Hi, from Christiansburg, Virginia, close to Blacksburg and Virginia Tech! I touched down in DC yesterday after a long but un-noteworthy flight. The only thing of note is that the passport control agent in Frankfurt actually looked through my passport, asked me how long I had been in Europe, and asked to see my soggiorno from Italy. Impressive!
My mom, brother, and brother's dog, Casper [I need to insert here that he rescued the dog, and the name already came with it] picked me up and we hit the road. We're heading toward Little Rock, AR and my sister and nephew [her husband is also deployed].
This is the first time I'm meeting Casper, who is a lab and a sweet, sweet dog. He's very well-trained.
Our only real stop on the trip happened to be in Harrisonburg (Go Dukes!) for a chicken pita to go for dinner. Oh, it was worth it. For the few seconds I got to spend in the 'Burg, a lot has changed, JMU folks! Did any of you know that Z lot is gone, and a Starbucks is there now? Who knew? Not me. Dave's Express has moved, as has University Outpost. And, I just saw that little intersection right there, so who knows how much other stuff has changed.
Well, I'm excited for a drive through Tennessee today, and getting to see my nephew tonight!
Tuesday, June 24, 2008
Sunday, June 22, 2008
Cherry Festival
Yesterday started out with a two-year-old's birthday party, and then my friends Heather and Trent agreed it was the perfect day to check out a cherry festival supposedly happening in Spilimbergo, a town about a half-hour from us. So, we jumped into their car, and went looking for this festival.
By the time we found it, we discovered that nothing was really going to start up until that night. But, the festival was set up right next to a beautiful little river that clearly flows down from the mountains.
We took off our shoes and waded in the water for awhile. We decided to keep exploring. We drove back toward the mountains, and found a cool roadside winery/restaurant/brewery/foodstand and relaxed for a bit. I bought some great local honey from them.
We kept driving into the mountains to Poffabro, a town I blogged about back in January. We just walked around taking in the views. All in all, a fantastic beautiful day. And, tomorrow I leave for the United States! I absolutely can't wait until I touch down in DC.
By the time we found it, we discovered that nothing was really going to start up until that night. But, the festival was set up right next to a beautiful little river that clearly flows down from the mountains.
We took off our shoes and waded in the water for awhile. We decided to keep exploring. We drove back toward the mountains, and found a cool roadside winery/restaurant/brewery/foodstand and relaxed for a bit. I bought some great local honey from them.
We kept driving into the mountains to Poffabro, a town I blogged about back in January. We just walked around taking in the views. All in all, a fantastic beautiful day. And, tomorrow I leave for the United States! I absolutely can't wait until I touch down in DC.
Thursday, June 12, 2008
Just Your Average Morning
I've been really restless lately. My travel buddy is gone, and it's actually quite hard to find people who want to just go and do stuff for some reason.
So, I decided to go to Venice by myself this morning to get some birthday gift shopping done. Mission accomplished! It was a beautiful day there, and those in our family who have birthdays coming up should be very happy.
I was very happy too. I treated myself to a Murano glass tulip picture frame that I had my eye on when I was there a couple of months ago.
I had an interesting train ride back. I brought my crosstitch project, and an Italian woman came out of her way to compliment me on how beautiful it is. I must say, I never thought I'd see the day when someone would compliment a craft I'm working on. I am the least crafty person in the world. I'm sure my mom and sister are laughing at me right now.
Also, my train ride home included my first Italian cross-dresser sighting. Seriously, I never thought I'd see this day either. Italians are not really into that kind of thing. Very strange.
But, I had a fantastic time, and found that I can be a great traveling companion for myself!
Monday, June 9, 2008
Snips & Snails & Puppy Dog Tails, That's What Giais Is Made Of
We have had LOTS of rain lately. All that rain means that my perpetual enemies (the lizards) have not been around my yard much. However, I have had lots of snails and slugs all over the place...
I can also happily report that my scorpion friend in my light fixture has passed. I have also moved back into my room. However, I had to kill one in my entryway the other day, and I took a picture to show you what they look like, size-wise, in comparison to my shoe. This one was medium-sized.
But, this time of year really ranks high on the list of most beautiful to visit Italy. The Italians LOVE flowers, and there are so many beautiful trees and blooms you can't help but be impressed. They really go crazy with roses - there are so many, and in every shade imaginable. It's heavenly. Here are some pictures I took in my village:
I can also happily report that my scorpion friend in my light fixture has passed. I have also moved back into my room. However, I had to kill one in my entryway the other day, and I took a picture to show you what they look like, size-wise, in comparison to my shoe. This one was medium-sized.
But, this time of year really ranks high on the list of most beautiful to visit Italy. The Italians LOVE flowers, and there are so many beautiful trees and blooms you can't help but be impressed. They really go crazy with roses - there are so many, and in every shade imaginable. It's heavenly. Here are some pictures I took in my village:
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