Heather, Michele, and I have been friends since the first grade - nearly 30 years. We've been through a lot, but except for a weekend in Wildwood after our prom, we never traveled together. In September, though, the time was right for us to get away, clear our heads, gain perspective - mainly, to spend uninterrupted quality time with one another. Also, to eat and drink like crazy. Naturally, we chose France and Italy.