I wouldn't worry too much about the gelato it sounds like you are climbing enough steps to work it off. Don't forget to try some of the deep fried rice balls with cheese at the centre they are sooo good. (wish I could remember what they were called) Hanah told me to tell you Ann Moffat is engaged and the wedding date is December 29th. Hope you continue to have fun and the weather stays good for you,
lots of love,
Mum
Dad R
We are all oozing with envy, oops, "thou shalt not covet"! As Father Smith says, relish everything, smells, taste, people, sights.... You will find there are significant regional variations in food in Italy, enjoy! We love hearing of your adventures, but how is it not a word about food in France, of all places, what were you thinking? No fruit and brie for dessert, no fabulous sauces, no breads to rave about? England we can understand (Sorry Anne ), but France? Bread is out of the oven, time to go to bed.
All our love, Dad
Mom S
It is so good to hear from you two again, glad the internet cafe is nearby, those long silences are a just a bit scary. Is Italian pizza much different from ours in the US? Nicole took a look at Heather's room today and said when you get back you can put up your own pictures of Italy there (instead of the ones taken from calendar pages.) We hope you are getting lots of pictures. Poor Eden, caught in a mime nighmare, I hope you got a picture of that one, Heather. I have to admit these message boards have been not only entertaining but educational, as well. I, for one, did not know about the death of Marcel Marceau until I read Kevin's post, and certainly was not aware the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtle's were from Florence. What a wealth of info! Keep posting, we check for updates often.
Love you,
Mom S
Kevin
I'm glad to see that you've safely made it to Florence, but sad to hear about your mime experience. Speaking of mimes (HA!), Marcel Marceau died today. Maybe next time you see that mime you should give him a hug instead of testing the tensile strength of his glass box.
I read on Wikipedia that tourists in Florence easily outnumber the residents from April to October. No small feat considering the population of Florence is in the 1 million range. I also read that all of the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles were residents of Florence. How would we live without Wikipedia?
Father Smith
I thought Father Smith was appropriate, you all being in Italy and such. Have you seen the Pope riding his gondola in the Coliseum yet? Quite the sight I hear. I love Italy, especially that blanket from Turin they have over there. Bring one home will you? Do you have any sore spots from the Italian pinchers? Are those like the Doberman Pinchers they have in Germany? Those mimes are scary. Its best just to go and push them down and walk briskly away. And why do you keep on hanging out with hostiles? I would think the friendlies would be better and possibly more fun. I hope you're trying lots of local foods and that you're taking time to just relax. Remember the smells of each place you visit. (Hopefully good smells, not bad smells...) love you guys...Father Smith
Mum
Hi from the birthday girl (woman, probably old lady, whatever),
Glad you are enjoying Florence and like Italy and the hostel sounds lovely. I am jealous, I would love to go back. I have such great memories of the two years I lived there. If you do get adventurous with your pizza remember clams are vongole. Isn't it wonderful to see all the history and art work, wait until you see the 'Pieta' in Rome I was awed. Keep the blogs coming I check all the time for updates,
love Mum
Naomi
Hi guys!! I can't wait to see pictures. I am so jealous. Riding scooters in Switzerland and getting to see Florence. You are inspiring Jarin and I. I told Jarin that when our kids are older we should do something like that. I think that you should follow mom's advice and rent mopeds in Rome. It sounds like so much fun - although I would most likely crash into the first tree I saw. Or building. Or car. Who knows?! My coordination skills aren't too picky about what I crash into. Who else sprains their ankle stepping out their own door on the "luckiest day" of the century 07-07-07? Keep safe and next time you get trapped by a mime, try discreetly pinching him. Just kidding although it would be funny if he squawked in the middle of his miming!! Anyway, I can't wait to hear of your next adventure.
Jennifer Rawlings
Everything sounds so lovely and like such an adventure. I can't wait to get full details about everything and see all the pictures. The mental pictures are great though. I love the one with Eden flashing people at the ATM, you guys nearly loosing it with the fish and chips and you guys on the scooter. So funny. Have fun.
Mum
Hi Eden and Heather,
It was so great to hear from you and know you are safe and still enjoying your adventure. I love Switzerland and especially that area around Interlaken. It is a pity the trip up to the Jungfrau was so expensive but you have done it before you but you were only 3 and probably don't remember . Now you have managed to master a scooter you should rent a moped and ride over the hills of Rome. I did it as an older teenager and had a great time. Enjoy your fondue ( raclette is also good despite your reservations). I got several good books at the garage sale you caught me at when you called, they should hold me until the library (hopefully) opens in November.
Take care , Love you,
Mum
Dad R
Eden,
It was great to hear your sweet voice and talk to you. If you call back I think Christopher would love to talk to you also. I'm glad to hear Interlaken has taken your fancy, it's one of our favorite spots. All our love, please stay in touch.
Dad
Dave W.
I drove by Long John Silvers today, and felt bad that you're missing out on the best fish and French fries in the world. You probably don't have anything that good over there in England. :-) What's that?...........I think I can hear a screaming English lady from somewhere in Oregon.
Cris
Hey Heather and Eden! Hope you two are having fun, it sounds like you are. :) All is well here. How has the weather been? Seen any "Becks" look-a-likes? if so, can you bring me one home??? PLEASE??? The hostels sound pretty nice so far...i didn't see anything in your blogs about bed bugs so that's a plus. Take care and go have fun! We'll see you...