Switzerland 2005

The travelers arrive in Zurich after traveling all night . . . happy to be there and anxious for Erin and Mike to join us!

2009-02-21T14:09:55Z

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The travelers arrive in Zurich after traveling all night . . . happy to be there and anxious for Erin and Mike to join us!

The all night traveling and waiting for Erin and Mike who were delayed two hours took its toll on some of us!

2009-07-22T07:30:02Z

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The all night traveling and waiting for Erin and Mike who were delayed two hours took its toll on some of us!

Jim and Leslie enjoy a cup of coffee (small but strong in Switzerland!).

2009-07-22T07:31:40Z

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Jim and Leslie enjoy a cup of coffee (small but strong in Switzerland!).

Erin and Mike finally arrive (as seen through the glass).

2009-07-22T07:23:45Z

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Erin and Mike finally arrive (as seen through the glass).

One of the first essential purchases in Zurich!

2009-07-22T07:08:41Z

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One of the first essential purchases in Zurich!

Downtown Zurich near the train station and looking toward old town.

2009-07-22T06:58:04Z

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Downtown Zurich near the train station and looking toward old town.

Our hotel on our first night . . . snow! A snowfight among the boys (including Jim) followed.

2009-07-22T07:01:26Z

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Our hotel on our first night . . . snow! A snowfight among the boys (including Jim) followed.

Cathy and Kelly sample Bob's beer in the wonderful Swiss restuarant out first night in Zurich . . . a contender for best meal.

2009-07-22T07:47:59Z

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Cathy and Kelly sample Bob's beer in the wonderful Swiss restuarant out first night in Zurich . . . a contender for best meal.

Father and son enjoying time together.

2009-07-22T07:12:20Z

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Father and son enjoying time together.

Erin and Mike enjoying time together!

2009-07-22T07:30:24Z

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Erin and Mike enjoying time together!

The Costello side of the equation enjoying time together.

2009-07-22T07:14:32Z

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The Costello side of the equation enjoying time together.

Brothers.

2009-07-22T07:38:59Z

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Brothers.

The dinner crew minus some.

2009-07-22T07:19:16Z

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The dinner crew minus some.

Entering the Swiss national museum

2009-07-22T07:01:26Z

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Entering the Swiss national museum

John and Kelly outside the museum

2009-07-22T06:58:19Z

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John and Kelly outside the museum

The roofline of the beautiful and very interesting Swiss national museum in Zurich.

2009-07-07T17:28:37Z

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The roofline of the beautiful and very interesting Swiss national museum in Zurich.

Erin and our train at the "Top of Zurich".

2009-07-07T17:18:09Z

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Erin and our train at the "Top of Zurich".

On our way to the . . . think you get it.

2009-07-22T07:38:24Z

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On our way to the . . . think you get it.

Walking up the trail above our train.

2009-07-22T07:15:27Z

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Walking up the trail above our train.

Bob's girls.

2009-07-22T08:54:23Z

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Bob's girls.

Cathy at a road sign on the walking trail. Walking is a way of life in Zurich (and all of Switzerland) and these signs point the way and give estimates of the time it will take.

2009-07-22T06:57:18Z

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Cathy at a road sign on the walking trail. Walking is a way of life in Zurich (and all of Switzerland) and these signs point the way and give estimates of the time it will take.

Some odd "streetlamps" on the way to Top of Zurich.

2009-07-22T07:40:21Z

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Some odd "streetlamps" on the way to Top of Zurich.

Erin, Mike, Cathy and Kelly.

2009-02-21T14:12:14Z

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Erin, Mike, Cathy and Kelly.

Sisters.

2009-07-22T07:34:52Z

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Sisters.

The main shopping street in downtown Zurich, pedestrian and streetcar only, decorated for Christmas. The streets were lined with outdoor vendors in the 30 degree weather!

2009-07-22T07:13:57Z

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The main shopping street in downtown Zurich, pedestrian and streetcar only, decorated for Christmas. The streets were lined with outdoor vendors in the 30 degree weather!

The streets of old town in Zurich.

2009-07-22T06:46:50Z

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The streets of old town in Zurich.

A church in old town where, oddly, they were playing Kenny G in the sanctuary.

2009-07-07T16:41:53Z

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A church in old town where, oddly, they were playing Kenny G in the sanctuary.

Same church with another in the background.

2009-07-22T06:53:25Z

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Same church with another in the background.

A chocolate stop. Notice the glass wall goes all the way to the ground.

2009-07-22T07:24:17Z

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A chocolate stop. Notice the glass wall goes all the way to the ground.

The other church seen in the previous photo.

2009-07-22T06:54:46Z

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The other church seen in the previous photo.

Another church across the river in old town where we listened to an organ recital.

2009-07-22T07:26:20Z

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Another church across the river in old town where we listened to an organ recital.

Old town and the steeple of the Church of Kenny G.

2009-07-22T06:50:15Z

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Old town and the steeple of the Church of Kenny G.

Taken from the organ recital church, past the family (the shadow figures) to the two previous churches.

2009-07-22T07:12:26Z

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Taken from the organ recital church, past the family (the shadow figures) to the two previous churches.

The huge and beautiful Christmas tree in the train station where about 200 outdoor vendor booths were arrayed . . . in the freezing temps!

2009-07-22T06:49:49Z

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The huge and beautiful Christmas tree in the train station where about 200 outdoor vendor booths were arrayed . . . in the freezing temps!

The Swiss national museum as lit at night for the holidays.

2009-07-22T07:07:55Z

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The Swiss national museum as lit at night for the holidays.

Our girls off to shop outside our hotel in Zurich.

2009-07-22T07:07:51Z

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Our girls off to shop outside our hotel in Zurich.

Bob, Erin and Kelly. One of the few photo proofs that Bob was on the trip.

2009-06-05T17:32:24Z

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Bob, Erin and Kelly. One of the few photo proofs that Bob was on the trip.

From the train on the way to Como, Italy

2009-07-22T07:29:11Z

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From the train on the way to Como, Italy

Train shot. We were surprised at the number of vineyards there are in Switzerland. You just don't hear much about Swiss wines.

2009-07-22T07:35:52Z

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Train shot. We were surprised at the number of vineyards there are in Switzerland. You just don't hear much about Swiss wines.

Beautiful lakes on the way from Zurich to Como, Italy.

2009-07-22T07:31:40Z

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Beautiful lakes on the way from Zurich to Como, Italy.

And then there were mountains.

2009-07-22T07:09:51Z

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And then there were mountains.

Mountains and Swiss chalets

2009-07-22T07:29:59Z

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Mountains and Swiss chalets

Mountain villages from the train.

2009-07-22T07:43:17Z

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Mountain villages from the train.

Ditto

2009-07-22T07:36:40Z

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Ditto

To build a highway in Switzerland, they must be prepared to bore holes in mountains and bridge deep ravines.

2009-07-22T07:42:11Z

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To build a highway in Switzerland, they must be prepared to bore holes in mountains and bridge deep ravines.

Switzerland has a very agricultural economy in the valleys between the mountains. Picturesque farms but the life must be hard with their weather.

2009-06-05T16:18:02Z

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Switzerland has a very agricultural economy in the valleys between the mountains. Picturesque farms but the life must be hard with their weather.

We begin to see the lakes of northern Italy in the "Lakes Region".

2009-06-05T17:19:32Z

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We begin to see the lakes of northern Italy in the "Lakes Region".

The lakes and the mountains . . . beautiful.

2009-06-05T16:00:31Z

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The lakes and the mountains . . . beautiful.

The "Ninjas"

2009-06-05T16:14:22Z

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The "Ninjas"

The "Ninjas". I should explain that this was the boys in their thermals! They just happened to be black and created the perfect opportunity for a "Ninja" attack.

2009-06-05T17:03:20Z

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The "Ninjas". I should explain that this was the boys in their thermals! They just happened to be black and created the perfect opportunity for a "Ninja" attack.

The view from our hotel in Como, Italy. It was on the main piazza of the old town and right on the lake. They were having an event for the children of the town in the "bubbles".

2009-06-05T16:38:01Z

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The view from our hotel in Como, Italy. It was on the main piazza of the old town and right on the lake. They were having an event for the children of the town in the "bubbles".

Our hotel room view in Como

2009-06-05T16:21:35Z

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Our hotel room view in Como

Our hotel room view in Como

2009-06-05T17:29:30Z

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Our hotel room view in Como

At the edge of old town in Como, part of the wall and battlements which once surrounded old town

2009-06-05T16:15:20Z

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At the edge of old town in Como, part of the wall and battlements which once surrounded old town

One of the medieval buildings in old town, Como.

2009-06-05T17:15:14Z

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One of the medieval buildings in old town, Como.

The old buildings from medieval times are still in use as shops below and apartmens about.

2009-06-05T16:51:23Z

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The old buildings from medieval times are still in use as shops below and apartmens about.

The old building in old town (note the herring bone brick work) and the street vendors in a minor piazza of the town . . . still freezing and still selling.

2009-06-05T16:27:40Z

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The old building in old town (note the herring bone brick work) and the street vendors in a minor piazza of the town . . . still freezing and still selling.

Just a pretty door.

2009-06-05T16:05:21Z

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Just a pretty door.

Lake Como with the boats which serve as the major transport between the towns on the lake.

2009-06-05T16:34:45Z

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Lake Como with the boats which serve as the major transport between the towns on the lake.

Some police in old style uniforms. There are many layers of police in Italy, many very "militaristic" in appearance with machine guns and combat type uniforms tucked into combat boots. The ...

2009-02-21T14:09:31Z

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Some police in old style uniforms. There are many layers of police in Italy, many very "militaristic" in appearance with machine guns and combat type uniforms tucked into combat boots. The ...

Another view from room.

2009-07-22T07:28:32Z

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Another view from room.

The family at "Cactus Juice". Who else goes to Como, Italy for Mexican food but Erin?

2009-07-22T07:30:25Z

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The family at "Cactus Juice". Who else goes to Como, Italy for Mexican food but Erin?

In the piazza in front of the cathedral in Como. Begun in the 11th century it is attached to the town hall built a century or two later.

2009-07-22T07:12:06Z

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In the piazza in front of the cathedral in Como. Begun in the 11th century it is attached to the town hall built a century or two later.

This is the church I wrote of in the last picture. Very beautiful and HUGE inside. In the Erin gallery, there is a picture of the dome of the church from the outside.

2009-07-22T07:23:30Z

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This is the church I wrote of in the last picture. Very beautiful and HUGE inside. In the Erin gallery, there is a picture of the dome of the church from the outside.

This is the original town hall of Como (the new one is up the street) and connected to the church. Note the multicolor construction.

2009-07-22T06:54:11Z

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This is the original town hall of Como (the new one is up the street) and connected to the church. Note the multicolor construction.

Kelly with an SUV made in China. I guess we will be seeing them in America within the next few years.

2009-07-22T06:51:36Z

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Kelly with an SUV made in China. I guess we will be seeing them in America within the next few years.

The interior of the Como Cathedral Duomo. It is very big inside. Note the dome.

2009-07-22T07:09:32Z

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The interior of the Como Cathedral Duomo. It is very big inside. Note the dome.

This is the entrance to the cathedral. That is Cathy in the read scarf.

2009-07-22T08:25:59Z

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This is the entrance to the cathedral. That is Cathy in the read scarf.

This is the organ (part of it) in the Cathedral.

2009-07-22T07:18:31Z

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This is the organ (part of it) in the Cathedral.

The interior of the impressive dome.

2009-07-22T06:49:28Z

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The interior of the impressive dome.

The impressive stained glass windows over the entrance to the Cathedral Duomo in Como.

2009-07-22T09:12:21Z

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The impressive stained glass windows over the entrance to the Cathedral Duomo in Como.

On the hydrofoil boat from Como to Balaggio on Lake Como. The mountains amost appeared "painted on" due to the haze. Beautiful. Wonder what it would look like on a very clear day?

2009-06-05T15:43:24Z

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On the hydrofoil boat from Como to Balaggio on Lake Como. The mountains amost appeared "painted on" due to the haze. Beautiful. Wonder what it would look like on a very clear day?

A beautiful villa on the edge of Lake Como. Wonder who lives here? Probably a summer home of a very wealthy person.

2009-07-22T06:55:19Z

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A beautiful villa on the edge of Lake Como. Wonder who lives here? Probably a summer home of a very wealthy person.

Another view of the impressive villa.

2009-07-22T07:07:13Z

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Another view of the impressive villa.

Just a view from the boat of the lakeside with the mountains in the background.

2009-07-22T09:08:16Z

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Just a view from the boat of the lakeside with the mountains in the background.

Kelly and Cathy from the dockside in Balaggio.

2009-07-22T07:23:27Z

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Kelly and Cathy from the dockside in Balaggio.

Erin and Mike arrive at dockside in Balaggio.

2009-07-22T07:36:15Z

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Erin and Mike arrive at dockside in Balaggio.

Balaggio is a beautiful medieval town built vertically up from the lake on a very steep hillside. This is a "street" in Balaggio.

2009-07-07T17:13:44Z

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Balaggio is a beautiful medieval town built vertically up from the lake on a very steep hillside. This is a "street" in Balaggio.

Even in "medieval" towns there is an internet cafe these days. The kids went in to check their email and grades

2009-07-22T08:09:31Z

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Even in "medieval" towns there is an internet cafe these days. The kids went in to check their email and grades

The church in Balaggio which dates from Roman times.

2009-07-22T06:44:33Z

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The church in Balaggio which dates from Roman times.

The church interior.

2009-07-22T07:08:22Z

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The church interior.

A side altar in the church. The surpine figure is a wooden carved statute of Christ in death.

2009-07-22T07:24:23Z

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A side altar in the church. The surpine figure is a wooden carved statute of Christ in death.

Note the fellow on the left . . . the patron saint of the pantless, I think.

2009-07-22T07:01:46Z

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Note the fellow on the left . . . the patron saint of the pantless, I think.

More of this very interesting church.

2009-07-22T06:49:50Z

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More of this very interesting church.

A view to the lake from the top of the town.

2009-07-22T07:12:17Z

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A view to the lake from the top of the town.

These narrow streets were for pedestrians and cars . . . at the same time! You had to be careful exiting the shops as you didn't want to step out in front of a car!

2009-07-22T07:38:50Z

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These narrow streets were for pedestrians and cars . . . at the same time! You had to be careful exiting the shops as you didn't want to step out in front of a car!

From the top of the hill above the town . . . note the mountain in the distance across the lake.

2009-07-22T07:19:35Z

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From the top of the hill above the town . . . note the mountain in the distance across the lake.

A view of Erin we often saw!

2009-07-07T17:00:10Z

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A view of Erin we often saw!

Just a picture.

2009-07-07T16:37:45Z

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Just a picture.

From the top of Balaggio.

2009-07-22T07:44:10Z

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From the top of Balaggio.

As Cathy and I walked down the "street" to the dockside.

2009-07-07T17:04:24Z

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As Cathy and I walked down the "street" to the dockside.

Note the hydrofoil on the boat. This is the boat we came to Balaggio on which "flys" above the water on these hydrofoils. This large boat cruises at about 35 to 40 mph. The trip from Como ...

2009-06-05T17:17:25Z

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Note the hydrofoil on the boat. This is the boat we came to Balaggio on which "flys" above the water on these hydrofoils. This large boat cruises at about 35 to 40 mph. The trip from Como ...

Leslie and Jim in one of the decroated streets in Old Town in Como.

2009-07-22T07:24:34Z

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Leslie and Jim in one of the decroated streets in Old Town in Como.

A sculpture in Como . . . high five?

2009-07-22T09:12:10Z

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A sculpture in Como . . . high five?

On the wonderful train ride from Como to Milan. The trains in Europe are amazing in their efficiency and comfort. Better than flying.

2009-07-22T07:37:15Z

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On the wonderful train ride from Como to Milan. The trains in Europe are amazing in their efficiency and comfort. Better than flying.

Erin and Jim on the way to Milan.

2009-07-22T08:20:48Z

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Erin and Jim on the way to Milan.

On the fateful "track 20" when we were supposed to be on "track 3" . . . as far on the otherside of the station as you can be! But we made the right train with seconds to spare . . . except ...

2009-07-22T06:52:39Z

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On the fateful "track 20" when we were supposed to be on "track 3" . . . as far on the otherside of the station as you can be! But we made the right train with seconds to spare . . . except ...

Just an amazing sight from the train from Milan to Geneva.

2009-07-22T07:26:04Z

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Just an amazing sight from the train from Milan to Geneva.

The family waiting for John and Patrick to arrive from Milan after joining forces after John jumped on the wrong train there. A fun part of the adventure in the retelling! (A little scary ...

2009-07-22T06:48:59Z

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The family waiting for John and Patrick to arrive from Milan after joining forces after John jumped on the wrong train there. A fun part of the adventure in the retelling! (A little scary ...

The boys arrive . . . in second class which was not as nice as the first class the rest of us took!

2009-07-22T07:14:34Z

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The boys arrive . . . in second class which was not as nice as the first class the rest of us took!