, any other small liquids (even make up) that you will be carrying on.
You should also buy a bottle of water in the airport so you stay hydrated on the often dry plane.

 
Checked in Bag:
You will be wearing one outfit going and coming (jeans, your bulky shoes, comfy shirt, your coat/jacket)
Packing for 7 days:
Toiletries (don’t assume anything will be in the room)
Hairdryer (one per room, two max should do it)
Travel Alarm clock!!! (MUST HAVE !)
Watch !!! (MUST HAVE)
Appropriate number of undergarments + extras
One-two sleep outfits (shorts and shirt, pajamas with pants and shirt, sweat pants and t-shirt, etc.)
Two pairs of jeans (at least one of these will be able to be worn twice)
Two pairs of black or khaki colored pants/jeans (at least one of these will be able to be worn twice)
Two more pairs of shoes. COMFY and STURDY and ones broken in already.
8 pairs of socks. (thicker the better)
8 shirts
Four sweaters/sweatshirts
If you are really cold natured, some long johns/ undershirts
Umbrella (small compact one)

Also don't forget a power cord converter/ adapter to charge you electronic goodies.

Euros!

How many will I need?
The least = 30 euros a day
This will get you a cheaper lunch (Pizza slice/ sandwich), 3-4 drinks and a snack or two.
Anything additional will cover your souvenirs, extra food, etc. This all depends on you! Remember you wont need Euros on our departure day or on our return trip. (We get fed on the plane.)

How many should I bring in cash?
Due to the large group size you should bring enough Euros IN CASH to hold you until day 5 (4th day in Italy). We cannot foresee IF or WHEN we can stop at an ATM until then.

What about VISA cards or Debit?
During our last tour, we had nothing but trouble with front loaded Visa cards. But if you are wary of sending your teen with a lot of Euros a debit card issued by a bank and connected to an actual bank account is the way to go. You MUST call the bank and let them know you will be in Italy - also note that there is usually a fee each time you withdraw abroad and also a per day withdrawal limit. This is also true for any credit card. Check with your company for the rules.

Also- Dont forget about the EFVisa card, Visit https://www.eftravelcard.com for more info.

Thank you + Welcome

Thank you all for keeping up with our blog and for making our last meeting a great success. Instead of emailing you all a bulky document we thought it best to post the most important documents on here.
If you would still like the power point or any additional information please don't hesitate to contact Mrs. Savage or me. Around a month to go!!