THE SPECTACULAR VIEWS OF BEAUTIFUL ROMA!

Can't seem to add pictures and write, haven't figured this out yet, so I'll try writing and then add another photo. I've been all over the place today, the Fountain of Trevi, the Spanish steps, the Pantheon, Piazza Navona and the Villa Borghese, a museum of statues made in the 1500-1700s. Beautiful gardens all around, huge with magnolia trees surrounding the park. A few glasses of some really good white wine made in Tuscany...delicio!

I could stay here way more than 4 days, absolutely love it, my body is a little sore after most of the day walking, but what away to see all that fabulous architecture...WOW! It is already 8:00 pm here, must go have some more vino, and manga(eat) in the next little bit. Warm, humid, but nice breezes, and bells in the background. Moved to a bigger room, much better! Met a group of americans last night, so hung with them. We are reconvening tonight around 11:00 to partake in more vino and conversation. Off tomorrow on a bus tour of the city, and then a hike to the coloseum. Maybe Thursday the Vatican, the outside for sure, the inside waiting line, I hear is up to 4 hrs. long, can't do that, but would love to see the Sistine Chapel, so we'll see. Here goes with another photo, I will try. Everyone have a good day, feels funny to say, as it is now night!!

Trying to see if I can add text to the photo? Kathleen Can you email as to how I can add more than one photo to blog? Thanks I need your help. You should come for a visit. You'd LOVE IT!

HELLO ROME

Made it, a long, long trip, but boy those international flight are beautiful compared with the US of A! Took the train after(the cattle car), then the metro, finally checked into my room, which is half the size of what I call my closet at school. Tried to upgrade, but nothing available, maybe tomorrow.

The streets are cooblestone, windy, and steep, so nice is the change of scenery! Feel so relaxed and at peace, now that I am finally here. Off to find a glass of vino, a swiss army knife, phonecard, and some laundry detergent. Then onto the Spanish steps, and whatever else may fall into place. Can tell this is gonna be a trip! Very, Very excited, and will be more tomorrow after a good night sleep if I don't fall out of the smallest bed I've ever seen.

AU REVOIR USA

Here I sit in anticipation, waiting for the day to turn to night. 4 and 1/2 hrs. to go before flight time. The meeting is over, went well, yet physically/mentally exhausted, between processed information, late, sleepless nights and the WAITING. Not at all good at this part, and the thought of an 8 hr. flight...kills me, maybe I'll sleep on the plane? It is now 3:30 here in Boston, 9:30 in Rome, will change my watch as soon as I hit the plane. Possibly a storm on the way, so we'll see what transpires?

So, guess where I am? At the hotel bar deciding on what to eat for lunch, with of course, a glass of vino, conversing with strangers, and the bartender Michael. Took an hour walk at 7:00 am, and one just an hour ago, still restless, but getting better all the time. The next time you hear from me I should be in Rome ready to roam the ruins.

I'm thinking about all of you, about Pete's big debut, which hopefully, Shelly will fill me in about. Wish I could be like bewitched and twitch my nose, and be there for a while, I would still be able to make my flight, and be in great company before I leave. Until later, if I don't see you in the future, I'll see you in the pasture. No ARI's to report, behaving well thus far!

Made it from Ontario to Boston, via Houston, which was close to 104 with terrible humidity. Of course I was the one who had to go outside and smoke, carrying a backpack weighing over 30lbs. Duh! What was I thinking? The 3:00 am awakening was not too bad, as traffic was relatively light, except for a fairly close encounter with a deer running across the road, and a truck driver veering into my lane, which scared the crap out of me, while thinking maybe this trip was not to be at all.

I had the misfortune of being stuck next to a lady on the plane, who whined about Europeans, and especially Rome. She said it was old, dirty, full of dog shit, and whatever other negativity she could portrait. I thought how lucky was I (pick me), especially since the flight was delayed! Yet I actually made it on time for dinner to meet with everyone. Yes Kathleen, I had delicious sauteed scallops in butter, with a sauce of chantelle? mushrooms, sugar snap peas, and plenty of wine to accompany this. The room was large, and echoed unbelievably so one could not really carry on a conversation. Yet a few tables away sat Jimmy Buffet, bald, older, yet truly recognizable!

Back at the hotel, went to the bar, but also very echosome, must be the tall ceilings, or large crowds of people, brought the wine to my room, showered, washed my clothes with shampoo, practicing for Europe. Tired, but must go outside and smoke before bed, wonder if I can just wear the bathrobe out there. Sorry, long winded, but love the idea of writing, and it hopefully will get more interesting. Please do not feel obligated to follow me, it just feels so damn good to be writing again! Comments please, if anyone feels like it.

Today I have 2 days left before I begin my journey. First stop Boston, which I believe is one of our oldest cities in the US. This part will be jam packed with meetings, and discussions of organizations, who need funding for their programs, which entails children at risk. Being there are quite a few of us on the board, we will beg to differ, and eventually come to some agreement in the end. Of course this will involve dinner out, inclusive of wine, and reviews of my intended trip to come.



I find myself procrastinating more than one should be able to be allowed. The packing process is only in its faze of heaps of underwear, socks, medicational aids, and country maps lying all over the spare room. Today is the day I have promised myself I WILL pack! As you can read, I still have not yet begun. This morning I found myself lying in bed intaking the sounds of the early morning birds, and the silence which surrounds the mountains. I know this will be obsolete as I arrive in Boston, then Rome on Monday the 29th, all gone to the hustle bustle of city life. I think of my friends, teaching school, the gym ( where I have not been to in the last 2 weeks), as if I will be gone forever. I'm sure my thoughts will quickly change as I enter this new galaxy of adventures.



Until then my friends, I shall dine and wine with all of you, introduce you to new friends, and cultures, share experiences, memories and photos once I get going. May you all stay well and happy. Wish me well during my travels, I am a tad bit afraid of making this venture on my own, but know, I will step up to the plate!!