Some say that “All good things must come to an end” and so it may be said that this trip is now on its last leg.

Dateline 16 June 2009. 10:00 pm.
SWT coming to you from our hotel bar in Milano, preparing to fly out in the morning. Only appropriate that I’m watching the USA and Italian teams squaring off in World Cup 2010 Futbal (soccer) qualifying match live. As I type this Italy just took the lead 2-1 at the 71 minute mark. Americans in the bar have complained about the refereeing – seems just like home and I’m back at one of Chase’s games.
We disembarked with nary an issue this morning after every passenger had to have our temperature taken by more Italian officials to confirm we weren’t carrying a fever. Can’t imagine what may have happened to those folks that may have had a fever with transportation requirements this morning.
We made our way to the train station to get to Milan. We were flying out of Milan versus Venice given some American Airlines options. Tracy and I packed more than some families of 8. I wore only 70% of what I packed. The life of a husband and father of three daughters has caused my estrogen to spike – between my over packing and lust for Victorio, I’m starting to show some disturbing signs of what my future may hold. I might be menopausal in 5 to 10 years. Our three bags and four carry-ons weighed cumulatively over 200 pounds – literally.
Took me no time at all to break out in an all out downpour of perspiration trying to hustle bags down train station stairs and up them. Squeezing on a train, struggling to find storage location and snaking some seats for the 2 hour train ride was unquestionably the biggest challenge and hassle of the 17 days. I was quite the visual attraction to the other passengers on the train.
We’ve been settled here at the hotel for 8 hours now, which has involved lunch, a 4 hour nap, dinner outdoors looking over countryside and now the close out in the bar. We board the plane tomorrow morning to connect through JFK and arrive DFW at 9 pm. We’ll be greeted by Lindsay and Chase – very excited about seeing them and holding them close. Bailey comes in for the weekend so we’re anxious to hug her as well.
My closing comments – this experience has exceeded my expectations and desires. Our travels included lunch in New York’s Soho, 48 hours in Barcelona, then days touring Nice, Monte Carlo, Monaco, Florence, Rome, Naples, Pompeii, Sorrento, Capri, Santorini, Athens, Dubrovnik, Venice and now Milan.
A special thanks to so many as I appreciate the input and support of family and friends allowing us to enjoy ourselves so wonderfully.
Tracy and I have shared time with wonderful people from around the world, witnessed some of the most lovely sites known to man, sailed the Mediterranean, Sea of Crete and Adriatic sea walked in many of Western Civilizations most significant cities, piazzas, buildings and locations all while further strengthening our 25 year marriage. Looking forward to and will soon begin planning for 50th.
I was going to add to that except Steve summed it up pretty well! I am thankful to my Mom for taking over my roles and responsibilities at home, to Lindsay and Chase for being so responsible and helpful with GG, and Bailey who kept in touch regularly and went home to visit while we were gone. Thanks also to the many friends who helped keep Chase entertained for the last 17 days! And finally, thanks to Steve for marrying me and sticking with me for 25 years and for inviting me to share in this dream trip!