We took a hot air balloon ride over Tuscany and it was one of the most thrilling and breathtaking experiences we've ever had. We'd do it again in a Tuscan minute!

Now, taking a chartered flight from St. Petersburg to Moscow (in a plane that had been built and has been used since, most likely, in the 1960's) goes beyond an E ticket experience - especially when a huge, severe storm is brewing, while you're flying midway between Moscow and St. Petersburg - and the pilot doesn't know if he's able to safely land! Head back to Moscow or fly onto St. Petersburg??????? Hold your breath while the pilot makes a decison. Sit in your seat, clutching the hand of the person sitting next to you. Say your "I love yous," if you're so inclined, to your husband/wife/travel companion/and/ or everyone on the plane,including the flight crew. Make promises to yourself and your maker, should you survive. Sit silently and pray for a safe landing. Land safely (thank God!). Ah, an excursion doesn't get much better than this for a grand finale! Again, we'd do it again in a Moscow minute!