Is there a road that will lead us to Rome?

Now that we are with a car, but without an International Driver's Permit, driving through the Tuscan countryside is not in our future.

Now what?

Since we have a dog, flying is not an option (because in my opinion it is too stressful if not necessary) so taking the train became our best alternative. Everyone here always says "just take the train". So Jim and I spent about 5 hours each researching trains from here to there.

If only "just taking the train" were that simple.

Hasselt > Brussels - seconds to change trains - with dog and luggage. This probably would not happen.

Brussels > Paris - 1 hour to get across Paris on the metro to another train station - even the train company recommends 1 hour 30 minutes - with dog and luggage. This definitely would not happen.

Paris > Florence - overnight - 12 hour journey - in a 6 person compartment - with dog and luggage. This could happen, but it would not be pleasant.

Are we there yet?

We do have to come back, right?

Rome > Paris - overnight - 14 hour journey - 6 person compartment - arrive in Paris at midnight - with dog and luggage.

Okay, that was it.

All this, and at a cost of 1,500 Euro (that's $1,900).

This trip was not meant to be.

We finally broke down and asked the neighbors to dog-sit and they cheerfully agreed to do it. Thank you, thank you.

We are now booked on a cheap flight - grand total < $250 - 2 hours each way - a small fraction of that train everybody says to take.

I may even bring Winslow a Gucci collar.

I'm just kidding.

Arrivederci!