Road Trip!

Today.  Florence.  Tomorrow.  The World.

I'm up bright and early this morning, thanks to an early night last night.  I have a big day ahead, and I'll need all the time I can get.  What's the big deal, you say?  I am going on my first European Road Trip.  That's right my friends, after six weeks of Garmisch, I'll be spending a few days elsewhere.  Don't get me wrong; Garmisch is great.  I just hear great things about Florence this time of year.

I will have two travel companions on my quest through the Mediterranean Boot.  My roommate Andrew will be getting off from his grave shift sometime soon, and I will be picking up the always wonderful Corinne from work around noon before we make our way southward.  There is much to do before then however.

I have to pick up my rental car at 9:00 from Hertz.  We are able to use a VAT form, because we are under the employ of the US Government, which saves us a few dollar/euros.  I highly suggest this if it is at all possible.  After I get the car, I have to go to the local polizei station and get my international driver's licence.  I already have a US DOD issued drivers licence that is good in Deutschland, and apparently is accepted in every other NATO country, but Austria decided they don't like it for some reason.  Anyway, without the International licence, I could get a ticket for unlicensed driving in that country... Go figure.  I hope it doesn't take too long.

After I have all that squared away, I have to go to the PX to get our gas ration card.  This is another cost cutting measure we are afforded by the US Government.  It is basically access to cheaper American gas.  Then it's off to the Commissary for some road snacks.  You can't have a road trip without snacks and drinks.  I'm sure some sort of caffeine will be involved.  In fact, it will probably be a theme.

The last official chore before leaving town will be to stop at an Esso Station on the way out of Deutschland to pick up a Vignette Card.  Again Austria has to be just a little bit.... um, Austrian?  The Vignette is a toll, and apparently it is nearly impossible to drive in Austria without one.  It cost about 8 euro for ten days, but the fine for driving without one is 500 euro I believe.  You can bet I'll be getting one.

Oh I have to do all this and of course pack, since I haven't done that.  Why would I pack early for a trip?  That would only have made sense, right?  I'm sure I won't forget anything important..... (knock knock).

We aren't planning on going straight to Firenze either.  There is a US military base in Vicenza.  It is about an hour and a half out of our way, but we are heading there to get supplies and just to see what another base looks like.  From there it is on to Florence!  I am going to visit with my cousin Libby, who is studying there, but as I understand it, she will be leaving back home to the states shortly.  I'm so excited to see Libby and Florence!

Wish me luck!