Trenitalia

Today, I bought our train tickets to Venice. Although traveling coach to Belgium last year was just fine, this year, I decided to treat my mom to first class. My friend Barbara suggested I go though Trentitalia instead of using the U.S. reseller, RailEurope, and it saved me about a $100. Five weeks from today, I leave for Boston - but, really, who's counting?

Venice is Booked

Today, I booked our hotel for our overnight stay in Venice. Although it's not one of my favorite cities in Italy, I know my mom will love it. Just like the first time I saw Paris, I thought how much my mother would love seeing this city. We're staying at the Hotel Antica Locanda al Gambero, where my friend David and I booked a room back in 2004. Back then, he and I searched and searched the confusing streets of the city for what seemed like hours, only to discover the hotel was literally right next to Piazza San Marco.

My pre-trip to Boston is at the end of next month, and for sure, this is a lesson in patience for me. Something everyone knows I don't possess.