Pictures... Finally!

Sorry it took me so long to post any pics, but here are a select few that I thought were special.

There's No Place Like Home

I think Dorothy was right. As much fun as I had and as amazing as the trip was, I was so happy to be home. I missed talking to everyone when I wanted to.

We had some amazing experiences along with some scary and frustrating ones as well. We got through it all very well, although I think God had a lot to do with it.

So, I'm home now and trying to recover from my jet lag. I have never been so exhausted in my life. I keep waking up at 5:00 a.m. My body and mind are weary, but I just can't fall back asleep. At least I won't have trouble getting up for work tomorrow... it will just be getting through work and then school until 10:00 p.m. that will be the problem. I'm sure it will be fine.

Thank you to all that were interested in our trip. Thanks for the care and concern and most of all, the prayers. We needed them and certainly appreciated them.

It was my intention to post some pictures with this, but I can't seem to find where I put them in my computer. So, check back in a couple of days and hopefully I'll have some for you.

Love to all.

A Hello from Paris!

I just received a phone call at work from Marlana in Paris! She and Ashley are doing well. They had just finished at a Museum and both of them needed to make some calls. It seems as if both of them are feeling well, although one of the first questions Marlana asked me is if she can stop by the chiropractor office on her way home tomorrow! lol They haven't had internet access where they are and are too busy packing in what they can in to find it...so that's why we haven't seen any postings. I am sure there will be plenty over the weekend so be sure to check it out! She sounds really excited to come home. Says she loves it there but it's time to come home and see her family. I miss my sister and I miss being able to just call her when I want to to chat or bitch about what I want. I guess it's true what they say, absence does make the heart grow fonder. I can't wait to see you Marlana!

Amanda

Leaving on a Jet Plane...Back to Paris!

Afternoon All!

Donna, Ashley's mom, heard from her as they were leaving Venice. Ashley is feeling great and the pain in Marlana's feet has let up some, so they ought to be able to "do" Paris again easily.
They are leaving Teviso, Venice about 2:00pm our time, 9:00pm Italy time and will be landing at the Beauvaise Airport, north east of Paris, France at around 4:30pm our time and 10:30pm French time.
I know for sure they are planning on touring the Monet Gardens. Niiiiiice. And I hope with Ashley up and about they will go back to the Louve. It would be a shame not to actually go in it! They also said something about the Normandy Beach.
Whatever they are doing I am sure they will make the most of the remaining days left. Marlana is due to get on a plane back to Chicago early Friday morning, so they have two full days in Paris.

Take Care and Will Continue to Keep You Informed! V

Very Venice Visit

Well it sounds like the Roma experience was a big hit! Marlana called yesterday at 2:00pm our time, to be able to talk on Easter, with a "Ciao Bella!" greeting. She sounded good and tired and happy to be there but is nearing that "I am looking forward to being home curled up with my comforter and Tbo" stage. She said is has learned a lot about traveling and is looking forward to more in the future. She was calling while waiting for a train to their next leg of travel to Venice. That train got into Venice at 6:00am. They will be staying in Venice until they fly to Paris on Tuesday evening. They did find a more suitable hostel in Venice, so that is a relief. It doesn't look like we will be getting pictures while she is gone. Marlana said she would post some here with explanations when she gets back so be sure to check it next week. Thanks for checking in. Have a good week! V

Ciao From Ashley!

Ashley had this in comments. She forgot how to do a posting. Probably cause she did it the first time through a sick, medicated haze. lol So I thought I'd put it out here so more could see it.

I forgot how to post on the blog. :(

Rome is fabulous, beyond words even.

I am healthy and back on my feet so switch the prayer list to hoping Marlana can stay on hers. Thanks for all the thoughts-prayers and well-wishes. they help!

Happy Easter, you all!

love, @sh

When in Rome...

do as the Romans do! Well, that is if the Romans visit all the tourist sites and eat as much pizza and pasta as they can fit in their stomachs! If that is what they do, then we are doing a good job. Today we saw the Colosium, the Roman Forum, and St. Peters Basillica. The entrance to Vatican City was right where we were but they would not let us in. Do not really know why at this point. You have heard of "the masses"... well, today we saw them. I have some cool pics of all the people in St. Peters square waiting to get into the Basillica. We waited in line for 2 hours. It was totally worth it. The Basillica is by far the most beautiful thing I have ever seen. I think it hit me especially because I was not expecting it to be so gorgeous... especially after already having seen Notre Dame. This place beats Notre Dame hands down. We walked in and my throat closed up and my eyes started watering. I am not kidding! It is that beautiful.

We could not get into the Sisteen Chapel because it closed early today and good luck getting in tormorrow. That is okay. We saw a lot today that was incredible so we were pretty happy with that. Tomorrow we are going to check out a famous Roman fountain, try to find the place where Audrey Hepburn stuck her hand in the stone mouth, and... I can not remember what else but I know there is something.

I am in some pain. My feet and especially my ankles are killing me. I am not even talking about mild pain so pray for some relief. The swimming pool and jacuzzi they have here is not open until May. I was so disappointed, especially with my feet feeling the way they do.

We are having a good time and looking forward to a good night's rest. We are checking out of here tomorrow morning and then we are taking an overnight train to Venice. So I will not be posting tomorrow at all. So....

HAPPY EASTER TO YOU ALL. I miss you and I hope you have a wonderful holiday. As for me, I will be having a wonderful "Roman Holiday."

Roma

So we are in Rome and things are looking up. Ashley is finally feeling better... poor girl. So we got to Rome and the weather here is beautiful! Our hostel is great. It is a camping hostel but we have our own little bungalow and it has our very own bathroom and shower! Whoo hoo! By the way family... I think I might be up for the camping after this whole thing. It would be even better if you could promise me one of these bungalows! This place is the PLAZA compared to what we have seen so far. It has not all been bad but this is great compared to all the others. We are off to explore the city tomorrow. We are both excited and nervous to see what Rome is going to be like on Easter weekend. I am sure we will have stories to tell. That is all the time I have for now. The internet here is expensive. Love you all and miss you. Kisses!