Therese goes to Italy!

Saturday Simone took me for my first bike ride into the hills.   From my apartment we started our journey towards Montecchio.   Our journey began on the main roads until we hit a pleasant flat trail where many Vicenzans strolled enjoying the weather. Vicenza and I think many cities in Italy are very bike and pedestrian friendly.   So far this biking thing is a breeze………until we hit the first road uphill. It just kept going then a 180 degree turn but still kept going up, up, and up!   But I was determined to keep up with my tour guide even though my quads started to burn. But atlas a picturesque moment as an excuse to stop and smell the roses……..breathe, drink, and snap a few photos.   Off we go again and my legs are on fire! But I look down at my trusty blue bike and trekked along like the Little Engine that could……I think I can I think I……dammit my gear didn’t catch and I lost all my momentum! At this moment Simone suggested we walk.   Whew! I am a really good on my feet!

I have arrived! I had an eight hour layover at JFK where I wrote my first blog and walked……….alot! Then an eight hour redeye flight to Venice!!!!!!! When I arrived I was warmly welcomed by Giulia & Simone. First order of business was coffee to fend off the jetlag, then a quick lunch before dropping me off at Francesca’s apartment so I could settle in. After I unpacked there was time to kill, so I decided to seize the day!!!!!! Go for a walk in my new hometown!!!!! I played with the lock of the door to make sure I knew how to lock it then off I went to see what Vicenza had to offer. I stepped outside and it started raining. So back upstairs to grab my raincoat because nothing was gonna stop me!..............except the lock to the apartment!   Leave it to me to get locked out of my apartment with keys in my hand!   I tried twisting and turning the key, pushing and pulling the knob simultaneously but that evil door would not budge!   So there I sat in the hallway until I heard so