DS Leaving For Crete, Greece!!!!!

[momrek06]

My 20yo DS is spending the summer on the Island of Crete, Greece. He flies out on Monday. He will be with his college (Art History major) at a DIG site. They will be digging (studying/logging data) for rare artifacts along the coastline.

My question is to all you DISer's... can anyone think of anything we need to
remember to pack. DS is an Eagle Scout and while scouting he traveled extensively and has a pretty good grip on packing...but I keep thinking we are forgetting something.

He has all his pertinent paperwork as well as passport/banking info/hotels/transportation/phone cards/camera/laptop/medical forms/tour guide books etc etc....

Any ideas from clothing to groom kit to paperwork will be much appreciated.

It is getting a tad bit stressful as the BIG day nears!!! He will NOT be home until Jan 2007 because after the DIG is complete he will travel to Scotland to study ART at the University of Glasgow!!! So he has a bit of anxiety as he will not be home for a long time, is unsure of what is ahead both with the DIG and with UofG!!! He is very excited but....still a few apprehensions....linger!!!

 

[gina2000]

Extra prescription and over the counter medications.

I hope he has a wonderful time!

 

[MamaLema]

I have nothing helpful to add ...but it sounds like a wonderful experience I bet you'll miss him

 

[Shagley]

Wow, what a great opportunity for him. Some things I would suggest. Make a copy of his passport and other important papers (school papers, travelers checks, etc) to keep with you at home. If he would happen to lose any of his papers, you would be able to fax him a copy and it would make things smoother for him.

Some cold water laundry detergent, a travel clothesline and some clothespins might help him not have to do laundry so often (that can get quite expensive). He can wash out shirts, socks & underwear in the sink or tub then hang them to dry.

Copies of any of his prescriptions - including medications, glasses or contacts.

sunblock, bandaids, antiobiotic ointment, eyedrops (that dirt from the dig might dry out his eyes), etc.

Also, when I was in College, I went to help build a church in Mexico. My Mom had slipped a really nice card in my luggage that said how proud she was of me and how much she loved me. That made me feel really special, and when I started to feel homesick, I would read the card. Just an idea.

I hope he has a GREAT time! This is sure the be the experience of a lifetime!

 

[momrek06]

Also, when I was in College, I went to help build a church in Mexico. My Mom had slipped a really nice card in my luggage that said how proud she was of me and how much she loved me. That made me feel really special, and when I started to feel homesick, I would read the card. Just an idea.

!

This is soooo awesome an idea!! I AM going to do this for sure!!

I am feeling sooo bad about all this as I do not FLY well at all...barely make it to WDW so I will not be heading overseas. DH will go in August when the dig is over and spend THREE whole weeks traveling with DS and the two will head from Greece to Scotland together. We already have all the computers in the house set up with WEBCAM's for DS to call us on his computer and see us and chat through something called SKYPE.

ANYWAY...many thanks for the suggestions so far....keeping my notes!!!

 

[rparmfamily]

Advice:
Just remember there is an US Navy Base there in Crete so if something should happen he could go there with his passport and ask for help. PM me if you would like contact info for that base. Also, know where the US Consulate office is there as another source of possible help. Crete is truly an Awesome place to be.

Rex

 

[momrek06]

Advice:
Just remember there is an US Navy Base there in Crete so if something should happen he could go there with his passport and ask for help. PM me if you would like contact info for that base. Also, know where the US Consulate office is there as another source of possible help. Crete is truly an Awesome place to be.

Rex

THANK YOU VERY MUCH!!!

 

[Saphire]

I am sure your Eagle Scout is very prepared for his trip. What a great opportunity! Best wishes to him for an adventurous and fun summer, and to you, Mom, as you hope for all good things during his travels.

 

[momrek06]

I am sure your Eagle Scout is very prepared for his trip. What a great opportunity! Best wishes to him for an adventurous and fun summer, and to you, Mom, as you hope for all good things during his travels.

Ahhhh...Thank you so much and THANKS to all the DISer's here tonight who have wished DS "good luck" as well!!!!!!!!

 

[katied]

Don't worry too much about it. I don't know where exactly in Crete he'll be (I've mostly been on central to western part of the island) but it's a easy place to get around, some nice size cities/towns, and it's not hard to pick up odds and ends you may need. My husband's family is actually from Crete, so he's spent a lot of time there (I've been about 4 times). Now that Greece is part of the EU, it's easy to get most things you may need. The medicines may have difference names (you won't find Tylenol, Advil, etc) but you can buy pretty much the same stuff. I don't know about the language issues though - I don't speek Greek, but I was always with my husband, cousins or other family members, all of whom speek the langauge. But based on the number of tourists that seem to come through (from all over Europe) it should be fine.

I hope he has a great time!

 

[momrek06]

I don't know where exactly in Crete he'll be (I've mostly been on central to western part of the island) !

My son will be in (here goes..) Priniatikos Pyrgos Excavation, Istron, Mirabello...which I believe is the eastern side??? !!

Have you been there at all?