Italia!

I am in Vicenza, Italy and staying with Erica, Mrs. Ashby (her mom), and Erica's two children. My flight arrived just before 7 pm and Erica was waiting at the airport. We drove about an hour back to Vicenza from the Marco Polo airport, drop my bags and walked into the center of town for dinner. I tried a traditional Spritz with Erica (neither one of us were enjoyed it) which was also served with potato chips - yes, odd. However, it needs to be noted that we did finish the drink since we didn't want to be rude (rude Americans in particular). We also ordered a mimosa each (made with FRESH) orange juice and some bruschetta to share. That was a bit of an ordeal but quite funny with our waiter. Bruschetta was ordered, he says no and turns us to the panino page but as we are looking he says, "we also have bruschetta!". We were very confused to say the least but when he served us, evidently he didn't even give us whatever it was we thought we had ordered, so he said something about, "I just charge you for a margherita". Oh Italy, you are already so interesting...makes me miss Europe even more.

Tomorrow we rise bright and early (and I mean bright and early) at 4:30 or 5 am to catch the bus to Parma for our tour. I have no doubt there will be plenty to share!

I am SO happy to be here!
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