MO goes Around the World

Just as I was planning to hang out in Civitavecchia, Jay called. Carrie wasn’t up for a full day in Rome and he asked if I would like to go. No hesitation on my part. Rome with my son? You betcha.

Then it was time for lunch. But the bus full of people had to travel 30+ minutes to get to the restaurant. A three course meal with wine. But the most interesting part was in introducing myself to the other four people at the table. A woman identified herself as Pam. She is from The Villages. I asked where she lived before The Villages, maybe because I heard “yinzer” in her voice. “Pittsburgh” was her reply. I told her I grew up in Mount Lebanon. Oh, she said, “we (she and her husband Jack) lived in Mount Lebanon.” I asked where. She said Mission Hills. I replied that I grew up in Mayfair Drive. The look on her face was surprise. She told me a good friend and sorority sister from Allegheny College also grew up on Mayfair. Jane Offutt was her name. Pam, I told her, I am Jane’s sister Marianne. Unreal! We both got up from the table for a hug. It IS a small world. For us to have not seen each other for 55+ years, be on the same cruise and on the same excursion, which I was not planning until earlier in the day is remarkable.

So it was time to head back to the ship in Civitavecchia. I can now say I have been to Rome. But if I go back it will be in early spring or late fall.

Next stop Monte Carlo, Monaco.