Tried to post this yesterday… many times….and it just wouldn’t fly…. Trying again once more …
Last days of our trip — I planned our flight home so that I could spend my birthday here rather than on an airplane or in airport line-ups or stressing about checking in. And so that I could celebrate with our Italian ex-pats, the youngest of whom has just left me a voice message to “Please come over now, Nana! Can you hurry up?”
I/we will, soon … but she needs a quiet time first (we’re all going out for a birthday dinner at 8, and it’s a school night!). And I’m taking advantage of some (spotty and temperamental) access to Wifi to post this (or try). After a week without any Wifi at all in our Palermo Air BnB, then a week with hit-and-miss phone and wireless access in the rural, hilly Sicilian countryside, we were looking forward to easy connection in this 4-star hotel not so far from Rome. Instead, Front Desk is apologetic, but they’re playing a frustrating game of tag, apparently, with their service provider. Meanwhile, I’ve had to add data to our phone plan to be sure I can do all that needs to get done before an international flight. Sigh..,
But just so you don’t think it’s all whine (and no wine) here, a photo taken by the waiter to whom I might have mentioned my “Compleanno” — he stuck a candle in Paul’s gelato and insisted on taking a picture.
So again, crossing my fingers this message in a cyber-bottle will reach you. I will be home and deluging you with stories and photos by the weekend.
Xo,
Frances
Hi Frances, many happy returns…and happy returns re travel!
Hope the birthday went with a bang. What a great place to mark it.
Happy Birthday! Love your top.
Happy Birthday Frances!
Dottoressa
Joyeux anniversaire ! quel bel endroit que l’Italie pour commencer un nouveau printemps ! Many happy returns
Happy, Happy Birthday Frances, my May birthday friend. May this new year overflow with joy and new adventure. I have had a great time traveling in Italy with you. Thank you for sharing your thoughts and experiences (and your inspiring sketches!).
As I said: tanti auguri!
Buon compleanno! And bring on the deluge 🙂
Wonderful photo!
Happy Birthday… have been thinking of you a lot….
Ali
Happy birthday! What a wonderful blouse you’re wearing:)
A very happy birthday and safe travels.
Many Happy Returns & what a lovely photo of you both . You look so relaxed & calm Frances – you’d never think you had been fighting technology for days !
I hope you had a wonderful birthday and look forward to hearing more about your travels when you are home again.
Happy birthday, Frances! You are a marvel and an inspiration!
Oh that internet situation sounds stressful! Add me to the list of admirers of your beautiful polka dot blouse. I love dots of all kinds, but those rainbow dots that look like watercolor are perfection. Wishing you speedy, smooth and safe travel home.
Happy Birthday, Frances! Hope you have smooth travels home. Love that blouse!!
Joyeux anniversaire, Frances! What a wonderful way to celebrate in a place you love!
Happy Birthday. Clever waiter, lovely photo of you both.
Our trip to Sicily this year is looking less likely to go ahead so I have enjoyed your photos all the more. Looking forward to more photos and stories when you are home and have less dodgy Wifi.
Have a safe trip.
Happy Birthday wishes to you, Frances. Safe travels as you head homewards once again.
Happy, Happy Birthday, Frances! What a wonderful place to celebrate! Safe travels as you return home…
Happy Birthday! I hope that your last days in Italy are wonderful.
A belated Happy Birthday!
Happiest of Days to you! Am waiting to see hundreds of pictures from you travel.