Preparations.

There's a few days left until our departure, just wrapping up some work projects and setting our affairs to function in our absence. There's little apprehension this time: it's our fifth trip since 2001, and we've logged about 6-months time in Italy. Our Italian is still not very good, but we know it will serve us in most circumstances that we are likely to encounter.

We're also clear about what we really need to bring, and what we can easily pick up there. There'll be no bicycle case on this trip (too cold this time of year) or painting gear; just clothes, cameras, a laptop, and few small items for family members.

There have been a series of wildcat strikes in Italy in recent days -- truckers, airport workers -- but the news today is that the situation is being resolved.