Light-skinned-ed Girl

Light-skinned-ed Girl's Italian Adventure Comes to a Close

The last day in Rome couldn't have been better.  I got a good workout in before heading to the American Academy where we had lunch with Margaret and her husband, Matthew.  Matthew is a photographer who's enjoying a year-long residency there.  It really seems like heaven--the ultimate artist residency.  Margaret gave us a tour of the building and gardens and then treated us to lunch which is prepared for them daily by a Chez Panisse chef.  It was divine.  We stuffed ourselves, enjoyed a coffee and then walked back to our hotel through Trastavere and by the Pantheon! 
The flight home was easy and happily uneventful (unlike my flight out two weeks ago) and now I'm back home.  The adventure is over.  I've got some fun photos, an extra pound or two (well worth it), a pile of laundry, and many wonderful memories.

Lightskinneded Girl in Rome

we were so sad to leave Catania this morning, but the adventure is coming to a close. We arrived in Rome at gelato time (the time at which we wanted gelato). Found some wonderful gelato flavors at San Crispin near the Trevi fountain. A quick nap and now off to dinner. Tomorrow's our last day abroad : lunch at the American Academy with a friend and dinner at a beautiful restaurant with a view from the Spanish stairs. All wonderful but still we miss the company of the DGs.
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Light-skinned-ed Girl in U.K.

We made the move from Bath back to London, but not before I got a wonderful massage at the Bath Spa Hotel.  Nice work Susan.  The train ride to London is just shy of 1 1/2 hours--the perfect chance to write a few postcards.  Yes, I am still old school in many ways.  I can't help myself.  I've culled my list of send-to people to about 5 after years of sending some 20 postcards to people who didn't really care to receive them.  I'm down to sending the "hi mom" and family cards now. Still, it's always a satisfying part of my journeys (no, twitter and facebook status comments just aren't the same).  London was a lot less sun-shiney today--nevertheless we headed to Notting Hill and Portobello Road where we found some delicious olives and salami.  A very strange little to-go treat as we walked the streets, but you have no idea how much I have eaten!  I wanted to skip lunch but it didn't want to skip me --thus the snack.  Now, off to Benares, the most amazing Indian restaurant I've ever been to.  Swank and comfortable.  Pricey.  But soooo delicious and a wonderful way to end the days here in the U.K.  Tomorrow Sicily!  Can't wait to see the DG's over Easter dinner!

Light-skinned-ed Girl in the U.K.: Bath and Beyond

It was a lovely day: an excursion to see Stonehenge and a stroll in Bath proper with a visit to the famous Roman Baths.  But oh how I hate being a tourist in a tourist destination: herded, and crowded and bustled about from one numbered sign to another looking at things that are no longer really there.  It's the strangest thing: these audio tours.  Dozens of people crowded around rocks that are sectioned off for display and we stare at the rocks while we listen to some bit of information from the audio guide about what the rocks used to look like.   But still there are highlights of the day:
1.  Well, seeing Stonehenge.  It's a World Heritage site--on that long list of things you must see before you die.
2.  Well, seeing the famous Roman Baths--but really, the best part was when a mallard--probably as tired from the rain and the cold day--flew down and took an afternoon swim in the warm therapeutic water.
Now, there's dinner; tomorrow a massage in the hotel spa; and then back to London for a fabulous meal at my favorite Indian restaurant in the world.  And then Sicily for Easter dinner with friends!  More from the road!

Light-skinned-ed Girl in England

After a very difficult trip across the Pond--my flight out of JFK was delayed by 15 hours which I meant I slept in an airport lounge on Saturday sitting up--I finally arrived at close to midnight Saturday.  The last few days have been incredibly fun. Here to celebrate my friend's 40th birthday.  We had a blast.  London dressed itself up gloriously for my best buddy, Rayme, who's never been to Europe before, with tons of sun.  I saw parts of the city I never ventured before because it was too cold or too wet or too both.  We saw the changing of the guards --quite by accident--and strolled through the lovely Notting Hill neighborhood.  Lunch at a sidewalk cafe brought us an unexpected adventure: meeting best-selling author Simon Astaire!  He gifted his book to me and I can't wait to read it.  We walked along the Thames.  We saw two plays: one at the Old Vic  (Thank you to Tina and Kathleen) and one on the West End (Plague Over England--an extraordinary cast).  There was some shopping.  I think I found a good dress for Book Expo for me--and of course, there was much talk and wine drinking.  Tea at Claridge's with a discreet playing of happy birthday and dinner at a wonderful Argentinian restaurant called Gaucho.  Rayme headed home this morning--let's do it again, it was so much fun!  Hubby and I continue the adventure today in Bath, tomorrow Stonehendge.  Ah, vacation!  Love it.