Our first 2 trips in June were to Italy. It has been almost a year since we have been back to Rome, one of the oldest cities in the world and the 3rd most visited city in Europe. We were elated to be back!

Being in Rome, especially in 2025 is a unique experience due to it being the Jubilee Year, which brings larger crowds and a festive atmosphere. The Jubilee Year is a Holy Year for Catholics, occurring every 25 years. It’s time for spiritual renewal, pilgrimage, and the remission of sins. Of course everyone hopes to get a glimpse of Pope Leo.

VILLA BORGHESE

Since is was a warm day, we decided to stay away from the tourist attractions and go to a park. which we had never been to before. Villa Borghese is a landscape garden in Rome, containing a number of building, museums and attractions. It is a famous park known for its beautiful water features, including fountains and a lake. It reminded me of a small version of Central Park.

One of the most enchanting spots in Villa Borghese is the lake. Marianne and I enjoyed the charm of the lake by watching the rowers.

After the park, we stopped to enjoy a scrumptious pizza.

On the road again, we had fun walking the streets of Rome, soaking in its atmosphere, admiring ancient architecture and discovering hidden gems. Afterwards, we met the crew back at our hotel for a much needed cold beverage. Marianne and I then wondered the nearby neighborhood to find a quaint Italian restaurant.

La vita e una combinations di pasta e amore. (LIFE IS A COMBINATION OF PASTA AND LOVE!)

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35 YEARS OF COMMITMENT

American Airlines presented me a plaque and a 35 year pin, which consists of 3 diamonds and a ruby. A lifetime of stories at 30,000 feet. Cheers to 35 years of wings, wonders and unforgettable journeys.

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MILAN

Our 2nd trip in June was to Milan, one of the richest and most fashionable places in Italy. Marianne and I decided to visit Milan’s canals, known as the Navigli, which are a historic network of navigable waterways that once connected the city to the surrounding rivers. Today, the Navigli district is a popular area for its restaurants, bars and shops.

After visiting the canals, we walked the nearby neighborhood and found a charming bakery with delectable treats and breads. To our delight, we tasted the most delicious olive bread sticks. We even made a trek back to this bakery to buy more of these yummy olive bread sticks to take home.

Before heading back to our hotel, we stopped at an Italian restaurant to indulge in one of the most classic Italian pasta dishes, La Carbonara.

Carbonara is a pasta dish made with cured pork, hard cheese, eggs, salt and black pepper. It tasted rich and creamy!

Adventures in Italy have come to an end, but the memories will last forever!

The best journey takes you home! We are ready, bring on the passengers. It’s time for us two to go home.