Family Vacation
In March my family took a vacation. The family went to Italy for almost two weeks. My daughter made most all the arrangements choosing hotels, airlines, schedules, and researching places of interest. Not the least included restaurants for us to enjoy.
We began our vacation in Rome, a city so wonderful and alive. Here we are in St. Peter’s Square. As it happens, the Vatican was at a high level of excitement given that a new Pope was being named. They even closed the Sistine Chapel to provide the traditional space for the Roman Catholic Cardinals a place to vote. We missed it. The Chapel and the vote. There really were so many other things at which to marvel.
Elizabeth said one night in Rome, “Dad, this is the very meal I have been dreaming of since we decided to come to Italy. Perfect pasta. Perfect sauce. I love it!”
Train travel in Italy is fantastic. Buy a ticket, climb on Board, sit back, and see history. We found Parma less than 3 hours later. What a great market!
What great food. It’s a smaller city, a cross roads with so much history. Oh, there is Parmigiano-Reggiano. Imagine that. Add some Prosciutto di Parma and one is ready for an afternoon on the streets and the antique shops.
They knew I love Italian cured meats, Salumi. 
They went straight to such a Shop. Open to the street, one can see the Salumist’s craft or art. I’ve tried it and found it to be Art.
They went straight to such a Shop. Open to the street, one can see the Salumist’s craft or art. I’ve tried it and found it to be Art.
Sometimes one finds fish, in this case Anchovies. These treasures, prepared by those who understand fresh fish, can add flavor to food in ways unimaginable. 
It’s really the people one finds in the shops that create the memories. Here is the shop owner, smiling, glad to show his wares, and ready to wrap something up for the customer. They took me everywhere I wanted to go. Another train ride over to Florence, a city so beautiful and full of treasures. They had even bought me what I love best. Meats and cheeses and some bread to take on the train.
Architecture of buildings and bridges over a quirky little river rushing muddy water to the west crowned by the Uffici Galleria.
It was such a great trip, one we’ll talk about for years to come. All this, and they never once had to worry about my dirty socks. My luggage was never once in the way. My snoring didn’t bother them at all. I never once snarled about the traffic or the noise or the lines.
Still, I was there with them. They left me home but took me for the fun parts. Perfect solution!