Off we go. Ashley dropped us off at the airport & who should I run into but one of my book club buddies, Cathy, on her way to Rome, too! She was on another carrier, though...but too funny that we saw each other outside the terminal. Brian & Teena arrived shortly after & we grabbed a bite to eat in one of the cafes, mainly to kill time. Our flight left Houston at 3:10 p.m. & other than a crying baby & a guy that wouldn't turn off his light all "night", we had an uneventul flight. We arrived in Amsterdam at 7:30 the next morning & caught a flight to Rome. We managed to snag an SUV to take us to our hotel & I mention this only because there aren't any SUV's to be seen anywhere! The weather is picture postcard perfect, made all the sweeter knowing it's in the 90's back in Houston. :) And so begins our adventure....