A year ago a friend of ours wanted to do something big and fun for his upcoming 60th birthday. Since Christmas is his favorite holiday, and his birthday happens to be in December, he decided on inviting all his friends on a Christmas markets cruise down the Rhine river.

We planned to also add on to that a week in Portugal. We had such a good time last year we were ready to go back and experience it at a different time of year.

And… since the cruise ends in Switzerland, we are getting to Portugal via a scenic train trip through the Alps to Milan. Why not?

The luggage tags are here!
The luggage tags are here!

Nothing is packed yet, so we have nothing to put them on yet.

Soon…

Packing for a winter vacation is challenging in a different way.

On the last trip we got three weeks of clothes in two carry-ons. It was summer.

This time, it is going to be more than can fit in suitcases that small. Winter clothes are bulky, but we need the warmth.

Extra warmth for our Florida blood!

To make sure you don’t forget me when you’re gone, let me add as much hair as I can to the suitcase now.

Everything you unpack will have Poody love all over it!

As always, we take the last photo at the door before we leave.

Lots of jackets and coats for Florida, but is it enough for Amsterdam?

We will find out eventually…!

Like any Sunday afternoon at Orlando airport, the lines with vacationers returning home was never ending. It took a while to get us all through, and Pieter got the worst of it.

As soon as our monorail trip was done, we hwaded straight to Vino Volo for some wine.

Our flight is now delayed for about 45 minutes, so we had wine and llayed cards for a long time.

If you know, you know. 🙂

Finally on board.

Now watching the parade, as always.