Ummm.... did I tell you guys that I am taking CoCo to Venice? Yep.
The Passports arrived Saturday, and their timely arrival ruined my last chance to call this whole thing off. I mean if we hadn't recieved the passports then I would have an excuse, right?
And I am terrified.
As it gets closer I am beginning to wonder why I thought I could do this.
Take my baby off to a FOREIGN country...which is something I've never done, gone to a FOREIGN country.
And I don't know if you know this but in a FOREIGN country they don't speak AMERICAN (I won't say English, but you know what I mean). Also they don't have Starbucks, in fact, Lola and Thurston both on different occasions have told me that they don't have artificial sweeteners! Whaaaa? And, the food is supposed to be really expensive. And they don't speak AMERICAN. And they don't make coffee correctly. And they don't speak AMERICAN.
We should still go, right?
First of all, in almost every European country there are plenty of people that speak English. Kids in Europe start multiple language courses very early in school and stay with it for years. Second, I can't speak for Venice, but I know there are Starbucks in London, Munich, Vienna, Madrid, Barcelona, etc etc. Just have a good time
Posted by: dar | March 18, 2009 at 07:22 AM
I've been to Venice so believe me when I say that you'll be FINE. It's a beautiful and very friendly city, and the coffee is so good you won't even miss the fake sweetners.
Have a blast! Take lots of pictures!
Posted by: FB | March 18, 2009 at 08:09 AM
Venice in Italy? Cool!
Might be worth learning one phrase in Italian - "Help I'd drowning!" - just incase you fall into a canal!
Have fun, it will be great!
Posted by: Rock Chef | March 18, 2009 at 08:12 AM
DEFINITELY! And take lots and lots of pictures. I'm with Rock Chef. Learning an SOS phrase in case you fall into a canal is probably a good idea! ;)
Posted by: ElleBee | March 18, 2009 at 09:28 AM
Maybe this will help:
http://carols-world.blogspot.com/2005/11/top-10-list-venice-italy.html
You will NEVER forget this experience - arrividerci!
Posted by: The lurker | March 18, 2009 at 12:58 PM
No, I don't think you should go. I think you should go visit your lovely parents instead. If it's water you want -- we've GOT water! Of course, Coco would be just a wee bit disappointed.
Okay, you can go, but don't talk to any strangers. And, hold hands with Coco ALL THE TIME!
Love, Mom
Posted by: Sandra | March 18, 2009 at 01:16 PM
Just smile pretty.....that always works for me! You're blonde, right? No Problem! Plus, food IN ITALY????? Are you kidding me....there is none better! Plus....Venice? Actually so beautiful you will forget about sweeteners. And fear. It is far to pretty to be afraid of! Can't wait to hear the low down when you return!
Posted by: Jenn | March 18, 2009 at 01:17 PM
Enjoy your trip!! Can't wait to hear/read about the stories you and Coco created.
You will be fine.
Posted by: The Eastsider | March 18, 2009 at 02:11 PM
Of course they speak American...everyone speaks American...I spend half my life trying LOL...
Just make sure the ole boat down the river has life jackets and dont go anywhere with out your mobile phone....
Posted by: Miss Danielle | March 18, 2009 at 06:41 PM
If we all gave in to our fears we would never leave our birth families and civilization would have died off a long time ago.
My suggestion is you get on the plane, you get off the plane, you get to your hotel, you check-in, you see EVERYTHING you can, you take lots of pictures, you call home, you buy souveniors, you check-out of your hotel, you get on the plane and you get off the plane. You and your daughter will have a fantastic memory that will last for a lifetime and more.
One last suggestion...skip the I'll order for you and you order for me routine in restaurants :)
Posted by: SleeplessInOL | March 18, 2009 at 07:20 PM
I like what Sleepless says. It's kind of calming, isn't it?
See, I'm anxious FOR you. But, I feel better now that I read that.
You'll be okay, kid. And, you and Coco WILL have memories to last a lifetime.
Love, Mom
Posted by: Sandra | March 19, 2009 at 05:14 AM
Hey now it will be okay!
I was in the Navy for 9 years which meant I went to a LOT of different countries. Guess what? In most countries we are kind of a novelty to the locals. Just be very friendly, acknowledge that you are the foreigner (you know that some people really see Americans as the rude idiots who travel around acting as if they own every country they visit!) and enjoy. Oh, and know where the police areas and such are.
I hope you have a truly wonderful time and I am SO jealous! I wanna go!
*sigh*
I guess I'll have to raise my son far past two years old to travel, eh? :)
Posted by: Amanda | April 06, 2009 at 09:14 PM