After a too-long exile (a year and a half, and not my idea!) I leave today for what I hope will be a triumphant return to Rome! I will spend a few days by myself, be joined by 3 other American chick-friends, go to Florence with them, return to Rome and be joined by a German chick-friend. The best part is one of my American pals will arrive on her birthday and later in the trip it will be my birthday.

One short year ago I was in the hospital, and thought I'd never see my friends again, let alone my beloved Rome, which is indeed a dear old friend in and of itself.

I may be too busy to report in from the road, but there will definitely be a trip report..and maybe this time even a link to photos, since I have a digital camera now! I also hope to say Veni, Vidi, Vacuum -- I Came, I Saw, I Was Swept Off My Feet (by the beauty of the city)!

Ciao for now,
BC

Oh bookchick, I wish you a most joyous return to your beloved Rome and Florence. How wonderful also to spend it with special friends.

I remember too well your medical journey this past year. I am so happy you are able to travel once again.

Enjoy every morsel, every nook and cranny, all the beauty that Italy has to offer. As you say, Veni, Vidi, Vacuum!

Ciao!
Happy travels!

Birthdays in Rome? We won't ask your age! I'm jealous!

Kybourbon, having met me, you can probably guess my age without difficulty. Last year I was still in ICU and on a ventilator on my birthday, and it was a "big" birthday that ended in "0". This year we'll be doing it up so big that I view it as a belated celebration of last year's milestone. I tell my nephews that I am (much too) young for Medicare and too old for men to care!

Swisshiker, thank you very much! It was a scary time and to be able to live and function without that fear now is a real blessing.

BC

Have a wonderful safe trip! I'll await your trip report.

Bookchick, it makes my day to hear that you're headed back to Rome. Have a wonderful time!

I'll be making a return visit, myself, in June.

I'd join you if I could, though I'm not a chick. I see it's 66 degrees/ 19 C in Rome today, whereas here in Ottawa, Canada, we still have mountains of snow, legacy of this legendary Winter (of our Discontent)

Happy travels

Have a stupendous time! Happy Birthday to you,
...and all that jazz.

Tedgale, I hear you--I live in Michigan and this past winter hasn't been any picnic in the park, either! Good Friday we had so much snow, it took me 2 hours to drive home from work on what is normally about a 40-minute long commute.

BC

BC - Mine is April also (DD and I have the same) and so is Indytravel. We are meeting in Cincinnati this weekend to eat at Daveed's (guess who picked the restaurant). lol

Oh, Bookchick, I am so happy for you! Both that you are well now, and you get to return to Rome. Have a wonderful time, and a great birthday!

Johanna

Happy Travels and Happy Birthday!!!
I'm so happy you have such a fun trip planned.

Will be waiting for the report. Don't do anything I wouldn't do....

I am so pleased for you---I know you will enjoy. Have a gelato for me.

A safe and happy Bon Voyage and have a WONDERFUL birthday shared with friends who are truly the glasses of wine that enhance the celebration.

Caio Bookchick!! Have a great time in Rome with your friends. I work with younger (23-25) people who worry about their next birthday. You, I know, will cherish each one! I hope you celebrate many more with friends in the land of your heart!

oh bookchick, i'm so happy for you. indeed what a difference from last year. have a wonderful time and happy birthday to you!

p.s. i've been craving rome pretty badly myself.

eileen

Wonderful news Bookchick. I know how much you love Rome. What a difference a year can make and so glad it was in your favor. I had a recent medical "scare" but think I'm out of the woods now. Quite a relief!

Hope your birthday is the best ever! And what a place to celebrate.

bookchick,

I know you'll have a wonderful trip!

We'll be in that neck of the woods too, and if we happen to see a bevy of American beauties celebrating birthdays, we'll lift a flute to you.


Byrd

BC : I remember reading of your medical travails of last year and am ecstatic to hear not only that you have recovered, but that you are returning to your special place. (Don't we all have one ?)
You deserve to have a grand time and I hope that you do.

M.

BC,

I'm thrilled for you! Glad to hear you get to go to beautiful Roma. Have a fabulous time and please enjoy at least one gellato for me!

Ciao bella