And we're off

‘Twas the night before Christmas and all through the airport,
Not a creature was stirring, except for our SmarteCarte.
Our suitcases were packed with the utmost care,
How ever did I fit all my shoes in there?
With Dad in his Arone’s shirt and I in my best,
Scarcely believing we get to go first class!
To Sicily we go on an A330,
Fulfilling a dream that’s taken me thirty.
As we roared down the runway, Dad let out a laugh,
Merry Christmas to all and good riddance to the year past!

Home, sweet home away from home

Here is the apartment in Paris I will be staying in. Looks cozy and it's in a safe and centrally located neighborhood - the 7th arrondissement. I can't wait to see it!

Less than a month to go!

Here is Tamara and Massimo's wedding invitation. I don't read Italian but I get the jist and I'm sure you do as well. I'm finalizing the apartment rental in Paris and trying to find Christmas gifts for the Sorace family (my aunt Giovanna's family). Dad and I have our flights booked and guidebooks highlighted. I'm speaking French in my car and learning a few key phrases in Italian for our days in Catania (Sicily) and in Rome.

Le premier post

Bonjour mes amis,

Here I will chronicle planning a trip to Europe in the winter. I knew I wanted to go to Europe in 2008, my 30th year. I was considering April, May or October. I had already started saving when my cousin Tamara got engaged in June and decided for me that I'd be visiting Sicily in December for her wedding to Massimo! My birthday is January 10 and I decided I simply must spend my 30th birthday in Paris. So, with approval from my kind boss I'm set for a three week journey through Italy and France December 19, 2007 until January 12, 2008.