Off to Africa picture You guys look like the Woody Wood
Pecker(Eric) and Mighty Mouse(Mike)! Those people in Africa won't know what hit them! Hard to tell if you want to do good or distroy the continent.
Hello Oi, mate! (That means "Hello, Michael" in Manc)
Sorry we couldn't speak before you left...I certainly understand, though. Glad to hear you're enjoying "The Darling"; I loved it and think you will as well. Of course I know you're an exceedingly wise and experienced traveler, but if you get in any binds and can't reach your brothers or anyone else, don't hesitate to contact me day or nite...the mobile is ALWAYS on: 415 412 1447. Travel safe, be well and can't wait to hear the tales!!
Chris
And they're off! Well, I have to admit that I was worried as I dropped you guys at the airport....that was *some* lightening storm! Been checking the flights and it looks like you are well on your way to Milan now! Eric.....texted you that account number just after we left, so it should be on your cell phone. And Michael.....seriously, the hair looks GOOD - suits you quite nicely! Gia and I will be thinking of you both and also hope to be in contact from time to time. Take good care of yourselves.....and be lucky :) xo, Suzie
Life is an adventure enjoy the ride! Well Eric you are now at the airport anxiously awaiting to board your flight to another land. Hope this is a memorable adventure and one that you will talk about for a long time to come. I miss you immensley already... but am truly excited for you. Thanks for stopping by this morning it was nice to get a hug before you left. Please stay safe, take care and return whole. I love you much. Mom - Mike have a great trip I know you are traveling with an amazing guy - stay safe and enjoy the adventure. Ok lets see if this works now since it is my first time trying to send to the "BLOG"
Mac D does Ice Cream in Ghana Well you are off today albeit a bit earlier than you thought!
I am sure the pair of you will have a great time and what an experience.
I need to mention that I am still slightly gutted that England didn't win the World Cup but having said that in many ways dear old Crewe Alex would have performed better ... keep in touch and stay safe this is Antony sending love and and best wishes to Mike and Eric.. Mike will explain what Mac D can do for you!
happy summer That ITALY game so totaly rocked! Our friends who watched with us had painted their faces with French color; it was so funny! My Dad said he and Michael saw you tonight. Have fun on your trip. Say hi to Mr. Allen.
See you when you get back (if you do...),
Leila
PS: nice dream
Good luck... Glad Italy won. I haven't posted because I'm not computer-literate enough to know how these things work, so hopefully you'll see this okay. I know I read at least one thing that said don't reply to this, so I didn't. Mackenzie hasn't seen it yet. I will share it with her and Devin as you go along your travels. Wishing you both the best of times. We'll see you both when you get back. I'll buy you each a Starbucks -- although my memory is that at least one of you is a Dunkin's guy.... Travel safe...
Regards, Shirley and the rest of the Newell clan.
We'll miss you guys! Well....I have been reading this journal since it began and finally have figured out how to post to it (I think!).
I can't believe that you are leaving tomorrow!
The last few weeks have been great - watching all those World Cup games with you both - Eric, you're predictions were spot on, from the start! My Italian heritage came through in the end and I was glad that they won. (shame on me for doubting them all along ;)
Michael...what can I say? Thank you, my friend, for the fantastic rock session week with Gia and Dev (a.k.a. Midnight Blonde :) We had a lot of fun and the new CD is quite amazing! Can't wait until people get to hear this one! Thanks so much for everything!
Hopefully, all the preparations for the trip are complete...if they aren't - c'est la vie, eh? You guys have worked hard to think of all that you'll need, so I am confident that you're all set.
Michael....hope the net works out for you - didn't quite come out perfectly, but I tried! Will take care of the plants....cross fingers that my brown thumb takes a turn for the better, okay?
Will miss you and will be looking forward to hearing all about this adventure when you return. Wishing you both a wondrous and entirely safe journey!!
Lots of love.....Suzie
Hi Mike and Eric! It has been great watching the World Cup games with you - I am so glad that Italy won! (Mike....England is still in my heart :)
Michael, thanks so much for the wonderful rock session - I had SO much fun! I am looking forward to doing more music with you when you get back and will be working on new songs while you're away!
Good luck and my best wishes on your exciting trip! I will miss you dudes a LOT! :( Will see you when you get back!
Lots of love, Gia
The Time Is Here Well, what a World Cup and Italy did it for us. Something for you to think and smile about during your travels. and maybe even gloat about if needed at times. The time is here now so go for it and experience it all but remember to stay safe and watch out for wild animals. Will be checking back in the weeks ahead to see of any news from the two of you. Remember all of us here will be with you in spirit during this wonderful adventure. I hope you had your fill of Starbucks before you leave. Enjoy this experience of a lifetime and bring back lots to share with all of us back home.
Lucille
I can't wait till I start getting travelblogs from West Africa!!! Mike...you better take good care of my big brother...I only have one, you know! And, if you don't, you will have to answer to me!!!
Just kidding...I am very excited for both of you as your adventures are about to begin!
I can't think of a title... OH YEAH! TORI AND I WERE THE FIRST PACI-MINIONS TO POST!
Oh and also, I learned how to shoot elastics! YAY! Now if another bird picks at my A/C, watch out...
World Cup and Africa We have been checking the blog daily and can't wait to hear more from abroad.
Kevin sent an email early this morning, but I am not sure where it went? We didn't send as comment, I think direct to blogger or private message. His message was something like: "I predicted Italy in the finals too! Really wanted to see Italy and Portugal in the finals, not France (they got lucky). I want to go to the North End today to watch the finals but my parents thought it would be too crazy. Also said to Eric and Mike "Have a great trip and take LOTS of pictures!! My mom and dad (Eric and Scott too) also said have a fun and safe trip (be careful, especially at the beach). Look foward to hearing lots more about your trip. Go Italy!! --Kevin
P.S. Rachel and Abbey, "Italy not Ireland"
My Old Man Was Right Well for once I am not too sad to say that my old man was right. I can't imagine a more exciting thing than Italy winning the world cup before I leave. It really was quite a game. Good to see Italy taking shape despite all of the controversy awaiting so many of the players when they return home. I am going with a 3-1 Italy victory in the final. After watching the game yesterdaay I can't help but feel that the missing link in the French defense is their goalie. I think the pressure and relentless attack of the Italians will do him in and send him home in true french fashion (with his tail between his legs) >;)
Forza Italia I celebrated one of the bast 4th of July ever, sitting at the Joshua Tree in Davis Square, Somerville, with Eric, Gabrielle and Stephanie, watching Italy play Germany in the World Cup semifinals. Wow! what an exciting game. The emotional rollercoaster was a rush and then the score! Italy with one minute left in the second overtime scores the first goal followed by a second within one minute just as the game was whistled to an end. That final moment catapulted us into space much like the Space Shuttle rockets brought it to a successful launch and orbit just 2 hours earlier.
As you know I have predicted France over Portugal 1-0(game starts in 40 minutes). Italy will beat France 2-1 on Sunday for a great ending to the 2006 World Cup.
Eric and Mike will be flying into Ghana just 3 days later and will be met by an exuberant population that saw their soccer team play so well. Mike unfortunately is still grumbling over England's loss. Maybe next time ..
Gabe
Adventure of a lifetime Well it is almost here and I hope everything is all set with visa's etc. Enjoy your adventureand I'm sure it will be a wonderful experience of a lifetime. Stay safe and keep smiling. Will be thinking of you both while gone and checking the blog for updates whenever they are available.
Stay safe. See you in September
LUcille
One week to go Hi,
Hope you are getting all your visa's back. Mali ,I'm hoping is in the process by now. The big day is almost here. Have a wonderful and save adventure to you both. I will be checking this to see and hear about your travels.
Lucille
Bye bye England. Argentina and Brazil As I predicted it will be a European final 4. I further predict Italy over Germany 2-1 and France ove Portugal 1-0.
Where are all you brave prognosticators ! You look more like couch procrastinators !
Gabe
European Final I predict a European final match for the cup. If Italy keeps improving there is noone stopping them. They played a great game today. Now they have a further motivation, their comrade Gianluca Pessotto who tried to commit suicide last week and is close to death in a hospital in Torino. They have dedicated winning of the world cup to him. This may be just the extra edge they need to win it all.
Gabe
Road trip blogs Hey, do the 4th graders keep a blog of their virtual road trip? Seems like something that ought to be added if it's not already part of the project. I'd be willing to help set up something the parents could get to that wasn't generally available to the Internet public.
Thanks for setting up your blog. I'm really looking forward to reading it and sharing it with my kids.
-- Nicky's Dad
fastmannh
non-member comment
Off to Africa picture
You guys look like the Woody Wood Pecker(Eric) and Mighty Mouse(Mike)! Those people in Africa won't know what hit them! Hard to tell if you want to do good or distroy the continent.