In Conclusion

Oct 22 - Sardinia: Ports are beginning to blend together. More wandering and shopping. Dad is put off by traffic and noises. Ellen walks 20 yards ahead of us despite Dad's best efforts to herd the group into one blob. We'll lose Ellen in the distance, scan the area, and then find her at the top of a monument. Up we go to her, but she is gone again- this time we spot her across the square. 

I opened a stall door in a public restroom only to find Georgia standing there. "Hello Bob."

Oct 23 - Sicily: We all slept in today. I ventured up to the coffee shop to chat with Barbara, the Italian barista that I've slowly been winning over. I asked her if it was true that Italians won't drink milk in their coffee after breakfast time. Her straight face broke into a grin. "Yes, is true. Only for breakfast."
"But why," I asked. 

Barbra shrugged. "In the north Italy, you can drink cappuccino after lunch. Not in south."
"Have you ever done it just to break the rules?" Barbara took a moment to translate my question, then she bowed her head and said, "yes," thrilled by her defiance. 
"You're a wild woman, Barbara!" I quietly shouted. She showed me a toothy smile and then put herself right back to work. 

Ellen stayed on the boat but Dad, Mom and I ventured out and bought gifts from a thrilling olive oil store. Parts of town were dirty and uninspiring and then other parts were the cutest little areas. Very pretty architecture. Back on the boat Ellen joined us for lunch in the Grand Dining Room. I accidentally inhaled a small piece of lettuce, choked on it, and then had to go into the bathroom where I blew it out of my nose. We all found in fascinating, except Dad. He was disgusted.

Notes on the Family - collected throughout the trip: Carolyn can't shake a sinus infection and has to flush out her nose with distilled water each night. Georgia has taken to having margarita in the lounge most evenings. Dad is depressed about aging and fat people. Also, he is constantly being spoiled by this one (male) waiter who just won't charge him for anything he orders. Dad is equally parts uncomfortable and delighted about it.

Ellen and I continue to run into two guys we met in the hot tub one day. They've become very intrigued by the family's activities. Mom thinks everything she eats is delicious. Meanwhile Ellen is unimpressed by the food, service, and the water on board. She is "dehydrated" because the water "tastes bad" so she won't drink it. 

A 50 year old vineyard owner from Santa Barbara wants to dance with me so now I spend my evenings hiding from him in my room. 

Alston and Hailey spent most of their time with other people, and Dave and Dad bounce between the lot of us for card games, afternoon snacks, and evening activities. 

Overall we have a content, sluggish vibe going. Tomorrow the Union's head home while everyone else heads to Rome for a few days. Ellen did a great job maintaining a positive attitude and a willingness to participate, even if only for a short while. She says she is "maturing." 

.... she watched several Disney movies on the flight home.