Jake’s work is done. We’ve travelled to Italy to visit with the brother. Mom and Dad are here, too.  They’ve been here a week.

Dad left this morning…has to go back to work. Mom’s staying to help Brother after his ACL surgery next week.

We’ve been here two days.

This is the MOST BEAUTIFUL place I’ve ever seen in my whole life.

The Carribean is breathtaking. The UK is historic and old. Holland was arty and entertaining.

Italy….wow. I can’t even figure out where to begin.

It’s worth the anxiety I have with airplanes. It’s worth the time we’ve spent travelling….we’re worn out.

It freaking AWESOME here.

No, I don’t know the language. But locals are more than not, understanding- if you make clear that you are trying….

Biggest thing I’ve noticed:  Don’t talk LOUDER because they don’t understand. They can hear. They just don’t speak English.

Brother has been here almost a year. They still giggle at his Italian…but he’s trying. He explains that he’s learning…that he speaks Italian like a baby. He asked for fish tea (te pesci)..instead of peach tea (te pesca) the other day…they giggle. But they appreciate his attempts. He’s amazed me. I’m proud of him.

We still have 2 more touring days here… here are the pictures so far.  They aren’t even HALF of what they looked like in person — but it’s a start.

Enjoy.