I am really enjoying reading all about your adventures! Your mom will tell me how proud she is of your writing skills and I completely agree. I love the videos and pictures as it brings it all to life. Take Care and enjoy the rest of your time abroad!

Nice chatting with you yesterday on such a bitter cold day! Warms me inside! Find the best fondue place so we can try some too. I'm not too keen on the idea of Mexican restaurants in Switzerland either. I guess globalization has its benefits and pitfalls. Another day of no school for us with -40 degrees. Keep in touch.

Oooh, how sweet! You toasted your grandmothers! I laughed so hard at your latest blog entry...keep them coming. A toast to granddaughters, Nanny

I read a book recently that said the Italians will forgive their government officials, their spouses, their neighbors, and their children for almost anything, but they expect their ARTS to always be the highest standards of excellence. (Paraphrased that) Your interesting article about the opera verified that! So happy you got the opportunity to experience the opera and the opera house. Wish I had been in the seat along side of you!!! Much love, Nanny

The slide show of the Duomo is beautiful! However, I read your paper first and your words truly convey the wonder and mystery you must have felt as you ascended the stairs. I'm pleased that you have an appreciation of the people who would have actually built such a structure. Such beauty can only be known through the toils of the many nameless. Humanity and culture never occur in a vacuum . . . if only recognition could be shared by all involved.

WOW, the bells and view from the lantern at that time of day! Do the bells ring every morning? Bill is so impressed with your command of the Italian language after such a short time in country. he he Sure looks like you're having some cold weather. Expect a package soon. Love, Mom and Bill

Hi D,

Thanks for posting the museum and villa websites. I've begun a tour of the museums and lingered in the Boboli Gardens at the Neptune Fountain. Are you surprised? Hard to believe there are buildings from the 11th century when Americans think a building needs to be trashed if it's over 75 years old. Enjoyed looking at the Villa photos and wondered about you coming back to our sterile classrooms after being in the midst of frescoes and chandeliers. Perhaps you'll trade it all, at the end, for perforated toilet paper...lol! I'll be anxious to hears tales of teaching English to 4th graders. Thanks for taking us all on this trip! Love you lots, Nanny (and Poppy)

Hi Danielle, I'm sure enjoying traveling with you. I spent one whole afternoon following everything you have done. Enjoyed the pig one and the new one was great too. You sound like you are having lots of fun too. Thats important also. Keep it up and one of these days I will try to get grandpa to sneek a peek at some of it. Love always, Grandma V.G.

Hi Honey!

It's 11:00 here and I just finished reading your most recent blog. Did you know you'd have the opportunity to teach English? Remember the intro. to Spanish class and try to make it silly and fun for them. They will LOVE you! Your phone call today was so unexpected, and now I'm wishing I had chatted with you some more. Such exciting news! From the sounds of it, you are more independent than ever! Don't worry about those banks; you'll figure out the doors soon enough. Did the books arrive yet? When they do, let us know so we can get the floss and the other items we're gathering in the mail for you. A fondue in Switzerland and a sleigh ride? WOW! Keep the news and photos coming. We love you dearly. Mom and Bill

Hi Danielle - Grandma VG emailed me this website. It is awesome. Your pictures are beautiful! I can't wait to see & read more about your experience. Take care! Luv, Mary

I like the photos with you in them the best.

Loved the bronze pig story....had you read it in your class? Thanks for taking us all along. XOXOX