To have an itinerary or not to have an itinerary

That is the question (heartfelt apologies to Shakespeare).

Many travelers must have each day planned, some are planned to the minute.  Others, prefer to not plan anything, wandering the streets discovering what is around the next corner.  At work, I have a very regimented day.  Certain tasks must be completed at certain times, others must be completed between this time and that time.  If I miss completing a task I affect over 100 points of logistical distribution.  Betty's job is the same, specific tasks completed at specific times or the result is pure chaos.  Naturally, when we have time away we like to move without ordered plans which brought me to query to myself, I said "Self, should we go to Paris with a detailed itinerary or not?"  And Self said, "Introspection should occur to remind oneself the events that unfolded unto you to arrive at Paris."  Translation - remember why you're only going to Paris.

And it was true, the original plan was Athens, Paris, London, Inverness and Edinburgh.  We were looking at 5 to 6 days per stop, with such a limited amount of time in each place we made an itinerary of everything we "had" to see in each city.  The itinerary came to life, ridiculed us for trying to cram so much into so short a time.  Betty and I finally decided to choose one location and relax.  We slayed the soul eating monster named Itinerary and retired to blissful slumber.

But, (you knew there was a "but" coming) reading through travel forums I kept running across several posts asking for members to review, comment and give advice on itineraries.  I began to doubt myself (Self is notoriously unreliable), maybe I was wrong.  Maybe I need a plan, maybe I'm crazy.  To comfort myself I started a thread titled "Am I Crazy?", which you can read here if you're so inclined Am I Crazy?  The response was very comforting with great suggestions by many.

Overall, I can say I'm not crazy.  There are several travelers that have no planned itinerary, only a list of things they would like to do so as not to miss anything special that happens to be running while they are there.  Likewise, there are several that feel the need to have that itinerary, even if they don't follow it, it comforts them knowing they have a plan.  Both travel styles work, it depends on personal style.

And, apparently, I am very fortunate to have 3 weeks to spend in Paris.  I guess that is true but from my viewpoint, Betty and I have worked long and hard on not only our marriage but also our jobs.  In no way do we feel entitled to this trip or the time we are taking, we have earned our vacation time and we both have very understanding bosses and co-workers that are willing to cover for us while we are gone.  Actually, after typing that, I guess we really are fortunate.

So, with Self being placated, I turned to looking at what would be going on in Paris while we are there.

In 2013, Notre Dame will celebrate its 850th anniversary.  There are plans to update the pipe organ, scrub it down and let her put her best face to the world.  I'm sure there are other events planned to mark this milestone as well.  Notre Dame was already on our "to see" list but now it has been bumped up a bit so we don't miss her birthday celebration.

Sunday July 14, 2013 is Bastille Day, a celebration marking the end of absolute French monarchy and the beginning of the French Revolution and birth of the sovereign Nation eventually leading to the birth of a French Republic.  This National Holiday is marked by parades, fireworks and several parties, I'm sure we will participate in this.

The Flea Market at Saint Ouen.  From what I can tell, this is one of the largest, if not THE largest flea market in Paris.  Vendors sell everything from tourist trap crap to fine antiques and is a wonderful way to spend a day.  Both Betty and I love to scrounge around flea markets, our home decor attests to this.  We have found wonderful antique clocks, cedar chests, oil lamps, kitchen gadgets and so much more.  Yep, we'll spend a day or two there.

There are a host of events and activities occurring during the time we will be there, we have already started our list of things to see and do.  Not an itinerary mind you, just options so we never wake up and wonder what we're going to do that day.

Although, I can't imagine that will happen.