Grace and I were sitting in the hotel lobby relaxing and writing post cards. It was mid afternoon, about three-ish when Grace asked me to see if I could find some stamps for the cards she was finishing.
There was a Tabac just next door so off I went, my last mission of that strange day.
I asked for the stamps and the vendor realizing that I was American told me that there was something terrible gong on in the U.S. He took me behind the counter so the tv screen was visible, shortly after three in Genoa was shortly after nine am in New York on this day 9/11/2001.
I remember so many things about that day and the following ones until we finally got home, but what stood out then and remains most prominent in my memory was the kindness of the shopkeeper, the care and concern of each and every member of the hotel staff and unfailing aid and assistance of our travel guide (Vanni Martelli) and the Rome branch of Gate1Travel. We had them to thank for getting back as quickly as allowed.
The graciousness and concern of everyone for us and our personal needs as well as our national plight will stay with me until my memory fails.
Grazie a tutti
