This is going to be a busy day!  Now that we’ve wrapped up our 2010/2011 tour and back at home, we are rushing to wash our clothes and repack for an adventure in Italy.  My parents are flying in today from Little Rock.  They’ll arrive this afternoon.  And, then, first thing in the morning, we’ll make the drive to Washington Dulles International Airport to board our AirFrance flight to Paris continuing on to Venice, Italy.

Cindy and I were in Venice in 2008.  We both fell in love with the charm and beauty of this island city.  We are so excited to be taking my mom and dad with us on this trip!  We’ll spend four nights in a hotel on the Grand Canal, just a few steps from the Rialto Bridge and San Marco’s Square.  This will be the perfect place to relax and drop into the time zone.  The pace is slow and casual with great shopping and amazing food!

After Venice, we’ll board the EuroStar train for a four hour journey through the Italian countryside – Tuscany – until we arrive in Rome, the Eternal City.  Our hotel is located in the Via Vittoria Veneto area of Rome not far from the Spanish Steps and some amazing history.  We’ve got some great plans for Rome including a tour of Vatican City and the Sistine Chapel, a visit to one of the most famous flea markets in Europe – the Porta Portese Market – and a personal guided tour of the “history of civilization,” The Roman Forum.

Ok, so I’ll be out of the office through June 2.  Keith and Alan will be around to take care of things.  I won’t have access to email while I’m gone so, if you try to reach me, I’ll get back to you on June 2.