Belgrade Serbia - Hanging out with Petar

Day 2 with Petar.  
We back tracked to a few spots to catch a few photos I wanted to share.
Another great day wandering the city and we spent another hot, steamy afternoon at the National Museum - a new spot for Petar to visit as well.  We were both very pleasantly surprised at all we found to enjoy.
We also spent lots of the day jumping from Orthodox Church to Orthodox Church - like most cities a church on every other corner.
Finished off the evening in the Bohemian Neighborhood for another tasty Serbian meal.

Belgrade Serbia - Late night arrival

I had a 9pm flight out of Milan.  A delay there and then a huge baggage snafu upon arrival made for a very late, late meet up with Petar waiting for me outside.

We got off on day one and spent a full day wandering the city.  A very pleasant place to hang out.  HOT of course.  But that is the norm for the balance of the trip I believe.

Finally decide to stay with my "old school" plan for the balance of the trip so pics tomorrow - we picked me up a digital camera today.  Now if I can get the hotel to wake me up we will be set!

Ticino River, Italy - A Sunday afternoon surprise

We all took the time to relax and not get too much going on Sunday - a did a bit of phone shopping to be honest.
After Katy and Gabri enjoyed another lunch with other visiting family we headed west and stopped and wandered along the Ticino River.  Starts in the Alps and heads on in to Milan - we sat along it as well on Thursday evening in Milan.
Much more rustic and a very busy bike path as well.  We were all jealous at everyone jumping in and floating along with the current.
We then wandered through some local roads and found another gelato shop - not hard, they are everywhere.
I got dropped off at the airport and the Italy vacation continued for the rest as I headed off to Belgrade Serbia to hang with Petar and family.

Legnano Italy - The wedding....number 3

Still no phone - we were all optimistic it would turn up somewhere today.

Nothing like 90+ and humidity to make for a great wedding day.  We stood in the sun on the steps of the church waiting for the bride to arrive and then wandered in to a lovely old, old Italian Church for wedding number 3.  It warmed up fast in there.

And then we were all off to higher ground for the celebration about an hour north.  We headed off to Malnate Italy and Cascina Diodona.
A beautiful setting in the woods - great afternoon of fun, family, friends and FOOD.  Took some shots of both the wedding and the celebration on Nancy's cam....will share when we cross paths once again.

It was a full day and we were all happy to head home and try to get a great sleep and beat the jet lag - getting closer each day on the ground.

Legnano Italy - Oops where is my phone?

We had a great Italian Lunch at Piera's home on Friday afternoon - Piera is the mother of the groom.  The Sicilian relatives flight got delayed but finally they arrived and enjoyed the party - and they added some home made focaccia and fresh cannoli as well.  Great afternoon - would share some pictures but things went off the rails after lunch.

Anna and I decided on a walk to the castle after lunch - I checked the time on my phone as we left Piera's.  We made a stop at Anna's, got in and out of the car and then we were off again and dropped off to start our trek.  Twenty steps in I said Anna I don't have my phone.

A quick call to Katy and Gabri in the car.  Not there.  Not at Piera's.  A quick call to Nancy and she checks outside their place.  Not there.  And it is still to anywhere a few days later.  A great mystery at this point for all of us.  At least we had a conversation topic if things got dull.

In the world today, I quickly realized I had lost a phone but not really my problem while in Europe for a couple weeks.  I also lost my watch, alarm clock, camera, travel plans and more.  Back to old school until I get home and sort it out with ATT at this point.

So you are missing out on pics of our lunch gathering and wandering off to the Castle - by the time the phone thing settled down Nancy was up for joining us as well.  And finished off the night at the Central Plaza having a beer.

Legnano Italy - Friday before the BIG DAY

We started the day with Katy and Gabri dropping me off to find a new travel bag to get through the trip and then they were off to the venue for the party tomorrow to make sure all was in order.
Then we we are off to lunch with Gabri's family - and who knows what else will come up.

Milan Italy - Dinner on the DaVinci inspired Riverfront

Hot and sunny but still a great evening to head in to central Milan for dinner.
We wandered up to the lake that inspired a channel designed by Leonardo DaVinci.  Definitely a popular spot to hang out - people everywhere enjoying the evening and the food.
My first experience with "french fry" pizza - had to give it a go.

Legnano Italy - Revving up for wedding number 3

Arrived in Legnano for Katy and Gabri's Italian Wedding.
Other than the wheel falling off my bag when I arrived at the airport, an uneventful flight in to Milan.
An early morning arrival means a walk around the neighborhood while waiting for the room to be ready.  Legnano shows itself off pretty well at first walk.

Saint Paul MN - Italy here we come

Italy here we come.
First wave of the Minnesota crew heads out today.
And I follow tomorrow.
Kindra came to make it a send off party.  Anna and Kindra kicked things off.
Great night to sit on the deck and enjoy some great Minnesota summer before we hit Milan and other spots on the map after that.

Saint Paul MN - BBQ with the Mac guys

A full on great weather weekend - wow.
Got a great bike ride in with the gang - lots of groaning at the coffee break this ride.
And finished off the weekend with a bbq with the Mac guys - perfect day to sit on the deck and just relax and enjoy the day - and all the conversation that followed.

Stillwater MN - St Croix River Ride

A perfect summer day and a ride up the St Croix was already on the calendar.
With all our rain this summer the water is high so the whole river is a no wake zone at this point - so we didn't go far but great views where we went.