"....When Hannibal of Carthage crossed the Alps.....and forcefully penetrated Italy from the rear...."

Yes...this title is legit...it was a quote I found in my Rick Steves' Italy 2008 book that my mother so graciously purchased for me earlier this evening. Along side Rick Steves, we are instantly immersing ourselves in the language of love (a.k.a. italiano). So far, we have "vino," "bano," and "amico" down pat....which roughly translates to wine, bathroom, and male friend. I'm going to do quite well there...only 7 more cds to listen to.


I can't believe that in little over a week I will be in London visiting my sister then it's off to Italy June 1st. I will be departing SFO May 27th at 4:30 pm and arriving in London the morning of May 28th at 10:30 am. I cannot wait! I really do not have much planned yet so please feel free to send me ideas for weekend trips while I'm in Oxford and any great places in Italy that you recommend. I will be visiting Rome, Florence, Cinque Terre, Bologna (where I will gain 10 pounds from all the amazing food), and finally ending my travels in Venice. As for my timeline, I will be in London from May 28-June 1 then I will be heading off to Italy until June 19th or 20th. Then my homestead will be (hopefully) a nice luxurious dorm room at Magdalen College at Oxford University (sounds fancy, eh?). The dorm rooms are luck of the draw but I'd appreciate nice thoughts and prayers so I can get a good one. Thanks. Myself and my needed space will appreciate it. Well I'm off to immerse myself in the next cd and maybe another bottle of wine.


Ciao!