Well, the time has come to say Arrivederci to Italy and head back home to the US. Our flight was at 3pm but we had to check out by 10am so we got all packed and were ready to go. We had a car service pick us up to take us to the airport and arrived there around 11am. Apparently too early to check in for our flight, so we had coffee at a coffee shop and waited. And waited. And waited.

Finally, we are able to check in and check luggage as well. Someone in our group had quite a bit of luggage (ok, it was Jean). Then, we were off to the business lounge for food and drinks. Unfortunately, we weren't quite sure where the lounge was and ended up visiting three of them before finding the correct one. Once settled, we hung out until it was time to board.

Mike and Jean had the honeymoon seats which means they are close together and a removable divider between them. The flight attendant warned them to behave or she'd put the divider back in. Ironically, the same family that flew out to Rome with us was on the same flight back, and the same seats! Too funny!

Karol and Cher had a flight back to Chicago from Toronto about 2 hours after landing in Toronto from Rome. Since timing was tight, they bolted the moment the plane landed in Toronto to try to clear customs quickly. Well, the best-laid plans never really work out. They did clear the 1st customs hurdle but then there's another one for people going to the US. Their bags got pulled for a search, which is where Cher lost her purple wine opener from our wine tasting in Sorrento. Bummer!

After a mad dash through the airport to get the gate, they discovered the flight was delayed by about an hour. So, a bit more waiting and sitting before finally boarding and landing back in Chicago.

Mike and Jean took a more relaxing way home by staying at a hotel in Toronto, then leisurely driving home the next day. Highly recommend this approach.

Eventually, everyone was home again after having a wonderful time in Italy.

We would all agree -- wonderful memories.

Fino alla prossima volta; until next time!

Karol Lobaugh

Cher Lobaugh Adelizzi

Mike Lobaugh

Jean Lobaugh