So we decided to backpack in Europe one summer . . . and being the person that I am, I read as much advice about packing as I could get my hands on. Two words - PACK LIGHT. There were all sorts of gems - pack everything you think you'll need, then reduce it by half . . .
fill your backpack and then walk an afternoon in the city streets . . .
then there were lists upon lists of things to be sure to not forget . . . everything but the kitchen sink . . . where most lists failed us, was to forget to note that in order to gain admission in just about any Italian Church, women MUST be dressed "modestly" meaning no pants, no shorts - skirts or dresses only. Of course, outside the Vatican there is quite a bustling industry for sellers of big scarves that can be fashioned into a skirt of sorts . . .
So the second time I visited Italy, and Roma, having been turned away before - I brought my skirt. I also packed for the remainder of that summer: 3 cotton-poly shirts that would dry quickly, a sweatshirt, 3 pairs underwear, 2 sports bras, 1 pair jeans, 1 pair shorts, shoes that would be worn without socks, camera, film, $$$, "Let's Go Europe," the blanket we stole from inflight (that we shared until we got to Rome and finally cut in HALF - know how teensy those things are to start? try sharing one . . . OR using half of one . . . brrrrrr!), toothbrush & paste, Prell concentrated shampoo (it'll last all summer!), antipersperant.
We managed to launder all of our clothing in train sinks, public bathrooms, or the rare hotel room. And we'd air dry them by hanging them on our packs as we trudged through city streets. We managed to go as long as 10 days without changing (or showering - yea gross and greasy!) and our poor feet suffered the summer long, in our earthy leather shoes without socks . . .
But stinky and greasy and gross as we were, we did manage to get into the Vatican this time, in our skirts . . . and it was wholly worthwhile!
