Almost Cancelled...

Well… It’s that time again. I’m off.

Packed, passport ready, and currently on the train en route to YVR.

This one feels a little different, though.

Not even a little.

A whole lot.

First off... I’m poor.

Well, if we're being honest... I’m always poor, but this time I’m poor without the usual credit buffer I tend to lean on when I wander abroad. Long story. Banks suck. Actually, I suck — and that’s why the banks suck.

But yeah… long story.

The summer didn’t pan out on the side of extreme financial success as I’d originally hoped. A few unexpected expenses popped up and drained whatever was left.

Oh well... next year will be better.

Next year I'll be in first class.

Second... I’m travelling light. Sort of. Lighter than usual. Still carry-on... but this time, I’ve graduated to a carry-on suitcase. That’s right... an actual rolling suitcase that I can roll around behind me! My very own roly poly oly. This will be my first extended trip (not counting weekend getaways and whatnot) where I’m not dragging a big, bulky, burdensome backpack across continents and destroying my spine & shoulders in the process. This wheeled marvel might just be a turning point in my adult travel evolution.

Or not.

Time will tell.

But let’s just say… my shoulders and lower back are already thanking me.

Feels odd to NOT be a backpacker anymore...

Third... I just lost my best friend & furry sidekick of over 15 years, my Potzy... and my heart is broken.

So yeah… vibes are low.

That said... Italy awaits. Sure... I can hardly afford this vacation, but considering I’ve already paid for the flights, a few tours, the Vatican, and some of the accommodation… cancelling wasn’t really an option. Believe me, I considered it. But losing non-refundable money would’ve just added insult to injury.

So… here I am. Obligated to go to Italy.

Has anyone ever said that before?

I’m starting off with the right foot — or maybe the cheap foot. My goal? To be the first person in history to visit Italy and not spend money.

Bold, I know.

Instead of gelato, I’ll go for a walk.

Instead of pizza, I’ll do crunches.

Instead of pasta, I'll read silently.

Instead of vino, I’ll…

Wait. NO. That’s where I draw the line.

I could maybe survive without pasta or pizza or gelato… but wine? NO WAY.

Let’s not get crazy.

Anyway, we’ll see how the budget holds up. Maybe I shouldn’t talk so tough about drinking wine every day. But hey... I’m trying.

Maybe I'll just cut out my daily anticipated Aperol Spritzes...

HA!

Just kidding.

I took the early train to Vancouver. Nothing dramatic... very uneventful... for me.

~ The taxi driver couldn’t find my parents’ house. Always a good start.

~ When I got to Waterfront Station, I treated myself to a delicious vegan, gluten-free bar. Took one delicious bite… and promptly dropped it on the floor.

~ I went to get my nails re-done (last attempt was a major disaster). This one? Somehow equally horrific. The technician spent what felt like a lifetime sanding my nails. Nearly two hours of sitting still while someone aggressively files your fingers is my personal version of hell.

~ My transit card turned out to be expired right when I needed to hop on the Canada Line.

~ Once at the airport, I had a minor panic that my carry-on might be too big. I briefly imagined being publicly shamed and made to return to the departures desk to check it... but I decided to risk it. Victory! These are the new high-stakes gambles of my travel life.

~My hair clip set off the security alarm.

~ My laptop was confiscated for additional screening. They ran a test. Found nothing.

That’s it.

No major disasters.Just the usual low-key chaos.

Nothing like the edge-of-your-seat panic and low-key dread that comes with every pass through airport security.

OFF TO ITALY...

... send money!