Session II: Last Sunday Before Departure

It is the last Sunday before we (that is, those of us in Session II) leave for Italy. Excited yet?

As I write, the gang from Session I is on its way home. Our hosts in Montepulciano have a few days to, um, recover from their presence before they deal with us. Since Sesssion II is my session, I know that they will be even more impressed with . . . oh well, never mind.

Meanwhile, a few last minute points.

Luggage weight: please remember that Lufthansa says your free allowance for checked baggage is 23 kilograms = 50 pounds. You will pay a charge if you pack more. The limit for carry on baggage is 8 kilograms = 17 pounds. That does not include your purse.

Amount you can bring past U.S. Customs: this will not be an issue until you prepare to return July 31. However, you might want to make a note of the following and just possibly look at these websites.

First, as of my last visit two years ago, there was just no such thing as bubble wrap in Italy. Maybe things have changed, but since bubble wrap is practically weightless, I would recommend taking some if you have room, especially if you are planning to bring back anything fragile.

Second, the amount of purchased goods, including duty free items, you can legally bring back into the U.S. is $800. That includes clothes, gifts, really everything that you buy over there. After that, it is 3% on the first $1000 over your initial $800. You will be given a customs declaration form on the plane on which you will be required to list purchase totals by category, so save your receipts. If you want more information, you can go here and read what the Homeland Security folks have to say.

In particular, I am regularly asked about bringing back alcoholic beverages. Here are the rules, as stated on the Customs website:

Alcoholic Beverages: One liter (33.8 fl. oz.) of alcoholic beverages may be included in your exemption if:
• You are 21 years old.
• It is for your own use or as a gift.
• It does not violate the laws of the state in which you arrive.

You can ship more, but a duty is added when you do. However, U.S. duty, at 3%, is among the world's lowest.

How do I handle this myself? Ask me when you see me. But those are the rules.

So, after getting all regulation-ish on you, let me end on a lighter note. You are going to have a great time and learn an awful lot doing it. Don't think about most of this stuff until you prepare to return home. Thinking about leaving Italy always makes me sad (sniff!), so don't. Get ready for Rome, Florence, Siena and more! Tuscany awaits you!

See you all Thursday!