Prego!!! Welcome to our "Italian Job", as we stole our way into some of Italy's finest cities this March Break. Why Italy my sister asked? Well, although not easily explained, I think we were tracing steps connected to our passion for history, love of art and architecture in gallery and churches, and sheer curiosity for a part of the world that has been so connected to many aspects of our culture. We'd saved and planned, and were up for the challenge!!!

This was, by far, my most difficult experience in developing a vacation agenda. Italy is a strange concoction of old meeting new. Although websites for most attractions / accommodations are in place, there always seemed to be a catch in using them. Things like North American cards not being accepted, online tickets not released until a week prior, and for us the barrier of communicating in Italian. I tried the "CD in the car" series that the kids gave me for Christmas and got some basics, but alas it was sporadic and didn't quite cover the multitude of conversations we would have in Italy. However, in the end most arrangements had been made prior to departure and, forgivingly, we were accommodated by the many helpful people we met. We seem to have always managed through smiling and trying our best!!!

The final itinerary reflects a highlight reel of Italy's cities of Rome, Florence, Venice and a short stay in Milan. Jane and I travelled alone, as the kids were hold-up with Jane's sister and Mom. We plan much differently when its not "bigs and littles". We really focused on attractions where taking our time and learning was more possible with just two. Key to the trip was having a tight schedule for travel and we utilized plane, train, bus, boat and subway... critical when you have just 8 days to work with. Along the way we experienced fantastic places of worship, ancient ruins, gracious hospitality, fun foods, unique architecture and landscapes, work of the world's finest artists, and some unforgettable memories.

So, following the tradition, I've provided some detail on where we went, things we saw, experiences we had and the tools we used to prepare. For myself, there is a lot of fun and learning just in the planning... I've come to realize I'm an amateur researcher at heart and get excited when a trip comes together (although equally dissappointed when I screw up). If you're interested, just follow the daily itinerary or take a peek at some of our photos in the gallery. Grazie!!!