Starting a blog

Why not? Everyone is doing it. LOL!

Seriously, even though I have my own private, non-commercial web-site (www.michaelpalmer.net) I wanted to start this blog as I get ready for a trip to Italy; specifically Florence and Siena and with day trips through out Tuscany.

My intention is to try and blog from Italy as much as I can if I have access to the Internet. If not, I'll keep a daily journal and post when I return.

I have been planning this trip for about a year. I have actually been trying to learn Italian for the last 11 months too, using Pimsleur Italian I. I knew it is about impossible to speak fluent Italian in one year, but out of respect for the Italians, I wanted to at least know some Italian and try to speak a little. I think to that end, I have been successful and look forward to using a little while in Italy. I don't expect to have any long conversation because I'd be lost; plus Italians talk very fast.

While I have everything pretty well planned now, it is the little things I am preparing now; such as deciding exactly some of the things I would like to do and where to go for dinner. You can make reservations at many places way in advance. I will probably do so in September. I already have one winery tour booked. It will be in the Montalcino area and we'll explore Brunello wines.

Also, I am trying to decide if I should purchase a new camcorder. I have an old Sony from 2000 I took to Pamplona, Spain with me, but I am really leaning towards the new High Definition camcorders. With the new 1080i TV's and this camcorder, I can imagine Italy will look phenomenal. Trying to decide has been difficult as I research them.