An Exerpt from the Travel Journal

February 23, 2006

Tonight we left Rome, and Daniel. It's hard to believe that our trip is almost over and it was just twelve days or so that we met Dan and Deidre at the train station in Amsterdam. It was sad and strange to leave Dan knowing that he will not be with us in Paris, but he will be with us in spirit and in our hearts. We love you Dan!

Today we further explored in some rain, but certainly not as much rain as yesterday. We cased out the English movie theatre and then proceeded to the Vatican Museum. We spent about an hour exploring the museum including the Sistine Chapel! Very impressive.

We then dined al fresco for the first time (with the exception of Dan's great supper at the hostel in Taormina). We ate at "the pink cafe" and had a nicely adequate meal and weren't charged for at least 10EURO worth of food. The kids put that towards some Gelato for me!

Having previously scoped out the cinema we went to the 3:30 showing of "Casanova". Well, what can I say....it was certainly "entertaining". It won't be nominated for any Oscars. It did amuse us and provided a warm, comfy respite from a wet and busy two days in Roma. "I'm never travelling coach again".

A short walk back to the hostel and we retrieved our bags and proceeded to the train station where we said our "good-byes" to Daniel.

Now we are just leaving the station at Firenza and it is 9PM. We are sharing a couchette with a gentleman. I'm sure he's thrilled. We haven't seen much of him...I think he's finding shelter in one of the empty couchettes.....HE JUST CAME IN!

We are getting all the bunks ready for the night. It's early, but let's try to get some sleep. Next stop.....PARIS.

- Terry