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.