10/11. Friday. Clean up from last night storm
Woke up early this morning to workman cleaning up the mess created by last night heavy storm. Bonnie and Jane left our apartment about 8 PM just as the storm was starting. They were able to catch the red bus up to the top and then walked, in pouring rain, the mile, or so back to their hotel . We offered to have them stay but both wanted to get back to their room. After we had cleaned up the dishes from our lovely dinner it was bed time for me. Thanks to sleeping pills I slept good until about 7 this morning but Martha was up and down most of the night taking pictures of what was happening 3 stories below our windows on the streets...to much rain and mud coming down the hill got in the sewer system and turned over huge rocks in the street. We have had fun all morning watching the Italian workmen working to fix this mess. We have a muddy hallway that we need to use to get out of our building but the shop next door had lots of goods damaged by the mud coming into their building. Very heavy thunder and lightning last night. We were concerned that the power might go off. We found candles but no matches. So decided that if it happened we would just go to bed.. The workers have been fast at clearing off the mud for all the tourist coming down to the port to catch the boats. But our building is used mostly by the locals so our mud has not been cleaned off yet.
We had talked about taking the bus down to Almafi today but concerned about the road after the heavy rain we elected to just stay in for the day. Be sure to catch Martha slideshow as she has some great pictures.
Well I was unable to connect today so have not yet posted this blog. Decided to add a bit to it than will try again tomorrow to connect. Martha and I have spent a quiet day here in our apartment. Late this afternoon we took the lift up to the top and found out information for our possible, depending on the weather, trip on the bus to Almafi on Saturday. We got a text message saying that Bonnie and. Jane have gone over to Positino for a shopping day. We shopped a bit ourselves as I found a light weight gray scarf and a Sorrento key chain then picked up bananas and wine to add to our leftover meal of pasta and salad. Almost forgot to say that I did get In the water today....actually I only waded out on the small public beach. I could have put my suit on and really gone for a swim but the water was a bit to chilly for me so I settled for a little bit of wading. Forgot to mention that even thou I could not connect....Martha did and we were able to talk with Betty and Phil. Will be anxious to get a email back from Phil as he has a doctors appointment today.
Friday, October 11, 2013
Thursday, October 10, 2013
Thursday - A quiet day in Sorrento
Thursday 10/10. A quiet day in Sorrento
Woke up to dry sky's this morning which means Bonnie and Jane will be off to Capri today while we are going to see more of Sorrento using the hop on hop off bus. At least that was the plan when we left them last night. We met them at the train station last evening and then the 4 of us enjoyed a lovely dinner in a restaurant that overlooks the marina ... Before we could order, the sky opened up and we quickly moved in under the tents. I enjoyed a wonderful vegetarian pasta dish and red wine. We were back home by 8....then Martha made a couple of trips over by the B&B where she has found that good wifi is available just below the doorway, without going up the steep hill inside. Was happy when she brought me word that Phil was home with coco. Thanks Joseph for picking him up and seeing him safely home.
Just as we were ready to leave this morning we spotted Bonnie and Jane walking down the stairs on their way to by tickets to Capri. Got their attention then went down to share plans...turns out that I think Jane May be joining us at our apartment Tonight, which will give Bonnie some quiet time. We had already invited them for dinner at our apartment tonight so this should work out great.
Off we went in search of the hop on hop off bus..... We found it at the train station By the time it arrived we were packed deep but think that everyone got on and we were lucky enough to get seat on the open air top. We never did get off the bus at any of the stops as it wound its way around the peninsula of Sorrento. Of course it drove around in the city of Sorrento then out of the city to little Sant Agnello, where we had stayed back in 2009. Then back thru another area of Sorrento along the coastline on our way to Massa and Lubrense. from there we rounded the end of the peninsula where we had perfect views of the island of Capri. Back up the other side to a pretty little town called Sant Agata...soon, 90 minutes later, we found ourselves back into Sorrento. A quick walk to the super market to buy fixing for a pasta dinner tonight that we are sharing with Bonnie and Jane. I was really confused as we walked home but Martha knew the way. As soon as I saw the statue of Sant Francis I knew that we were just a short way to the lift that would bring us back down to the Harbor. Think is time for me to sort throughout all the pictures I took this afternoon... Mostly blind shots with my camera held high in the air shooting over people's heads. One thing for sure I have lots of pictures of the man sitting across from us. Have just watched Martha's slideshow from today and she has lots of beautiful pictures to share with you.
Just as we were ready to leave this morning we spotted Bonnie and Jane walking down the stairs on their way to by tickets to Capri. Got their attention then went down to share plans...turns out that I think Jane May be joining us at our apartment Tonight, which will give Bonnie some quiet time. We had already invited them for dinner at our apartment tonight so this should work out great.
Off we went in search of the hop on hop off bus..... We found it at the train station By the time it arrived we were packed deep but think that everyone got on and we were lucky enough to get seat on the open air top. We never did get off the bus at any of the stops as it wound its way around the peninsula of Sorrento. Of course it drove around in the city of Sorrento then out of the city to little Sant Agnello, where we had stayed back in 2009. Then back thru another area of Sorrento along the coastline on our way to Massa and Lubrense. from there we rounded the end of the peninsula where we had perfect views of the island of Capri. Back up the other side to a pretty little town called Sant Agata...soon, 90 minutes later, we found ourselves back into Sorrento. A quick walk to the super market to buy fixing for a pasta dinner tonight that we are sharing with Bonnie and Jane. I was really confused as we walked home but Martha knew the way. As soon as I saw the statue of Sant Francis I knew that we were just a short way to the lift that would bring us back down to the Harbor. Think is time for me to sort throughout all the pictures I took this afternoon... Mostly blind shots with my camera held high in the air shooting over people's heads. One thing for sure I have lots of pictures of the man sitting across from us. Have just watched Martha's slideshow from today and she has lots of beautiful pictures to share with you.
Wednesday, October 9, 2013
Wednesday - Sunshine in Sorrento
10/9 Wednesday -Sunshine in Sorrento
After a good nights sleep on a much softer bed, we were up by 7:30. Good breakfast in our room. Then the rain started coming down, catching unaware all the tourist streaming down to the port to catch a boat for Capri and elsewhere. By 10 the rain was over and the sun had come out. Bonnie and Jane had plans today to visit Naples so hope they didn't leave before the rain stopped.
We caught the little red bus up to the main streets of Sorrento. Started strolling along the road Vico Sant Aniello, where you can still find artisans producing carved wood items for sale. Here we found the Catterdale Church of S. Maria Della Pieta constructed in late baroque style in the XV century. Many beautiful inlaid wood pictures depicting scenes of religious and local history. We walked for a long time trying to find the church of the Servants of Mary as they have a wooden sculpture of the dead Christ. We think we found it but it was locked. While searching we came upon the old outside walls with an Arched portal for entry into the city .
. By this time we wear searching for a public WC. We finally decided that a visit to one of the many cafés would solve two problems. We enjoyed our first cup of Cappuccino of the day. While in town Martha was able to buy time on her Italian phone and while waiting for her I found the perfect gift for my newest great grandchild TJ. To get a gift when Grandma Ninny travels you must be born while she is out of the USA. Last grandchild to enjoy a gift was back in 1994 when Alex was born while Grandpa and Grandma were in Germany.
We decided to start back downhill to our apartment to enjoy a late lunch while typing our blogs, then head over for some internet time at the B & B that also manage our apartment building. Later if we do anything it will be to explore the harbor.....hope to find some interesting views at the beach. Today is the day that Philip flys home with our puppy, Coco. Will be anxious to talk with him on Thursday to see how this trip went. During the day on Thursday, if the sun is out, we are talking about the 4 of us taking the bus to Almafi and then another bus to Ravello which in on top of the mountain past Almafi. Hope you are enjoying traveling along with The Twins on our 75th birthday trip.
We caught the little red bus up to the main streets of Sorrento. Started strolling along the road Vico Sant Aniello, where you can still find artisans producing carved wood items for sale. Here we found the Catterdale Church of S. Maria Della Pieta constructed in late baroque style in the XV century. Many beautiful inlaid wood pictures depicting scenes of religious and local history. We walked for a long time trying to find the church of the Servants of Mary as they have a wooden sculpture of the dead Christ. We think we found it but it was locked. While searching we came upon the old outside walls with an Arched portal for entry into the city .
. By this time we wear searching for a public WC. We finally decided that a visit to one of the many cafés would solve two problems. We enjoyed our first cup of Cappuccino of the day. While in town Martha was able to buy time on her Italian phone and while waiting for her I found the perfect gift for my newest great grandchild TJ. To get a gift when Grandma Ninny travels you must be born while she is out of the USA. Last grandchild to enjoy a gift was back in 1994 when Alex was born while Grandpa and Grandma were in Germany.
We decided to start back downhill to our apartment to enjoy a late lunch while typing our blogs, then head over for some internet time at the B & B that also manage our apartment building. Later if we do anything it will be to explore the harbor.....hope to find some interesting views at the beach. Today is the day that Philip flys home with our puppy, Coco. Will be anxious to talk with him on Thursday to see how this trip went. During the day on Thursday, if the sun is out, we are talking about the 4 of us taking the bus to Almafi and then another bus to Ravello which in on top of the mountain past Almafi. Hope you are enjoying traveling along with The Twins on our 75th birthday trip.
Tuesday, October 8, 2013
Tuesday - A Rainy Day in Sorrento
Tuesday - A rainy rest day in Sorrento
Up by 7 after a good night sleep. First order of the day was laundry. Then
Breakfast using our food be had bought for the train yesterday but never used.
Soon it was raining hard. So it's been a good rest day watching all the tourist coming down to the port, in the rain, to catch the boats out to Capri and other. places.
Bonnie and Jane had plans for either Capri or Naples today so not sure what they are doing because of the hard rain. We have been busy typing as we, if it stays dry will go around the corner to our land ladys B&B so hopefully we will be able to post these blogs and check our email. We really do have few plans today and want to just enjoy a day off for a change.
Bonnie and Jane had plans for either Capri or Naples today so not sure what they are doing because of the hard rain. We have been busy typing as we, if it stays dry will go around the corner to our land ladys B&B so hopefully we will be able to post these blogs and check our email. We really do have few plans today and want to just enjoy a day off for a change.
Monday - Travel Day To Sorrento
Monday - 10/7/13. Travel day to Sorrento
We enjoyed a great breakfast at the BeeHive, not free but well worth the money. A cheese and veggy omelet with toast and coffee..actually it ended up being our only food of the day until almost 8 PM when we had a wonderful pizza dinner in Sorrento with Jane and Bonnie. Off we went pulling our bags down to the big Roma Termini
Station. We watched for our numbers to come up on the big board...once that happened we were off down the long tracks to find # 8 where we had assigned seating.
A very enjoyable ride all the way to Naples. We had nice chairs with a table between us. When not looking out the windows at the pretty scenery and taking pictures we both enjoyed reading our electronic books. Actually with our travels this week I have just finished my book "the last Templar " and am ready to start a new one all about the Countess of High clere castle where Downton Abbey is filmed. Soon we arrived in Naples and then the fun began....
We were just suppose to pick up the little train that runs down the coast from Naples to Sorronto called the circumvesuviana train that stops at every little town between them. Usually a fun trip but...... Today, as the police and the sign say. This train is not running because of a one day strike.. Well we followed all the people down to the tracks for this line and yes, the were selling tickets for the one and only trip that the train would make today at 1:13 PM. Talk about crazy...but we got tickets and pushed our way down the stairs and out to tracks...pulling our suitcases behind us...Actually many people had luggage with them. By the time this train pulled into the station it was wall to wall people. Martha told me. If you get on, don't worry about her...just stay on all the way to Sorronto where Bonnie would be waiting for me at the train station....but by pushing and shoving, just like everybody else we both made it on, barely. Their was no way anyway a person could fall as we were so tightly squeezed in. It eased up a bit at the next stop and soon some nice people, who very lucky enough to have seats offered one to me as a young lady chose to stand so that I could sit. Soon Martha was offered a seat also, this was good as it was about a 90 minute trip. Ended up have a nice conversation with the young man next to me who knew some English. I have been concerned about our planned day trip back into Naples... He said it is very dangerous in the city so Martha and I are not doing that trip. Bonnie and Jane still plan to go but we are not.
Soon we were at Sorronto where we found Bonnie waiting for us. Took the red bus down the hill to The Marina Piccola where our apartment is located. Got settled in and then enjoyed a drink here at the Piazza while waiting for Jane to catch up with us. When we were all together again we walked along the Marina looking for I the assendor lift station...found it and also the beach and swimming area which I would really like to use on the next sunny day.
The girls want to show us their hotel which is located quite a long uphill walk from us.....but we made it..nice thing is they have wifi. We were happy to get online to check our mail and send a quick few emails. I though at the last minute to check Facebook and found pictures of Phil with Robby. So glad that Todd and Joyce made it possible for him to visit with family while he was in Indiana. As I write this tomorrow is Wednesday and Phil will be flying home with coco. Hope all goes well on this trip.
Soon we were walking back into town, downhill, a 10 minute trip going down and not stopping to look at all the views. On we walked to the other side of town to a restaurant they had found.....it was 8 PM by this time but we enjoyed some of the best pizza I've ever tasted, red wine and for desert next door was their favorite gelleto shop. We then split up and started to wait for the bus but decided since it was downhill to walk back home. It was 10 PM before we were snuggled into 2 of the hardest beds ever. By morning we d decided to switch to the king size bed in the other room....much softer.
A very enjoyable ride all the way to Naples. We had nice chairs with a table between us. When not looking out the windows at the pretty scenery and taking pictures we both enjoyed reading our electronic books. Actually with our travels this week I have just finished my book "the last Templar " and am ready to start a new one all about the Countess of High clere castle where Downton Abbey is filmed. Soon we arrived in Naples and then the fun began....
We were just suppose to pick up the little train that runs down the coast from Naples to Sorronto called the circumvesuviana train that stops at every little town between them. Usually a fun trip but...... Today, as the police and the sign say. This train is not running because of a one day strike.. Well we followed all the people down to the tracks for this line and yes, the were selling tickets for the one and only trip that the train would make today at 1:13 PM. Talk about crazy...but we got tickets and pushed our way down the stairs and out to tracks...pulling our suitcases behind us...Actually many people had luggage with them. By the time this train pulled into the station it was wall to wall people. Martha told me. If you get on, don't worry about her...just stay on all the way to Sorronto where Bonnie would be waiting for me at the train station....but by pushing and shoving, just like everybody else we both made it on, barely. Their was no way anyway a person could fall as we were so tightly squeezed in. It eased up a bit at the next stop and soon some nice people, who very lucky enough to have seats offered one to me as a young lady chose to stand so that I could sit. Soon Martha was offered a seat also, this was good as it was about a 90 minute trip. Ended up have a nice conversation with the young man next to me who knew some English. I have been concerned about our planned day trip back into Naples... He said it is very dangerous in the city so Martha and I are not doing that trip. Bonnie and Jane still plan to go but we are not.
Soon we were at Sorronto where we found Bonnie waiting for us. Took the red bus down the hill to The Marina Piccola where our apartment is located. Got settled in and then enjoyed a drink here at the Piazza while waiting for Jane to catch up with us. When we were all together again we walked along the Marina looking for I the assendor lift station...found it and also the beach and swimming area which I would really like to use on the next sunny day.
The girls want to show us their hotel which is located quite a long uphill walk from us.....but we made it..nice thing is they have wifi. We were happy to get online to check our mail and send a quick few emails. I though at the last minute to check Facebook and found pictures of Phil with Robby. So glad that Todd and Joyce made it possible for him to visit with family while he was in Indiana. As I write this tomorrow is Wednesday and Phil will be flying home with coco. Hope all goes well on this trip.
Soon we were walking back into town, downhill, a 10 minute trip going down and not stopping to look at all the views. On we walked to the other side of town to a restaurant they had found.....it was 8 PM by this time but we enjoyed some of the best pizza I've ever tasted, red wine and for desert next door was their favorite gelleto shop. We then split up and started to wait for the bus but decided since it was downhill to walk back home. It was 10 PM before we were snuggled into 2 of the hardest beds ever. By morning we d decided to switch to the king size bed in the other room....much softer.
Sunday, October 6, 2013
Sunday - Train ride to Rome..Stay one night
This has been a long day.. Up early this morning, had a great last breakfast in Assisi. We were waiting for our taxi that was scheduled to come at 10:30 but at 10 we heard someone knocking at our door. Glad we were ready early as the taxi came at 10 AM. What a wild ride it was to the train station. The narrow winding streets were full of tourists and even an ambulance but somehow she managed to get around everything and got us to the station on time. We were soon on our way, on a very crowded train to Rome. We both had our electronic books to read so the time went fast.
Soon we were in Rome and had walked to our hostel, The Bee Hive, checked in and then went out walking the streets of Rome. First we found a fountain where we could sit and enjoy our late lunch that we had brought with us. Then we visited two churches before returning to the train station to purr he's food to take with us in the morning when we leave for Sorrento .
. Best thing for me is that I finally can connect to the internet with my Apple IPad. It did not work for me in Assisi so I had a lot of photos to send home to my dell computer. Also talked with Phil this afternoon. It's almost 7 PM so am going to post this now as it's been a long day.
Soon we were in Rome and had walked to our hostel, The Bee Hive, checked in and then went out walking the streets of Rome. First we found a fountain where we could sit and enjoy our late lunch that we had brought with us. Then we visited two churches before returning to the train station to purr he's food to take with us in the morning when we leave for Sorrento .
. Best thing for me is that I finally can connect to the internet with my Apple IPad. It did not work for me in Assisi so I had a lot of photos to send home to my dell computer. Also talked with Phil this afternoon. It's almost 7 PM so am going to post this now as it's been a long day.
Saturday - A Rain Day In Assisi
10/5/13. Saturday - A Rain Day In Assisi
First a note about our activities last night... We walked back up the hill to San Rufino where we knew that Martha had been able to access the internet. I had typed both blogs for Thursday and Friday. After many try's I was able to post both blogs and get my emails but could not send my pictures. We shopped at the market for lunch tomorrow then had pizza and ice cream for supper. It was getting dark and we wanted to see Assisi with its evening lights on so we walked down and down all the way to the tour bus parking lot. The lights were nice but not sure if they were worth all of the effort it took for us to get back up the hill. What was beautiful were the lights on the Basilica San Francisco Martha did a video of the bells ringing. Wow what a great way to finish out a wonderful day. We were back in our rooms by 8 PM
And in bed asleep by 11.
Awake by 6:30, down to the kitchen for another wonderful breakfast. Listening to it storm outside we enjoyed: yogurt with cereal and jam, Mellon slices, a huge croissant, toast, orange juice and 2 cups of cappuccino . By this time the rain had slowed down enough that with our rain coats on, we set off walking to the basilica of San Francesco. This is the closest large church and only a short distance from our rooms. Also this is where the Pope held his outside mass yesterday that we attended.
We made our way around and down to where, we thought, the Basilica Gift Shop was located...nope...inside the church we went and found that a morning mass had just started. We stayed for the complete Mass as if it is storming tonight , as predicted by the weatherman, this will count as our Saturday mass.... A bit early, but better than going out in a storm. Round and round, up and down we went trying to find the best kept secret gift shop in Assisi. Finally we found it and was so glad that we had not given up as it was a large shop and this is where we bought our Rosary's for this trip...back inside the church, we found a monk from Assisi to bless them for us.
Outside again....we were able to take pictures from the main front doors of the grass area that was home yesterday to the many pilgrims that were here for the feast day and to see the Pope. Today the streets are filled with tour guides and hordes of tourist most holding umbrellas as it's starting to rain again. Up the street we found a great looking pizza that we took home with us. This will be our dinner tonight as we are still full from breakfast.
We have been using our time to relax and work on our computers. Looks like we have a window with no rain so think we may go out. No... The weather report show heavy storms coming and we don't want to get caught outside when it comes.... The sky's look dark and full of rain so think that our best bet is to just relax and enjoy a day off before we travel to Rome in the morning.
Martha is using this time to organize her notes, and tickets for our time in Sorrento and Rome..she does such a good job of keeping us all on track and always seems one step ahead of doing what needs to be done.... I just follow along knowing that she has everything under control.
It's now 3:30 in the afternoon and we have had our desert first...the chocolate bar that we purchased last night. We have decided to keep the bread and Nutella that we purchased yesterday for lunch today for a lunch on the train tomorrow. And will just enjoy our pizza about 5 PM. We do have a hot pot in our room so we have enjoyed endless cups of hot water. .....the rain has never gone away.....am glad that Martha has arranged for a taxi to take us, after breakfast, to the train station,where we will be off for Rome.
Well we waited out the rain....at 4:15 we checked outside and the rain had stopped so off we went with raincoats in hand to find Saint Clara's Church that Pope Francis had visited yesterday . When we watched the TV coverage we found that when we were in St Clair's on Thursday we had not gone downstairs or over to the side chapel and had missed the 2 most important items in this church. BTW St. Clara church is actually called the Basilica di S. Chiara. On the way to this church we walked through street after street of open markets selling everything under the sun. Only once a year are the markets allowed to be up in the old city of Assisi and that is on the weekend of the Feast day of St Francis. We thought maybe the rain had canceled the market, but not so, we just hadn't walked far enough this morning. We got back to our room by 5:30.....made some phone calls and now at 6 PM I think we are ready to share our pizza and call it a day... Both are enjoying being able to read our books. Chou
Awake by 6:30, down to the kitchen for another wonderful breakfast. Listening to it storm outside we enjoyed: yogurt with cereal and jam, Mellon slices, a huge croissant, toast, orange juice and 2 cups of cappuccino . By this time the rain had slowed down enough that with our rain coats on, we set off walking to the basilica of San Francesco. This is the closest large church and only a short distance from our rooms. Also this is where the Pope held his outside mass yesterday that we attended.
We made our way around and down to where, we thought, the Basilica Gift Shop was located...nope...inside the church we went and found that a morning mass had just started. We stayed for the complete Mass as if it is storming tonight , as predicted by the weatherman, this will count as our Saturday mass.... A bit early, but better than going out in a storm. Round and round, up and down we went trying to find the best kept secret gift shop in Assisi. Finally we found it and was so glad that we had not given up as it was a large shop and this is where we bought our Rosary's for this trip...back inside the church, we found a monk from Assisi to bless them for us.
Outside again....we were able to take pictures from the main front doors of the grass area that was home yesterday to the many pilgrims that were here for the feast day and to see the Pope. Today the streets are filled with tour guides and hordes of tourist most holding umbrellas as it's starting to rain again. Up the street we found a great looking pizza that we took home with us. This will be our dinner tonight as we are still full from breakfast.
We have been using our time to relax and work on our computers. Looks like we have a window with no rain so think we may go out. No... The weather report show heavy storms coming and we don't want to get caught outside when it comes.... The sky's look dark and full of rain so think that our best bet is to just relax and enjoy a day off before we travel to Rome in the morning.
Martha is using this time to organize her notes, and tickets for our time in Sorrento and Rome..she does such a good job of keeping us all on track and always seems one step ahead of doing what needs to be done.... I just follow along knowing that she has everything under control.
It's now 3:30 in the afternoon and we have had our desert first...the chocolate bar that we purchased last night. We have decided to keep the bread and Nutella that we purchased yesterday for lunch today for a lunch on the train tomorrow. And will just enjoy our pizza about 5 PM. We do have a hot pot in our room so we have enjoyed endless cups of hot water. .....the rain has never gone away.....am glad that Martha has arranged for a taxi to take us, after breakfast, to the train station,where we will be off for Rome.
Well we waited out the rain....at 4:15 we checked outside and the rain had stopped so off we went with raincoats in hand to find Saint Clara's Church that Pope Francis had visited yesterday . When we watched the TV coverage we found that when we were in St Clair's on Thursday we had not gone downstairs or over to the side chapel and had missed the 2 most important items in this church. BTW St. Clara church is actually called the Basilica di S. Chiara. On the way to this church we walked through street after street of open markets selling everything under the sun. Only once a year are the markets allowed to be up in the old city of Assisi and that is on the weekend of the Feast day of St Francis. We thought maybe the rain had canceled the market, but not so, we just hadn't walked far enough this morning. We got back to our room by 5:30.....made some phone calls and now at 6 PM I think we are ready to share our pizza and call it a day... Both are enjoying being able to read our books. Chou
Friday, October 4, 2013
Friday - Pope Francis
10/4/13. Friday - St Francis Feast Day - A visit with Pope Francis
Up at 6 AM dressed and walked down to The Basilica of San Francesco area and found massive amount of pilgrims all ready pouring into the grassy area in front of the main church... All with their special tickets that gave them access to that area.
We could not see into the area where all of the chairs were set up for the scheduled 11 AM Mass. The pilgrims, and us from our special viewing point, would be able to watch everything on a huge screen. Saw lots of police and that the archway going back into town was blocked...it was starting to rain so we headed back to our room to enjoy the lovely breakfast provided by our B £ B.
By 8 AM we were back out, with our rain gear on, to find a viewing spot that we could stake out. Our first thought was an overlook that had a pretty good view. But soon we were on our way down to find a better spot. BTW we passed a portable toilet with long lines already and again we were glad our rooms were close. We ended up at the short wire fence, filled with a green hedge, located just above the back edge of the grassy area filled by the pilgrims. Our view was pretty good. We kept inching further and further down the line whenever we got the chance.... Then the guard would come and chase us back...he was trying to make us leave because we were without tickets. He really wanted us in the grassy area, where we needed tickets, or gone but we continued to plead our case that we were Americans and did not have a way to get tickets....then we just keep say we did not understand his Italian. He finally left us alone and we decided then that we would not leave.
We had good standing room with a view of the TV screen where we watched when the Pope arrived in his Popemobile driving up the side and across the front of the grassy area where is stopped and he went into the church. Soon after he finished inside the church and came out the lower level (we could watch all this on the TV screen) Mass was started so we decided to leave our spot and come back to the room for a needed break ... We had been standing for hours.... We watched the Mass on TV in our room. Before the mass had ended and many speeches were going on we made a decision to try for some food before the streets were overwhelmed with people.
Good Choice... We found some good pizza sandwiches to satisfy our tummies and made our way back down towards the church. By sidestepping thru a restaurant we found ourselves right at the far bottom end of the grassy area where very soon a large group of monks were exiting the grassy area holding bowls of hosts that they had been distributing to the pilgrims. They asked us if we would like communion as they had some still left in their bowls...did we.... You bet we did...never did we believe that we would be able to take communion at a mass said in Assisi by Pope Francis today as "we had no tickets". Guess it's called being in the right spot at the right time. After the final blessing, by the pope! we were on our way back to our room to type on our blogs. It's just now 3 PM seems like it should be much later as we have had a very full day.
Our landlady just made Martha's day. We have been complaining about our lack of internet and they just brought her a cord so she can hook her computer up direct into the modem box.....so she is on.... With a slow but working internet connection. This will not work with apple products as I do not have the connection ports that Martha has. But she has said that I can write some email later when she is done. Meanwhile , it may be Rome on Sunday before I can post my blogs.am afraid we are going to run into the same internet problems in Sorrento next week as we do not have internet in our apartment but will need to find it in town.
By 8 AM we were back out, with our rain gear on, to find a viewing spot that we could stake out. Our first thought was an overlook that had a pretty good view. But soon we were on our way down to find a better spot. BTW we passed a portable toilet with long lines already and again we were glad our rooms were close. We ended up at the short wire fence, filled with a green hedge, located just above the back edge of the grassy area filled by the pilgrims. Our view was pretty good. We kept inching further and further down the line whenever we got the chance.... Then the guard would come and chase us back...he was trying to make us leave because we were without tickets. He really wanted us in the grassy area, where we needed tickets, or gone but we continued to plead our case that we were Americans and did not have a way to get tickets....then we just keep say we did not understand his Italian. He finally left us alone and we decided then that we would not leave.
We had good standing room with a view of the TV screen where we watched when the Pope arrived in his Popemobile driving up the side and across the front of the grassy area where is stopped and he went into the church. Soon after he finished inside the church and came out the lower level (we could watch all this on the TV screen) Mass was started so we decided to leave our spot and come back to the room for a needed break ... We had been standing for hours.... We watched the Mass on TV in our room. Before the mass had ended and many speeches were going on we made a decision to try for some food before the streets were overwhelmed with people.
Good Choice... We found some good pizza sandwiches to satisfy our tummies and made our way back down towards the church. By sidestepping thru a restaurant we found ourselves right at the far bottom end of the grassy area where very soon a large group of monks were exiting the grassy area holding bowls of hosts that they had been distributing to the pilgrims. They asked us if we would like communion as they had some still left in their bowls...did we.... You bet we did...never did we believe that we would be able to take communion at a mass said in Assisi by Pope Francis today as "we had no tickets". Guess it's called being in the right spot at the right time. After the final blessing, by the pope! we were on our way back to our room to type on our blogs. It's just now 3 PM seems like it should be much later as we have had a very full day.
Our landlady just made Martha's day. We have been complaining about our lack of internet and they just brought her a cord so she can hook her computer up direct into the modem box.....so she is on.... With a slow but working internet connection. This will not work with apple products as I do not have the connection ports that Martha has. But she has said that I can write some email later when she is done. Meanwhile , it may be Rome on Sunday before I can post my blogs.am afraid we are going to run into the same internet problems in Sorrento next week as we do not have internet in our apartment but will need to find it in town.
Thursday travel day
10/3/13. Travel day to Assisi
Went to bed about 9 PM after reading my book "The Last Templar" for a hour or so, it was recommended by Jane Conn and I am really enjoying it. Woke up at 4 and dozed for a couple of hours. By 6 Martha was awake. After breakfast we walked up to the square for a last minute check on the internet before walking down to catch the bus that would take us down to the train station in the new town of Cortona.
While on the square we also purchased our bus tickets and a new USA Today to catch up on the news from home....especially the government shutdown.
Because of an earlier, than planned, start we arrived in Assisi by 10:30. Bought bus tickets than ended up using a taxi to get us up to the old town as each bus that came seemed to be overflowing with people. Seems like everyone is coming to town....think it might be that Pope Francis is coming tommorow! Anyway the taxi got us much further than the bus would have but, we still had a good walk to find the little shop owned by our landlord to sign in and get the key. What seemed like a very long trip because of the 200 steps, with luggage, it took us to find our room we were not very happier campers. But since then we have discovered that it is a lot closer than we thought, by going a back way, to the Basilica of San Francesco. And yes, we were close enough to come back to our room for a w/c break if needed, but Tomorrow it would mean losing our spot, wherever than might be, so imagine we will just tough it out on Friday.
But knowing how busy it will be tomorrow, we spent the next five hours walking up and down the canyon streets of Assisi visiting 6 of the 12 sites that Pope Francis will be visiting on Friday, October 4th, the feast day of St Francis of Assisi. On that day you will not be allowed to enter these churches unless you have a ticket. In fact it's gonna to be hard to gain access to the streets just to get around in Assisi. While walking we had a picnic lunch near a fountain mid afternoon with food we had brought with us and an ice cream cone for desert. As we walked down the streets we begin to notice that each and every manhole cover on the streets had at least 2 or 4, on the larger ones, bright orange marking... We figure that it was to mark the holes that they have checked. Martha even found a hot spot for her phone near San Rufino cathedral. We are busy typing right now, Friday afternoon, in hopes that we can go back tonight, after security has eased a bit, and be able to post. That has been our other problem...the promised wifi in our room has not worked out. The only thing working well is Martha USA cell phone. Hopefully I will be able to post this tonight otherwise, it may have to wait until Rome.
Because of an earlier, than planned, start we arrived in Assisi by 10:30. Bought bus tickets than ended up using a taxi to get us up to the old town as each bus that came seemed to be overflowing with people. Seems like everyone is coming to town....think it might be that Pope Francis is coming tommorow! Anyway the taxi got us much further than the bus would have but, we still had a good walk to find the little shop owned by our landlord to sign in and get the key. What seemed like a very long trip because of the 200 steps, with luggage, it took us to find our room we were not very happier campers. But since then we have discovered that it is a lot closer than we thought, by going a back way, to the Basilica of San Francesco. And yes, we were close enough to come back to our room for a w/c break if needed, but Tomorrow it would mean losing our spot, wherever than might be, so imagine we will just tough it out on Friday.
But knowing how busy it will be tomorrow, we spent the next five hours walking up and down the canyon streets of Assisi visiting 6 of the 12 sites that Pope Francis will be visiting on Friday, October 4th, the feast day of St Francis of Assisi. On that day you will not be allowed to enter these churches unless you have a ticket. In fact it's gonna to be hard to gain access to the streets just to get around in Assisi. While walking we had a picnic lunch near a fountain mid afternoon with food we had brought with us and an ice cream cone for desert. As we walked down the streets we begin to notice that each and every manhole cover on the streets had at least 2 or 4, on the larger ones, bright orange marking... We figure that it was to mark the holes that they have checked. Martha even found a hot spot for her phone near San Rufino cathedral. We are busy typing right now, Friday afternoon, in hopes that we can go back tonight, after security has eased a bit, and be able to post. That has been our other problem...the promised wifi in our room has not worked out. The only thing working well is Martha USA cell phone. Hopefully I will be able to post this tonight otherwise, it may have to wait until Rome.
Wednesday, October 2, 2013
Wesenday - Bramsole
Last night we met with Jan and Don, whom we had met on our train ride earlier today. They found us on the steps using our computers. They asked us to join them for dinner as, according to Don, they would like to hear some new stories, and were sure we had lots of tales to share. It was a great dinner but by the time we got home it was a late night for me.
Up again at 8... Martha slept till 9 by 10:30 we had our breakfast and were on the streets of Cortona, first to find our bus pickup spot for tomorrow morning and then on the paths leading around the bottom of the old town wall on our quest to find the home of Frances Mayes, Bramsole, from the book she wrote, called "Under the Tuscan Sun".... Not the movie as that was filmed using a different home. As we strolled up the path we passed a lovely lady who very much looked like an older version of the Picture posted on Frances Mayes home website. We exchanged "Buon giorno's" with her as we each continued on our paths. She to town for her morning cup of cappuccino, and shopping at the local markets, and we hopefully to find her home. We stopped to visit the church of San Domenico.. Stopped in a lovely park.. Took pictures of several kitty cats and views of the town below...after about an hour or so....Martha said "this is the house, I am sure of it". This large home is undergoing quite an extensive remodel.. But there in the wall was a niche with the Madonna and the house was the right color. Walking on beyond the house to get better picture I spotted posted signs on the gate.. Yep a building permit made out to Frances Mayes . We had completed our goal for the day, smiling to ourselves we began our trek back into old Cortona.
We went back into town by a different stone walkway...saw and tried to photograph many beautiful set of stairs going way up into who know where...just glad I did not have to climb them to get to the square where could find the internet and a wonderful cup of cappuccino. We had taken bread and bananas with us for a quick lunch as we were walking back..a stop at the WC in the park where we talked with a group of people from Orange County California and soon we were in the square where we checked for messages and posted some Facebook pictures while enjoying that cup of cappuccino. I also found my postcard and a keychain of Cortona.
We are now at our apartment typing away so we can go back to the square and post our blogs for today. Tonight we are planing dinner at home, then back to the square for an ice cream treat and our last use of the internet. We also plan to visit the Duomo as it should be open by then...every thing seems to close between noon and three in the afternoons. Morning will find us up early as we take the bus down to the new town of Cortona where we will catch our train to Assisi. Arrivederci
Up again at 8... Martha slept till 9 by 10:30 we had our breakfast and were on the streets of Cortona, first to find our bus pickup spot for tomorrow morning and then on the paths leading around the bottom of the old town wall on our quest to find the home of Frances Mayes, Bramsole, from the book she wrote, called "Under the Tuscan Sun".... Not the movie as that was filmed using a different home. As we strolled up the path we passed a lovely lady who very much looked like an older version of the Picture posted on Frances Mayes home website. We exchanged "Buon giorno's" with her as we each continued on our paths. She to town for her morning cup of cappuccino, and shopping at the local markets, and we hopefully to find her home. We stopped to visit the church of San Domenico.. Stopped in a lovely park.. Took pictures of several kitty cats and views of the town below...after about an hour or so....Martha said "this is the house, I am sure of it". This large home is undergoing quite an extensive remodel.. But there in the wall was a niche with the Madonna and the house was the right color. Walking on beyond the house to get better picture I spotted posted signs on the gate.. Yep a building permit made out to Frances Mayes . We had completed our goal for the day, smiling to ourselves we began our trek back into old Cortona.
We went back into town by a different stone walkway...saw and tried to photograph many beautiful set of stairs going way up into who know where...just glad I did not have to climb them to get to the square where could find the internet and a wonderful cup of cappuccino. We had taken bread and bananas with us for a quick lunch as we were walking back..a stop at the WC in the park where we talked with a group of people from Orange County California and soon we were in the square where we checked for messages and posted some Facebook pictures while enjoying that cup of cappuccino. I also found my postcard and a keychain of Cortona.
We are now at our apartment typing away so we can go back to the square and post our blogs for today. Tonight we are planing dinner at home, then back to the square for an ice cream treat and our last use of the internet. We also plan to visit the Duomo as it should be open by then...every thing seems to close between noon and three in the afternoons. Morning will find us up early as we take the bus down to the new town of Cortona where we will catch our train to Assisi. Arrivederci
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