The end of Holiday

Where did I leave off... hmmm.

Thursday we decided to head outside the city to see a little bit more of Italy.  We had originally wanted to go to Pisa or Florence but it just wasn't worth the time it would take to travel to either in one day.  We decided on Frascati (or Franscaoti or Frazoli as it was called often through the day ;).  Instead of rushing out in the morning we took it a little easier and then headed to the bus station.  The bus ride wouldn't have taken too long except being a bus it doesn't exactly tell you where to get off.  I asked once and the bus driver said No, so I sat back down.  We started up a mountain and we were mesmerized by the view, but also a little concerned as to where we were going exactly.  I asked again and found out that we had now in fact passed Frascati.  So... we get off and wait for the bus coming the other direction... um 45 minutes later.   The bus went back down the hill and we got off about where we thought it should be... no map this time to guide us.  Since we hadn't walked our required 14 miles, we took a nice walk into Frascati.  When we arrived we had lunch.  Ravioli this time :)  Unfortunately now it was siesta time in Italy and all the shops were closed.  We walked around and viewed the scenery and Rome below.  It was hard to believe it was our last day in Rome.  Coffee and biscotti helped the time pass until shops opened again.  We went into a few specialty shops and even got some Frascati olive oil.  The bus took us back to Rome for one last night in the city.  A friend suggested her favorite Gelato place by the Fountain of Trevi, so we headed over to get some.  Probably the best flavor I had all week... Baci.  It was a chocolate and hazelnut gelato like a candy they have over there.  It was so good! And again what's wrong with a little pre dinner gelato? The second night we ate at a restaurant by the hotel and really enjoyed it so we decided to head back there for the last night.  I had Fettichini Alfredo... so so good.  And of course, tiramisu for dessert :) yum! It was pretty late so we headed back to the room to get ready for our early departure.

Friday was a day full of travel and all sorts of transportation.  We took the metro to a train the train to a shuttle before even reaching the airport.  Then we took a shuttle to the plane, a plane to a bus.  We flew into Frankfurt Hahn airport which is a little bit outside of Luxembourg.  It was in Germany so my mom and Donna were excited to visit yet another country.  They had a traditional bratwurst because they were in Germany.  We took the bus back to Luxembourg and stopped at Auchan one last time for some food for dinner.  We then took the bus back to the village.  Walked all the way up the massive hill with all our luggage to the house.  I was glad to be back at the house.  We arrived about 6pm.  A long day but it didn't quite seem we traveled for such a long time.  Dinner was a simple salad and some good bread.  Then of course some last european desserts (well at least last for my mom and Donna).  We got them all packed and ready to go.  I am grateful for the things my mom was able to bring me over and the stuff I was able to send back.

This morning Sabina picked us all up and we squeezed in the car and headed to the airport.  Seriously sad to see them go.  However, one month left and a lot to do before I come home... just in case I don't make it back here.  I know when December 6th gets here I will be ready to come home but I have been so blessed to have this experience - something not everyone gets to do.  I have such amazing people in my life and even here I have been blessed by a few great friends and a great family to live with and help out.  This whole experience seems unreal most of the time.  Thanks for your support and love in all of this.