Incredible Summer

In my never-ending quest to live life to it's fullest, and to continue my New Year's resolution to go away for one weekend every month, I have had a very full Summer!!!! I also need to add to my country count so I can reach my goal of visiting 50 countries by the age of 50!

I started off a little early with a trip on Memorial Day weekend to hike Macchu Picchu in Peru (country number 46). What an incredible experience.....the hike was invigorating, the views were as spiritual as they were spectacular, the people were among the nicest in the world, and I can't wait to go back & see more of this gorgeous country!!!!

And you can also see that Corazonas chips are becoming a local favorite in Peru as well, well at least pictures seem to indicate this!!!!

I returned to have knee surgery the very next day to replace my torn ACL ligament from my ski trip in March. I went from being in probably the best shape in years, to crutches, ice packs, physical therapy and painkillers!!!! Even though the doctors warned me it was a 9-12 month recovery, my brain still does not accept how slow the recovery has been. I have not done any true cardio for 12 weeks now, and just this week I started back on my elliptical machine.....and I feel every step!!!! I have regained about 90% of my flexibility, but have a long way to go to regain my strength. I guess I need to keep up with the physical therapy a bit longer!!!!

In July, I met Cecily, my niece & god daughter in Rome, where she had been studying this summer. I had promised her a few years back that if she studied in Europe, I would meet her & take her around Italy for a week, and I made good on that promise!!! Debbie, her mother (and my sister-in-law) traveled with me and loved her first trip to Italy as well. We visited the major sights in Rome & Florence, as well as Assisi and San Marino (country number 47). We rented a car and drove all over so we saw some beautiful countryside as well! And of course, we supported the Italian economy and shopped a bit.

I will especially cherish this trip - who knows when I will ever get to enjoy a trip like this with my family again. I also hope Cecily has inherited my passion for travel!!!!