Three Weeks From Today.....

Three Weeks! A mere three weeks and Cathy and Wanda will be in Italy! With travel plans and accommodations set, the girls are working up a frenzy and whittling down their final list of to-do items before departure. Exchanging US Dollars for Euros - check; finalizing packing lists - check; gathering maps - check; emergency contact info - check. Arrangements for pet sitters and lawn care remain.

During their weekend morning coffee chats over the Internet, the focus of the conversation always drifts to the subject of "the trip". During the work week, they send text messages to each other with reminders of the days remaining, the remaining trip related tasks they are doing that day and how an unrelated event triggers a memory from the prior trip. Excitement oozes and bubbles as they talk of how they want to leave now. Yes NOW!! Weeks have melted into days that just a short time ago seemed like an eternity. Maintaining focus on other important things like work and other day to day responsibilities remain top priority, but their hearts are already in Italy!

Who knew that the original "birthday celebration trip" Cathy and Wanda made a few years ago would have the rare impact that it did. Was it is because of their longtime friendship and shared hobbies? Was it that their trip flew in the face of traditional tourism; sticking to their goal of experiencing the people and their culture first and foremost? Was it the awe of standing in ancient places that they had only read about? Was it the sense of family and how welcomed they were by their hosts throughout their stay? Was it the simplicity of the Tuscan lifestyle; the peoples pride in hard work and sense of community? Or, was it the picturesque landscapes that took their breath away?

The girls agree that it is hard to isolate any one thing that resulted in their extraordinary experience. They will tell you that it was magical; like no other vacation. It was an experience that most people can't understand and one that created memories that will last a lifetime. Experiences and anecdotes of their first trip have been shared many times with family and friends. There is no stifling their enthusiasm and anticipation as they look forward to weaving new places, people and experiences into their lives and memories.