We need a special place on the blog to acknowledge the great time we had with the kids. A great memory , a great week….so here’s a collage of your experience kids

Arriving at Pisa, Italy

Mom and Shawni taking cooking lessons in Umbria

Shawni at the Trevi Fountain

Barry and Shawni in front of the "Gates of Paradise" in Firenze

Mom, Shawni, and Barrry in Monterchi

holding up the proverbial " World" Barry and Shawni at the top of the Siena Campanile

All of us at Assizi
Barry with the two Italian Chefs cooking up a storm in Umbria Barry catching up on some relax time at the Italian Villa
Shawni catching up on some Armani purchases

The family on the Piazza at Siena

no sign of a "Mac" so Barry setlles for second best

Barry sneaks a win against Dad at Bocce
a photographic story is not complete without some Galetaria

Transition time…

It was tough to say goodbye and leave the kids at Pisa Airport. What a special time we all had together and I loved being with them. Also farewell to all the old friends and new friends we made at La Villa – thank you to everyone for creating an icon holiday. Rosella my friend, well done to us for making it happen.
I leave though with memories and bites! What is it about the northern hemisphere that affects me so, like Nikki in the first week, I am freaking out with all the rashes, bumps and bites; and they are fiercely itchy! So I am not missing the flies or the little creatures that created all the frustration.
Fred and I have spent to last two days getting to Naples, was not a good idea to drive, its far and the coast line has some scenic spots but in the main it was indescribably bleak and grim. We did find a fabulous little ‘pensione’, with a sea view and good coffee. Most probably had my best ever panini at the harbour front of Gaeta; tomato, buffalo mozzarella and proscuitto, all with an amazing view and glorious sun!

We are now in Naples at an ubiquitous Holiday Inn and its familiar and comforting indeed. Naples is hair-raising and has me stressed.
I did call Martie this morning and she and Marina have started their Amalfi walk, they are 2 days ahead of us. We make our way to start our walk tomorrow from Ravello. I have spent a year getting walking fit and the time has arrived. I will keep posting if we have connectivity.

(PS, please keep sending sms’s, however I am not able to reply, I am blocked for some reason.)