I just wanted to post a short journal letting everyone know that I'm enjoying my time in Italy about as much as I possibly could! This is quite a wonderful place and I've been very happy to experience so much. My Italian skills could be stronger, but I am certainly getting the hang of it and have managed not to cause any international incidents (yet). I look forward to sharing a boatload of photographs with everyone once I get them organized and find the best way to share them.

I just wanted to say that  danandnite has been an utterly wonderful host (and a profoundly patient language tutor, as I constantly ask him to eschew colloquialisms) and I can't imagine having a better time. I have met very few people in my life who match his warmth, honesty, and fun-loving nature.

To Dan and Nite, thank you. I owe you a lot - and you do still have a VERY big surprise coming your way. Until then, you'll just have to fear my conniving, scheming, evil grins as I imagine your reaction.