Today the majority of the day was spent for travel. In the end we ended up in Munich! Oktoberfest!We didn't have much time so we headed straight for the Theirenweisen, the Oktoberfest grounds. This place is amazing. Getting into a tent wasn't too difficult, but finding a seat was a whole different story. We finally found a seat with some nice Germans who speak no English, quite exciting. We commenced to drinking. Folks, these are no beers for the faint at heart. These are large brews at about a liter a piece, mmm. We didn't just a few. I figure 5 or 6 is enough to have a good time. There was music, dancing, singing, dancing on the table, and more drinking. At one point we each ate half a chicken, scrumptious. The environment was excellent and we were only in one of the many tents that were packed to capacity. I'm not sure when we got back to the hotel, but on the way back I had the need to stop for a 1/2 meter bratwurst. I have a feeling my head may hurt in the morning...Today we woke up not feeling complete. We went to Oktoberfest, but didn't have anything to show for it but a headache. We must get leiderhosen, and that is exactly what we got. I even got a pair for Christopher. My mom got a cute dress, you will have to talk to her about getting a picture.On our way to the train station we got a little lost, but eventually found it. It was all of 1 and 1/2 blocks from our hotel... Once there I had some delicious Subway, oh that's not german. Sorry I was in a hurry. I found my train and seat. I nice German guy sat down next to me and it turns out he lived in the states awhile and spoke English. Along with the german guy there where two older German women and a Bavrian man dressed in the garb. It was fun as the german guy translated what the women were saying. Apparently, they like my broad shoulders and wanted to know what I was doing with a suit and hiking backpack. I told them my story and they said I should easily be able to meet many beautiful Italian women. We all had a nice laugh and my cheeks may have turned a bit rosy. The conversation was excellent for the rest of the 5 hour train ride. In Verona I switched trains and got on one that apparently wasn't going anywhere good thing someone spoke english and I got on the right one.Venice, what a city. A city that went by quickly because I was not able to get a hotel. I got a ticket for the midnight train to Rome. I went in search of San Marco square. It took a little longer due to a few extra turns not on the correct path. When I finally found it I didn't have a whole lot of time. I snapped a few pictures and decided to take a different path back. I forgot to mention that I had a quick dinner at this horribly cheesy Italian restaurant. Delicious lasagna, but it may have been microwave. Well I am now on the train to Rome and in second class. The 5 other people in the 6 person room are speaking French and I know so little :( I should have paid more attention in high school. Good night, hopefully.

I arrive in Rome @ 6:50am on 5 October 2008 (Rob)

This is another mess of a situation. I wish I would have planned a little better before hand. Unfortunately, I did not plan very well and now I had to suffer a little for that. Once off the train I had to figure out how to get into town because the train station I was at was not the main terminal in the town. It's ok I'll just do a little walk and find a map or something. After a few minutes, about 20 I realize how far out I am and that I dont want to walk with this huge pack so I take the Subway to Roma Termini the Main Station. I should have stayed on the Metro a little longer, but alas I did not. I walked from there to the Colesseum all the while looking for a place to get online so I could let the world know I am alright. I'll continue on later but it is time to eat.