Thursday, November 7, 2013
Printing My Journal
As you can see by the date above, I have been home for several weeks. Have just today taken the time to print out my journal pages. I hope to add pictures and other things as time permits to have a Journal to read and share. Memories.......
Enjoyed a wonderful visit with my siblings upon arriving back in the USA. Brother Joseph, who had been staying at our home in Palmetto, has been such a big help to Philip and Betty while I was away. He home went up to his winter home in Zephyrhills after picking Martha and I up at the Tampa Airport. Philip and Joseph had made welcome home signs for us and even had a wonderful carrot cake and ice cream waiting for us to enjoy. Wednesday morning Martha and I got our laundry done and then went to visit with our older sister, Betty. We were both having issues with Jet Lag and lack of sleep. Sister Shirley,visiting from Indiana, picked the two of us up Thursday morning and we drove north to Joe's home as Shirley and Martha had never seen it. Joe treated us all to a great Brunch before we headed back to Palmetto.
On Friday we five were all together, for the first time in five years. Had a great early dinner at Anna Marie's Osyter Bar, thank you very much Shirley. And took lots of pictures
before it was time to part again. Saturday morning we took Martha back to the Tampa Airport and she was off for California.
Sunday, October 20, 2013
Sunday - Our last day in Rome
Our last day in Rome started with Martha and I headed down to Santa Marie Maggorie for an early Sunday morning mass. Back to the hostel for our favorite omelet breakfast. We four girls have been splitting up most day to. Go out in pairs as we all like to explore at different speeds. But this being our last full day together we thought it would be great to spend them together. First thing was for a group headshot of all of us laying on the floor in our dorm...neat shot and nice thing is we all look so much younger lying on our backs. :> )
Our destination today is the old part of Rome called Trastevere. Off we went on a very full bus till we got close to the Tiber river. We explored 3 churches. First, San Crisogono then we walked thru a wonderful neighborhood of old building with all kinds of homes and shops...cameras were out taking lots of pictures. Our second church , Chiesa di Santa Marie in Trastevere. Beautiful church right in the middle of mass. These old church's usually always have a pulpit (a high place to speak from) located in the middle of the church. These were used before they had loudspeaker systems. But for the first time ever that we have seen, the priest took the gospel book down the church and read to all from this special place. Outside we found a lady doing intricate inlaid tile work. She had many beautiful items for sale....but because of space limitations in my bag, I settled for a small cross with an inlaid dove.
Our third church was Santa Cecilla. Again, beautiful with a sad story of Cecilla. I wonder if we would have the fortitude to stand up for our beliefs today as they did back then, knowing that they faced almost certain death. By this time we were back to the Tiber RIver crossed over the bridge near the island in the middle, where stands an old and famous hospital, still in use. Lots of merchants with items to sell on the bridge. Bonnie and Jane each got good prices on new purses.
Now we were in the Jewish section of Rome . During the war they called this area The ghetto...many people were transported from this area. We plan to go into the Synagogue but took pictures from the outside inside as you could only view the inside by tour groups. Also an old theatre is being restored from the old roman ruins. We found a large Sunday afternoon market in full swing on the campo de Fiori. Stopped at an outdoor cafe and had our main meal of the day. I had cannelloni stuffed with ricotta cheese and spinach. After some more wondering around we caught another very crowed bus back to the Termini and back to the hostel for a short rest before heading out again. This time on another very crowded metro train that took us to the Piazza del Popolo, which is near the top of the Spanish Steps. I think that Martha is the only one of us that's ever been to see this beautiful piazza... An old sign on the wall said " this site is an artistic treasure, belonging to Roma, and the whole world. ". Please help us to keep it clean and attractive.
From here we decided to bypass the stairs and make our way slowly up the well worn path leading us up into the Borghese Gardens. The closer we got to the center of the Campo Marzio the more we realized that this is how Italian families spend their Sunday afternoons.... In the park. We saw so much activity, bikes to rent, many made for a family of 4 to 6 people with sun roofs and all, roller skaters, some doing fancy tricks, musicians, artist, lovers entwined out on the grassy lawns. At one point near where we would exit the park we found a huge overlook of the city of Roma at sunset...wow. Talk about picture time. Also near the end we could hear wonderful music being played by a man with a series of horns and backup on his computer. We listen for a long time than each found ourselves purchasing his CD as when we play this music at home it will remind us of Roma and our final magicial day. But we were not quite done because as we walked downhill out of the park, we found ourselves at the top of the famous Spanish steps.
Bonnie and I walked on down the gently sloping narrow sidewalk, Martha and Jane the more adventures of our foursome! made their way up to the top and then down the famous steps. Meeting at the boat fountain at the bottom we all decided on a gelato before the crowded metro that would take up home for the night.... A tired but happy group. Actually our dorm of eight was quite active tonight and it was. Lose to midnight before every one settled down for the night. Oh yes. We had been talking about not seeing any traffic accidents on our trip...about 10 we heard this loud crash outside our open dorm windows...yep, right down the street 2 cars ran Into each other and also involved a park car.
I am typing this on Monday ... All ready for our trip to the airport, Martha wanted to go out walking again...so sent her off with Bonnie and Jane,who have one more night before leaving, with a promise that she will be back by 2:30. I am happy to get this type then will sit comfortable with my computer and books till she comes back to pick me up. It's been fun traveling with all of you these past six weeks. hope you have enjoyed reading my blogs
Our destination today is the old part of Rome called Trastevere. Off we went on a very full bus till we got close to the Tiber river. We explored 3 churches. First, San Crisogono then we walked thru a wonderful neighborhood of old building with all kinds of homes and shops...cameras were out taking lots of pictures. Our second church , Chiesa di Santa Marie in Trastevere. Beautiful church right in the middle of mass. These old church's usually always have a pulpit (a high place to speak from) located in the middle of the church. These were used before they had loudspeaker systems. But for the first time ever that we have seen, the priest took the gospel book down the church and read to all from this special place. Outside we found a lady doing intricate inlaid tile work. She had many beautiful items for sale....but because of space limitations in my bag, I settled for a small cross with an inlaid dove.
Our third church was Santa Cecilla. Again, beautiful with a sad story of Cecilla. I wonder if we would have the fortitude to stand up for our beliefs today as they did back then, knowing that they faced almost certain death. By this time we were back to the Tiber RIver crossed over the bridge near the island in the middle, where stands an old and famous hospital, still in use. Lots of merchants with items to sell on the bridge. Bonnie and Jane each got good prices on new purses.
Now we were in the Jewish section of Rome . During the war they called this area The ghetto...many people were transported from this area. We plan to go into the Synagogue but took pictures from the outside inside as you could only view the inside by tour groups. Also an old theatre is being restored from the old roman ruins. We found a large Sunday afternoon market in full swing on the campo de Fiori. Stopped at an outdoor cafe and had our main meal of the day. I had cannelloni stuffed with ricotta cheese and spinach. After some more wondering around we caught another very crowed bus back to the Termini and back to the hostel for a short rest before heading out again. This time on another very crowded metro train that took us to the Piazza del Popolo, which is near the top of the Spanish Steps. I think that Martha is the only one of us that's ever been to see this beautiful piazza... An old sign on the wall said " this site is an artistic treasure, belonging to Roma, and the whole world. ". Please help us to keep it clean and attractive.
From here we decided to bypass the stairs and make our way slowly up the well worn path leading us up into the Borghese Gardens. The closer we got to the center of the Campo Marzio the more we realized that this is how Italian families spend their Sunday afternoons.... In the park. We saw so much activity, bikes to rent, many made for a family of 4 to 6 people with sun roofs and all, roller skaters, some doing fancy tricks, musicians, artist, lovers entwined out on the grassy lawns. At one point near where we would exit the park we found a huge overlook of the city of Roma at sunset...wow. Talk about picture time. Also near the end we could hear wonderful music being played by a man with a series of horns and backup on his computer. We listen for a long time than each found ourselves purchasing his CD as when we play this music at home it will remind us of Roma and our final magicial day. But we were not quite done because as we walked downhill out of the park, we found ourselves at the top of the famous Spanish steps.
Bonnie and I walked on down the gently sloping narrow sidewalk, Martha and Jane the more adventures of our foursome! made their way up to the top and then down the famous steps. Meeting at the boat fountain at the bottom we all decided on a gelato before the crowded metro that would take up home for the night.... A tired but happy group. Actually our dorm of eight was quite active tonight and it was. Lose to midnight before every one settled down for the night. Oh yes. We had been talking about not seeing any traffic accidents on our trip...about 10 we heard this loud crash outside our open dorm windows...yep, right down the street 2 cars ran Into each other and also involved a park car.
I am typing this on Monday ... All ready for our trip to the airport, Martha wanted to go out walking again...so sent her off with Bonnie and Jane,who have one more night before leaving, with a promise that she will be back by 2:30. I am happy to get this type then will sit comfortable with my computer and books till she comes back to pick me up. It's been fun traveling with all of you these past six weeks. hope you have enjoyed reading my blogs
Saturday, October 19, 2013
Saturday - A. Day trip to Ostia Antica
10/19. Saturday..trip to Ostia Antica and St Paul's
This morning after another wonderful omelet breakfast here at our hostel, Martha and I first started out to go see the old part of the city called Trastevere. But, since the city is in the middle of demonstrations, especially around the tourist areas, we changed our minds and got on the metro and then the train to travel outside of the city and visit the old port city of Ostia Antica that like Pompeii was buried, only in sand instead of lava, and has now been excavated.
We spent several hours wandering the grounds of this, at one time, very large city. Could have stayed much longer than we did, but felt that we had seen enough and were ready to get back to the train and on to our next stop.
The papal Basilica of Saint Paul Outside the Walls. In Rome there are 4 churches which are considered Vatican property. Of course, St. Peter's, Santa Marie Maggiore, San Giovanni in Laterano and Saint Paul Outside the Walls. St. Paul's is the second largest roman church after the Vatican. This is the church where they have oval tile pictures around the top of their walls of all the Popes. Their are only Six empty ovals left on the walls....??? It's a beautiful church and I enjoyed seeing it again. I found out several new things about this church..one being that it was actually built over the grave of St. Peter's.
Soon we were back on the metro headed for Rome....we noticed that the metro went right pass the stop for the. Colosseum, which meant there was a possibility of a problem in that area and they were not taking any chances....back to the hostel we ate our picnic dinner on the patio as we listened to the helicopters circling the area. We started out for 6 PM Mass, but much to Martha dismay, I insisted that we turn around as their was two much commotion for me. Any way it's been an exciting night with much conversation here at the hostel about the noise outside.
We spent several hours wandering the grounds of this, at one time, very large city. Could have stayed much longer than we did, but felt that we had seen enough and were ready to get back to the train and on to our next stop.
The papal Basilica of Saint Paul Outside the Walls. In Rome there are 4 churches which are considered Vatican property. Of course, St. Peter's, Santa Marie Maggiore, San Giovanni in Laterano and Saint Paul Outside the Walls. St. Paul's is the second largest roman church after the Vatican. This is the church where they have oval tile pictures around the top of their walls of all the Popes. Their are only Six empty ovals left on the walls....??? It's a beautiful church and I enjoyed seeing it again. I found out several new things about this church..one being that it was actually built over the grave of St. Peter's.
Soon we were back on the metro headed for Rome....we noticed that the metro went right pass the stop for the. Colosseum, which meant there was a possibility of a problem in that area and they were not taking any chances....back to the hostel we ate our picnic dinner on the patio as we listened to the helicopters circling the area. We started out for 6 PM Mass, but much to Martha dismay, I insisted that we turn around as their was two much commotion for me. Any way it's been an exciting night with much conversation here at the hostel about the noise outside.
Friday, October 18, 2013
Friday - a rest day and a night out Maybe ?
10/18. ..strike and protest day
Today the girls are off at 10 for a reserved viewing of all the art at the Borghese Museum. When this reservation was made many weeks ago I, at the time, said that I would rather. Take a day off as I had done this museum back in 2009. It was lovely but not one that I would like to see twice. So I have had a very quiet time napping and catching up on my computer.
Martha said that she might be back around two and she has a church that she wants me to see. Depending on several things we might also get out to see Rome with it's lights on after dark. Right now I assume that we are having protests outside and think the metro and buses may be on strike as the girls took a taxi to get over to the Borghese this morning......anyway we have lots of helicopters flying around Rome today......Will add more to this later. 7:30 PM...... Martha did get back at 2:45 then she and I went over to see Bernini's statue of St Theresa in Ecstasy. The church was closed until 3:30 so went over to Santa Maria Deli Angelle Del Martiri church that is located the former ancient Baths of Diocletian which were huge. The last work of Michelangelo was to turn these ancient ruins into a wonderful church. When we were here in 2009, we attended an early mass on Easter morning. But today we went into the Back area and found a wonderful room of descriptive boards in many languages showing and explaining what this building once was and how it was turned into a church. By now we were able to get the first church and view Bernini's statue of St Theresa. Saw lots of police and military personal all around the area....so back to our hostel we went a quick stop for a few groceries and we had our dinner at the hostel. Bonnie and Jane came back after spending several hours touring in the Colossume and have now gone back out to dine. We have bee working on our computers and visiting with a new roommate from Denver.
Martha said that she might be back around two and she has a church that she wants me to see. Depending on several things we might also get out to see Rome with it's lights on after dark. Right now I assume that we are having protests outside and think the metro and buses may be on strike as the girls took a taxi to get over to the Borghese this morning......anyway we have lots of helicopters flying around Rome today......Will add more to this later. 7:30 PM...... Martha did get back at 2:45 then she and I went over to see Bernini's statue of St Theresa in Ecstasy. The church was closed until 3:30 so went over to Santa Maria Deli Angelle Del Martiri church that is located the former ancient Baths of Diocletian which were huge. The last work of Michelangelo was to turn these ancient ruins into a wonderful church. When we were here in 2009, we attended an early mass on Easter morning. But today we went into the Back area and found a wonderful room of descriptive boards in many languages showing and explaining what this building once was and how it was turned into a church. By now we were able to get the first church and view Bernini's statue of St Theresa. Saw lots of police and military personal all around the area....so back to our hostel we went a quick stop for a few groceries and we had our dinner at the hostel. Bonnie and Jane came back after spending several hours touring in the Colossume and have now gone back out to dine. We have bee working on our computers and visiting with a new roommate from Denver.
10/17. Thursday - Scavi tour and more of Rome
10/17. Thursday - Scavi Tour plus
This morning we were up early and on our way to a very busy Metro towards St.Peters for our Reserved Scavi tour. This is a guided tour of the excavated areas below St Peters. Very interesting and feel that we learned at lot about the time that St. Peter was alive in Rome. The tour ended at St. Peter's tomb just below the main altar in the Basilica. We then saw that the line to climb to the top of the cupola, which is usually long, was very short so off we went into the lift which took us up 7 floors to the rooftop of St. Peter's. Here we left Bonnie and the 3 of us climbed the 320 very steep and narrow steps all the way up and then back down after viewing Rome from the very top of St Peters. This was a thrilling accomplishment for me as I had been to the rooftop before but never to the top of the cupola. What a view!!!!!
Back down at the rooftop we met with Bonnie.... She and Jane decided to stay on at St Peters as they wanted to do a complete view....it actually took them 3 hours. But Martha and I have been here several times, 2 days ago actually, and just needed to visit John Paul's grave site before we left. We took the metro over to see San Giovanni in laterano, this is Pope Francis home parish in Rome. Beautiful church..almost as large as St Peters. Here we first heard news of a protest going on and possible strike on Friday. Walked over to see the church of the sacred stairs but found it closed until three.
Martha and I continued to walk in the area looking for the street that would take us to the Colosseum when we happened on a building which is currently involved in some protest movements in the city right now ...Museo Storico Della Libranzione. Got some picture and went on our way... It had been a Long time since breakfast so we stopped at the Si Clemente cafe to share a pizza and coffees before continuing on our way as by this time we could see the top of the colosseum in the distance. As usual, I only wanted to see and get pictures of the outside of this ancient building. Besides, you can see a lot of the insides while walking around the outside.
. Soon we found the Other metro line and were on our way back home. Some groceries at the store in the termi and we had our dinner meal out In the patio of our building... Shared our last bottle of wine from Serronto with Darrel who lives in our room. Actually we needed his help to get it opened. Martha said she slept so good last night after finishing off that bottle of red. By 10 PM I was in bed when Bonnie and Jane walked in after a late dinner and seeing the Rome sights at night with the lights on. This is something that we were going to do, but my legs gave out......MAYBE FRIDAY NIGHT ???
Back down at the rooftop we met with Bonnie.... She and Jane decided to stay on at St Peters as they wanted to do a complete view....it actually took them 3 hours. But Martha and I have been here several times, 2 days ago actually, and just needed to visit John Paul's grave site before we left. We took the metro over to see San Giovanni in laterano, this is Pope Francis home parish in Rome. Beautiful church..almost as large as St Peters. Here we first heard news of a protest going on and possible strike on Friday. Walked over to see the church of the sacred stairs but found it closed until three.
Martha and I continued to walk in the area looking for the street that would take us to the Colosseum when we happened on a building which is currently involved in some protest movements in the city right now ...Museo Storico Della Libranzione. Got some picture and went on our way... It had been a Long time since breakfast so we stopped at the Si Clemente cafe to share a pizza and coffees before continuing on our way as by this time we could see the top of the colosseum in the distance. As usual, I only wanted to see and get pictures of the outside of this ancient building. Besides, you can see a lot of the insides while walking around the outside.
. Soon we found the Other metro line and were on our way back home. Some groceries at the store in the termi and we had our dinner meal out In the patio of our building... Shared our last bottle of wine from Serronto with Darrel who lives in our room. Actually we needed his help to get it opened. Martha said she slept so good last night after finishing off that bottle of red. By 10 PM I was in bed when Bonnie and Jane walked in after a late dinner and seeing the Rome sights at night with the lights on. This is something that we were going to do, but my legs gave out......MAYBE FRIDAY NIGHT ???
Wednesday, October 16, 2013
Wednesday - A date with the Pope
10/16. Wednesday A Date with the Pope
Today was the audience with the Pope Francis and 6,000 other people. since we did Not feel the need to sit up close, you get to the square by sunrise to do that.
We left the beehive mid morning on the metro and arrived just after 10 AM... Of course, that what everybody who did not have tickets, and yes we had a ticket for a seat, but with the crush of people we could not get anywhere near the seats. So ended up watching the big screens to see the pope circle around in his Popemobile
And then walk up to the stage to welcome everyone, which was then repeated in many languages. Pope Francis gave us a rousing speech. Which was in Italian but much of it was easy to understand, especially with the reactions from the crowds of people. When they started to repeat this speech for the many different countries present, I knew that it was time for me to leave. Bonnie and Jane did not want to leave, so bless her heart! 'Martha got me out and on a bus headed back to the beehive....where I plan to spend the rest of the day....every so often I need down time and this afternoon is it. Tomorrow Martha has plans for me to climb the bell tower at St Peters.
10/15. Tuesday - Vatican and Rome's Hot Spots
10/15 Tuesday. Vatican and Popular spots in Rome
Up early as we had 9:30 tickets for a guided tour of the Vatican Gardens.
wonderful... No crowds to speak of and our guide did a beautiful job of explaining everything to us. At the highest point in the gardens a cleared area was pointed out to us as the helicopter pad, nearby was a circular tower building that Pope John XXIII had refurbished as an important guest residence during the early 1960's.
She also pointed out the building that is the current residence of the former Pope Benedict. While there a door opened and out come a beautiful black and white kitty, with an aide keeping a watchful eye out as he strolled in the sunshine. Yes, our guide said.. This is one of several cats that Pope Benedict keeps.
At the end of our garden tour we went straight into the Vatican Museum...now this is where we found the crowds of tourist. Many we were told from the cruise boats anchored in the bay outside of Rome. Martha and I have both seen this lovely museum so the four of us split agreeing to meet later in the day back at our hostel. The twins did a fast tour as we plunged thru the massive crowds of people and were done in about an hour or so. Bonnie and Jane spent at least 5 hours enjoying this museum. We on the other hand went from the Sistine chapel direct into St Peters basilica . We decided to keep the bell tower and Pope John Paul's crypt till after the Scavi tour on Thursday as we would again end up back inside of St. Peter's and be much more rested to climb lots of steps. So we just visited the Pieta and my favorite Cherub holy water fountain, and a few other areas before heading out to catch a bus back towards the hostel.
Next we ended up on another bus to find the American college where we would pick up our tickets for tomorrow's Papal Audience. While searching for this we happened on a completely unexpected Changing of the Guards Ceremony at the Italian headquarters in Rome. lot of fun taking pictures of this ceremony. We finally found the right place and picked up our tickets. In addition this afternoon we visited St Ignazio Di Loyola Church where I did a prayer stop while lighting a candle for family members, thru a coin into the famous and well packed with people! Trevi Fountain, watched people sitting on the Spanish Steps... Treated ourselves to some lemon gelato....and caught the. Metro back home . A stop at the market inside the train station and we had dinner to enjoy on our hostel patio. I
At the end of our garden tour we went straight into the Vatican Museum...now this is where we found the crowds of tourist. Many we were told from the cruise boats anchored in the bay outside of Rome. Martha and I have both seen this lovely museum so the four of us split agreeing to meet later in the day back at our hostel. The twins did a fast tour as we plunged thru the massive crowds of people and were done in about an hour or so. Bonnie and Jane spent at least 5 hours enjoying this museum. We on the other hand went from the Sistine chapel direct into St Peters basilica . We decided to keep the bell tower and Pope John Paul's crypt till after the Scavi tour on Thursday as we would again end up back inside of St. Peter's and be much more rested to climb lots of steps. So we just visited the Pieta and my favorite Cherub holy water fountain, and a few other areas before heading out to catch a bus back towards the hostel.
Next we ended up on another bus to find the American college where we would pick up our tickets for tomorrow's Papal Audience. While searching for this we happened on a completely unexpected Changing of the Guards Ceremony at the Italian headquarters in Rome. lot of fun taking pictures of this ceremony. We finally found the right place and picked up our tickets. In addition this afternoon we visited St Ignazio Di Loyola Church where I did a prayer stop while lighting a candle for family members, thru a coin into the famous and well packed with people! Trevi Fountain, watched people sitting on the Spanish Steps... Treated ourselves to some lemon gelato....and caught the. Metro back home . A stop at the market inside the train station and we had dinner to enjoy on our hostel patio. I
Monday, October 14, 2013
10/14 Monday Travel Day to Rome
10/14 Monday travel day to rome
Up early good breakfast we cleaned up the apartment, settled with land lady and were on our way up the hill by10 on our way to the train station to meet Bonnie and Jane .
We had a mixup as to where we were to meet and ended up that they just made the train to Naples with very few minutes to spare. After the second stop the train was full with lots of people standing in the aisle. Reached Naples after a 2 hour ride, found a place for lunch and by 3:15 we were on our way to Rome on another very crowded train. But on this one we did have assigned seating, which was good and I found a very nice, tall, young man to help with my suitcase. It was a hoot to watch Bonnie and Jane get their big suitcase up...Bonnie was standing on the train seat and Jane was pushing it in....missed a really good camera shot. But at the end of the ride I asked ,the nice tall young man, to get all the cases down for us and he was very kind to do it. Walked down and got checked into our Hostel, The Beehive.
This is a first for Bonnie and Jane....last night went just fine. Then we all went out to find a place to eat. After talking with Phil I was in bed by 10 PM.
Sunday, October 13, 2013
Sunday - Our Lady of Fatima arrives in Rome Today.
10/13. Sunday - Our lady of Fatima arrives in Rome Today
But we are still in Sorrento so will have to see her this next week while we are in Rome. After a great breakfast in our kitchen we were off for the lift to attend 10 AM Mass at one of the many churches in Sorrento. On the way up Jane called to say that she was headed to the bus for a trip to Amalfi. Took me awhile but I finally convinced Martha that I would be just fine on my own today..so off she went to join Jane for the day. Bonnie also is having a day off to pack and do laundry as they have been here for two weeks.
BTW it's now 12:30 and Martha just called to check up on me and to let me know that they are still not to Amalfi fact is they are not even half way yet. They had to wait an hour for another bus. Once they get to Amalfi plan is to take another bus to Ravello. So am not expecting them home till late tonight. Me... I really enjoyed the 10 AM Mass and found that I can follow along pretty good on the Italian Mass printouts. It is so much easier to follow than the French ones.
After mass I made my way towards the lift, which will bring me down to the harbor, stopping on the way to shop... Found a tile with the black dog on it so bought it for Philip. Walked over to our, on the beach, internet spot and checked my emails on my IPOD... Hoping to fine a new email from Phil, but didn't find anything but junk mail. On the way back to the stairs for our apartment I decided to enjoy a break of cappuccino and a treat of ice cream. Upstairs now I am going to have a protein drink and some fruit and bread for lunch. Then I will go back downstairs and try to post this blog. 10/13 More on Sunday
. About 2PM I realized why my legs were itching so...I have been standing for an hour on beach sand posting....must have been sand fleas biting my ankles cause once I left the beach they stopped itching..back up the 61 steps to our apartment...that's two round trips or 244 steps today..oh my aching knees. Know that I have at least one more, and most likely 2 more trips today ...that would be 488 !!!! Martha just called again and looks like they are catching the 4:30 boat home. Then we plan to eat out tonight with all of us celebrating our last night in Serronto.
My time on the beach was well spent. No email from Phil but I did get Saturdays blog posted and also the start of today, Sunday. Checked emails and Facebook . Actually posted some pictures from yesterday to Facebook and transferred most of the pictures on My IPOD. And sent a couple of emails...lot done in one hour. Will finish this later after dinner. Martha just called at 4:45 and said they were on the boat and should be here during next 30 minutes or so. I have had a fun afternoon doing a lot of people watching in between packing and reading my book which is so like Downton Abbey that as I read I keep seeing the people from the TV show in my minds eye.... Their script is a direct take off from this book.
Martha and Jane got back about 6 PM...... I met their boat then we took the lift up to the town. We had not heard from Bonnie so we walked over to her favorite restaurant. While searching the tables for her she walked up to us on the sidewalk. We decided to eat our last dinner right where we were. I had spaghetti ....real Italian spaghetti.... Wow a great meal with red wine and bread. As it was after 8 PM Martha and I walked back down to the harbor and up to our room got over computers and are now at the B&B using the internet . By the time we walk back up again I will have done 4 round trips or 488 steps today. Guess that offsets the chocolate bar we plan to eat before bed. Tomorrow is a travel day as we leave for Rome.
BTW it's now 12:30 and Martha just called to check up on me and to let me know that they are still not to Amalfi fact is they are not even half way yet. They had to wait an hour for another bus. Once they get to Amalfi plan is to take another bus to Ravello. So am not expecting them home till late tonight. Me... I really enjoyed the 10 AM Mass and found that I can follow along pretty good on the Italian Mass printouts. It is so much easier to follow than the French ones.
After mass I made my way towards the lift, which will bring me down to the harbor, stopping on the way to shop... Found a tile with the black dog on it so bought it for Philip. Walked over to our, on the beach, internet spot and checked my emails on my IPOD... Hoping to fine a new email from Phil, but didn't find anything but junk mail. On the way back to the stairs for our apartment I decided to enjoy a break of cappuccino and a treat of ice cream. Upstairs now I am going to have a protein drink and some fruit and bread for lunch. Then I will go back downstairs and try to post this blog. 10/13 More on Sunday
. About 2PM I realized why my legs were itching so...I have been standing for an hour on beach sand posting....must have been sand fleas biting my ankles cause once I left the beach they stopped itching..back up the 61 steps to our apartment...that's two round trips or 244 steps today..oh my aching knees. Know that I have at least one more, and most likely 2 more trips today ...that would be 488 !!!! Martha just called again and looks like they are catching the 4:30 boat home. Then we plan to eat out tonight with all of us celebrating our last night in Serronto.
My time on the beach was well spent. No email from Phil but I did get Saturdays blog posted and also the start of today, Sunday. Checked emails and Facebook . Actually posted some pictures from yesterday to Facebook and transferred most of the pictures on My IPOD. And sent a couple of emails...lot done in one hour. Will finish this later after dinner. Martha just called at 4:45 and said they were on the boat and should be here during next 30 minutes or so. I have had a fun afternoon doing a lot of people watching in between packing and reading my book which is so like Downton Abbey that as I read I keep seeing the people from the TV show in my minds eye.... Their script is a direct take off from this book.
Martha and Jane got back about 6 PM...... I met their boat then we took the lift up to the town. We had not heard from Bonnie so we walked over to her favorite restaurant. While searching the tables for her she walked up to us on the sidewalk. We decided to eat our last dinner right where we were. I had spaghetti ....real Italian spaghetti.... Wow a great meal with red wine and bread. As it was after 8 PM Martha and I walked back down to the harbor and up to our room got over computers and are now at the B&B using the internet . By the time we walk back up again I will have done 4 round trips or 488 steps today. Guess that offsets the chocolate bar we plan to eat before bed. Tomorrow is a travel day as we leave for Rome.
Friday, October 11, 2013
Saturday a trip to Naples
10/12 Saturday - A visit to Naples
A rainy morning again but by 10 it had pretty well quit so the four of us decided to make a trip to Naples by boat. At noon in a light rain we set off for Naples. It was about a 45 minute ride. We all decided that the best way to get to the National Archeological Museum of Naples would be by taxi. We spent 3 hours looking at the finest art and artifacts that have been excavated from Pompeii and others cities destroyed by the eruption of Mount Vesuvius. Plus a lot of Roman and Greek statuary in great huge halls. Many of these statues are over 10 feet tall. My take on this museum is the best tile picture was "the black dog" which reminded me of our dog coco. The weirdest.... The gated secret rooms of the Erotic frescoes, well hung pottery and perky statues that once decorated brothels and bedrooms of Pompeii. The most interesting was the clay model of the city of Pompeii which took up one large room. As I had visited Pompeii back in 2009 I found it fun to remember seeing it in person and finding buildings that I remembered. This museum had many, many sets of stairs to go up and down.....soon my arthritic knee was giving me problems. Was wishing that I had brought my knee brace which was sitting back in my room. But with Martha's arm for support I made my way around the museum.
Outside off we went, my offer of a taxi ride fell on deaf ears, so down the street we walked and walked. We were looking for the pizza place of Julie Roberts fame as listed in the Rick Steve's book. An unexpected bonus was the large Duomo of Naples, Chiesa Cattedrale Di Napoli. Saturday mass was going on and the kids were doing a lot of singing. It is a huge beautiful church to see. Am so glad that we were able to stop and see it. On we walked and walked with Bonnie leading the way, Rick Steve's book in her hand. YES, this must be the place as it had people lined up outside waiting to get in.
We actually were given a number. After about a half hour wait we were taken to a table and asked for our order. Pizza without cheese or pizza with extra cheese which is what we ordered of course tomato sauce was on all. To drink it was beer,coke or water with gas. On the walls were several pictures of Julie Roberts when she was making the movie, Eat, Love and Pray..... Would I go back again NO, But the experience was one to be remembered.
Our next goal was to find the train station...by now it was 75PM... Tickets were purchased for our return trip to Rome on Monday afternoon. Then we went to find the little train that will take us back to Sorrento. We made this train with 5 minutes to spare. Arrive back home just after 8 pm ...to late for the lift or the bus....so down the hill we walked arm in arm. A full day
Outside off we went, my offer of a taxi ride fell on deaf ears, so down the street we walked and walked. We were looking for the pizza place of Julie Roberts fame as listed in the Rick Steve's book. An unexpected bonus was the large Duomo of Naples, Chiesa Cattedrale Di Napoli. Saturday mass was going on and the kids were doing a lot of singing. It is a huge beautiful church to see. Am so glad that we were able to stop and see it. On we walked and walked with Bonnie leading the way, Rick Steve's book in her hand. YES, this must be the place as it had people lined up outside waiting to get in.
We actually were given a number. After about a half hour wait we were taken to a table and asked for our order. Pizza without cheese or pizza with extra cheese which is what we ordered of course tomato sauce was on all. To drink it was beer,coke or water with gas. On the walls were several pictures of Julie Roberts when she was making the movie, Eat, Love and Pray..... Would I go back again NO, But the experience was one to be remembered.
Our next goal was to find the train station...by now it was 75PM... Tickets were purchased for our return trip to Rome on Monday afternoon. Then we went to find the little train that will take us back to Sorrento. We made this train with 5 minutes to spare. Arrive back home just after 8 pm ...to late for the lift or the bus....so down the hill we walked arm in arm. A full day
10/11/13 Friday posted a day late
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.
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.
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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