Album 4: I wish. I wonder. I hope.

I wish my dad were still alive.

I wonder if he knew how much I loved him.

I hope to be more like him.

Album 3: A Love Affair

It didn’t happen the first time. It was the second time I went to Europe that I became (and still am) a total Europhile. I am infatuated with Germany and Italy. Call it obsession. Call it whatever you want. Call it love.

The first time was as a gawky, thirteen-year old who trailed despondently behind her pretty sisters through five countries. The second time I toured Europe with a Eurail Pass in hand with my friend Jo and her parents - her parents (who were really cool and in total contrast to my dad) pretty much let us do whatever we wanted without the million WhoWhatWhyWhen and How inquisition that I was always subjected to.

We traveled through Europe and had some fun times.

In Germany, I translated the specs for studio lights in four languages.

In Switzerland, we got kicked out of the train at the border.

In Italy I started my love affair with Florence.

In Spain, we went with the station manager at 1 am to see Madrid by night.

In Portugal, we tended the bar when the bartender passed out (gee, I wonder why?).

Pshaw! say the backpackers of today. Lame-o! Whatever. It was the 70s.