Hello.

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Well we were in Roma, but I didn't get to update. That place is just amazing. Everywhere you look there is something ancient....well at least in the "Ancient City." The first day we explored the Paletine Hill...the ticket to this was valid at the Colesium. That was very interesting. But not as nice as the Roman Forum...which was free...go figure. We also saw the Trajan Column. The campsite had a pool...so of course we partook. Oh and in less than an hour we saw two people get their wallets stolen. We held our bags very close to our bodies and survived intacked. We went to the Coliseum the next day. It was very nice. The best part was, because we bought our tickets the day before, we didn't have to wait in the hour-long line! I wish we could have gone into more of it. Cest la vie. After that was went to the Patheon. That was very exciting. I've always wanted to see it. After that, we went to the Trevi Fountain and the Spanish Steps. Then to Villa Borgese (sp). The park there was very beautiful. We had planned to go to the Vatican the next day, but it was closed bc of St. Peter's Day...damn. Instead, we went to Orvieto. It was a fantastic little city on a cliff. There are oven 1200 man-made caves under the city (most date back to the Etruscians). It was great to see a small town after Roma! The next day, we checked out of the campsite VERY early and took our bags to left luggage at the train station. We, then, went to the Vatican Museums. The line wrapped around several corners and down many streets....but only took about an hour and a half! We didn't have a lot of time until the train...so we didn't get to see everything...but it was still fantastic! I did see the Sistine Chapel and the Raphel Rooms. On the train to Salerno...we didnàt realize we needed reservations...so we sat in the area near the doors. This is not unsual in Italy. I've done it several times. This time, apparently, we HAD to have reservations we had to pay 12 euros passage and 8 euros penalty. That really sucked...considering I have a 35 euro per day budget...thank goodness, I'm under-budget. Next, we took a bus to Atrani (near Amalfi). Erin forgot to validate her bus ticket and the guy tried to charge her 34 euros. We jumped off the bus at the next stop and hide. We're such devients! Finally, we made it to the hostel and immediately donned our swimsuits and hit the beach...which by the way is about 50 meters from our hostel. I love this place! The people are so friendly and the place is absolultely amazingly beautiful! Today we went to Pompeii. I loved it. The ride there, not so much. We took a bus from Amalfi (about a 5 min walk from Atrani)...after about an hour the bus driver told us to get off and wait for a different connection. We did this and told the next driver where we were going...he didn't go to Pompeii. Finally, someone on the bus told us to get off and walk to the next city. Now, this was like BFE Italy. We finally found the "village" and the bus stop. But, we couldn't find where to buy tickets. We stopped to ask someone...and even asked in Italian, but they refussed to talk to us. We went to a pharmacy and found a very helpful person. We then went to a train station and bought tickets to Pompeii. But, we got on the wrong train...damn damn damn. Finally, after almost 5 hours we got to Pompeii. It was fantastic. I got to see the frescos at the Villa di Mysterys. Very cool...but we missed the brothel...damn. We had a bit of trouble getting home...but nothing compared to getting there. This evening, Erin treated me to a farewell dinner. It was absolutely fantastic! I am absolutely indebted to her. Currently, I'm planning my trip to Greece. It looks like the ferry that crossed a greater distance, but is a shorter ride is cheaper than the other option. That works for me. I should be in Olympia for the 4th. I hope everyone has a great 4th and please drink a crappy American beer for me and shoot a firework or two. Anyway, 33 days down, 30 more to go. Yeah, I'm getting a bit home sick. Miss you guys!

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Comments

[Kay VC]

Jealous
I am green with envy, and so is Uncle Bob. We are just astounded about this trip, and just wish we had done it when we were your age. But then again, we were not as mature as you are. Have fun and be careful. Kay