Final day in Rome

Ok, I must say I'm not a good international traveler. I have no idea how you are suppose to beat jet lag...nothing is working for me at all. I woke up at 2am and was unable to fall back to sleep. So, going on little sleep right now. Due to that and the crazy heat here...we didn't do much today. We walked down to the Trevi Fountain...took lots of pictures. It was amazing to see. Too bad there were so many people there. I think we might try to go back so I can get some night pictures of it too. I'm completely loving my new camera and the pictures it is taking are beautiful!

On a more serious note, I have been thinking a lot of my friends back in Chicago. On Sunday I learned that a college friend lost his wife to cancer...I went to college with both of these amazing people. I can't imagine how Mike is dealing with this loss right now. I know he has lots of friends and family supporting him. He posted today that he and his wife had their last flight today to O'Hare....she will be laid to rest near where she grew up. I know the next few days are going to be hard for my friend's and they are very close to my heart and thoughts right now. I keep thinking about the song "Live like you are dying". How we all need to really embrace life....I can say Ruth had a very full life where she embraced others and new experiences as often as possible. She will be greatly missed.

Rome day 3

Well, we discovered yesterday that after lunch that all the crazy lines seemed to go away. So, we decided to wait till lunch time to go to the Vatican, specifically to see the Sistine chapel. Ok, what they don't tell you....if you just want to see the Sistine chapel, don't go to the Vatican...it is a good 10 minute walk from St. Peter's square. Also they need more signs that say where things are. Took us asking at least 3 different security guards before we figured out how to get to the Sistine chapel and the a tour guide was the one who really pointed us in the right direction. Ok, so once you get to where you want to be then you enter the maze that has no end. You are taken up stairs, down stairs, through hallways....look at naked statutes here and there (although they aren't quite naked, they thave modestly been covered with tiny fig leaves)....then you finally get to the chapel....it is small, really small....dark, security guards tell everyone packed in there to be quiet and no pictures or video. I think it took us about 90 minutes to get to the actual chapel and we stayed for less than 5 minutes. I will be honest I have some major issues with Catholism...and yes, I know enough about it and my own Christian beliefs to defend my stance. Although we saw many beautiful things today, it just reinforced what Chistianity isn't suppose to be about.

Rome day. 2

So, after sleeping in we decided to go to the Colosseum today. We took a bus down to the area. It was neat to see the Arch of Titus and the Arch of Constantine. There was also some archeologist who were excavating an area. It was interesting that many historical and tourist areas are sectioned off so that people cannot touch or get close to the actual site. This was the case with much of the Colosseum and the Arch of Costantine...as well as other sites we have seen while riding on the buses. Also, if you pay for a guided tour of the Colosseum you don't have to wait over an hour and a half just to get through the line o get in. We decided that waiting in line was not for us at all. The tour guide was very good and told many interesting facts about the colosseum. So glad we did the tour. It was rather hot and humid out today...so neither of us wanted to wait too long in the sun. Riding the buses was interesting too...obviously you are suppose to pay, but no one even tries and the coin machines on the buses weren't working. Got some great pictures today, will post hem when I can. Hope everyone going o he reunion this weekend has lots of fun. I will miss seeing everyone.

Rome....day 1

Well, my mom and I had quite the experience getting this far. We got to travel first class from Detroit to Rome on Delta. I must say, I don't know that I will ever be able to fly coach without being sad. Honestly, it was amazing..3 course meal and dessert...real silverware. Great flight attendants who were quick to help with everything...and amazing seats the reclined completely and had leg room to spare! We ended up coming to the hotel and sleep for a while then went out to see some of the sites in the area. Since the hotel is close to the center of the city there were several sites close by to see. I had fun taking tons of pictures....not sure why but posting them from the iPad to the blogger post isn't wanting to work...will try it figure it out so you can see. We stopped and had some gelato which was VERY yummy. We are both still very tired so, we aren't planning on doing anything else tonight. More site seeing tomorrow!

Wanted to try writing a post from my iPad before the "BIG" trip. I know a few friends follow this blog who aren't on FB and want updates while I'm in Bulgaria getting Maria. So, you might be wondering when the "big" trip is....well, we leave on Tuesday. Yup. In just a few days. We (my mom and I) are going to be in Rome for a few days to take in the sites. We are planning on hitting the main tourist attractions there and I do plan on taking lots of pictures. We will then leave on Sunday for Bulgaria and will hopefully be home before the end of the month. So, right now I'm cleaning and getting things ready. Still have a few things I need to get at the store, but everything should be ready by Tuesday. Hoping and praying that flying standby works out well and doesn't frustrate me...I will probably be reminding myself how much money we are saving by flying this way. I'm sad I will miss everyone at the Bulgarian adoptees reunion this year, but I know I will be meeting up with some of he families at different places over the next year.

Fun with kids

Had a great time hanging out with my nephews and niece.  We went to Legoland Discovery Center in the Chicago area, Madagascar 3 and to Fisher Nut Outlet store.  There was a little testing by the youngest, but we all had fun.  Some pics from Legoland....if you get a chance highly recommend it.

Miniland

The 4 kids together

The safari area was really neat

Some of the creations even were motorized

There were lego people on the beams as we walked upstairs

Totally loved this lego creation!

Star Wars and other fun characters

Even Santa

3 of the kids waiting for one of the rides

These were really cool...the tops are see through legos and there are lights inside that flickered like fire

Harry Potter

And Hagrid!

Waiting....

Waiting for news that the court decree has been released....yeah I know it has been more than 3 weeks since court.  Finally heard yesterday that the decree would be released today...still haven't heard that it has been released.  However, we are planning the pickup trip.  A family friend is being amazing and giving us his "buddy passes".  This is awesome, because instead of paying over $1700 per ticket we will be paying around $700 per ticket.  Yes, I know I'm really lucky that I'm getting these tickets.  It also means that we will be spending some extra time in Europe.  We are talking about spending a few days sight seeing in Rome and then a few extra days in Bulgaria.  Thought it would be nice for Maria to see some more of her country before leaving.  Oh, and we will most likely get to fly first class....this could be a lot of fun.

The only thing that makes me sad it that it will be just over 6 months between trips...that is just too long.  Especially for an older child who understands the process and time.  Hopefully the extra waiting won't be an issue for Maria.  I will still have about a month and a half of summer vacation left for bonding time and to help with learning English.  I'm also disappointed I won't get to see everyone at the Bulgarian Adoptee's reunion this year.  I know I had such a great time last year and really wanted Maria to meet everyone this year.  Oh well, next year will have to do and it will be here before I know it.

I'm also going to run to Chicago for a few days next week....completely last minute.  I get to take care of my honorary niece and nephews for a few days while their mom finishes up working at the Montessori school that the kids went to this past year.  So, I get to hang out with an 11 year old, 9 year old, 7 year old and 4 year old....this could be a lot of fun, although I'm wondering if I'm slightly nuts for taking care of them a week prior to the pick up trip.  Oh well, at least it will keep me busy and they are AMAZING kids. 

Well, that is the only news for now...nothing is completely 100% on travel until the Bulgarian agency has the decree.  Hopefully will know that by the end of the day.  Until then here is a picture of one of my newest projects that little miss Emilia will be sporting next year :)

Knitted bodice attached to cotton material skirt