The best part of being on the bus, we didn’t have to worry about maps, directions, or traffic signals.  We were free to have a drink , relax, move around, and take pictures out the window.  Leave the driving to Giorgio! 

The first day on the bus, Steve started a community chocolate cache.  It later expanded to include gum, cookies, and even “pocket coffees”.  Pocket coffees are small, disposal containers filled with espresso… just in case you need a extra “boost”.  Giorgio kept the cooler stocked with water, soft drinks, and even a little beer. 

There are many more seats on the bus than people on the tour, so we could spread out and get comfortable.  We moved from side to side to gaze out the windows, forward and back to get to know each other and discuss the days activities.  It also gave us time to get a little rest.

Being on the bus, we even had time to ponder such philosophical questions as, “What’s in Roy’s backpack?”  A better question may have been, “What’s not in Roy’s backpack?”  We never saw Roy without his full sized backpack; he may have even slept with it. (There are no witnesses and Juanita can't be made to testify against her husband).

Karin used some of the bus time to tell us about Italy’s regions, history, culture, and to teach us a little Italian.  Her wealth of experience in both US and Italian culture was one of our biggest assets.  We teased her about being "Princess Karin", but only because "we" put her on a pedestal, not because she acted like royalty.  If you ever get a chance to be on one of Karin's tours, you will be fortunate indeed.

While we didn’t spend a lot of time on the bus, it was an essential element of the tour.  It not only got us from village to village, but it also provided us with an excellent opportunity to get to know others, share experiences, and plan upcoming activities.  Giorgio kept us safe, kept the bus clean, and kept us from getting lost.