My husband Scott hasn’t traveled with me on an international trip for a few years. Last one was to Cuba in 2010 – but that’s only 90 miles from Florida. Between the recession’s damper on WOW! adventures, and the fact that he was embarking on his new career as a flight instructor (with a big chunk of student loan debt), it just hasn’t been feasible for us.

So when I asked him a few months ago if he’d like to come on the WOW! Travel Club journey to Italy, he said yes, he’d like that.

Scott is a low-key guy. He doesn’t show his excitement in any obvious way. I describe him as “solid” – which is one of the things I most love about him. But just once, I’d love to see him show excitement and – dare I say?– even giddiness about something.

So when he bought Rosetta Stone Italian a few days later, I knew he was excited. And when he sat down at his computer after dinner every evening and practiced his lessons, I knew he was excited.

And when he bought a new sport coat, new Rockport walking shoes and a new leather backpack, I knew he was excited.  When he looked at weather statistics weeks ago, and went online to read the reviews on Alitalia (not so great) and counseled me on their strict rules (“one carry on per person, not to exceed 8 kilos – personal items included”) and when he rummaged around in the storage unit in our backyard to find the big suitcase (so we’d have room for gifts), I knew he was excited. [Gifts? My husband is NOT a shopper!]

And when he fired up  the elliptical machine that’s been gathering dust in the corner of the den, in anticipation of the walking we’d be doing on this trip, I knew he was excited.

On Tuesday, when he posted on Facebook: “One day to go” . . . when he called the LA Times to stop delivery . . . and when he packaged up his customary airplane “treats” (black licorice, Corn Nuts and beef jerky) – I knew he was excited.

It was fun to witness the excitement (however subtle) of a rookie traveler, and reminds me how most people feel in anticipation of a big journey. The myriad of questions I field about what to wear, etc. make more sense with the understanding that international travel is a BIG deal for 99% of folks out there. It’s not that I’m oblivious to it, but it’s cute to have lived with it for the past couple of months!

Viva Roma!!