Yes, I realize that we are in the midst of difficult economic times and yes, I realize my company has been and will continue to make severe cutbacks, but my overwhelming thirst for travel has yet to be quenched.

I traveled through most of Italy, where every time I heard someone call "Marco", I found myself giggling "Polo".. Coming thru the Alps was beautiful and although there was up to 8 feet of snow in some areas, the heat of the sun reflecting off the snow and ice, was warming to the soul.

It rained when I got to Luxemburg, but I should have expected it. This is my 3rd time there, and it has rained uncontrollably each and every time.

Paris was wonderful. I went to the Musee de Orsay and spent endless hours studying the contemporary art. The Louvre, Notre Dame, and the Eiffel Tower are still standing.

Pompeii, by the way, was wonderful and the highlight of my trip. You can wander around the ruins, and the map they sell you in the beginning ( after you pay your entrance fee), sort of helps you clarify what is what. There were many people still working on the site ( doing careful digging). My only dissapointment was the fact that I saw no t-shirts for sale.