The trip

I woke up this morning in a bit of a fog, stumbling around Yvonne’s apartment with so many lists floating in my head it’s a miracle I got out the door with only forgetting one thing!

It’s took over 30 minutes for the United staff at the Santa Maria airport to figure out how I could tag my luggage all the way to Milan on 2 different carriers, but in the end they persevered. Good thing I got there early which means an hour and a half before my flight. I went out to the curb to say my good byes, because I thought it would be easier Charlie mostly…but maybe more for me. I can’t say it was a feeling of excitement but rather relief in that all this prep was finally here. I walked through security and it felt just like I was going on a holiday instead of moving across the globe. Maybe it will hit me when I’m in my apartment…

Once I got to Pheonix, Mike came to get me so I wouldn’t have to hang out for 5 hours in the terminal. As fate would have it, he happened to be there attending a conference which worked out famously for me. Another good bye…and off to Heathrow for me. I can’t say it was a feeling of excitement but rather relief in that all this prep was finally here. I walked through security and it felt just like I was going on a holiday instead of moving across the globe. Maybe it will hit me when I’m in my apartment…

Another page on the calendar flipped while I was in the air and I landed in Milano mid afternoon and tired. I navigated the airport, calling the hotel, picking up the shuttle and checking in without a hitch…and here I am…fed, showered and exhausted. I ordered risotto for my first meal (for Teri) with zucchini and shrimp at Hotel Cervo and it is better than any sleeping pill! I’m groggy and ready for bed. In the morning I wake up at 6am to get ready to catch the train and head to Firenze. Phew…