Buon Giorno Italia! October 19

Italy!!!!

Darn, I realized how much I love Italy (not that I didn't already know)today as we got off the train

in Ventimiglia , Italy.Lauri had a goal of crossing over in to Italy while we were so close to the border while in the French Riveria.

We purchased tickets (22 euro) in Cannes and made the 1.5 hour trip to add a third country to my friends

travel log. Alas, no passport stamp (due to the open borders in the EU) but we have photos!

We visited the fresh market upon arrival, just to compare to the Provencal market.A few souveniers and snacks later we were off the explore the waterfront and town.

We decided we needed a real Italian meal so we found a beautiful restaurant with a waterfront view and an amazing menu. JoBeth and Deiann had the two course meal offered. Lauri decided to live it up so had the three. I decided to add bread as my first food back (anyone who knows me won't be surprised by this) so I chose the grilled vegetable pizza sans cheese. It felt so good to eat some "real food". All I have been eating is vegetable soup. It was a beautiful meal and Lauri rated it as one of her most memorable ever. I was so happy to hear this and was thrilled that she enjoyed her Italian adventure.

   We made a stop at the grocery store for a few must have items for me (things I have fallen in love on prior trips to Italy).

   On our way in to town we stopped at a store with THE most beautiful boots. I tried them on and fell in love. And then I asked the price... Only 480 euro. As I prepared to walk away the sales woman promised that if I came back later when her friend the owner came in, she would offer me a discount. I contemplated how much that discount might be, and what I was willing to pay. Should I even stop back? The decision was made... YES! I needed to atleast see what her offer would be. Needless to say, I came home without those gorgeous, handmade, Italian leather boots. I hope they won't haunt me forever...