I DID IT!  My plan was to complete the bulk of my research for my trip including learning and understanding the transportation modes for Venice and Como. 

 

I've updated my Italy Trip Planning site and have printed all my notes and categorized them.  It's now in a drawer ready to pack.  I'm so proud of myself for getting it done. 

 

Anyway, Zucchero is playing in the background and I'm off now to enjoy a nice long ride up to Venice (he he!).

 

4th of July Southern California style (at the Beach) . . .

 

 

As I prepare to embark on my 2^nd solo trip in about two months, I feel a sense of elation and gratitude.  These trips always seems to humble me. 

 

I’ll be seeing beautiful Venice!  The winding canals flowing through her, the magnifence of San Mark's Square, the uniqueness of everyday life where there are no roadways, only boats to provide transportation.  Venice holds the grandest of history.  She has her own flavors of food and culture that are unmatched anywhere else in the world.       

 

And then there is picture perfect Lake Como.  With the gorgeous neighboring mountains of the Swiss Alps as backdrop, the inviting lake sparkles in its own beauty.  There are small quaint towns around that adorn beautiful villas . . . providing you with a window into the past.  It'll be like walking on the shores of heaven.

 

I feel so privileged to have the opportunity to travel once again to Italy.  A place that holds my heart so strongly, it won’t let go. 

 

Happy 4th of July America!

  

 

I’ve been having way too much fun enjoying that Slow Travel thread on Contemporary Italian singers that I have been procrastinating working on my trip.  Minor details like how the heck am I getting from the airport to my apartment?

 

I swear, sometimes I can be so “hum dee dum” and it can get me in trouble by causing me to be unprepared for a trip.  What can I say?  The music just really inspired me.  I feel another hearts and flowers entry for my blog coming on!  Stay tuned!

 

I really need to start buckling down because I want to have everything nailed down way before my trip so I can be at peace.

 

So today (since I'm off all week) I've dedicated myself to trip planning and preparation duties!  

 

Edited to move portion of post to Venice Trip Planning site:

http://mysite.verizon.net/reso8h3h/backtowheremyheartbelongsitaly/id24.html

 

Well, tomorrow is the 4^th and I have some plans so I'll take a break from planning until Thursday!

 

  . . . as I listen to Blu, Diamente and Ponto by Zucchero!  I wish I could see him perform live!

 

Happy 4th Everyone!

Ciao'