[Meridian, MS (USA)]

[location of out & in unknown - date certain]

[Meridian, MS (USA)]

[out & in - destination uncertain - date certain]

[Meridian, MS (USA)]

[out & inn - destination uncertain - date certain]

Thanksgiving Trip - Day 6

We were going to drive out early, but we learned there was a petting zoo in the lobby of the hotel. Nicky took the twins to play with the animals (Erin didn't really like them...). Around 1000, we finally got on the road. We hit some traffic near Houston. I-10 all the way to I-59 to Meridian. Ended up finally getting home close to midnight. Still, this drive wasn't too bad - and it beats sitting in the airport all day with crying kids!

Thanksgiving Trip - Day 5

We woke early so we could take advantage of the expected warm weather. Everyone met down at the Alamo and we walked around inside. I never really expected to get this chance, but it was a good place to experience. The shopping outside was good for Nicky and we had some lunch close by. Later in the afternoon we headed back to the hotel so we could catch the Notre Dame football game - something everyone in the group wants to see! The twins ran around cheering like everyone else. This has turned out to be a great trip - we are already invited for next year! We turned in relatively late, but we will pay tomorrow morning when we head back...

Thanksgiving Trip - Day 4

We woke up pretty early and headed down to the Rivercenter Mall in downtown San Antonio. Unfortunately (at least from my point of view), it was "Black Friday," so I let Nicky and my other cousins brave the crowds while I sat quietly with the twins. OK, so they make lots of noise, but at least I didn't have to push my way through the stores for that great deal... Got to take a tour of the Alamo later. We went back to the hotel in the evening and spent some more good time visiting with our cousins.

Thanksgiving Trip - Day 3

We stayed around the hotel for most of the day. Just after noon, we headed down for the big Thanksgiving Buffet. The restaurant was huge - and our family takes up at least two tables (10+ people each). The food was awesome and everyone had great conversation. I heard some of them got golf games early this morning - they said it was too cold to truly enjoy the links, though. We stayed warm inside the hotel tonight - Bonnie has some plans for downtown tomorrow. Others plan to go shopping, I think...

Thanksgiving Trip - Day 2

Got started around 0945 from the hotel. Drive from Houston to San Antonio wasn't bad - but it was a good thing we did it in the day time, since finding the Hyatt Regency (Hill Country) Resort was kind of difficult from the directions we had. We finally found everyone and enjoyed a nice afternoon with Bonnie. There is a lot to do here - and probably would be even more if it weren't so cold! I never expected that Texas would be chilly, but it is. We didn't pack for this weather, so we had to pick up some warm clothes. This is one of those times when it is a good thing to drive - no worries about getting things home afterwards! Relaxed and spent time with the family today - lots of arrivals and people to greet...

Thanksgiving Trip - Day 1

Bonnie called a few weeks ago and told us that she would love to have us join her and her family for Thanksgiving in San Antonio. We realized this was probably only a day's drive, so Nicky and I decided to take her up on the offer. I got together with everyone back in 1993 (New Orleans), so I know nearly all of the cousins. This will be Nicky's first visit with them, though - and the none of them know the kids. Our drive down I-59 to I-10 was uneventful. Whenever I drive along the raised highway in the bayous of southern Louisiana, I am always intrigued by what lies past the swampy land along the highway - do people live out this way? We made it to Houston in the evening and checked into our hotel (Townplace Suites) - [Swimming ?].

Birmingham, AL (USA)

Nicky and I decided to take a trip over to a big mall she knows about in Birmingham today. I looked on the internet and saw that Samford University there has a good genealogy library. As much as I like shopping (mmm...yeah...), I passed on the chance and drove over to the pretty campus nearby. After a little searching, I found the research room. They have a great selection of old records - especially microfilm of the Tithe Applotment records... Dinner with Nicky and the kids on the way home - in Tuscaloosa.

Philadelphia, MS (USA)

Nicky wanted to go up to the Silver Star Casino (on the Choctaw Reservation) near Philadelphia. We decided to try US-45 this time and see if it was faster than MS-19. I don't think it is - we had more time on a winding two lane than the other way. When we got there it was getting dark already and we went right inside to have some fun. I sat down at a Blackjack table and started to win right away. I seldom gamble, so this was surprising. When I was up about $100, I figured it was time to get going (even though we had only been there about an hour). Nicky said we should stay to make the most of the long drive. By the time we finally left four hours later (after two dealers changed), I had used up all the winnings. At least I'll never have to report gambling winnings on my 1040...

Pensacola, FL (USA)

[Aviation Physiology and Water Survival Training in Pensacola!] I didn't hurry out of town this morning - who wants to leave P-Cola? (!!). Bought some souvenirs for the kids and explored the additions to the Naval Aviation Museum. By the time I got on the road, it was afternoon. Things were going great - I made really good time - until I was about a mile from Minnow Bucket Road (north of Meridian). That's our turnoff and I didn't notice the Lauderdale County Sheriff sitting in the bushes. Oh well - there goes three years of good behavior... He seemed more confused about why I rented a car when I lived down the street from where he pulled me over. In the end, I didn't have enough charm to talk my way out of the ticket.

Pensacola, FL (USA)

[Aviation Physiology and Water Survival Training in Pensacola!] Last day of class. We ended pretty early, so I went over to one of the nearby genealogy libraries to see what kind of things they had. Made a few discoveries. Later, I drove over to Milton to see Andy and June. Had pizza and visited for several hours. I leave in the morning...

Pensacola, FL (USA)

[Aviation Physiology and Water Survival Training in Pensacola!] Class went all day. I went out with the guys to dinner at Hooters tonight and we ended the evening at Seville Quarter again. Ended up as designated driver (again), but that's OK. Can't get into too much trouble that way, I guess...

Pensacola, FL (USA)

[Aviation Physiology and Water Survival Training in Pensacola!] After class today, I had some time to visit with my cousin, John, and his new wife, Ann. They just got married and I hadn't seen him in quite awhile. We went out to dinner and it was great to catch up with them. He will be getting a promotion soon - maybe I can come down to see that.

Pensacola, FL (USA)

[Aviation Physiology and Water Survival Training in Pensacola!] I got to rent a car again for this trip - much better than trusting the Mustang. It was an easy drive down US-45 (thank God they finally finished the four lane to just outside of Mobile!). This trip used to take forever - especially if I got behind a PawPaw in his tractor... The weather in P-Cola was just as nice as ever. I spent the evening at the Club - not much has changed since I was here last time.

Cleveland, OH (USA)

[IP Training Cross Country]  Had some more training to do on the way home, so we left Cleveland pretty early. Had some trouble near Meridian, so we landed to take care of our broken canopy. Finished all of my pilot training by the time we landed tonight, so I am officially ready to instruct!

Cleveland, OH (USA)

[IP Training Cross Country]  I drove back up to Portsmouth this morning and nearly got nabbed by the State Troopers near the MA-NH border... No problems after that, though, and I met Will A. at Pease International Airport.  We took off on time and arrived in Cleveland (Burke Lakefront) in the afternoon - just before some snow came through. Will A. and I got a ride to the Holiday Inn Lakeside.  After that, I got an early dinner while he went to visit some college friends. Our hotel was very close Jacobs Field - wish I had been here a month ago (during the baseball season)!

Quincy, MA (USA)

[IP Training Cross Country]  Spent the day visiting with Katie and John...

Portsmouth, NH (USA)

[IP Training Cross Country]  Will A. and I did a lot of training on the way up here today [stops ?] - nearly everything I need to do this new job on my own. He has family in the Boston area, so we both agreed to stop in Portsmouth (Pease International Airport) for the night. I got a rental car and drove down to see my sister. It was a pretty quick trip. Katie and John just had a new baby, so that was a special thing to be a part of. Stayed up late talking...

Pensacola, FL (USA)

[Flight Instructor Training Course in Pensacola] Finished class just after lunch. I figured out that my friends from Jacksonville live close-by and stopped by to see them on the way out of town. Chad and Kerri have a nice place near the beach. The drive to Meridian was uneventful. I am glad to be home.

Pensacola, FL (USA)

[Flight Instructor Training Course in Pensacola] Second to last day of class - I'm glad. Several of us went out to dinner downtown again and ended up the night at Seville Quarter. I will be driving home tomorrow.

Pensacola, FL (USA)

[Flight Instructor Training Course in Pensacola] More class and training today. When I was finished, I drove over the Escambia Bay Bridge (brings back some good memories of the Ford Probe GT...) to visit June and Andy in Milton. I hadn't seen him in a few years - boy, is he big! He was playing in a soccer game (goalie) and he was much taller than everyone else. It was good to visit with them.

Pensacola, FL (USA)

[Flight Instructor Training Course in Pensacola] Our first day of class - not too bad. I had lunch at the Club. After a good bike ride this afternoon, I headed out to dinner with the guys. We ate at a great seafood place near the Pensacola Bay bridge. More time at the Seville Quarter after that...

Pensacola, FL (USA)

[Flight Instructor Training Course in Pensacola] I got a rental car (truck, actually) and threw my bike in the back so I would have a chance to ride around the beach while I am here. The drive was fine - I met up with the other class members late in the day. We enjoyed the Club for a few hours before driving out to Seville Quarter. Wow - I haven't been here in about seven years! It is still about the same...

Jackson, MS (USA)

[date uncertain - fix for vacuum ?)

Moving Trip (Part 2) - Day 1

After one last look at our house (sad moment, really), Nicky and I drove out of Jacksonville this morning. We took the usual I-10 route to Mobile and then worked our way up I-65 until we were able to connect with US-45. They are nearly done with the four lane expansion - should make future trips much easier. We will be staying with Nicky's parents while things settle up at our new place. The kids seem pretty happy.

St. Augustine, FL (USA)

[(morning IFE - took two attempts ?) - last S-3 flight - with Piglet - explored area south of Jax and did River Return]

Moving Trip (Part 1) - Day 8

[drove back to Jacksonville without kids and Nicky - to finish out my time...]

Moving Trip (Part 1) - Day 7

[household goods]

Moving Trip (Part 1) - Day 6

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Moving Trip (Part 1) - Day 5

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Moving Trip (Part 1) - Day 4

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Moving Trip (Part 1) - Day 3

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Moving Trip (Part 1) - Day 2

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Moving Trip (Part 1) - Day 1

[drove household goods to Meridian (and met moving truck)]

St. Augustine, FL (USA)

This was our last chance to enjoy the place we have come to really love since we have lived in Florida. Nicky likes checking out the outlet mall (just off I-95). I have always liked walking along the waterfront near the old fortress. Even though it was really hot, the sea breeze took some of the bite away. We will really miss St. Augustine...

Pensacola, FL (USA)

[O/I with Fig...]

Jacksonville, FL (USA)

[date uncertain - watched shuttle launch (in flight - four plane) just after the Space Shuttle Launch - bright as the sun]

Cape Cod Trip - Day 11

Woke up early and drove south on I-95. Traffic OK, but more than I'd like (I miss I-81...). In Santee, SC, by 1800. Gas in Riccboro, GA (2115). In Jacksonville around 2300.

Cape Cod Trip - Day 10

Left around 0930. US-6 to MA-25 to I-495 to I-90 (gas in Hopkinton, MA, at 1100). On I-84 through to PA (crossed at Newburgh again). Stopped for gas (and McDonalds) in Pine Grove, PA, at 1730. Traffic building all day - I-81, I-83 and I-95 all the way to just south of DC. Stopped for the night in Fredericksburg, VA (Sleep Inn).

Cape Cod Trip - Day 9

Katie, John and Carolyn arrived this morning pretty early, so we were all able to go out to breakfast at the Marshside Restaurant in East Dennis. We all went over to Brewster for stops at the Herring Run (photos) and the Brewster Store. Then we all drove over to the Cape Cod Mall for some more shopping - including one more time at the Christmas Tree Shops (yaaaahhhn....). Got back to Dennis around 1800 - had one more cookout at Dad's. Katie and Carolyn left around 2000 and we packed things up for tomorrow's departure.

Cape Cod Trip - Day 8

A slow start to the day, but we had time to visit Aunt Irene. Lunch at Friendly's in South Yarmouth. Did I mention that Nicky loves stopping at the Christmas Tree Shops? On the way back to Dennis, we stopped to visit Beth, who was working at the Barn and Company in Yarmouthport. We picked up some good pizza at Peterson's Market in Yarmouthport. Had a nice meal outside while the kids played with "toys" in the yard. Actually got to bed a little early...

Cape Cod Trip - Day 7

Up early so we could go to visit Grammy. The girls had a great time with her and exploring her house. After that, we drove over to a park in Yarmouthport where I'd played as a kid. We had time to swing and slide for awhile before heading back to Dad's. Meanwhile, Katie and Carolyn were driving down from Quincy... After they arrived, we drove over to the Cuffy's Factory Outlet in South Yarmouth - it was amazing how many t-shirts and sweatshirts there were! Drove around town and found some other good places to shop (including Christmas Tree Shops...). Back at Dad's by 1730 - had a nice cookout with everyone. Even John was able to drive down. Stayed up and watched movies until late - Katie and Carolyn had to go back to Quincy (around 2200).

Cape Cod Trip - Day 6

We got up really early (checked out of Adams Inn) and drove over to Katie's again. Dropped Nicky and the kids off (more shopping - this time at the Braintree Mall) and went back to the Mass Archives again - found even more good stuff. Drove back to Katie's (1300) and found out that Nicky wanted to go back to the mall for some family portraits at a studio there. Quickly ate some food and then went with them - it took several hours, but we got some really good pictures. Had dinner at the mall and then drove down to the Cape. Arrived in Dennis around 2000. Dad and Beth had a nice room set up for us. Bed late.

Cape Cod Trip - Day 5

Left the hotel early [- visiting with Katie ? Late in the day, followed] Katie into Boston. Drive was OK - but parking was very expensive (Copley Plaza)! Met Carolyn as she finished work (at the John Hancock Building). Walked over to FAO Schwartz (1645L) and the kids played there for a little while. Kids loved all the cool toys! Had some snacks nearby. Walked down to Boston Public Garden and took pictures at the "Make Way for Ducklings" statues. Weather was great and we really had a nice day. Left the city around 1900 and went to Katie's so the kids could play a little more with Aria. Back at the hotel around 2100.

Cape Cod Trip - Day 4

Woke up a little late and drove over to Katie's on Hough's Neck. This was the first time that the twins were going to get to meet Aria. She was crawling around and the kids had a good time with her (and her toys). Stayed with Katie and John until after lunch - then Katie and Nicky headed out to do some shopping. I drove over to the Massachusetts Archives to do some genealogy research - found a lot of good things. Met up with Nicky later - she was mad that she had to drive through tons of traffic to pick me up... We went back to Katie and John's and had a cookout with Carolyn, who had just got off work. Visited until late, then back to hotel.

Cape Cod Trip - Day 3

Left Bethesda around 1045 - headed out on I-95 to I-83 again. Got off at US-30 and took Nicky over to Lancaster County (Pennsylvania Dutch Country). She seemed really happy and we stopped at several bakeries and shops - even at one Amish person's house to buy a quilt! We also visited the town of Bird in Hand (1400) and then took back roads back to I-81. Had dinner at Applebees in West Hazelton (1800). Used I-84 again and crossed the Hudson at Newburgh. Gas in Danbury, CT. Continued on I-84 to I-90 (Mass Pike). Lots of traffic at MA-128, but got to Quincy OK. Found our hotel - Carolyn had recommended the Adams Inn near Neponsit Circle. Didn't have enough time to visit Katie - we'll go over tomorrow morning.

Cape Cod Trip - Day 2

Slept late (after the long drive). After a late breakfast, we explored our way over towards the National Zoo. Before going in, we had a late lunch at McDonalds (1500). Walked around the zoo for a few hours. The kids - even at their age - loved the many types of animals. Ended up having a late dinner (Pizzario Uno) with my friend, Bob. At the Marriott by 2200.

Cape Cod Trip - Day 1

Left early this morning. Took I-95 north all the way into North Carolina - just a few stops (for the kids). Gas in Four Oaks, NC, and dinner (Denny's) in Selma, NC. Made it all the way to Bethesda (whew!), where we got a hotel (Marriott Suites).

Jacksonville, FL (USA)

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Jebel Ali (UAE)

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Sigonella, Sicily (Italy)

Woke up to unbelievable clear skies! Crisp and cool, wish we could stay... Manned up just after sunrise and airborne around 0700. Great flight over to the Ship - saw Crete on the way. They were near Egypt and we found some of our mates waiting for us with calls of "Guten Tag." It seems like forever since I was "home" (not that I missed it). This definitely qualifies as a once-in-a-lifetime trip...

Sigonella, Sicily (Italy)

Planned departure for around 0900, but had lots of trouble with flight plan. In addition, the field went IFR, along with freezing rain. Luckily, it didn't require de-icing, but you can imagine that I was getting worried we wouldn't be able to leave. Finally got off the ground by 1500 (...) and made it through Dijon's airspace (they didn't even say anything). Everything going great - weather improved and radios working - until we hit the Italian border. After we checked in with the controllers there, we never heard from anyone again all day. We made calls everywhere we could, but it never worked... Flew right by Roma and Napoli with no comms - started to see Mount Etna pretty far out (there is LAVA flowing down the side of it!). Picked up some controllers near Sicily and they passed us over to people in Catania. That was a relief, actually. Etna was something - it looked like the lava came more than half way down the mountain and people acted like that was normal. My first time at Sigonnella - and we had very little trouble getting a place to stay. Ship had left a message for us to get there by noon tomorrow, so we minimized crew rest to make sure we make it. Room isn't very nice - ceiling is peeling...

Ramstein (Germany)

Woke up around 1000 and manned up aircraft. Kurt and I completed all functional checkflight procedures and practiced some approaches until 1400. Got some more cash and then drove over to a nearby town on the Belgian border (should have crossed it...). Weather was awesome and we didn't leave until 1800, when the maintainers where expected to arrive. Spent several hours at Ramstein trying to fix it. It didn't look good, but I suddenly noticed that one of the antennas was the same as the IFF antenna - it was one we really didn't need in Europe, so I suggested we swap it. Sure enough, that worked! Funny, we tried boxes, wires and other troubleshooting for days and an antenna fixed it... Finished work around 2330, so we planned for a mid-morning takeoff tomorrow. It will take some time in the morning to get all the diplomatic clearance issues worked out...

Ramstein (Germany)

Tried to leave again this morning - had the same problems with IFF and French. Went back to Ramstein again and worked on plane (0930). About an hour after we landed from the attempt, the boss told us he was driving over to Frankfurt to leave. He told us he would try to send parts and maintainers for us. The Ship, of course, was mad again. But, they got two maintenence guys on an aircraft - should be here tomorrow night. The Ship also requested that we fly a functional check flight on the aircraft tomorrow. Got a new rental car. [Visited Trier ?] Had dinner at Burger King. Out late with our friends in Kaiserlautern.

Ramstein (Germany)

Woke up and checked out of hotel pretty early (0600). Had plane ready for the boss on time and took off with great weather. As we left German airspace and tried to talk to the French, though, they started talking about the IFF again. We tried to fix the problem, but our friends on the ground in Dijon decided that our "diplomatic clearance" was cancelled and that we should return to Ramstein. We did some tests on the ground for about an hour and then tried to take off again. As we were climbing out, the German controller started talking about how fun it was in Kaiserslautern on Friday nights. He even mentioned a few places that he recommended we check out. We laughed and told him we would love to stay - but we had to go back to work. He switched to Dijon again - and we understood his comments. They refused to let us continue and told us not to try again today (until our transponder was repaired). When we switched back to Rhein, he said "I told you!" On the ground again (1600), had to call the Ship (not pleasant, either). They didn't believe we were broken, but at least I have the boss to verify it. Worked with some of the techs at Ramstein for a few hours and thought we had the problem repaired. Met boss for dinner at Vesuvios again (2130). We'll try again tomorrow...

Sembach (Germany)

Our last day - we explored around Kaiserslautern and planned for our departure tomorrow morning. Lunch at Burger King over at Ramstein (1030)...

Heidelberg (Germany)

Learned about a great castle over in Heidelberg last night - decided to check it out! We drove a short distance to see it - the castle is on a hill overlooking a river (pretty). Visited Heidelberg Schloss for several hours (weather was great). We saw a huge wine cask and some other interesting things. Explored the countryside nearby until returning to Sembach. It started to rain, making our trip a little harder - but the hand-held GPS came in handy again!

Sembach (Germany)

Slept late - but we had to move over to Sembach (about 15 KM away) for our new rooms. It turned out to be really nice there - and they have places to eat. We had dinner at a place between Ramstein and Sembach, though, that served Veiner Schnitzel (it was really good) and great beer. Can't go wrong with that!

Neuschwanstein (Germany)

Unbelievable day! First visited Dachau Concentration Camp (a moving experience). It was really something to walk around there - somber and sureal. Later, we drove over towards the famous Neuschwanstein Castle. Gas at Hoherain West (Berg) around 1100. Ended up getting a little lost (our map is not good at all) and ended up in Austria (!) - and we only realized this when we saw the flags on the buildings. Things sure are different from when I last visited Deutchland (see Summer 1986) - no border checkpoints! Made it to Neuschwanstein around 1400 - just enough time to go inside. It was amazing - everything I thought it would be. Being in the Alps in the winter was a jazz too. Toured another nearby castle (Hohenschwangau), too (1700). On the road back to Ramstein around 1900. It started to get dark, but the moon was pretty bright. Luckily (and I should underline that), Kurt had marked our starting position yesterday, since we had no idea where to go without the hand-held GPS. Made it to our hotel around 2200...

Munich (Germany)

Got up really early, got the rental car and some cash. Had lunch (Burger King) and then left Ramstein (1115). Kurt brought the hand-held GPS (luckily) and we had fun watching our slow ground speed (the little Corsa has trouble on the hills...). No problems getting to Munich - we drove on the Autobahn (we were not fast, though). Arrived around 1800. As I was driving in the city, I knew it was another one of those unbelievable moments and I said to myself "I can't believe I am really here!" We checked into a little hotel and then went to have some dinner in the (famous) Hoffbrau House. We sat at long tables on benches, ate bratwurst and sang songs with the locals while holding HUGE mugs! I can't imagine what would possess Hitler to want to do anything other than enjoy all of this... Kurt and I wandered around to several bars until well after midnight. He stayed out, in fact, until nearly morning...

Ramstein (Germany)

Hung around all morning - waiting for the boss to tell us the next plan. Had dinner with Kurt at Anthony's Pizza near our hotel. Around noon, we learned that we weren't needed today - and that we could get a rental car tomorrow. Still not sure, at that point, what our next plans were. We wasted time for several hours - exploring. The hotel said they had to move us to another place in a couple of days - we'll see how that turns out - because they weren't planning on us being in town for more than one night. Dinner at 2100 at Vesuvios Restaurant again - met the boss and he said we "might as well go see some of the country" until Friday... Wow! We met a few local guys later who took us out to Kaiserslautern until very late. Kurt and I will get out of here as early as we can tomorrow.

Ramstein (Germany)

Got a call very early that they needed someone to fly up to Germany today. It kind of sucked, since I had been flying until 0100 last night... They told me I had two hours before I needed to get airborne - which presented a lot of problems. And, best of all, they told me I needed to get back before midnight. After my annoyance with all of this wore off, I realized that the experience would be good. Kurt was assigned to go with me - he's pretty sharp - and we took off on time. Trouble getting ahold of the Italians (we tried to enter their airspace near Brindisi). Eventually on our way - using the hand-held GPS to get there. We got a cryptic comment from the French that something was wrong with our IFF, but we didn't think anything of it at the time... Arrived around 1500 - very cool weather (no snow, though). We were planning our return to the Ship but just before our scheduled departure we were told that they needed us to stay until - at least - Wednesday (when the Ship is at sea again). This means we'll miss the port visit to Trieste (too bad), but we'll be in Germany for about a week. We had dinner with the boss after he finally got done with all his meetings - an Italian Place called Vesuvios (2200).

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Cannes, Provence (France)

Another visit to this beautiful port city - in the WINTER! No one is ever on the beach, of course, and the shops are mostly closed - at least that is what I hear... After our usual training this morning, I went back to the Ship. I was supposed to work today and get off tomorrow. Instead, I ended up having to call everyone back to the Ship when they cancelled the Port Visit around 12 hours after we anchored... Almost no one made it back - and I was kind of glad we'll be leaving tomorrow.

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Milano, Lombardy (Italy)

Took the girls to the airport (pretty impressive building - built by Mussolini) before noon. They will be home this evening with the time zone changes. It was a sad goodbye. Gerald and I caught a late train back to Livorno. Would have liked to spend more time in the north of Italy but almost out of money and time before the ship pulls out again... Arrived after dark and stopped for one last beer before we are trapped at sea for awhile. It was a fun and interesting trip!

Milano, Lombardy (Italy)

After breakfast at the Hotel Alimandi, we spent most of the morning trying to get a credit card number to pay for our room.  Due to the stolen bag, Nicky thought it was prudent to cancel all of the cards we had with us. Got help from our sister-in-law.  Fortunately, I have an ATM card for the rest... Bought some new toiletries to replace stolen items. Found an electric razor - they make good ones in Europe. Walked around in Rome (including the Vatican) for a little while before getting on the train with Gerald and Angie. Headed to Milan so Nicky and Angie could catch their plane home. Went through Bologna on the express (small upgrade fee on the Eurorail pass). Arrived before dark and took taxi to Hotel Speronari, located across the piazza from a beautiful cathedral. We walked around in front of the church in the evening but never got to go inside, since it was locked. Dinner prices triple those in the south - actually had to eat at McDonalds (low on cash)... This is my last night with Nicky until May.

Roma [Rome], Latium (Italy)

A long day, but really memorable (Nicky will say infamous!)... We woke up early, checked out of the Titino Green Park Hotel and drove down to Avellino so I could visit the city archives. Vincenzo always said that he was from "la citta, no la provincia," so we were certain that we were in the right place. A nice lady told us (in English) where to go to find the records - and she was very helpful in describing the city as it looked in the early 20th Century. There have been several earthquakes since then, so things are really different. When we were finally in the archives, I showed an old lady my genealogy (names and birth years listed). She didn't speak English but knowingly smiled and went over to a huge book case (10 feet tall) and climbed up a ladder until she came back with a huge, dusty book. She opened it up and pointed - there was my whole family! I had but to copy and bask in the glow of good record keeping. Lots of new information - it was great to see how the old town clerks kept track of where everyone lived and when they emigrated to the US. We left around noon and explored the city streets - including the one with the Ippolito's parish. We drove up to a mountain nearby called Montevergine. It got really cold and windy up there (our car had a temperature guage)... In fact, it was nearly impossible to get into the shrine to the Mountain Virgin up there since there was so much snow. A priest gave us some good icons that were blessed there - gifts for Grammy. I have a feeling that her dad was thinking of her when he named her Virginia... We drove back to Salerno in the late afternoon to return the car. Got on the train and had no problems until Rome: we were switching to the subway and I had to get tickets - Nicky and I got distracted by vagrants who took one of our bags (a little backpack with our video camera, the shrine icons and the genealogy!!!)... We finally made it to the Hotel Alimandi (Gerald and Angie were waiting). Nicky told me "I hate this country and I never want to come back!" I hope she is kidding...

Amalfi Coast, Salerno (Italy)

Nicky and I were really jazzed up after the experience last night. I was hoping she may have gotten over here initial anger about missing the Venice experience to see the place where Grammy's family came from... At least we had something good planned for today - a trip down the beautiful Amalfi Coast. Most people I know have travelled to Sorrento (on the Naples side), but the drive down from Salerno was definitely a different (and special) experience to have with Nicky. I guess you could say this was like a real honeymoon for us - we never really went anywhere fancy when we got married. We stopped in many small towns and had a delicious lunch in a fire-burned pizza restaurant called Altamarea di Caso Antonio. Nicky bought some pretty ceramic angels - one for each of the girls. Hairpin turns were the watchword - even with huge tour busses coming the other way! Nicky grabbed the Oscar Sierra handles many times before the day was done. We really didn't want the day to end, but we headed back to Mercogliano (Titino Green Park Hotel) at sunset. We have just one more day before we need to head back to Rome.

Mercogliano, Avellino (Italy)

We relaxed a little today. It has been a whirlwind of a trip for Nicky - she left on the 26th and hasn't stopped since! We went out in the afternoon and drove around in areas that look like vineyards - maybe where Fiano di Avellino comes from... We looked for some lunch during the reposa - nothing was open. Eventually found a small deli that was open and we used my little Italian dictionary to get some meat, cheese and bread. We made our own little sandwiches (I don't think Nicky was happy with the selection). Before dark we visited an old monastery - complete with 1000 year old library. The tour guide had to get special permission for Nicky to enter the all male community. He told us that this monastery made the first limoncello and that everyone else has stolen the idea since (hmmmm....). It started to snow around 1900 and Nicky shopped for leather gloves and a hat (ended up with a leather jacket, too...). Dinner was at a family restaurant recommended by the hotel. Luckily, we had parked the car, since the roads were soon a mess with black ice. We struggled up the hill on foot and found that the restaurant was like a parish hall set up for a huge banquet. Food lined a 100 foot wall on tables - every Italian thing you could ever want! We sat down at a table and soon were talking to some college age waiters. I told them about Grammy's family and they said they knew both Ippolitos and Festas - they were out of town today, we were told. After a very fulfilling buffet-style meal, we were enjoying the ambiance when the manager came out to tell us that the storm had gotten so bad that we was going to close. However, he said we (his "good friends") could stay as long as we joined his family with a glass (or two or three) of limoncello. We stayed for many hours and told stories of Vincenzo and Rosina and our homes in America. Everyone was very friendly and treated us like family. Spent another good night in the Titino Green Park Hotel.  I don't think I could beat tonight's dinner - ever!!!  

Mercogliano, Avellino (Italy)

During breakfast at the Hotel Alimandi this morning, Nicky told me that we needed to be in Avellino by tonight.  As a result, we passed on the Rome sightseeing (we had our chance in 1997)... Taxi took us near some of the great sights - Coliseum, Forum, etc. Getting trains down to Naples were no problem - just had to change to get one for Salerno. Arrived before dark and picked up our rental car. As we drove out of town, Nicky and I got into a fight (I guess that's what happens after nearly four months apart!) about whether we should stop at the Via Vittorio Emanuelle (there is actually one in every city)... After some map searching, we arrived in Mercogliano, near Avellino, and checked in to the Titino Green Park Hotel. We watched some videos of the twins - funny ones of them in their bouncy chairs playing with each other. I miss them.

Roma [Rome], Latium (Italy)

With plans already a day behind, Gerald and I went down the stern at 0500 to try to get on the first boat ashore. It didn't look good at first, but the Admiral's barge was doing a test run and they let us get on! We were pretty lucky, since I heard later that the boating was secured again... Then I really blew it, though. Nicky told me to meet her at "the hotel we stayed in last time" and I started over to the train station with Gerald because that's where I thought we had stayed.  When we got there, though, it was not the right hotel. The only thing that eventually helped me was that I remembered that Nicky had stayed at a place right next to the pier (Hotel Gran Duca).  Yes, that's the one where she was staying. Gerald was a good sport and didn't kill me, but it was about a mile, round trip, with bags... We met Nicky and Angie at the correct hotel and then walked all the way back to the train station (another half mile). Needless to say, I was quite frustrated by all the confusion and extra walking... By this point, Nicky was afraid to tell me, but she admitted that she had "messed up" our Eurorail passes - or, to be more accurate, mine. From the Livorno Centrale Station, we got on the train to Roma Termini and hoped that we could make it there without encountering a conductor. Once in Rome, I had to visit a ticket booth at the main train station and listen to a little Italian man yell at me for about half an hour. "You are a very stupid man!" he kept saying.  Nicky had signed my ticket and he didn't want to fix the problem (i.e. replace it with a new ticket). Eventually, I said I was sorry for being an idiot enough times that he gave me what I wanted. We struggled with our bags over to the Hotel Alimandi (near the Vatican) where Gerald and Angie had already checked in. Late dinner - just enough time to explore tomorrow before we take another train south...

Livorno, Tuscany (Italy)

I was supposed to meet Nicky this afternoon but the ship never let me off! This has to be one of the most frustrating situations - she is almost a stone's throw from me and I can't get there! Maybe we can get together tomorrow.

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Antalya (Turkey)

Returned the car this morning and then got a ride from one of the other guys back to the Ship. Back aboard with plenty of time to spare...

Antalya (Turkey)

Rented a car early this morning and explored the town. Wanted to drive out farther and explore, but ended up getting some work in the afternoon... Still enjoyed the freedom of having a car until very late... Slept at the Sheraton again.

Antalya (Turkey)

Woke up early and turned over the Admin duties. Went walking around town with the guys... Back to the Sheraton for dinner and bed...

Antalya (Turkey)

When the Ship pulled in this morning, I had a chance to go right into town. Gerald and I were trusted with the Boss' liquor - and we made it to the Sheraton without any issue. Set up the Admin and enjoyed the weather all day. Bed very late...

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Chania, Crete (Greece)

My first visit to this little town...

Iraklion, Crete (Greece)

When the Ship pulled in this morning, it was to the pier! We didn't have to do any training - and the first tour began around 0900. I had convinced about 10 guys to go with me to see Knossos - a rare treat. It was definitely worth it!

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Suez Canal (Egypt)

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