Trying to fit it all in!

We celebrated the 4th of July this year in Lake Como in northern Italy. You know, with our pal George Clooney. Actually we didn’t really see him but apparently stayed very close to where he lives. We did recently see Barbara Streisand though, but that’s another story. We flew into Milan and rented a teeny diesel little car and drove about an hour into the city of Como. And thanks to my superb navigational skills, we only got lost three times. Lake Como is absolutely gorgeous as it sits in the southern tip of the Alps and the lake is in a valley surrounded by all the huge mountains. The water is super clear and blue and the scenery is just stunning. We walked through the little towns along the lake, soaked in some sunshine, and ate lots of gelato to stay cool. Lake Como is one of the most unique and beautiful places that we’ve seen on our European trips – highly recommended by the Scott and Katie travel guidebook.

And then Allen Wolford invaded London. That’s right - Dad braved the long flight all by himself with his brand new passport in hand and journeyed outside the good ole US of A for the first time! After a little water in the suitcase (inexplicably) and a bit of an adventure to get to our flat, he made it and was ready to see the sights. It was so great to have him here to show him some of the things that we have loved seeing and doing in London. Of all the people (young and old) that have visited us in London, Dad by far had the most energy of them all! We saw more things with him in the week that he was here than with anyone else – hands down. He had no jet lag and never even took any naps during the week. Although the crowds were a little much for us all at times, he handled the tube, double decker buses, and miles of walking without a single complaint. He was so enthralled by everything that he kept forgetting to eat! However, we were able to guide him through his first Thai and Indian food experiences – both of which he actually liked! We saw all the traditional London sites as well as took day trips to the Goodwood Festival of Speed, the Duxford WWII air show, and Windsor castle. And after all that, he still had the energy to take Bruno to the park everyday for some quality Frisbee time. Very impressive Mr. Wolford!!!

Since our London adventures are quickly coming to an end, Scott and I are trying to check as many restaurants, theatre, etc off of our London to-do list. Well, more like Scott is going to the restaurants as he is trying to quench his cravings for Indian food for every meal before we return Stateside and I am trying to see as much theatre as possible before I leave. Our friend, Sandy, and I went to see Dirty Dancing recently. It was very well done and had awesome dancing but you can’t beat the original Baby and Johnny Castle.

We’re getting ready for our busy upcoming month of trying to fit in trips to Moscow and South Africa, finish work, and pack our lives up to get back to the US before Labor Day.