The trip to Venice was uneventful, a pleasant couple of train rides (the only way to travel - whatever you do, don't fly from city to city). From Florence to Venice we shared a four seater spot on the train with a delightful couple from New Jersey, Sharon and Allen Doyno. They had been married over 40 years, so their stories were rich. Compared to us (and probably most people) they were traveling 'heavy' - 5 suitcases and a backpack. We didn't see them after the vaporetto stand (water buses) so hope they made it with all the gear.
We decided after 9 days of sometimes grueling walking, hefting luggage, waiting in airports that our time in Venice would be spent meandering the streets with not much purpose and that's exactly how we spent the day today. We actually slept in until 7:00 a.m. which is late for two girls who usually get up around 4:00 a.m. Rick Steves said that the best way to experience Venice is to just "get lost" by wandering through the various streets and alleys. I'm sure he wasn't being literal but we certainly have gotten lost, not once but twice. Fortunately, after asking many of the locals for directions we were able to find our way.
(By the way, when we say "streets" in reference to Venice, sometimes they are only about 36 inches wide - hardly ADA compliant.)
If you are into high priced fashion or just plain weird fashion, this is the place to shop. Valentino, Prada, Gucci, etc. and then there are others we don't recognize. We've seen some of the strangest shoes - Micki, I'm sure you would have to buy another suitcase for all of your purchases. And of course, the glass. Every other store sells Murano, masks and lace. I'm sure if you wanted it, you could have a custom toliet made from Murano with no problem.
We're at the end of a little siesta and then headed out for dinner and more meandering. The stores close up in the middle of the day and re-open at around 4:30 p.m. Until later....
Ciao!
Wednesday, April 22, 2009
Monday, April 20, 2009
Day of Travel Hell.....
Our day started with the gentle rain falling as we scurried down from our mountain top at a VERY fast pace at 5:00 a.m. in order to catch a 6:30 shuttle to the Naples airport. Everything was fine until our flight was postponed from 11:30 to 12:15. Our connecting flight in Rome to Florence was scheduled for a 1:20 departure. As we did the OJ Simpson through airport in Rome, our plane (which was actually a bus to the plane) pulled away for the gate and we bid it a fond farewell. It was a Delta (in Atlanta) experience! We quickly kicked into survival mode and found the nearest Transfer Desk (ticketing agent). She was able to get us on the next flight to Florence at 5:30. Now the Alitalia Airlines could teach our US airlines something about customer service. They immediately comped us a meal voucher that included first and second, drinks including wine!
We landed in Florence about 6:30 pm. It was still raining! Jumped on a bus to Siena, arriving at 8:00 in the middle of a basically deserted piazza. No taxis or any other mode of transportation around. Made a call to the hotel. They said to go to the taxi stand. What friggin' taxi stand?! We started walking (in the rain) dragging our luggage and tired butts in the general direction of the hotel. We stopped at the Hotel Continental and asked a doorman for directions. He started to tell us, but stopped in midsentence and suggested that he call us a taxi! He was our HERO!!
Once the cab arrived, it took about 5 minutes of weaved through the narrow crooked streets to get to our hotel. Not much to look at in the dark on a rainy night, but inside was heaven. A very quaint refurbished 18th century villa with period furniture and the nicest hotel clerk to date.
Keep in mind it is about 9:00 now. After we dropped the luggage and went gaga over the big soaky tub, decided we had to go out in search of food. (No room service available!) So we trucked back up the street through the rain to find some market, pizzeria, cafe...anything with food. About 1/2 mile later, with rain dripping off our hoods, we spied a restaurant...Chinese!!! Needless to saw, we were in ecstasy!! (We are beginning to get very tired of chewy bread, mozzarela cheese, and a funky ham!)
Quickly (cuz we're running out of internet time), today we went to the train station and purchased our tickets to our final destination...VENICE!!! We can't wait. We both are looking forward to the shopping and sightseeing. Of course, the traditional Bellini drink on St. Mark's Square.
The rest of the day has been a very laidback day. Just walking around, seeing a couple of sights, watching the people, and most importantly....washed our clothes at a laundrymat!
Got run...time is up!
We landed in Florence about 6:30 pm. It was still raining! Jumped on a bus to Siena, arriving at 8:00 in the middle of a basically deserted piazza. No taxis or any other mode of transportation around. Made a call to the hotel. They said to go to the taxi stand. What friggin' taxi stand?! We started walking (in the rain) dragging our luggage and tired butts in the general direction of the hotel. We stopped at the Hotel Continental and asked a doorman for directions. He started to tell us, but stopped in midsentence and suggested that he call us a taxi! He was our HERO!!
Once the cab arrived, it took about 5 minutes of weaved through the narrow crooked streets to get to our hotel. Not much to look at in the dark on a rainy night, but inside was heaven. A very quaint refurbished 18th century villa with period furniture and the nicest hotel clerk to date.
Keep in mind it is about 9:00 now. After we dropped the luggage and went gaga over the big soaky tub, decided we had to go out in search of food. (No room service available!) So we trucked back up the street through the rain to find some market, pizzeria, cafe...anything with food. About 1/2 mile later, with rain dripping off our hoods, we spied a restaurant...Chinese!!! Needless to saw, we were in ecstasy!! (We are beginning to get very tired of chewy bread, mozzarela cheese, and a funky ham!)
Quickly (cuz we're running out of internet time), today we went to the train station and purchased our tickets to our final destination...VENICE!!! We can't wait. We both are looking forward to the shopping and sightseeing. Of course, the traditional Bellini drink on St. Mark's Square.
The rest of the day has been a very laidback day. Just walking around, seeing a couple of sights, watching the people, and most importantly....washed our clothes at a laundrymat!
Got run...time is up!
Saturday, April 18, 2009
Blue Grotto and More
We are in the internet cafe with full bellies after eating a lovely dinner of lasagna and salads, and of course a little vino.
Today started with a boat ride to Capri, on a BIG boat, with seating like a 747. Even cars, trucks and scooters loaded into the belly, no circus animals though. After a quick ride to Capri we purchased tickets for another boat ride to the Blue Grotto, the whole point of the trip.
The Blue Grotto boat was much, much smaller, crammed with excited folks from all over excited about the Blue Grotto experience. From the port, we had a quick ride to the site of the Blue Grotto where we met by small dingy boats (tiny row boats) with burly Italian men at the helm. We were ushered into the first boat and off we went. Our rower, Sergio was "friendly" but a gentleman, with BIG biceps, which was good because we wanted to safely get in and back out of the hole in the wall. So let's paint the picture. Little row boat, five adults, waves, and a three foot hole in the side of a mountain. Sergio had to jockey for his turn to thrust us through the opening while timing it when the waves would allow access. We were told to quickly lie down in the bottom of the boat, while he pulled us through the hole with a chain mounted to the side of the opening. Our noses were just inches from the rock opening. Once inside it was magic. The water was alive with color, brillant azure blue. If you don't know about the Blue Grotto, it's worth an internet look. Many years ago, the Grotto was the private swimming hole for emperors (lots of hanky panky).
After leaving the Grotto we made a quick trip around the island of Capri, fabulous views. The boat captain backed into several grotto like areas, sometimes so close is was a little frightening, got some great pics.
So now we are full of food and ready for a great hike up the hill to our hotel, one last hike for this town. Tomorrow, we leave for the Naples airport and a flight to Florence where we will catch a bus to Siena. Big travel day, don't know if we will blog tomorrow.
Until then.
Ciao bella!
P.S. Who was kicked off American Idol.
Today started with a boat ride to Capri, on a BIG boat, with seating like a 747. Even cars, trucks and scooters loaded into the belly, no circus animals though. After a quick ride to Capri we purchased tickets for another boat ride to the Blue Grotto, the whole point of the trip.
The Blue Grotto boat was much, much smaller, crammed with excited folks from all over excited about the Blue Grotto experience. From the port, we had a quick ride to the site of the Blue Grotto where we met by small dingy boats (tiny row boats) with burly Italian men at the helm. We were ushered into the first boat and off we went. Our rower, Sergio was "friendly" but a gentleman, with BIG biceps, which was good because we wanted to safely get in and back out of the hole in the wall. So let's paint the picture. Little row boat, five adults, waves, and a three foot hole in the side of a mountain. Sergio had to jockey for his turn to thrust us through the opening while timing it when the waves would allow access. We were told to quickly lie down in the bottom of the boat, while he pulled us through the hole with a chain mounted to the side of the opening. Our noses were just inches from the rock opening. Once inside it was magic. The water was alive with color, brillant azure blue. If you don't know about the Blue Grotto, it's worth an internet look. Many years ago, the Grotto was the private swimming hole for emperors (lots of hanky panky).
After leaving the Grotto we made a quick trip around the island of Capri, fabulous views. The boat captain backed into several grotto like areas, sometimes so close is was a little frightening, got some great pics.
So now we are full of food and ready for a great hike up the hill to our hotel, one last hike for this town. Tomorrow, we leave for the Naples airport and a flight to Florence where we will catch a bus to Siena. Big travel day, don't know if we will blog tomorrow.
Until then.
Ciao bella!
P.S. Who was kicked off American Idol.
Friday, April 17, 2009
On the Way to Sorrento
So we left you with our last night in Roma. It ended with a delightful night of rolling and packing clothes, separating the clean from the not so clean.
The next day started with a quick taxi ride to the Roma Termini (the main train station) where we stood around looking like a couple of lost Arkies. The train schedule was on a jumbotron sized board where the arrival and departure times changed every few seconds. After a while we finally figured out our train and boarded with no problems. We lucked out and got a Euro train which is much faster - only 1.25 hours to arrive in Naples. Okay, so that's when it got fun. Our next leg of the trip was by commuter train with the locals. It stopped at every village along the route, approximately 31 stops. An hour later we arrived in Sorrento.
After the hustle of Rome we thought Sorrento would be quiet. NOT! Unless of course you think the sound of scooters is soothing. Even so, it is a delightful seaside town. You know we subscribe to the Rick Steves method of travel, light with just one small bag. Rick said our hotel was just a short 15-20 minute walk...ha, ha....yes, if you are a mountain goat. Otherwise it is a grueling uphill walk along side a cliff with traffic racing by. After 40 minutes we arrived hot, sweaty but intact.
The entrance to our hotel is topside next to the road, just an elevator entrance with a hotel sign. The elevator itself was teeny-tiny with an outrageous view of the ocean and the cliff and rocks below - yikes! Reception was one floor down and our room 2 floors further. When Rick's book said cliff hanger, he was not exagerating. Our balcony (yes we have one, woohoo) overlooks the harbor and we can see Naples in the distance, across the bay. Perfect location for frothy coffees and drying laundry.
After chunking our stuff in the room and resting, we hiked back down the hill to explore the town. Lots of stores, both high end and typical tourist junk. Here, everything is about lemons since many varieties grow here and some to the size of grapefruits. The problem with the exploring was the hike back - oh how us old broads forget. If you go down, you must go back up.
After a sweaty hike up, we spiffed up and hiked even further up the cliff to a local joint for dinner. Simple plates of pasta and a little Prosecco. The hike down to the room was even more entertaining after the Prosecco since we shared the road with scooters, trucks, and a tour bus. I had my handy Blue Cross flashlight though and kept it flashing to keep us safe.
Today we started with a delightful breakfast overlooking the bay, then again, hiked into town to the commuter train for a trip to Pompeii. So much to say about Pompeii, too much to say. Just imagine an entire city buried in hot volcanic ash, preserved and excavated 2000 years later. They are still excavating and finding treasures and people. Google Pompeii if you are interested, we bought books.
So now we are headed back up the hill for a little rest, refresh and headed for dinner. Headed to Capri tomorrow. Until later...
Ciao bella!
The next day started with a quick taxi ride to the Roma Termini (the main train station) where we stood around looking like a couple of lost Arkies. The train schedule was on a jumbotron sized board where the arrival and departure times changed every few seconds. After a while we finally figured out our train and boarded with no problems. We lucked out and got a Euro train which is much faster - only 1.25 hours to arrive in Naples. Okay, so that's when it got fun. Our next leg of the trip was by commuter train with the locals. It stopped at every village along the route, approximately 31 stops. An hour later we arrived in Sorrento.
After the hustle of Rome we thought Sorrento would be quiet. NOT! Unless of course you think the sound of scooters is soothing. Even so, it is a delightful seaside town. You know we subscribe to the Rick Steves method of travel, light with just one small bag. Rick said our hotel was just a short 15-20 minute walk...ha, ha....yes, if you are a mountain goat. Otherwise it is a grueling uphill walk along side a cliff with traffic racing by. After 40 minutes we arrived hot, sweaty but intact.
The entrance to our hotel is topside next to the road, just an elevator entrance with a hotel sign. The elevator itself was teeny-tiny with an outrageous view of the ocean and the cliff and rocks below - yikes! Reception was one floor down and our room 2 floors further. When Rick's book said cliff hanger, he was not exagerating. Our balcony (yes we have one, woohoo) overlooks the harbor and we can see Naples in the distance, across the bay. Perfect location for frothy coffees and drying laundry.
After chunking our stuff in the room and resting, we hiked back down the hill to explore the town. Lots of stores, both high end and typical tourist junk. Here, everything is about lemons since many varieties grow here and some to the size of grapefruits. The problem with the exploring was the hike back - oh how us old broads forget. If you go down, you must go back up.
After a sweaty hike up, we spiffed up and hiked even further up the cliff to a local joint for dinner. Simple plates of pasta and a little Prosecco. The hike down to the room was even more entertaining after the Prosecco since we shared the road with scooters, trucks, and a tour bus. I had my handy Blue Cross flashlight though and kept it flashing to keep us safe.
Today we started with a delightful breakfast overlooking the bay, then again, hiked into town to the commuter train for a trip to Pompeii. So much to say about Pompeii, too much to say. Just imagine an entire city buried in hot volcanic ash, preserved and excavated 2000 years later. They are still excavating and finding treasures and people. Google Pompeii if you are interested, we bought books.
So now we are headed back up the hill for a little rest, refresh and headed for dinner. Headed to Capri tomorrow. Until later...
Ciao bella!
Wednesday, April 15, 2009
Last nite after we posted, we took a stroll around the Colosseum. During the day, it is big...but at nite, it's REALLY big! Took several pics but still unable to upload yet.
Today we started our day with a call for breakfast. Our host, arrived about 15 minutes later asking us "What time you get up!? 5:00!?" Apparently she doesn't have country girls stay too often that are early risers! We ventured out and visited a church St. Peter in Chains. Of course, this church was up a flight of very steep, slanted stairs. But we saw the chains that bound St. Peter during his imprisonment in a glass case at the altar.
After the Chain Church, we walked the Roman Forum in true Roman fashion on the same roads that Julius Caesar walked! We visited the Temple of the Vestal Virgins who were the keepers of the fire that continously burned. Story has it, if the flame ever went out, Rome would fall. (Guess that one blew out!)
We visited a cistern type of prison that held a couple of apostles. The prisoners were lowered through a hole in the floor to a very dark and dank cellar. History states that the water rose and thus the prisioners baptised their prison guards who later became matryrs.
We took the Metro to the Piazza del Popolo for some "bargain" shopping. Bargains here still involve designer names! But smartArkies that we are, bought dresses from a street vendor for 6 euros each!! Think TJMaxx European style!
With the shopping behind us, we found our way back to familiar territory and visited the Capitale Museo where we saw very large feet, hands, elbow, shin, knee and a head. Pictures later!!
To top the evening off, let's discuss our adventure with the Roman bus system. We went to the Pantheon to have dinner and absorb the atmosphere. Made it there with no problems. (if fact, we stumbled onto a feline paradise pit where cats abound playing among an excavation site of ruins! Sign indicated that all cats were sterlized, tested, and vacinated, but lived on charity of visitors. There had to be at least 100 cats roaming the ruins! Every shape, color and personality. ) Back to the story, we ate supersized tonight. First course, pasta of course! Second course, roasted chicken breast with potatoes, topped off with wine and frothy coffee. Ambience was free and wonderful. Fountain splashing, Pantheon aglow with spotlights. Candle onthe table. Diva child at the next table!! No more comments on that!
So we are trucking back to the bus stop and Linda breaks into a run squealling. I thought she was chasing down this old woman in front of her! But no, she saw our bus ready to pull out. Without looking, we pile on. Bus takes off and goes about 5 blocks and parks. We have determined it was a mandatory union lunch break! After about 15 minutes, the driver gets back on and off we go in the opposite direction. Had no clue where we were going and when we were gettting back. (Linda says she was not worried or stressed. She was just enjoying the adventure. I saw a repeat of our Paris bus trip and the driver pulling over and yelling FINI! Which meant at that time he was going home.) But we made it back without further ado.
NOTE: We have determined that after our second day of high number of steps, (19,301 today) we both deserve double checkpoints on the Fitness Challenge! (A bit of trivia, 2000 steps equal 1 mile!)
In the morning, we are headed to Sorrento by train. We only have a ticket as far as Naples. Hoping to figure out the rest of the story once we arrive in Naples..EEK! (But Linda is not stressed or concerned! HAHA!)
Today we started our day with a call for breakfast. Our host, arrived about 15 minutes later asking us "What time you get up!? 5:00!?" Apparently she doesn't have country girls stay too often that are early risers! We ventured out and visited a church St. Peter in Chains. Of course, this church was up a flight of very steep, slanted stairs. But we saw the chains that bound St. Peter during his imprisonment in a glass case at the altar.
After the Chain Church, we walked the Roman Forum in true Roman fashion on the same roads that Julius Caesar walked! We visited the Temple of the Vestal Virgins who were the keepers of the fire that continously burned. Story has it, if the flame ever went out, Rome would fall. (Guess that one blew out!)
We visited a cistern type of prison that held a couple of apostles. The prisoners were lowered through a hole in the floor to a very dark and dank cellar. History states that the water rose and thus the prisioners baptised their prison guards who later became matryrs.
We took the Metro to the Piazza del Popolo for some "bargain" shopping. Bargains here still involve designer names! But smartArkies that we are, bought dresses from a street vendor for 6 euros each!! Think TJMaxx European style!
With the shopping behind us, we found our way back to familiar territory and visited the Capitale Museo where we saw very large feet, hands, elbow, shin, knee and a head. Pictures later!!
To top the evening off, let's discuss our adventure with the Roman bus system. We went to the Pantheon to have dinner and absorb the atmosphere. Made it there with no problems. (if fact, we stumbled onto a feline paradise pit where cats abound playing among an excavation site of ruins! Sign indicated that all cats were sterlized, tested, and vacinated, but lived on charity of visitors. There had to be at least 100 cats roaming the ruins! Every shape, color and personality. ) Back to the story, we ate supersized tonight. First course, pasta of course! Second course, roasted chicken breast with potatoes, topped off with wine and frothy coffee. Ambience was free and wonderful. Fountain splashing, Pantheon aglow with spotlights. Candle onthe table. Diva child at the next table!! No more comments on that!
So we are trucking back to the bus stop and Linda breaks into a run squealling. I thought she was chasing down this old woman in front of her! But no, she saw our bus ready to pull out. Without looking, we pile on. Bus takes off and goes about 5 blocks and parks. We have determined it was a mandatory union lunch break! After about 15 minutes, the driver gets back on and off we go in the opposite direction. Had no clue where we were going and when we were gettting back. (Linda says she was not worried or stressed. She was just enjoying the adventure. I saw a repeat of our Paris bus trip and the driver pulling over and yelling FINI! Which meant at that time he was going home.) But we made it back without further ado.
NOTE: We have determined that after our second day of high number of steps, (19,301 today) we both deserve double checkpoints on the Fitness Challenge! (A bit of trivia, 2000 steps equal 1 mile!)
In the morning, we are headed to Sorrento by train. We only have a ticket as far as Naples. Hoping to figure out the rest of the story once we arrive in Naples..EEK! (But Linda is not stressed or concerned! HAHA!)
Tuesday, April 14, 2009
Yes, we are now officially Italian queens. We started the day with breakfast in bed....well almost. Breakfast was served to our room, rolls, yogurt, frothy coffee and some strange nectar (not sure what it was but pretty tasty).
Our royal status continued as we were picked up at the hotel by a handsome suited Italian man and whisked away to the Vatican. (Thanks Lin for the recommendation.) Our tour guide was Polish and probably spoke better English than both of us Arkies. 16,967 steps later, we think we have viewed every nook, nave, cranny, chapel, and old dusty thing in Vatican City, including climbing to the top of the cuppola (look that up if you don't know what it is). By law, no other buildings in Rome can be built taller than the Vatican's cuppola.
We left the holiest of places and dragged ourselves to the nearest cafe for big plates of pasta and cold drinks. Alas, to get back to our hotel, the handsome Italian man was nowhere to be found and we instead took the smelly metro (not at all like the metro in Paris but faster than our worn out dogs could carry us).
After a short siesta, we are out for a night of big hoopla...not really....more like hot pizza, a little vino and maybe somemore frothy coffee. Then it is on to hair and clothes washing and beddy bye.
(By the way, do you remember the Travelocity commercial where the gnome fries the electrical appliance? Well, we replayed that event this morning when one of the converters apparently stopped working and fried a curling iron. Oh, well frizzy hair from now on.)
Ciao for now!
P.S. We haven't found an internet cafe where we can upload pics yet. Maybe in Sorrento.
Our royal status continued as we were picked up at the hotel by a handsome suited Italian man and whisked away to the Vatican. (Thanks Lin for the recommendation.) Our tour guide was Polish and probably spoke better English than both of us Arkies. 16,967 steps later, we think we have viewed every nook, nave, cranny, chapel, and old dusty thing in Vatican City, including climbing to the top of the cuppola (look that up if you don't know what it is). By law, no other buildings in Rome can be built taller than the Vatican's cuppola.
We left the holiest of places and dragged ourselves to the nearest cafe for big plates of pasta and cold drinks. Alas, to get back to our hotel, the handsome Italian man was nowhere to be found and we instead took the smelly metro (not at all like the metro in Paris but faster than our worn out dogs could carry us).
After a short siesta, we are out for a night of big hoopla...not really....more like hot pizza, a little vino and maybe somemore frothy coffee. Then it is on to hair and clothes washing and beddy bye.
(By the way, do you remember the Travelocity commercial where the gnome fries the electrical appliance? Well, we replayed that event this morning when one of the converters apparently stopped working and fried a curling iron. Oh, well frizzy hair from now on.)
Ciao for now!
P.S. We haven't found an internet cafe where we can upload pics yet. Maybe in Sorrento.
Monday, April 13, 2009
Well, here we are...Rome! Long trip, cramped seats, crying baby across the aisle. But all is good. Just an update, NO EARTHQUAKE issues here! Very tired, bleary eyes. Have been through the Colosseum and a couple of other dug up stuff. Have some pics and videos but will try to upload that stuff tomorrow. Weather is great! No rain but ALOT of cologne users here (if you get our drift!) All kinds of people here. Today was a holiday for the Easter season. Guess they are off on Monday and not Good Friday. Our room has a beautiful view of the building next door. If you look down, you see the beer crates stacked up in the corner! Done for today. Had our pasta, glass of wine and now its time for bed. Ciao!
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