Every year, Betty Ann (Brandt) Anderson and I go on a trip somewhere together.  It works out well, because she gets to choose where we go and I figure out how to do it! Then we refine the plan together.  This year, she chose Italy. While I could have figured out the itinerary, transportation, hotels & sightseeing, I decided to try Gate 1 Travel.  I'm a part-time tour guide here in Germany and another guide friend works for Gate 1.  She likes the company so I checked their website. Their headquarters is in Ft. Washington, PA!!

    We booked the 9 day Italy tour starting in Venice and ending in Rome.  Betty Ann flew to Germany a few days early to get over jet lag, then we flew to Venice together a day ahead of the tour.  We wanted to check out Verona and Juliet's balcony which was not part of the tour. Then we joined the tour by taking the water bus out to the island of Murano.  We really enjoyed the tour with 38 others from all over the US and



with a variety of backgrounds. I'll post a photo from each of our stops and if other classmates are interested, I'll post some more. I'm sure you can guess the locations: we're on Juliet's balcony in Verona, then a gondolier in Venice, the leaning tower of Pisa, the church of St. Francis in Assisi & the Coloseum in Rome. 

Lois and Bettyann

What a wonderful way to spend September.  Pictures look beautiful.

Nancy Meehan

Outstanding Lois, The two of you are very lucky and the pictures are great!