I have no excuse or even explanation to offer for why it has taken me so long to get back to this blog. At first, right around Thanksgiving, we got real busy. Our apartment came available, then people started arriving. After that, there was just too much to write. A lot has happened since we last posted, and I'm not going to even bother trying to give you the details. And even if I did, you wouldn't have time to read it anyway. But here is a highlight and a few pictures.
- Thanksgiving weekend, The car lasted for our trip to Garmisch, Germany, and for quite a few trips since.
- Dec 8 we moved into our flat in Pozzuoli. It wasn't until we moved in that we really felt like we were fully in Italy. We love the apartment.
- Dec 10, Gayle and I drove to Rome to pick up Josiah, Dean and Bonita from the Rome airport.
- Dec 11, Gayle and I drove to Rome to pick up Josiah, Dean and Bonita from the Rome airport. This is the day they were supposed to actually get in.
- Dec 14, Josiah and Rachel took trains to Rome to meet Nathan and Meagan.
- Trips to Sorrento, Amalfi, Christmas Alley, Pompeii, Naples museums and the Vatican
- Dec 29, Meagan and Nathan left.
- Dec 31 was absolutely amazing. We were completely surprised by the fireworks. They were like what Bellingham puts on the 4th of July, except they were going off all around us and across the Pozzuoli bay. It was like being out at Paul and Rhonda's, only on steroids. (Nate, you left too soon.)
- Jan 2-4 the 8 of us went to Pisa and Florence. Stayed at an Agritourismo in two apartments on a lovely farm. This is similar to the idea of a Bed and Breakfast.
- Jan 7 Rachel left for Multnomah Bible School (Portland, OR)
John and Chris, I want you to know that I am real sorry about the Army Navy game. We enjoyed watching it with our friends Hank and Lorraine and family. About halfway through I started rooting for Army because they clearly needed it. Hank's family was pretty amazed at my lack of loyalty.
We've been attending the same church as our friends Hank and Lorraine B. They have 8 children, two of which are boys about the same ages as our two, and the oldest of which is a girl Rachel's age. The worship service is a lively blend of African and African American styles. That alone goes for an hour. It is also fun at another level, as it is Assemblies of God, which is the denomination I was raised in. We've literally been dancing in the aisles :) I'm not much of a dancer so I do my best to sway in rhythm.
We miss the folks back home, but we're doing well. Internet access continues to be an issue. In just a minute here I am going to go try out a local Internet point. If you do not see this update to the blog, it didn't work.
Greg for all
Neuschwanstein castle
mingling with the natives.
Meagan, Rachel, Elisa B and Julia B
This temple is within walking distance from our home.
Pompeii
Vatican museum is overwhelming. It felt like we were racing, just to see the basics.
One of the many great meals we have had at our flat. I think D and B made this one for us, but at least one was a 4 course Italian meal prepared by Rachel and Meagan.
In Florence we saw some of our previous favorites and picked some new favorites.
