Buongiorno Italy (or if we were really close I'd say Ciao)

 We have arrived in Italy! First thing that happened at the airport is one of the women in our tour group had her phone stolen.  It was a very bad way to start in this city.  It is now 8:48 pm and she hasn't been out of her room all night.  It must be such a devasting feeling.  

On to better news.  Bennie took us for Gelato, which I learned is Ice Cream in the U.S.  They don't have the word "ice cream" here.  Boy was it delicious.  Steve said the Pistachio is out of this world.  I think because the Pistachios are native to this part of Italy.  I had one that tasted like Butter Pecan and then another scoop was milk chocolate in a sugar cone topped with homemade whipped cream.  My oh, my are there some good tasting food around here.

Our hotel makes me feel like I am Maria in West Side Story.  The motel is set in a neighborhood not a commercial area.  The large window opens and I feel like I could sing "I feel pretty".  Just watching all the comings and goings of the local people was so interesting.  Around 8:00 pm, Steve and I felt like having something sweet.  We walked around the neighborhood and found a little local eatery with food and baked goods.  They stay open until 1:00 am.  You could tell it was a popular place.  The desserts were out of this world.  Steve got one big thing and me two little ones and we were suppose to try each others.  I tried his but then once I ate mine they were so good I ate them all up without sharing any.  Sorry Steve, guess we'll have to go again tomorrow so we can get some more.  :) (see what I did there)

To my daughters,  I hope you are enjoying reading this and are feeling like you are a part of my journey.  At first I wanted to have a smart sounded blog with all correct grammar and proper words but then I felt like I was concentrating more on the writing instead of writing like I am talking to you on the phone and telling you about my trip.  So I nixed all the niceties and just wrote from the heart, especially things I thought would interest you which definitely interest me.  Steve and I are so enjoying this trip.  But we are going at our own pace like we did the cruise.  Bennie thinks were are missing out since we aren't rushing around to go to all the optional excursions but we are very happy in what we are and are not taking part in.  Can't wait to get back and actually talk to you on the phone or Nicole, in person soon.  Love you two!  You are my joy. 


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