Pulling it Together

So my time is coming near and I feel like I have so much to do still. I am leaving for New Jersey in two days and need to make sure that I have everything I need with me as there will be no turn arounds on the way to the airport (to France). Justin will be leaving from the same airport the same day and the same time from me, so it is nice that we will be able to go in together, even though our planes will be on opposite sides of the airport.

Today I need to get the nerdy money pack, shoes that look fashionably European, a new battery for my watch, and get a combination lock. I have decided that a money belt will be best for me...not the belt that has a spot for money, but one of those money pouches that I can stick my passport in. I have heard it is lame and uncomfortable but I figure, better have it decide not to use it, then want to use it and not have it. Also, I have read that people said it was so stupid seeing someone have to pull out their shirt, undo their pants all to get the money for the merchant...I am not going to be like that...that screams "I AM A FREAKIN TOURIST AND NEED TO BE ROBBED!" I will have my passport and most of my money there while in my purse or book bag (like a normal person) I will have like 20-50 euro for the day trip.

Why not get my shoes in France? Great idea, but I fear having to enter a store and ask for a size...not the normal 5.5. I mean I just feel like the stores will be different there, and I do not want to risk not finding what I want, when I know I can get it here (although this may mean that the "European style" shoe that I get is really an American style shoe that fakes me out.

I just reconnected with an old friend and she gave me some great advice. The hostels will have lockers so bring a combination lock. I can enter the Louvre through the metro station, which apparently is a much much shorter line. (Anyone know tips on getting around the long line for the Eiffel Tower)? Another friend of mine told me to always have a home base for the cities, which I knew - the change of plans with my sister not coming (or so I think) makes me worried since I do not even know what town I will be in, let alone having a home base in it! Plus it is August, and I know how the french vamoose that time of year.

::bites nails::

Favorite New Suggestion/Information: My 2 pairs of underwear dear friend of the heart...I asked him about how he cared for his passport - he replied that he had the necklace carrier, but kept it in his crotch (I might be passing on this suggestion too)