Brian, A.J., Ernie and Emily
Backpack Europe - Summer, 2006

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     Brian started the whole thing and recruited Elena's son, A.J., to join him as his European travel partner for 2 months.   Then Ernie decided that he wasn't gonna miss this opportunity, so he asked DHL for a month's leave, and they gave it to him.  Then Ernie's girlfriend, Emily, wasn't about to be left behind either, so she signed on real quick and here we are now, telling you all about their globe-trotting adventures.

     Brian and A.J. took off for Italy on Thursday, May 11th, 5 days after Brian's graduation from the University of Florida's School of Accounting.  They flew into Milano, intending to immediately take a train to Genoa and spend a few days there, then head down to Florence via the coastal towns of the Cinque Terre.   

     Love got in the way of the best-laid plans, however, and they decided to join Brian's girlfriend, Marisel,  in Florence after only 1 day of punishing themselves on the hilly terrain of Genoa for a whole day.  (This was perfectly understandable, as Brian hadn't seen Marisel in over 4 1/2 days!)  

     Anyway, Brian, probably figured out in Genoa that the best way to see Italy, and especially the Cinque Terre, is "with the one you love."  And, as far as A.J. is concerned, on the love issue, he's certainly up to the task of "loving the one he's with." 

Brian & A.J. leaving for the airport.

     Here's a picture of the dynamic duo as they were getting ready to leave for the airport in Miami.  At the time this picture was taken these two studs didn't have a clue as to what awaited them, but they'll adjust soon enough, and have the best time of their lives.

     A.J. has already been sending back some great pictures of their trip.  Check out the link to his albums on the left margin of this page.  Brian probably hasn't figured out how to work his new camera yet.  Not a single one from him at this point.

     In the meantime, Ernie and Emily left for Madrid, Spain, on Saturday May 13th, and immediately started taking in the city when they got there.  They visited the Prado Museum, the Botanical Gardens, etc., etc.  From there, they head to Barcelona for a couple of days and then on to Italy.  These two are traveling in style, sleeper coaches on the trains, and all.  No cheap, 8-to-a-room hostels for them.  At least not yet!  Not while their credit cards aren't full.

Ernie and Emily leaving for the airport.

     Their plan is to meet Brian and A.J. in Rome, somewhere down the line.  At that time, Brian's gymnastics buddy, Matt, will be joining them as well.