“I’m going to call Kit.” Tina stretched and reached for her cell phone.  “What time is it in California?”

 “I think it’s around 2pm,” Bette answered as she shifted in her seat,trying to get comfortable.

 Tina couldn’t get a signal so she got up and walked out to the front of the caf. When she finally was able to make the call, Kit answered and was thrilled to hear it was her. They talked for a while. Everything was going very smoothly.  Angelica was doing great and Kit was having the time of her life being with her. Bette stepped out front with Tina. She had her turn talking to Kit and was happy to hear her daughter mumble something into the phone.  After a half hour of talking and feeling satisfied all was well at home, Tina finally hung up. She carried a sparkle in her eye the rest of the night, knowing her baby was fine and in good hands. Time had come once again to board the plane. This was it, finally in less than eight hours they would touch down in Florence Italy!

 It was one thirty the next afternoon when Bette and Tina arrived in Florence. Tired and worn out from the flight, all they wanted to do was gather their bags and head to the villa.  Anthony, son-in-law of Maria and Luigi, was right on time.  As they reached the front of the terminal, he was there waiting to help with the luggage and escort them to where they would be staying.

During the thirty minute drive through the beautiful countryside, they marveled at the sights laid out before them. They passed by lush olive groves, fields of beautiful flowers of all colors and vineyards that seemed to go on forever.  The fresh air was intoxicating.  This was certainly not California!  The sun beamed in through the window, warming Bette’s cheek. She listened intently as Anthony pointed out various places he felt a first time tourist should not miss.  There’s so much beauty here, he continued.  Just take a deep breath and let it all sink in.  And that is exactly what they were doing.  They had seen pictures and heard stories, but nothing came close to the reality before them.