Sabbatical has begun

It is the day after Christmas 2010. My sabbatical has officially begun. So have the lists of things that I want to do before I go and the list of things I wish to take with me on the trip. Any suggestions are welcome.

Tickets purchased

Today I confirmed my flights to France and from Norway. In order to save some money, I have decided to purchase tickets when in France on domestic airlines that will take me from France to Norway. Since I'm doing trains, I figure I can also plan flights with my basic French skills. Wish me luck! I hope to return to you all the middle of May 2011. (Of course, I'm not leaving until January 29.)

Luxembourg (cont.)

Today I heard from the B&B owner. She has offered to pick me up at the train station in Luxembourg City; then recommends that I rent a car so that I can travel around the little towns. She has also offered to check into some family history if I can give her more. I'm sure that there is some information held by my mother. I'll check with her at Thanksgiving.
Whenever someone asks me if I'm counting the days to the end of the semester, I can honestly say "no". However, it is hard not to smile when I'm asked.

Luxembourg connection

Last evening I emailed a B&B in Luxembourg near LaRochette. The proprietor informed me today that the house is well outside of town and that I should consider renting a car. She also said that the town of Manternach is not far from the house - I will definitely have to visit there.
One more thing, the previous owners of the house were two bachelor brother Manternachs. Cool.
I gave a little more family information to the B&B owner. She may be able to make some connections with family there. Who knows!
This afternoon I called AAA to set my flights: Chicago - Nice - Amsterdam - Trondheim - Chicago.
Can't believe I'm doing this, but it's very exciting to imagine!

Planning for France

Last week I was able to visit Terri at AAA. She was able to give me helpful hints and plan the flights necessary.
I've decided to use the train to get around once in Nice, France.
Nice is nicely situated on the Mediterranean Sea, not far from Italy. I hope to spend some time in Northern Italy, across southern France, maybe Northern Spain, and at least a few visits to Paris for sure.
The French language school I will be attending is called Azurlingua.
My departure date is January 29, 2011 from Chicago.
School starts January 30.
I am really looking forward to this opportunity, even though at times I do wonder what-the-heck I am doing.
This spot will be used to chronicle my time in France, Italy, Switzerland, and Spain (maybe), followed by time in Luxembourg and Norway.
I will return to the States in mid-May.
While I'm gone I plan to keep in touch with you all via Facebook, Skype, email, and this blog. Pictures will be added occasionally. I will get a "pay-as-you-go" phone when I'm there, and I'll let you know what that number is later.
Thanks for all your support!