In a few days we are heading off on another adventure. This time to house sit for two weeks in Bavaria where we will care for a collie dog and two horses.
We spent some time in Bavaria in 2012, but this trip will involve cities and locations we haven’t been to before.
This trip is almost a reverse of our last house sitting assignment where we spent over 6 weeks in the one location and had only 8 days touring. We will house sit for a relatively short time and spend almost 5 weeks exploring seven other countries, with only one of those, Poland, have we visited before.
I have been trying to learn some German in preparation. I have really enjoyed it but I know I will “freeze” when I am put to the test.
Each trip we plan, I develop a book that doubles as our itinerary and travel tickets as well as our joint diary.
It includes maps and directions and information on how to get to bus stops, airports and accommodation. Don’t worry – I have all the information saved electronically as well but this approach keeps me focused on ensuring our trip is well planned. I have given up on using travel agents after a (second) disastrous trip in 2011.
I also develop Excel spreadsheet summaries of all the plans and costs.
This is the abbreviated version I developed for our kids. Not that I think they look at it very closely, if at all. I also provide a copy to Mick’s mum. Sadly, my mother passed away in February. She always followed these summaries very closely and when I would phone her she would know exactly where I was before I told her.
This trip I have also registered with Smart Traveller – the government website. I am being a bit cautious because of our stop overs in the Baltic countries.
We had planned to spend three days in Minsk, and only last week when I was researching visas, we scrapped it. We lost some money on flights as a result, but we thought it better than being found illegal visitors as we tried to depart the Belarus capital’s airport. Hence the re-direction of the trip through Warsaw Poland.
We’re both getting pretty excited.
Jane and Mick's Holiday Adventures 
We did a diary of our adventures in the US a few years ago. It’s a great way to remember what you’ve been up to. Maybe if you have someone who likes to draw, they could do a few sketches too!
Dear Jane, If ever I have a trip somewhere – I will get you to organise it for me. Have a great time. Paul
Hi Jane,
Wow this looks really great. I hope you both have a lovely time and keep your blog up to
date to include everyone else. You look as organised as I remember you at school!
I have just returned to the chill of Canberra after 2 weeks in the NT. Went to Alice and
the Olgas, kings canyon then took the Ghan to Darwin and went to Kakadu, Litchfield and
a day trip to Arnhem Land. Saw and learned a lot but was once again embarrassed at
the state of our aboriginal community. This along with refugees must be the greatest moral
stain on us as a nation and no one seems to care or be prepared to do anything about
either. Both political parties seem happier scoring points to stay in power than actually
doing anything, a national disgrace.
Was glad to get home to my kitten as I missed her a lot.
Hope all is great for you both and travel safe.
Love
Bel xxx
Sent from my iPad