Livorno is is the gateway to glorious Tuscany Linda G. and I were the only ones of the 12 to take "The Best of Florence" tour. The others were going to Tuscany for Chianti tasting and lunch. We had a 1 1/2 hour bus ride into the city of Florence (Florenzia). The countryside was marvelous. We walked and walked around Florence, ate lunch then walked some more. We had time to shop at a great leather store. Too bad Arizona is too warm for the wonderful leather jackets they had. Good prices too!! Michalangelo's David is the highlight of the trip [View Full Entry]

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We got up fairly early and went downstairs for the breakfast part of the B & B. With tickets in hand, we ordered American coffee and a croissant. One small cup was not enough so we got another round & then another--not realizing that each cup was 4 EU--38 EU later, we went back to the room to get going on the tour. Rosana's husband, David Kellogg, is a transplant from San Fransico. He is a former engineer who is now a tour guide with Rosana. David took us to the Vatican museum, the Sistine Chapel and St Peter's Bascillica. What [View Full Entry]

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We arrived in Rome right on time and met our driver after going through customs and getting our luggage. He took us to the Benhouse B & B where we met our guide, Rosana. Benhouse overlooks Vatican City and we had a view of the Pope's living quarters. We dropped off our luggage and then walked to get something to eat before going to St. Peter's Square for the Pope's Blessing. We were so lucky to get to Rome on a Sunday that the Pope was giving a blessing. After the blessing, we toured around that area for a couple of [View Full Entry]

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Ok, I've logged in from a different computer so that is another hurdle that I've conquered. I don't have any photos to try to add from here, but that will just have to be the next hurdle. My students are finishing up their finals in Math. I have been teaching Special Education for 26 years. The past six years, I've taught Special Ed Math at Ironwood Ridge High School in Tucson, AZ. With my "extra right hand," Kris, we have maybe helped the kids learn some math concepts. At least we try!! I have enjoyed teaching except for some of the [View Full Entry]

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This trip has been in the planning for about a year. It is a celebration of friendships that have lasted and lasted. We are a group of grade school, high school & college buddies in our sixties that still enjoy getting together as often as possible and partying hearty for as long as we can. It started with 16 of us but 2 couples had to cancel. We will fly to Rome, transfer to Civitavecchia, Italy to board the Grand Princess on May 26 for a 12 day cruise ending in Southampton, England with transfers into London with wonderful stops along [View Full Entry]

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Well, here goes. My first blog!! Two weeks until I fly out of Phoenix and head to Rome. I want to practice a couple of blogs before I head for the high seas and try posting from random places. Hope this all works and everyone enjoys or at least tolerates my posts. I sure do hope that I have enough computers skills to do this all with ease. I want to be able to add photos and witty comments and let everyone know just what is going on. I also hope I take the time to get r done!! It will [View Full Entry]

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