A Tale of More Cities...

Ciao! We have made it to 2 more cities. Our days have been busy!!!

Yesterday we left Rome and tackled the train for the 2nd time. Cindyàs typed train schedule proved to be very efficient. She is now the Jedi Master of Trenitalia (The Italian Train). And J. has been dubbed the compass rose.

When we arrived in Siena we waited for the bus. When it was completely full we headed up the hill (the wrong way!!!!). Then it started raining, and then it started pouring. We finally made it to our room. Daniella greeted us at the door of the Albergo Bernini. She was delightful. She took us to the terrace to give us a visual map before we started our sightseeing.

We headed to the Duomo (cathedral). It was incredibly elaborate and had zebra striped painted columns. We then went to the il Campo (square). We could have walked up 300 steps to the top of the bell tower, but believe it or not we passed.

We ate on the patio of the local pizzaria which was below the Albergo Bernini. Our waiter was very attentive and counted how many times we "rested" before taking our plates. (J. had her first European embarrassing moment when she walked in the mens restroom by accident. She knew she was in the wrong place when there was only a hole in the ground.) The tables were very close together so we sat next to an older couple who chatted in another language. When it came time to pay the bill the gentleman sitting next to me and I got tickled when Cindy and the gentlemans wife both started unzipping the money pouch... which is tucked away in the front part of the pants. We all started laughing because it isnàt a sight we see everyday! Laughter is universal!!

Today we began our adventure in the small towns of the Italian Riviera- Cinque Terra. The cities are stacked on the sides of mountains overlooking the Mediterranean Sea. We hiked about 3 hours along the coastline enjoying the view...AMAZING!!!!

Christy T. -We have a potential arm shot coming:)

Mary Jane- Tell the kids we said hello!

Christy M.- I donàt have your email address with me... how did the primary go??? Thanks for the note!

JJ Navarre- Yes, I loved staying with little Charlie. He will be grown by the time I get back. Thanks for the note... You and JJ Mobile may have to take another adventure!