A couple of final notes.
1 Europe is incredibly expensive. Why? Because our American dollar is so weak. We live in America and sometimes think we are so powerful. Our money is worth very little here because of the mortgage lending disaster in our country, our corrupt banks and lending companies, the war in Iraq, and all the money we spend on oil. Italian people LOVE the USA, but think our politicians are totally out of touch with what is really happening in our world.
2 Immigration in Italy is a huge problem, too. The people from Romania, Albania, Morocco, and Libya are causing immgration problems here.
3 The food here is out of this world, yet the Italians are all thin. Why? Because everything they eat is fresh (no chemicals or preservatives) and they walk everywhere.
4 The Chicago people were a big help on the trip. Carol Mullis, Lisa Masciola, and Diane Russell did a lot of interpreting.  BRIAN SWATEK was very dependable,as always, in a couple of crisis situations. PATRICIA SLISZ did a terrific job with liturgy, and photography. RALPH AND VIRGINIA HINCH were always available to help with our Masses. RICHARD AND KATHY KUSH were very supportive.
5  time to go to bed. Ciao! --