June 4 2013 family history research

I still need to write about the adventure from yesterday, but this morning we met Joel, our family research specialist, at 8:45 a.m. At the church in Santa Guistina. The priest wasn't there and no one knew about our visit, but Joel kept talking and they agreed to give us access to the archive. The books are very cool looking and nearly 200 years old. We are allowed to look at one at a time.

So far we've found a number of people on my great grandmother's side (Noni's side, who was my great grandmother and poppa's mother). So far we've gotten back six generations to approximately 1820's.

Later today we go to San Gregorio to look for more. Still on the Pagnussat side. Then plan to drive to Sospirolo to see what we can find on the DeZanet side.

June 2, 2013 Sunday best

Today was Sunday. We got up early to go to church, but ran into a few transportation snags that caused up to miss it. Darn! So Mom (Sylvia) did some shopping. We took three of Kenzi's friends out to lunch. We tried to get into San Marco, but couldn't. I took a lot of pics and we walked a ton. It was avoid day!

June 1 2013 Venice and Kenzi

We made it! Flight was fine. Delta was great with a wheelchair at each location to get Mom around and us tailgating along. Upon arrival, we got a shuttle ride to the water taxi stand then took a 15 minute ride to San Marco square. A short walk to the hotel worked out fine. We got checked in and slept for a couple hours then went to dinner. It was fun. We then met Kenzi at 8 pm along with her professor and two friends. Then went out for gelato - it was really good. Venice is a cool place! So vintage looking. We are all tired. So off to bed soon. I'll try and get some pics posted tomorrow. We are going to Padova for church tomorrow. We love you all!

May 31 2013 Away we go

Well, we're out of the gate, as they say in horse racing. An uneventful trip to the airport (thanks for taking us Matt). Mom (Sylvia) got a full pat down through security. Aunt Rene called and her flight from Kansas City was delayed by two hours. Good thing she had a five hour layover in NYC.

Mom is in her seat playing video poker. Robyn just finished some home work.

Italy here we come!

Last day in Stockholm

Heading home tomorrow (leave for the airport at 4:45 a.m.). Here are a couple last pictures. The first is the King's palace (the main residence). The second is a view of the street from our office balcony. The third is my lastest hotel room -- very small with a twin bed!

I met with the marketing people all day, then we went to the local employee's house for a great Swedish dinner.

One VERY funny story....

Viktoria, the local Swedish employee was telling me a story about "a sheep." As she explained, "a very famous sheep. Acutally, famous because it was the sheep that sings. You've probably heard of it?" I'm sure I looked puzzeled. "No, I haven't heard of it."

"Yes, very famous this sheep. It singed. It is down here about a block from here."

My mind is racing and still clueless. A singing sheep? She explained one more time, "yes the ship singed." At which it dawned on me. She wasn't saying, "A sheep that sings." She was saying "A ship that sank." Ah, I get it! One of the funniest cultural moments I've every had in my life. :-)

Home tomorrow! I can't wait!!!!

Stockholm

Two meetings this morning in the UK. Arrived in Stockholm about 5:30 pm. Staying a very cool old hotel. Went to dinner with the marketing team. Stockholm is beautiful. It's about 11:30 pm so I'm off to bed, but wanted to post some pictures for you.

Crazy London

London is a bit crazy. You've probably seen all the rioting. Nothing near me, but stores closed early and I didn't go out anywhere tonight. The news is full of coverage and the police are out in force. Sounds like it is just a bunch of thugs looking for reasons to loot stores. Hopefully it all stops soon.

By travel standards, my day was boring. Just an all day meeting with an analyst, which went well. I'll post one picture...the inside of our offices, since that is all I saw today. :-)

Tomorrow I leave for Stockholm just before noon. I'll go to the office in the morning, then to the airport. Have a great day everybody!