The pictures are great! I especially love seeing the ones with you in them, smiling and reminding me of your strong convictions in doing this trip in your own way. Be proud of yourself, your strength and your determination. You are doing this!

Have a wonderful Happy Birthday Alex! Enjoy your day! We may miss seeing you on your birthday but we feel like we are with you somehow. Your writing draws us in to where you are and makes us feel very much a part of your day. While on your wine tour you know we will all be with you in love and spirit! And as much joking that Uncle TC did about sharing his birthday with you he really wishes he was doing just that...especially in Croatia on a wine tour! Love Aunt Linda, Uncle Tom (TC), Cole and Noah

These photos take your breath away!

Will follow your Italy leg with great interest. We will be there in 4 weeks with a villa in Siena!! Enjoy and safe travels.

You are an amazing writer and an amazing young woman.

Alex-I am completely mesmerized as I read your wonderful portrayal of your adventure in Rome. I laugh with you, I cry with you, I marvel at the beauty of the architecture as seen through your eyes, I feel your anxiety in the situations you describe. I swear I can taste the pasta, and I really really envy the numerous gelaterias that you have access to! Love you!

Ah Alex, I am following in your Aunt's footsteps! Coffee and your blog! Thank you for sharing. I feel like I'm there! Molte grazie!

Well Ally at least you should feel very safe at night--3 LOCKS!!!!!!
Sounds like you are having the time of your life.
Your descriptions of your tour of the Vatican was great.

I find myself settling in with a coffee in the morning or a tea at night and looking in anticipation to see if you have a new post. It is like a favourite novel where you can't wait to read the next chapter......except better because I can picture you there sipping cappuccino and writing your blog. Thank-you for sharing your journey with us! Love it, love it, love it!

Have a good time Ally--will be reading your blog every day.

Hi Ally....I tried to get in touch in the morning before you left to say a final bye but I missed you. Wanted you to know we will miss you and we hope you have the experience of a life time. You go girl! haha Love Dad

Have a wonderful, exciting, adventure. Hope your trip is everything you have hoped and dreamed for so long. Looking forward to your blog. While you are off exploring remember that messages from you mean a better night sleep for the rest of us back home! We will be able to dream of your experiences with each post! Love You!