the after 30 part...

Hello USA, Italy is amazing. The people here are so nice. Unlike Spain, where I would be stared at with blank expressions, Italians smile not only with their mouth but their entire face. Ciao Ciao, Bonjourno, Bella Bella, always saying hello!! They completely go out of their way to help you find where you want to go, or give suggestions, making phone calls for you on their cells, and offering maps that they hand draw. We even get free bus rides some times, maybe because Rosie is so cute! So where did I leave off in my tours, Roma? Rome was amazing. We walked and walked and walked and walked, and I thought my feet might fall off at one point, and walked. We saw the Colosseum, Roman Forum, Vatican City, the Sistine Chapel, St. Peters, many other churchs, the Spanish Stairs, the Fountain of Trevi (where I threw my coin in for "love"), Piazza after Piazza (squares), a beautiful bridge, Gelato stands (yes I indulged in Dairy!), the Capitol Building, and much more!! The day we ...

After another long day in Rome, I am back at my home stay and feeling content.  Here is a photo album of about 30 pictures from the last two days.  Rome We went to the Vatican City today and I got to see the Sistine Chapel, though I couldn't take pictures.  It's amazing.  Michaelangelo did it in 4 years... and 6 months out of those years he ran away because he didn't like what he was doing and was getting carple tunnel!  He thought the art work was mostly just for the pope who liked grandeur, but what he did was absolutely amazing, considering he wasn't known as a "painter" but as a sculpturist.  We also went to St. Peters, the Trevi Fountain, Spanish Stairs, and many other little stops along the way.  My feet hurt! ha! Hope you enjoy the pictures.  Tomorrow is our last day in Rome, and then on Monday, Rosie and I head to the south.  Kyra goes back to the USA tomorrow night. xoxox

The weather in Skagway has been nothing but gorgeous the last month.  June 23rd, however, I woke, cheerful and excited for my trip... but then I opened my door and stepped outside and instantly my heart sunk.  The clouds were so low you couldn't even see lower lake mountain side.  Of all days, the day I was planning on flying to Italy, Skagway decides to get socked in.  Booo hooo!! I missed all my connections and after a long day of crying on the phone and begging expedia reps, I got no mercy.  (Expedia is the DEVIL!!!)  I finally got some love from Delta (although they did charge me my first born child) but was able to get re-booked the next morning.  Air excursions got me out to Juneau on time to catch the last flight to Seattle (they also ripped my bag, which I demanded the replace and they agreed!)  Geez... what a day!! After I arrived in Seattle, Francis Fields, who is staying in my condo this month, graciously came and picked me up so...

The Fran DeLisle Cancer Awareness Walk was a success!!  We had over 101 walkers (in a community of 700) and raised just below $10,000.  I raised $749 thanks to all your support!  We had six shuttle buses take us out to Chilkoot Post Lodge where we took our group picture!  With my water, 'Save the Boob's' t-shirt on, I was off on my long walk back to Skagway! Group picture out at Chilkoot Post Lodge Walkers (I don't know these people!) Valerie and I and the gorgeous view we had on our walk! The Red Onion booth was the best... lots of goodies!! At this point, Val and I took off running the last mile and arrived at the Elks hungrier than bears!!  There was tons of food and goodies awaiting our arrival. For those that raised over $250, our names was put into a drawing for prizes.... Temsco helicopter ride, a quilt and framed Breast Cancer Stamps with a poem.  I won one of the frames! Thank you for all your support!!  The money that was raised g...