20111217 Ciao, Italia!

In the same way, the Spirit helps us in our weakness. We do not know what we ought to pray for, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us through wordless groans. - Romans 8:26

SAT - Great weather greeted us on the day of departure as the snow-capped peaks smiled at us from a distance.These 20 days had been a very enjoyable and memorable holiday. See Sonya's Journal and Ethan's Journal.

We have travelled 2,459km over 20 days, visiting 14 interesting places: Milan , Bergamo, Reggio Emilia, Verona, Venice, Bologna, Florence, Siena, Montepulciano, Rome, Pisa, Genoa, Courmayeur - Monte Bianco, and Malpensar; including the Big 3s (Venice, Florence and Rome), 4 Christmas Markets (in Bergamo, Verona, Florence and Genoa), 4 Duomo (Milan, Florence, Siena, Pisa), 2 outlet malls (The Mall and Valdichiana Outlet Village) and two 7 Wonders of the Medieval World (Colosseum and Leaning Tower of Pisa). We built 9 snowmen, ate loads of pasta and many pizzas, and drank lots of hot chocolate and great Italian wine. And had wonderful time of Uno almost every night.

Praise and thank God for his protection throughout the holidays, especially during the foggy night at Reggio Emilia, the impossibly steep way down from Montepulciano, and the icy way down from Monte Bianco.

Praise and thank God for this great and wonderful holiday. We hope to be back again.