Dear All,

Thank you very much for your greetings: they have been appreciated!! Trust me.

I would like to wish you all all my very best for these Holidays but most of all all my warmest wishes for a very special and successful 2010!!!!

With Love

Gianfranco

Well, I spent my new year in 2007 in the city of Voronezh, Russia.  It was quite an experience and one of the motivating factors behind my decision to try and travel for a living.  Being the only non Russian speaking guest was awkward at first, but it’s funny how language just doesn’t seem to be a barrier during holiday sharing.  Holidays, family, and coming together crosses all cultural boundaries.  Although I was the outsider (from a former cold war enemy, no less!) everyone treated me with kindness and respect and I was made to feel most welcome.  It was a wonderful experience that I’ll never forget.