By the time we hit Rome, I was beat. Dead tired. We did the Rome night tour on the bus that was pretty neat because we actually stayed awake, and then the next day (day 13) we had a morning tour with a woman named Sarah, who said "ah" at the end of every single American word. She liked to move very quickly and yell at people if we got ahead of her. Other than that, Rome was pretty cool. It was a hot and sunny, and I think more time there to explore slower would've been nice, but the last day is… Continue

Venetia was pretty cool. A small town with lots of side streets and alleys. You really cannot get lost since you would run into the Grand Canal, so we walked around. Joe, Donna and I ended up at the Fenice which is the Opera house that burned down in 1996. It was the subject of City of Falling Angels by Berendt, so we were stoked to go. Venice was sooooo HOT and SUNNY. We had a good time there, and the second night we were all back on the beach and then had a nice evening with nice friends and… Continue

Hello everyone. Venice was beautiful and warm and fun. The manmade islands are remarkably well preserved, though slowly sinking into the sea. The island(s) allow no cars or bikes, just boats, carts, and walking for transport. It was definitely a new experience and a wonderful place to visit. Check out the Explorica site for pictures of us on the gondola!

Yesterday in Lucerne we had a walking tour with a crazy old Swiss lady. She said we could drink from the fountains that were all over the squares and there was a large one into which I dipped my hand. Donna dared me to dunk my head and since it was a warm day, I tossed off my bag to Joe, sat my camera aside and went to put my head in. Well, my center of balance fell off and my legs flipped up over my head. I almost ended up all the way in the fountain but at the last minute I was able to grab… Continue

Small more traditional hotel here outside Lucerne. It stays light out until pretty late (after 10pm), but we mostly are tucked away by about then. This hotel has no lobby, so there isn't a place to congregate. Danielle, Taylor and louisa are going up Mt Pilatus with us. It is about 9,000 feet. We do have free wifi in our hotel so I may try to call people later. Everyone is well.

Lisa smith keeps posting on the Explorica journal so check that too.