Ten and Counting

Today is just ten days before leaving for Italy. Can someone say excited? Our cousin and his wife had their beautiful daughter on February 6, 2013, so we will get to see a new cousin on our trip! We know that Vito and Wilma will be very busy with their new child, so we plan to do a little of the sightseeing on our own if need be so as not to disrupt their activities with a baby. Our gifts that I had shipped to Italy ahead of time for our family and friends was not delivered. After 55 days from the date I shipped it, it was returned. Apparently the Italian postal service is not too competent, but then again, neither is the US Postal Service. When you pay for guaranteed delivery and there is "no guarantee" once it leaves the US, then why does it exist? No worries! I have the items intact ready to take in a suitcase (additional expense of $100). All gifts will be distributed when we arrive (assuming the airline does not lose the bag). Updates will start to become more frequent now, and hopefully daily when we leave. I will also be recording my more personal thoughts in a written journal as well. Ciao for now!