Surprise!

This was my last weekend in Amsterdam. I started packing and then planned to meet friends for drinks. Imagine my surprise when those canalside drinks turned into a surprise party for me. But this wasn't your typical going away drinks......

This one involved a private 3-hour boat tour of Amsterdam and dinner at an Ethiopian restaurant. I knew I would miss our new friends after I left - but this just confirmed how lucky I am to have met such great people.
"Captain Seth" expertly guided us through busy canals.....

Kevin played the role of "person to be hit first" when entering the bigger canals around blind corners...

Courtenay and Brian organized the trip and packed tasty food and beverages for our "3 hour tour"

Brett made sure the chicken was lekker (it was)....

....and Amsterdam provided the sights.....

We ended the day with Ethiopian food. The portions were a bit skimpy but we made do.

This was my favorite day in Amsterdam all year. I'll miss the city - but I'll miss our new friends the most. I'm a lucky girl to have met them. The lobbying for them to visit us back in the US begins now :-)

Even Italian street vendors are on Facebook

Note the "Facebook" advertisement underneath the counter between the 4 fruit signs. I guess even Italian street vendors need a friend or two :-)

A germ phobe's favorite Pepsi package

I drink my cola straight from the can, but in Rome I noticed this handy packaging: Pepsi can lids were covered with foil like you'd see on a yoghurt package. Simply peel it back and open the can like normal. Nifty!

Boating around the Island of Capri

When Brett and I were in Sorrento, we decided to take the ferry to Capri for the afternoon. The ferry ride alone is a nice way to see the Bay of Naples, but when you get to Capri, the real fun begins.



For about $80 you can rent a private boat for two hours that you can drive around the island by yourself. It holds up to 5 people, comes with an anchor, and you're given a map that shows you where you can swim and interesting sites to see along the way. The thing that made us laugh the most was the lack of liability waivers. We signed a short form saying we were responsible for damage to the boat and that we'd take responsibility for whatever happened - and were on our way.



It's a gorgeous island with jagged cliffs and beautiful blue waters. I only wish we'd spent more time there. We never made it to the top to see the town - but I'm sure the views would have been great.

Having fun at the Vatican Museum

Cheap wine - a whole new level.

Note first, the cardboard carton of wine, packaged just like soy milk. Next note the price. Just 89 cents. Makes Franzia look classy.

Hand Held Cars

Need a new purse? These can be yours in Sorrento. Beep beep!