Enjoying the afternoon in Venice on foot. **********************************************************

Day 2.75 of our Eastern Europe trip lead us to some pretty stunning views of Slovenia. We hiked through a state park along with making a stop in a small village. The homes in the country side bear resemblance to Swiss chalets busting with flowers of vibrant purple and red. So far, it has been pretty wonderful.

Tomorrow...Croatia!**********************************************************

Diving in Dubrovanik and border jumping in Bosnia

Again I locate a computer without the ability to upload pics. Aaaagghh!!!! Sitting in port with exactly 12 minutes until departure time. No pressure. We hopped a ferry from Dubravonik, Croatia onto a small island with great hiking trails and amazing rocks to leap from. Yay! The four of us had a blast taking strides into the Adriatic's crystal blue waters. No surf, but heaps of cliffs to take the plunge.
We hired a taxi to take us up to the highest point of the city for a panoramic view of the old city. Stunning. Pics are to come. I promise. I know I've had an influence on my Patterson clan when our driver said, "oh yes, Bosnia is 10 km over those hills" and all three of my familia turned and gave me a look. Oh yes, we are hitting Bosnia. And that we did hitting the border, bonding with the officials, waiting in a long que, passports stamped and we rejoiced. Woop! Country 37, it is! The countryside is breathtaking and with it a rich sense of history, turmoil, but resiliency. I hope to return and spend a bit more time soaking it in. But 8 minutes until departure...therefore I am signing off. E-Law..out!

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typing behind the cash register...total commitment

I think this is the longest that I have gone without internet access in quite some time. We docked in Bari, Italy earlier this morning. Keith and the girls headed for a tour in the countryside and I opted to just sort of chill for the day. I have spent the past two hours sitting, sipping cappuccino and thinking that opting to zen was wise considering that I have been light headed and feeling not so epic the past 24 hours.
When I asked one of the girls at the cafe about internet she nodded her head and responded, "no internet in Bari. In Italia, yes. But no, no Bari." So the couch surfer in me kicked in where I opted to ask a guy at a few cafes over to use the shops laptop. Score.
So I check in without pics, but checking in nonetheless. Typing behind the cash register and cappuccino machine. It has been a nice few days hitting some great areas of Italy, Slovenia and tomorrow we head to Croatia. Ever since my stint in Belarus, Eastern Europe has always held a place in my heart.
Well, I am checking out before the dude making a cafe six inches from me escorts me out. :) Hope to check in again before heading back to the STates with pics to boot. Ciao for now!

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