Our route

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4 days until lift off. The organization needed to travel for a month is unbelievable. I can't imagine what the folks who travel for a year must do. The living room is full of piles: cameras, books, maps, clothes, itineraries, over-the-counter just-in-case stuff. All this goes into 2 small carry-on size bags. Heaven forbid we lose the Italian phrasebook!

The cat and Ann's dad are taken care of. All the summer plants are gone so they won't suffer from the first frost in October. I think we're ready!

Check out today's (9/24) Travel Section of the NY Times. It's all about Lucca. NY TIMES Travel

Our first week will be a marvelous culinary journey in Lucca with Carmie Hobbins (from Carmela's Cucina, Edina, MN). She promises to keep us very busy, so we aren't sure we will have time to blog. Just wanted you to know in case we don't check in for awhile.

Ciao!

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Photos

Luggage for 28 days
Backs hurt already and we haven't left home.

Comments

[Teresa]

Goodbye and Have a blast!!!
What a lovely picture I think I am responsible for that..haha Glad it could be used for such a good purpose.. I just want to wish the two of you the best you guys have a blast and enjoy this trip. You both deserve it more than any words could describe! Have fun!!! Love ya both!

[Jim & Rita Lind]

Thanks for blogging!
We'll be following your trip closely to help prep us for our Italy trip on our 25th anniversary (2 years from now). Particularly the culinary aspects. Have a wonderful time!

[deleted_23779]

Enjoy your Trip!
Hey Bro and Bro-ette, enjoy your trip to Italy. Sounds great to get away for that amount of time. I don't know about the cooking part of it though, I would come back looking like a whale. Say hi to the Pope for me, and tell him I don't agree with him about a feww things, but he will have to call me if he wants to know what things. And let Pavarotti know that I think he needs to lose some weight, but he still sounds great. That is about all the people I know in Italy... Don't run into any Mafia. Enjoy. Kevin

[BACraig]

Enjoy!
I hope your having a grand time. Italy is such a wonderful country to tour. Be sure to climb the stairs all the way to the cupola at St. Peter's in Roma. The view of the city is spectacular. Safe travels.

[Td]

Miss you guys!!!
Ok so you havent been able to log on i am leaving another message already! The kids and I miss you but hope you are having a really good time!! I know you guys had a lot planned and cant wait to begin hearing about it!! By the way nice picture the photographer is pretty awesome..just kidding! Love you guys!