shotbyruth

As we pulled into Naples our room overlooked an old castle. Can’t wait to play with that image in photoshop. Frank was our tour guide for the day and he drove us (Kim/Michael, Steven/Andrea, Mai/Peter and us) to Positano along the Amalfi Coast. On the way there Frank slowed down in front of his house and honked until his wife and children came to the door. So cute! And I saw my first cat of the whole trip. Positano is set on a cliff. Kyle and I walked all the way to the bottom so that he could get some sand. Positano is very expensive. Frank told us of a house that sold for 50 million and the plumbing didn’t even work. Next we drove to Sorrento and Frank took us to a shop that he ... read more

The amazing race begins. We started our 4 day whirlwind in Florence. Mai/Frank, Christine/Tom, Kim/Michael and Kyle and I met our guide and he drove us from the port through Tuscany to Florence. We started the day at a great overlook and history lesson. From there we went into town and the shopping began. Florence is a great place to shop and I promised I was going to wait to buy my leather backpack but the first store we went into had the perfect bag for me. The fashions in the windows had me drooling. Kyle should be very thankful that I wouldn’t be able to fit into anything those stores had because I saw the most wonderful clothes and especially leather jackets. Oh! My! We saw some fantastic buildings too. The line was too long ... read more

We are on our second day of the cruise and I think I have finally figured out this computer/internet/my fumblings and jetlag! Time flew by in Barcelona and we didn’t get to see ¼ of the things on my list. But what we did do was incredible. We will be back and stay longer next time. On day one we went to the Casa Battio. I lost Kyle somewhere on the back porch ½ way through and just thought I would catch up with him at some point. Nope!! I went all the way to the rooftop and no Kyle. I hung out there taking lots of pictures thinking he would show up. Nope!! Waited forever in the gift shop. Nope! Made my way down 5 flights of stairs to the outside. Nope! Hiked back up ... read more

I officially got the bags out and started going through the closet! My daughter helped me look at everything and tell me "yes" or "no" to my choices. How lucky is that.... I have a dresser! My dear husband will pack the night before. No stress for him. But see, I started my vacation a few months ago. Scouring the internet for what to see, buying tickets getting prepared that is part of the fun. The big let down comes when you come home to a suitcase or two full of dirty clothes to wash. But I won't go there yet. Too much fun yet to come. But clothes aside I'm going through my camera equipment and making sure I have everything. Kyle said he wanted to bring a camera! For some reason that really makes ... read more

Hold the presses... my daughter has informed me that I need to know how to NOT look American. Not like I haven't been to Europe at least 6 times in my life!! LOL So to help remind me to NOT be that ugly American I'm sharing for you all. How to avoid looking like an American Tourist Whew! Now I can think about my list again. I have wiped a few tears because I won't be able to see the magic fountains but then I'm reminded that Picasso has a museum in Barcelona!!! Picasso lived from 1881 to 1973 and developed his painting style while living in Barcelona. So the travel brochure says :) During our few days in Barcelona the exhibit will be Picasso/Dali'. The two knew each other and were both friends and rivals. ... read more