**Paul ruining his back at our apartment in Palermo!**

Paul and I had the chance to go out to dinner one last time before it was time I make the trek from Palermo to Green Bay. We decided to try the nice little pizza restaurant that was located directly below our apartment. We would always see it buzzing with customers, and it seemed to have great reviews, so we gave it a shot. I was eagerly awaiting some more cheese and bread. The dinner was wonderful, it was the perfect icing on the cake to our time together in Italy that was rapidly coming to close.

***Not exactly sure what Paul ordered, but it was full of cheese!***

***One of the best pizzas I had all trip – the rocket was so good!***

On New Years Eve, I left Palermo for Rome so I could catch an early flight out of Rome on New Years Day. Interestingly, it started to snow while I was on my way to the airport. I thought the bus driver was going to stall out on the highway as his tires were spinning and traffic started to slow. I guess snow is really rare in Palermo, so it was definitely a treat to see snow around the holidays. The locals were bundled up tight to stay out of the snow and cold!

***Palermo Airport, walking out to our plane on a snowy day!***

***Another view of the Palermo airport***

I got to the airport and we were corralled to board our Ryanair flight to Rome. I had just realized how beautiful the airport was with the mountains in the background, so I snapped a few pictures of the sun creeping through the clouds. About an hour or so later, I was in Rome and making my way to the airport hotel for the night. The city was freezing, and I definitely was not prepared for this type of weather. Either was the hotel, apparently all of the guests were asking for extra blankets, sheets, towels and heat. I ate dinner alone and enjoyed the perfect bed.

**Breakfast in the Rome Hilton before my international travel day!**

The next morning I flew from Rome to Zurich. When I checked in, it appeared that they upgraded my Zurich to Chicago segment of the flight. I was going to fly business class?!?! WHAT? I didn't think it was true, but when they were checking documents, I confidently walked up to the business class person, and avoided an hour wait in line - and sure enough, they didn't flinch! I was flying first class!! Oh man, I couldn't wait to see what this was all about. What a dream upgrade for a 7 hour flight!

**Complementary first class upgrade on Swiss Air, I'll take it!**

**Real dishes, and real food, I was eating like a queen!**

**Final meal before landing in Chicago, excellent!**

When I boarded the Swissair plane in Zurich, I found my seat/bed and snuggled in for the evening. Given that I was pregnant, I was so thankful to have the chance to keep my feet elevated during the flight and be able to walk around as I wanted. Not to mention, I wasn't prepared for the amazing food that was about to come my way in shifts! We had a four course dinner! I wasn't able to capitalize on the wine, but I sure drank a lot of orange juice! I now completely understand why one would want to upgrade to business class for transatlantic flights, it was so much fun - and well, FREE. Can you believe it!?

**Soon to be four generations of Marsh's!**

**Lots of women in the family, and Dale (the dog)**

Soon after, I was back in Chicago, and then Green Bay to meet up with my parents. What a rush! It was back to reality, no more first class, four course meals for me! A short two days later, I packed up Dale and we made our way to Pittsburgh to meet Paul. With more Benadryl than any 17 lb dog should be able to handle, we made it to Pittsburgh! It was about time to sleep in my own bed. Paul and I were extremely grateful for the travel experience, and also grateful to be home.

Now, it was time for our 20+ week anatomy scan, and to prepare for the baby! Life is good.

Palermo to Green Bay

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