when in rome

After a lot of talks, pro/con lists, research, I found a way to make a visit to Europe happen. I flew to London where Bakin (dressed in a size 13 y/o pink onesie holding a bouquet of roses) awaited having been there for hours in anticipation of my arrival. It was a reunion indeed. 

We spent the day in London catching up and enjoying the beautiful summer weather. After a few hours it was back to the airport and off to Rome to meet up with family. It was such a fun flight. We were some of the only ones. The flight attendants loved us. It was a great start to our vacation together!

Woke up bright and early in Rome to look out the window that overlooks the city in the distance. It was beautiful! Met Bakin's often talked about family. Full of characters. Can't wait to meet the rest of the clan.

And it was off to Pompeii/Mt. Vesuvius! Sleeping in the van for the few hours just wasn't an option w Bakin there...

not so pretty but the views were nice

cousins, aunt, and Bakin

that fishing vest though...

 After our hike in the clouds of Mt. Vesuvius it was down to Pompeii to see the place that was always talked about in my Latin glory days. 

the wheelchair used for alternative purposes

theater

original lead pipe

here we are in Pompeii. yes, that's a screen

took a walk through the brothel 

lover boys: Bakin and Uncle Allen

one of the many watering holes

mt vesuvius in the back there

cousins

and a quick stop in Naples.

Day 1 = great success!