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My bags are packed and repacked.  My check on bag contains my acrylics and clothes.  My carry on contains my soft pastels and medicine plus some simple clothing for the "just in case" - hope my bags come with me on the same plane.  My over the shoulder contains the rest of my necessary items.  One day left at home and then :  Hello London.    

I have 16 days now before I leave.  I am already packing which is a job in itself: what to NOT take.  What I worry about is how will I pull several suitcases across a huge terminal  Shall I ask (and pay for) extra help with luggage?  Packing is a trial and error sort of effort.  I will have a carry-on suitcase which has my soft pastels and my "must haves" personal items.  Also, drudge! my medicine including my insulin and syringes!  This is NOT like any other trip I have taken to Europe.  

My cats sense something is up.  They sleep on my suitcases as if that will prevent me from leaving home.  A friend told me to talk to them every day and explain that I am not leaving them for good, just going on vacation.  I will return and everything will be as it was, really!

Tip:  Always put together a travel itinerary book.  I am using a binder and plastic insert covers.  I include a main schedule followed by any maps and daily activity information such as train or ferry bookings, photos and background information about special places, auto rentals reservations, airbnb reservations, etc.