Back from Europe- what recession?

Our family went on a wonderful holiday- starting in Portugal , then cruising on the Oceania Cruise Line to Morocco, Spain, France and Italy.  It was amazing and I can't say enough good things about our cruise.   

I have to admit, I did a bit of shopping in France and Italy (handbags and gifts).   It was amazing how busy some of the stores were, and how many people were out and about, even though this would be considered the 'off season'. It seemed people had confidence and some security in their personal finances to be able to buy something nice to remember their trip.

As for myself, I have always bought Watercolors in each country I visit for home. Sometimes they are hard to find by local artists, but I did really well and just spent the last week matting and framing them. It's a joy to look at them and remember what city and country I was in at the time.  I have to say, my walls are getting very full- and I know that in 2012 there is another trip to look forward to!