Re-entry program

I am in serious need of some sort of re-entry program now that I have arrived back in Minnesota.  The last two days are sort of a blur of planes, trains and automobiles.  I left Selinunte Thurs. morning for the drive back to Palermo.  I had my GPS programmed with the address to the auto rental company, and had an easy drive back.  As I was about to enter Palermo where I could use a bit of help finding the right street, the battery on my GPS died. But, I was pretty confident I could find my way, having walked all through a good portion of Palermo.  So much for that idea.  Speaking of randomness, you would think that randomness would mean that at least once in say a hundred times, I would accidently happen upon the correct turn instead of always opting for the wrong way.  I added about an extra 45 minutes to my trip by endlessly cruising the streets of Palermo looking for a familiar landmark.  Really, it is a port city on the sea with big ships in the harbor.  How difficult is it to find the sea when you are on an island??  Anyway, finally found the place, argued with car rental guy about damage to the car to no avail.  His people will be calling my people. Then, taxi to airport for flight to Roma, for train to Maria Grazia's, then walk to her place.  Day of travel lugging my stuff reinflamed by bad lower back.  I took Maria out for last dinner in Rome. I told her to choose the spot, and she walked us to a place around the corner that was Forchetta d'oro.  Much to her amusement, Omar greeted me like a long lost friend with a big "Buonasera, avvocato!) By the time we were finishing dinner, the place was packed with a line out the door, as it appears all the tourists have discovered the place.  Maria offered me a couch at her place, since her place was now filled with 5 young Swedish students.  I accepted, since I had to be up at 4:30 for a 5:00 cab ride to airport, and it beat my plan of staying at the airport.  Even though this was huge favor to me from Maria, she couldn't stop apologizing for not having a room for me. We relaxed with a final grappa after dinner.  She sent me off first thing in the morning with a caffe', hugs and a promise to return soon.

Once at the airport in Rome, it was a pretty uneventful trip back home through Paris.  Except for fact that I had a slight cough, and everytime I coughed, my back went into spasms, and then I had to scrape myself off the ceiling to wait for the next attack.  I'm sure people in adjoining seats must have thought I was an epileptic.  I arrived home about 2:30 p.m. local time, and despite best intentions, only made it until 6:30 here before I crashed. Drugs and wine conked me out, and I slept about 12 hours.

But, I'm still not quite sure what to do with myself here.  I'm still on Rome time, and at about 10 a.m. (5:00 p.m. in Rome) was craving a late lunch.  So, fixed a big salad, and a bit of leftover meat, and opened a bottle of white.  It is a rainy day here, and I will just lay low for the rest of the day.

I did review much of this blog, and as everything in this past month now seems to blur together, it was a good way to remember what I'd been up to.  And, thank you again for those of you who added great comments here, and by email.  They gave me great pleasure, and I am still laughing at many of them.  I also think I should recognize and thank my boss, Stu, who allowed me to take off for a month.  I must admit, when I first thought of this, I thought the chances of getting away for a month were slim to none.  So, great credit to him for being open to this concept, and allowing me this most fantastic opportunity.  Thanks again to all of you who shared in this adventure.  I will add some more comments soon, when my brain starts functioning again.  Ciao