Dispersing the Frenzy of Travellers

I got up with Frances this morning at 3:30 to see her off to the airport. Here's the proof she's coming home ... we will miss her terribly, not only here but in the days that follow. This wouldn't have been the remarkable and hilarious event without her and her wonderful expertise in all things Italian (except animals). We thank her family for enabling her to be part of this, both the travelling and the conference.

Here are Frances and Mary hanging out with Ray Doiron. Canadians were a strong presence at the conference.

Here are Chris and Frances, with our new TL friend Karen from Sweden, hanging out with Aidan Chambers.

Word has been received that Jan has arrived home exhausted after a wonderful day in Paris. Joanne has checked in, or is that old news ... back to work in next to no time, as we will be by Tuesday next week.

Mary has left to meet up again with her friend Lindsay. She'll be back on Monday. Chris and I had intended to head off to Verona or Vicenza today (it's Saturday) BUT have opted instead to spend the day enjoying Abano Teme. This is a small but lovely town, unlike any other Italian place we have been. It is a spa town, with many hotels that sit atop the geothermal waters of the region, a town that is always full of older German tourists as it is a well-known health destination. The menus are in Italian and sometimes have German translations. As with every Italian town, the streets are full of strolling people ... these are seniors and the language is often German.

Just one day of relaxing ... after a busy but indescribably beautiful "learning" holiday in this wonderful country of Italy. I for one will be signing up for Italian classes. Guess I shouldn't have had that espresso with Frances before she left. It's 5:50 am now and I think I will be running out of steam today. This may be a good thing so I can get to sleep early as tomorrow is the day Chris and I have to get up at 3:30 am.

This is me "graduating" from the University of Padua. Did I mention we studied in the same room Galileo taught mathematics in? See you all soon.