We're at the mid-point of our vacation and looking forward to Padova & Venice!

Thoughts on random travel topics:

• Language- I feel that we are continuing to progress with the language every day. We're now more confident in the basics and try to use a broader veriety of words. Seldom have we encountered a problem in communicating and humor never fails to save us.
• Prices- Everything costs more than in the States. Converting prices from euros to dollars is not a problem. We just multiply the euros by 1.5 to get the approximate cost in dollars.
• Food- Northern Italian food is not what I identify as "U.S. Italian" food, but very good. Finding exactly what you want can be problematic, but you're in Italy for Italian food so go with it. It is too expensive to eat in resturants daily so we alternate with buying food and wine in a supermarcato.
• People- Northern Italians are a beautiful people. Seldom do you see anyone overweight or unattractive. In addition almost everyone has simultaneously been helpful and reserved. I'm certain it takes time to develop friendships.
• Transportation- Every city seems to have an excellent and inexpensive bus system covering the train station and city center. Driving within the cities would be a nightmare for many reasons; signage, narrow and crooked streets, and traffic. Train travel between cities is easy and afordable. I haven't seen any reason to rent a car.