Close up of me in front of the Leaning Tower of Pisa

Hello All!

I hope everyone is enjoying the summer months. I am glad to hear that the weather has been better and less rainy. I hope everyone had an enjoyable Fourth of July. My Fourth was a little different than years passed, but our Italian friends did their best to make sure we celebrated the right way. After we swept Nuoro at home, the owner of our team invited us to his cottage above the field for dinner and swimming. His family and friends cooked us a Mexican dinner, something we have not eaten in a while. It was delicious. We also sampled the owner’s wine that he makes in his home from his vineyard. After dinner, we went for a swim in his outdoor pool. During our second game, we saw fireworks go off. It was nice and reminded me of home and the states. I miss everyone very much, but I will be home before I know it!

My team clinched the number one spot in the league after our final double header wins against Parma. It was great to hear that we are the number one seed and we were all able to start our 10 day vacations on a high note. I stayed in Parma that night after our games with two of my teammates, while the rest of the Caserta team either returned home or left directly for vacation. In Parma we sampled the delicious prosciutto and parmigiano cheese, the city’s famous specialties. I swear the prosciutto melts in your mouth. We also tasted some of the best pizza in Parma. Lisa, Pam, and I toured the city the next day and relaxed in its beautiful park, Parco Ducale. Our vacation had begun. From Parma, Lisa and I headed to Lucca, a small city on the outskirts of Pisa. We walked around the town and toured its beautiful churches, towers, and gardens. Next, we traveled to Pisa, where we climbed to the top of the Leaning Tower. I learned that night that I have a huge fear of heights. We are still laughing about how I was squatting walking around so that my center of gravity would be lower to the ground. I was terrified, but I am so glad I walked to the top and overcame my fear. The view of the city lit up at night was a gorgeous sight. I made Lisa take pictures for me. Florence was next on our itinerary. We spent a few days there since there is so much to do and see. We went to the Uffizi Gallery and the Accademia. The David was an unbelievable sight to see in person. He stands about 17 feet tall and his detail is absolutely impeccable. We also saw the Duomo, Ponte Vecchio, and the Boboli Gardens. Lisa and I then took the train to Siena, where we stayed in a nun-run hotel. When we heard about this place, we decided we had to stay there. It was an old convent adjacent to Saint Catherine of Siena's Sanctuary. Siena is a gorgeous city with picturesque views everywhere you turn. I fell in love with Siena. Our last adventure took place in Assisi, the city where Saint Francis lived and preached. Assisi is one of my favorite places in Italy. It is a small town with numerous churches, basilicas, and cathedrals on what seems to be every corner. Every residence maintains its exterior with hanging flowers and potted plants; so the streets feel lively and are filled with bright, happy colors. Rocca Maggiore, an old fortress resting on a hill, overlooks Assisi and its neighboring cities. Also worth noting was Saint Francis' Basilica and its underground crypt which houses his tomb and his clothing. I have yet to upload my pictures to a slide show. I will have to be selective this time around since I took about 1500 pictures in 9 days.

July

Here I am at our pre-game lunch in Parma. Of course, they feed us like queens in Italy. Pasta dish first, then meat dish, salad and vegetables, and finally dessert and fruit. This prosciutto crudo was the best I have ever had in my life. It is one of Parma's specialties and my favorite Italian food.