Closing time

On the eve before my departure from Europe I am strangely detached. It feels like I am finally reaching a definite end to something and about to start something else new. Even though I will still be traveling for the next three to four weeks, it will be in my native country, the country of my birth, the country of my native tongue, the country with which I am most familiar; and that in and of itself feels strange.My family went on a week long cruise through the Mediterranean sea which was amazing. It was the first cruise for my sisters and myself and the second for my parents. I had already been to several of the cities that we stopped in, however I really enjoyed going back for a second visit. And I don't know if I am just out of the loop, but the actual cruise ship was unbelievable. The ship itself had a full sized movie theater, an ice-skating rink, multiple pools and hot tubs, a solarium, huge dining rooms with sweeping views with ceiling to floor windows; and then on top of that, you could ice cream ANY time you wanted! It was incredible! ;) I really do recommend cruising for anyone who hasn't done it yet. And yet, for all that, I think the most memorable part of the cruise was meeting people and making friends. I met several people who I hope to be in contact with for a long time. It just proves the point, "It isn't where you are at the matters, it is who you are with that counts."
Moving on, we finished the cruise in Rome Italy, where we are now. We leave tomorrow morning for New York on a afternoon flight and arrive into New York in the early evening. (Go figure that one out.) I am extremely excited to be meeting up with my dear friends Sorina and Marian who are from Romania. I will be bringing them back to Utah with me and then we will be traveling around quite a bit; Grand Canyon, Las Vegas, Disneyland; as many of the big tourist points in that area as we can hit.
I am looking forward to going back to the States, but I have to confess, I'm terrified to go home. I think once I get to Utah I will actually have to face reality and stop living in this fantasy world where I travel around from city to city and have no responsibilities or obligations. I'll have to face those big issues like getting a job, making new friends (Because all my friend up and got married while I was gone if they weren't already married before. Ya big fat lot of traitors! Up and abandon me like that! ;) finding a permanent place to live and the like. The job thing is a big one because I really don't want to get just "a job." I'm ready for something I could really sink my teeth into and be passionate about, the problem is I have no idea what that is. (Consider this notice for carte blanch for suggestions. I am wide open.) At this point though, I still have the attitude that everything is going to work itself out.
For now, I'm looking forward to New York, and showing the splendors of home to Sorina and Marian and seeing people I haven't seen in two years. Don't be afraid to drop a line and pester me about getting together. I can't wait to see everyone again.
On that note, I am signing off. Here's hugs and kisses to the whole universe!
Marie

Taking it easy, finally, in Florence

Well I know how cliche this is, but I haven't blogged nearly as much about this trip as I wanted to. The first probelm has been internet access. It hasn't been availiable in wi-fi at every location like I thought it would. The second problem is simply time. Boy has this been a whirl-wind vacation. In talking with my family, I decided that trying to see over fifteen cities in more than six countries within a single month is not a good idea. I think if we had to do it over again, we would probably see fewer cities and stay more than a day and half in each of them. Oh well, you live and you learn. Right now we are staying in Florence for a whole three nights! It seems like we have been here forever, but it is a nice change of pace.
In the mean time, we have been having fun and seen a lot of amazing things. Mom is an old pro at the train station now. And Dad has learned that his "excellent sense of direction" might be more based on having the gargantuam Rocky Mountains close by than the compass in his nose. :) Really we've all learned just a little bit about ourselves through all this.
We leave tomorrow on a cruise ship from Rome for a week. We are all looking forward to that. And then after that, we head back to New York. Holy Cow! I'm going to be back in the States for the first time in over two years!
Look out! Here I come! :)

Through Vienna and Prague

Greetings all,

well the trip is proceeding nicely. I nearly got my sister and I thrown into jail and mom and dad have now spent countless nights not sleeping in the same bed. Oh the joys of traveling. ;)
Seriously, things are going well and I feel very lucky to be able to take this kind of vacation with my family.
Due to the fact that I have run out of space on my account, we posted all the vacation pictures on my sisters account. So anyone that wants to look at all the pictures can find them here.
Our Family Vacation Picture Album
Thanx for your comments and your emails. I'm sorry I haven't been able to respond. My internet time is severely limited. I promise to do better as soon as I have a steady connection.
Until then, hugs and kisses for all,
Marie

The Saga from Budapest

Unfortunately, same thing. I simply do not have the time to fill in the blanks. Hopefully the pictures will mean something.

The Saga from Romania

Why hello all!!!

First and foremost let me tell you, trying to find an internet connection has not been easy! For a while my laptop was giving me issues so there you have it.

To say our family trip has been interesting so far would be an understatement. But I won´t go into the details. For now I will just post some pictures and let them say the thousands of words I do not have time to write.