Downes Family's Guestbook

Toilet advice
Been there.. done that. ALWAYS carry small change with you , and yes, everyone is expected to pay. In Poland I was charged: 1st for TP, 2nd for soap, and 3rd time for a paper towel. My son said not to begrudge the little old ladies as they have no other means of support. Other words from him- go to a McDonald's or Pizza Hut or some other Am. chain. Toilets are usually free and clean. Love your blogs and all Kate's close calls with the law :-)

Calendar Men
I really enjoyed reading this blog entry! I laughed, cried and had visions of Ken being asked to pose for the American version of the "Hot Priests" calendar! Too funny! And the image of the four of you walking into a formal cruise ship dinner in your best drip dry made me almost wet my pants! It's a good thing Lauren is there to keep you all in proper decorum. Your descriptions of all the sights and activities are so good! Thank you for sharing it all with us! And I cannot believe that you carried unopened birthday cards with you, Kate! You really do qualify for "best mom of the year"! Did the waiters sing happy birthday in English or Italian, Sam? What a cool way to celebrate your birthday. While I am envious of the adventures you are having, I am not envious of the heat you are enduring. Things here are well! Love and peace -Joe

Delightful!
Thank you so much for sharing your grand adventure! I look forward to your updates!

Just found your Blog!!
Greetings K4!! :) I love your commentary. It's so nice to be able to "travel with you" in this way! Can't wait for your next entry...Enjoy each moment. Hi Sam and Lauren- I remember you as babies! -Jeff Wilkins

Chapel of S. Barbara
The pictures of the family on the edge of the bluff by the Chapel of S. is amazing... having FUN following along with you on your adventures. Love, Nancy - Chris - Izzy

So glad you are having fun!
Your trip looks so wonderful...maybe someday I can get to all these places! Can't wait to hear about Italy - as it is the one place I have been to, though it was about 19 years ago. Best wishes for more great times and look forward to seeing you when you get back. Barbara (from First Congo Church in Shelburne)

AWESOME!!!
Oh. My. God. Your trip sounds like the best fun ever and i really wish I was there with you... I can't wait to see all of you in August... Love Pat

Great start to a wonderful adventure
I loved reading about the exciting start to your great trip. The pictures were awesome. Enjoy!! We are thinking of you all and wishing we were along. Mary Ann and family

Joyous report
Thank you so much for taking me along on your trip. Now I 'get it' when people say they travel with me through my blogs. I felt as though I was there with you but coud dnever keep up that pace. You are so wise to be doing what you're doing now! Love, 'Gunga'

Lovin' Iceland
So glad you are loving Iceland. It is such a unique place. Did you miss the earthquake? Thingvellir was where they held their first democratic congress. And the drowning pool- it was only for women! The double standard was alive and well even back then. Keep the blogs comin'. Love, Carolyn

How exciting
What a great itinerary! We're wishing you the absolute best! Have a ball. We're going to save your itinerary in the hope we can revive it someday :-) Love, Don, Betsey, Alyssa and soon-to-be Lindsey

photos and words
The more I travel, the less physical stuff I acquire along the way, and the more digital images I take and words I write. Hope you have plenty of memory cards for your camera(s) and everyone an old fashioned notebook and several good pens. With that great itinerary, also give yourself some unplanned hours for serendipity to happen.