Trip to ItalyIn August I decided that after 30 years, it was time to go back to Italy. I did some research and found October was the best month to go and I decided that besides Tirrenia and Pisa (where we lived) I also wanted to see Rome, Florence, and Venice. I told my mom about my plan and she told me Camp Darby (where my dad was stationed) was still opened. I couldn't believe such a small base had made it through all of the cutbacks so I decided to see what I could find out about it on the 'net.
The second "hit" I found was for the Livorno American High School Alumni (the Camp Darby High School). I discovered they were having a tour in October and would be going to every city I wanted to see plus Camp Darby which I would not be able to see on my own. I sent an email to Karel, with LAHS, explaining who I was and if I could tag along on the tour and she said the more the merrier.
I spent the 6 weeks before the trip trying to learn as much Italian as possible. I knew basic phrases for directions, transportation, hotels, and stores but I wasn't sure I'd be able to understand any of the answers.
I admit I was a little hesitant about this trip. I don't speak the language, I've never been on a tour before, and I didn't know a single other person. BUT I ended up having a great time and made a lot of new friends on the tour. It was hard to say good bye.
I took more pictures than I usually do on vacation, but I still missed a lot. There are also two 270-degree panoramas. These consisted of 6 individual pictures that I carefully reconnected electronically. I think they came out pretty well.