FIRSTS FOR BETTY..THE GOOD, THE BAD, AND THE UGLY

Well, Betty has had a lot of firsts on this trip....first time traveling alone, first overseas flight, lost luggage, first argument with shuttle service, first underground, train ride, and now....first ambulance ride and hospital visit.

Yes....she certainly does know how to have a European adventure. She had been having some swelling in her ankles and her knees were hurting. This began in Switzerland and got worse. We got some fluid pills, but last night she was having a hard time breathing. She said she couldn't even call out for us because of lack of breath. When I got up at 7, I went across the street where they have an ambulance dispatch and was able to find someone who spoke English. He told me to call 118 and the ambulance would come with a doctor.

NOTE....be sure to know how to get in touch with Emergency Services in a foreign country. Also, put your address and phone number in your passport as they will want that info, along with your passport. And most importantly....insurance.

Long story short, 5 hours later still at the hospital, waiting for results of chest ex ray and EKG. They've taken 9 vials of blood, she's had 3 breathing treatments, and we're waiting. Fluid's gone down a bit....

Finally got out...2pm, four prescriptions and 240euro later, we headed to the pharmacy, 95euro and then some pizza on the piazza. Betty was a real trooper, especially after getting stuck twice ...they were trying to get to an artery to check on her oxygen level.

Back to the room for some rest and relaxation. I contacted Grey Line about the tour we missed to Siena and they were nice enough to refund the $76, but I had to go back to the station to get it. On the way I must have passed 15 little vendors selling their wares. Since my zipper broke on my tote I needed to get another BAG...(after all I am the bag lady). Found one near the station and he wanted 15euro, but the lining inside one compartment was ripped away from the zipper so I told him no. He went down to 10E but I told him my other broke in a 2 week period...he dropped it to 5.....hey. Why not!

Anna and I went out for dinner while Betty relaxed. Tried to take her to the restaurant we found the night before, but all the tables were taken. Lucky for us because we wentto one down the street...Restaurant Paoli and it was wonderful. Freshly made pasta and a dessert tray to die for. It had pears the size of small pineapples dripping I syrup, cakes, fruit, and the best was profiteroles with chant illy cream filling and totally doused with dark chocolate sauce....HEAVEN!!!!!

On to Venezia tomorrow.