Practice makes perfect

just finished another practice packing of my backpack. ahh, it's not that heavy, really! i just have to remember to keep good posture, and remember that when i'm negotiating narrow hallways that i'm now four feet wider all around. i think i've done reasonably well with managing to keep the clothing count fairly low. lots of black clothing that can be mixed and matched, a couple of long sleeved shirts & a cardigan (for touring catholic churches in modest dress), a couple of sun dresses (i checked the long term forecast for rome: highs of 25 on wednesday when i arrive, yipee!), a bunch of tshirts, a pair of capris, and miscellaneous underclothing, etc.

i may, however, have to reduce the shoe count. of course, this only gives me an excuse to shop for shoes while i'm there. oh the tragedy.

i had earlier intended to wander around downtown with a fully packed backpack, as practice, to get a feeling for how heavy it will feel after more than, oh say, the five minutes at a time that i've tried wearing it to date. if the weather clears tomorrow, i may do that at midday. i'm sure i'll fit in with all the other tourists wandering around town these days. pack on back, map in hand, birkenstocks on feet. half amused, half bewildered look on face. is this the standard tourist uniform? i plan on avoiding that as much as possible. reading and researching online has led me to believe that rome is a far, far classier place re dressing than i'm accustomed to. and yes, i've packed a nice pair of heels, too.

i should probably practice my italian this evening, as well. uno, due, tre... ah va bene.

a domani!