In addition to wanting to see the ring, everyone seems to want to know how I proposed.  Particularly my friends who know of my impromptu walk across the country, or the time I left my job in Philadelphia to hop on a 113 year old Portuguese Tall Ship and sailed to Newfoundland, or perhaps my spontaneous “no particular Tuesday” trip to Tijuana, etc, seemed to expect some fanciful over-the-top story.  I hate to disappoint, but when I proposed, we weren’t strolling down Bourbon Street in New Orleans, nor were we having lunch on the shores of Lake Garda in Northern Italy, and we weren’t hovering over New York watching the golden sun set on the Big Apple.  As corny as it may sound, to me at least (and I hope for Lauren), it wasn’t about the moment I asked, it was about all of the moments we have shared that led up to the asking, and more importantly, all of the moments we have ahead of us.

Cheers – Michael & Lauren

Today was another beautiful day here in Roanoke and Lauren and I took advantage of the weather and strolled through my parents neighborhood.  It’s amazing to me how green the grass is, and how colorful all of the trees and flowers are.  I guess living in the city, and traveling to Brescia, Rome, Milan, Naples, and Genoa, etc…  well, I guess I spend most of my time in the city and forget how much I enjoy the greenery.

John came over and he, dad and I watched the final round of the Masters while mom and Lauren hung out upstairs chatting (only mildly frightening)  Actually, this was Lauren’s 3rd or 4rth trip to Roanoke, and she and Mom hit it off right away, so they have no problem sitting and chatting for hours.  That’s a good thing.  I think.  =)  The final round of the Masters was amazing.  I never thought I’d get so fired up watching golf on television, but the scenery in Augusta was truly breathtaking, and the match was full of unexpected twists and turns.

We had a wonderful dinner together, and then settled back downstairs to watch the final playoff of the Masters.  Julia stopped over for a little while.  It’s always good to see her.  I really wish she and I lived closer together.  Even though its been over a decade since we lived near each other, I still miss having her around.

Almost forgot…. Hoppy Birthday Holly Maybe!!!

Cheers,

- Michael Dogan

After the museum, the four of us headed around the old market area and went for a little walk.  We grabbed a “dog” at the “world famous” Roanoke Weiner Stand, which has been in business in the same building since 1910.  My dad actually worked across the street at the florist shop as a kid.  I enjoyed the hot dog… I’m not sure Lauren shared my enthusiasm.  We walked through the Roanoke Market building (pictured above right) before heading back to the house for dinner.

It’s nice to be home.

- Michael Dogan

Cheers,

- Michael Dogan

Friday, our last full day in Italy, and of course, I have to work.  Lauren spent several hours wandering through the

old city and happened across this hidden treat.  As you can see, she’s getting to be quite the photographer too!

Mountains, sailing, Italy…. what could be better?

Cheers,

- Michael Dogan

Like a lion singling a sole target from the herd, he skated after the screaming kid, the others scattering out of his way. As he caught each of the kids, he’d pick them up, and skate them back over to their parents. One kid, after witnessing his brother capture and upside-down skate back to his parents gave up and ran back to the safety of his family. The others didn’t give up so easily and put up quite the fight. One kid, perhaps trained by the Iraqi media, took off his shoe and threw it at the clown as he approached.

Looking at photos of this guy, my Mom commented that he looked like a former high powered business executive who finally had enough of the rat race, and now spends his days skating around with his red nose entertaining children.  I like to believe her little theory.  Maybe there’s a carefree future out there for all of us.  In the meantime… it’s back to work tomorrow, but it’s good to have Lauren here, and I’m sure she will enjoy exploring Milan until I’m finished working.

- Michael Dogan

I found myself in Naples on the day of the Scottish League Cup Final, and not a proper Irish or Scottish pub to be found. After scouring the internet, and interrogating a few locals, I determined that all neighborhood televisions would be tuned to the Napoli Reggina game and I’d be more likely to find a proper American cheeseburger than a pub tuned to Scottish football. I didn’t like the odds.

A quick visit to The North American Federation of Celtic Supporters Clubs website, which also has links to other supporters clubs worldwide, led me to Finnegan Irish Pub in Rome, home of the Celtic Supporters Club (CSC) known as “The Italian Bhoys”. Determined to watch the game, and even more determined to watch it surrounded by over zealous Scots dawning the infamous green hoops, I found my way to the train station in Naples, and headed off to Rome. Once there my trusty Blackberry Storm with built in maps guided me through the streets of Rome to the unassuming little Irish pub, tucked away in the center of the city.

Inside, I was pleased to find Michael Burns, president of “The Italian Bhoys”, pub proprietor, and accomplished Irish songster. A few patrons wearing the Hoops were already having a pint and talking about the upcoming match. There were a mix of Scots, Irish, Welsh, and Brits in the pub (and one “yank” if you count yours truly). A good number were there to watch some supposedly interesting Rugby match, but the Scots and Irish were there to support the “Bhoys”. By game time, a good 30 or so Celtic supporters had filled the back room, all eyes affixed to the two televisions covering the match up against arch rivals, the Rangers.

Much of the first half was rather uneventful as both teams settled into their game. About 2 minutes before the break, Rangers’ forward Kyle Lafferty’s powerful attempt on goal was pushed over the crossbar by leaping Celtic keeper Artur Boruc who found himself in full stretch. Instantly, the Italian Bhoys let out a gasp and quickly broke into “The Holy Goalie” song. As a long time goalkeeper, I had a special appreciation for the song. Forgive the poor video, but I was laughing way too heartily to record a proper video. **VIDEO COMING SOON**

Regular play ended with neither team finding the back of the net. I headed out front to the bar to grab another pint. Before I had returned, cheers erupted from the back room. Early in extra time, Irishman Darren O’Dea headed in a free kick from Celtic’s set play specialist Nakamura (affectionately called “Naka” by the Celtic fans). Fellow Irishman Aiden McGeady solidified the victory with a late penalty kick after being taken down by Ranger Kirk Broadfoot.

In the end, “The Hoops” lifted the league cup with their 2 – 0 victory over the Rangers, and the pub broke out in song once again:

Celtic, Celtic that’s the team for me,

Celtic, Celtic on to victory,

They’re the finest team in Scotland, I’m sure you will agree,

We’ll never give up till we’ve won the cup and the Scottish football league.

Perhaps the best part of watching the game with true Celtic fans, was the constant singing, chants, and cheers, that I could almost comprehend through the thick Scottish accents. They also seemed quite impressed that a “yank” came all the way from Naples to watch the game with them. All in all, it was a fantastic evening, and I met some extraordinary folks. They were die-hard Celtic fans, what else would one expect?

After leaving Finnegan’s and heading back to the station, in the hopes of finding a train home to Naples, I realized that I had skipped dinner. I happened upon another so called Irish pub along my route, and stopped in for a bite. The pub, which shall remain nameless, was rather large, and full of patrons. I was quickly seated and given an assortment of menus that I never even bothered to open, after all I was in an Irish pub… who needs a menu? The waiter finally appeared and I salivated as I requested my pub staple “fish ‘n’ chips”. “Sorry, no have”, the waiter replied in his broken English, and then pointed me to the pizza menu. Needless to say, I didn’t stay for dinner. Pizza in a supposedly “Irish” pub? Why on Earth would I go to an Irsih pub for Pizza in Italy???? For the record, and as far as I can tell, Finnegan Irish Pub is the ONLY true Irish pub in Roma. Look them up when you’re in town, even if you just stop in for a pint, a pack of crisps, and a bit of craic.

I made it back “home” to the Hotel Mediterraneo in Naples shortly after 10:30pm. A successful trip and a great outcome for the Bhoys. I hope to run into my new friends again the next time I find myself in Rome.

Hail Hail!

- Michael Dogan

Well I spoke too soon.  So much for yesterday’s “beautiful day in the burgh”, as you can see from the photo, it’s raining like crazy here today.  We hopped in the car and just started driving. We ended up in Beaver County and enjoyed checking out the small towns along the way. We happened upon a park, and decided to take a gander. Less than a mile into the park, we found the bridge in the picture. I’ve seen too many videos of people trying to cross water like this, only to find themselves swept away by the current to try to cross it. We did get out of the car to take a look, snapped a few quick photos, and then got back to the car, and headed back to civilization. Not the most exciting of adventures, or road trips, but quite relaxing and enjoyable none the less. A day well spent.

Cheers,

- Michael Dogan

My thermometer disagrees with the scientists theories on this whole “global warming” thing. Pittsburgh has had too many days this winter that were in the single digits… or worse. It’s been blistering cold. Or perhaps I’m just getting older and less resistant to the foul weather. Whichever the case, today was a wonderful and welcome change.

It reached around 70F today and Lauren and I decided to head downtown to take a stroll. We parked the car just across the street from PNC Park, home of the famous (ok, infamous) Pittsburgh Pirates. We walked across one of Pittsburgh’s many bridges and headed off into town. With no particular destination in mind, we found ourselves at Point State Park. As might be expected, there were a few other folks hanging out down at the point. There were kids playing in the empty fountains, youngsters on bicycles, couples walking hand in hand, and even a fellow with a guitar serenading the lot of us as we meandered by. Along the Monongahela, there was a line of less than energetic fishermen who seemed to be content just sitting along the river on this warm and tranquil day… all the better if their line happened to be in the water.

From there, it was back across another bridge, and back towards PNC Park, where I captured the photo above before hopping back in the car to head off for dinner.

Cheers,

- Michael Dogan