Sitting on our balcony at Hotel Dino this morning; it is overcast and cooler, but a beautiful view across the lake. Cyd is just getting up and ready for breakfast. I have meetings this morning, but only until noon, when it all wraps up here in Baveno. We will take the train back to Milan and check into our hotel (Michelangelo) there before heading out to explore what Milan has to offer. I wanted to see da Vinci's Last Supper, but that may not happen, s you apparently have to reserve a time to visit at least a week in advance. Even then, viewings are limited to 15 minutes, so I am not sure I would have time to figure out if it was really John or Mary Magdellen sitting beside Jesus...? (Note: you might want ... read more

I personally think this version (#1) of the picture is better (tough task for a Dad to choose, right!). Anyway, that is my pick, but I leave you a few options to consider... Later, - J... read more

Our last day in Rome before heading north tomorrow. After a morning at the conference for me, we headed out to the Vatican City this afternoon. We toured through the Vatican Museum (kilometers of halls, tapestries, sculptures (even some naked ones, you're right Grandpa!) and painted ceilings. Each corner had a sign pointing to the Sistine Chapel, so you kept thinking it was around the next corner (it wasn't!). Once we finally got it, it was surreal, not to mention the hall being packed full with about 1000 people, all with their necks craned up, but for the actual paintings by Michelangelo, and as high up as they are. You can't imagine how it would ve been done those hundred of years ago!? No pictures, unfortunately. There were several stern guards making sure no shoulders were ... read more

Hi All! September 9, 2008 Happy Birthday to Uncle Duane, in Saskatoon this week! Another fine day in Rome! Still hard to believe we're here at times... It was a beautiful day here again - it must have topped 34C. I was at the conference this morning; quite a commute on the conference bus to the outskirts, but today the bus left directly from the Aldrovandi Hotel, and it gave a nice view of the 'real Rome' outside of the historic center. Cyd and I managed some time at the hotel pool this afternoon, then set out on another walking tour - made our way back to Campo di Fiori (I learn a new spelling every day!), for more shopping, and a leisurely meal on the piazza over a few solid hours of people watching! Include ... read more

Hi all - J here this time! Sorry for the delay in posting; the internat access was down last night when we got back to the hotel. I was at the conference for the better part of the day yesterday (oh yah, the original reason for ocming to Rome...!). It is quite a production to get to the conference center from the old city - a combo of metro and buses! Anyway, Cyd spent the day at hotel, catching up on some homework and relaxing. A little time was spent poolside, but mostly she was bored! We had breakfast together before I left. Here are a few pics of what that simple pleasure is like here at Hotel Aldrovandi Palace! I am heading out to the conference again this morning for an earlier session, then we ... read more