I will start writing about the trip tomorrow. It’s been a long day, and I’m tired. I came home to a yard full of tall grass and lots of laundry. I managed to cut a good portion of it, but it still needs a good mowing. It’s now almost five o’clock, and I just want to drink a beer and relax for a bit.

We did have a very nice time in Italy. I hadn’t wanted to go, but I am very glad I changed my mind. We saw some beautiful places, ate lots of good food, and drank some incredible wines. We also met some new people, and even a couple of adorable dogs. Speaking of dogs, Bill is going to go pick ours up right now. Hopefully, all went well while we were gone. I have missed them terribly… this trip reminded me of just how much my dogs mean to me.

While we were gone, the IRS sent us a check for $2.64. We spent so much money on this trip, I think it would be a good thing to add to our vacation fund. Our last hotel was very beautiful, but it was definitely not cheap. This morning, as we were about to leave, I noticed that the parking lot was full of exotic cars. Parked next to our Volvo was a bright yellow Ferrari. There was also a silver Porsche, which Bill ended up having to help push into its parking space. Its owner, a fit and handsome man, must have pegged Bill for a nice guy, which he definitely is. He said the Porsche is a “classic”, and he’s due to race it in Monaco next weekend. But since it wouldn’t start this morning, I guess the Porsche is due for a checkup before race time.

I should also mention the black Bentley that was parked in the lot. It was driven by a distinguished looking European guy in a suit, who was apparently transporting several men from China who happened to be eating breakfast at the same time we were. I looked up the price of Bentleys. At the very least, they run at about $160,000 when they are brand new. Supposedly, it’s because Bentley uses very expensive, high quality parts to make their cars. Maybe the Chinese guy was an oligarch… I don’t know, but it’s always interesting to see people who spend as much on a car as some would spend on a home. It kind of put our 2020 Volvo to shame. As we were leaving the hotel, I was marveling at the wide range of hotels we stayed in during this trip. They really ran the gamut in terms of price and quality. I look forward to sleeping in my own bed tonight, though, even though our hotel in Vaduz was top class.

Anyway… I guess I’ll close this post and check on the laundry. Tomorrow, I will commence writing the series for this trip. We’ll see if anyone’s interested in reading.