2006

I had just graduated high school and my mom wanted to take me on my first international trip. She asked where I wanted to go and I quickly said Liverpool (because of the Beatles) and Rome (because of Dan Brown's Angels and Demons [remember, I was only 18]). So she planned our trip.

London first, then a quick train up to Liverpool for everything Beatles. Back to London to catch the Chunnel train into Paris, spending 5 or 6 hours looking around the city (her favorite). Then we got on an overnight train to Rome. In our room: my mom and I and four strangers. Arriving into Rome, we spent a few days hitting the highlights of the city and the novel. 

Flew back home because now it's time for little Tyson to start college.