Remember when I mentioned Italy?

Early in 1998, my daughter said she wanted to take me to Egypt for my 50th birthday in September. In Egypt, near the mouth of the Nile, is Rashid, the place where the Rosetta Stone was discovered. She had been there a few years earlier, taking the long, difficult route home after having lived in Tanzania. Her only mission was to see Rosetta (Rashid) because my name is Rosetta. I'm still touched by her determination to take me to that village. Most of you who know the importance of the Rosetta Stone know that the British named the point of discovery "Rosetta" ("Rose of the Nile"). It has since reverted back to Rashid, the original Egyptian name. My daughter only saw a village there, not even a commemorative plaque, and the Rosetta Stone now resides in the British Museum in London. She said she considered buying me a carrot, the closest thing she could find to a souvenir. She very much wanted to take me to the birthplace of my name. Off we planned!

I have since learned a little more about Rashid. It has a population of about 163,000 (a pretty big village!) and is a tourist attraction, best known for its distinct Ottoman era houses. I've also read about a museum and a public bath.

Stay tuned. I promise that I will eventually get to Italy.