Travel plans from Italy to UK (edited)

What a shame you're heading away. I'd hoped you and Barley were here for the duration.

Looks like a great trip, Barley's one lucky dog! My only suggestion is to give Budapest one more day and Prague one less (if you have to).

Oh, and please share your technique for making time run backward in England and Scotland. It will be a neat trick to arrive in Newcastle July 16 and depart Southampton on July 12 after several days in Britain. ;-)

Nigel, Italy taxes are out of control. We can afford to pay 2019 taxes here but not for the long term, compared to US. But it’s been a fabulous adventure and are grateful it’s worked out as we expected, actually better.

Dick, Typo, corrected to August
We spent 3 nights in Budapest last month, but I was sick. But I did see Parliament and wandered around some. We’ve never been to Prague. But we could move the ferry to England out a day, giving another day in Budapest. But 3 full days might be better..... Tom and Barkey saw a lot mire than I did.

We want to do a Hadrians Wall Walking tour, where they arrange lodging and move luggage. That might influence the Amsterdam ferry date also. On list for tommorow.

Can’t believe it’s been nearly two years already!

Your slow departure plans look wonderful — love that you will have family time in Sicily and the mix of short stays and relaxing stays is inspiring too. You all have really made a success of your time!!

hey hey barley's mom and dad
wow it's been 2 years already. i followed you from beginning with all your preparations. your time in monterey and sonoma/napa, near me. you guys have had a fabulous time seeing europe and of course barley. will you be coming back to monterey? good luck happy travels and enjoy
aloha

Yes it’s been a fabulous 18 months so far. And traveling and living here with Barley seems to give us back door experiences all the time.

First, in the big tourist cities like Florence, not a single person comes up to us begging. Second, we always worry about being sucked into the tour group vortex when large your groups are in the vicinity. Sometimes, there are groups that are clearly not comfortable with big dogs. But they part like the Red Sea. Everyone in our apartment building lights up when they see Barley. No one speaks English, but we’ve had many Italian conversations, half of which we do not understand. My favorite experience was in Ivrea for Carnavale. I helped a very elderly Nonna down some castle stairs with her in one hand, and Barley in my other. When we got to the bottom, she opened her purse, Barley stuck his nose in it, and she pulled out a couple home made biscotti for Barley. There are several bars and restaurants that recognize us bring Barley water without asking. One cafe brings us two grande cappucini when they see us, even if ut us 3:00 pm.

Today I booked the ferry from Amsterdam to Newcastle for July 18. Only ferry to/from Great Britain with pet friendly cabins.

And yes, we move back into our house near Monterey on November 1. Will be bittersweet.

That’s wonderful that Barley has “opened some doors” for you during your time abroad. That makes a lot of sense!!

Great departure tour! I am jealous!

The looming taxation issues caused us, as well, to reconsider staying in Italy longer but I miss the freedom to travel at will around Europe. Sigh.

We will follow your parting adventures as avidly as we have your experiences to date. In many ways, you will be glad to be at home, where you understand how everything functions but you’ll always have Italy in your heart.