Rome, Italy (11/12/15)

Rome, Italy

November 12-15, 2014

We arrived in Rome. We are not counting down the days, but we are counting down the days. We stayed at another B & B, FloweRome. Very nice. Since it was early evening, we decided to venture out and see some sites.  We took a bus to the area that was suggested by our hotel manager.  Our first stop was Altare Della Patria. This is a beautiful monument that was built to honor their King.  Building started in 1885 and was dedicated in 1925. Unfortunately it was closed, so we will return tomorrow for the tour.  

Then we walked around,did some shopping and hung out in the square.  While we were there we watched an amazing artist and he was creating art with spray paint. Also, there was a guy creating shadow images with his body and fingers. Actually, pretty clever. Then we spotted a cute Italian restaurant, it was packed and we were hungry. Yum. Lee had spaghetti and I had homemade lasagna. Can't go wrong with homemade lasagna. We ordered a bottle of wine and chatted with our table neighbors. A cute couple that just got engaged.  Listen to this... He is from Tennessee, but grew up in Dallas, she is from Germany. They met while going to school in England.  Now they live in Rome, and work for a global non-profit organization. Their dilemma... Where to get married? Maybe have a Skype wedding?

When we were ready to leave, guess what? It was pouring down rain and we did not have an umbrella. Had to buy one more umbrella before we headed home. Yes have been blessed with umbrellas, even though now we only have three.

The Vatican

Today we woke up to a beautiful sunny day in Rome. I am so excited because today is the day for the Vatican, St. Peter's Bascillia, The Vatican Museum and Michelangelo's Sistine Chapel. When we arrived the line was very long, but we decided to stand in line since it was a sunny day. Only took about 45 minutes to enter.  Then while outside we started taking pics. I wanted to get a good pic of the guards.  So I walked over to get a closer shot. After pic, went to join Lee.  I was stopped by two of the Vatican security guards and not allowed back into the Vatican. I had crossed over a line that allowed no return. I never saw the sign, because was I so excited about getting a good pic of the guards. I saw other people taking pics too. I told them I was with Lee and we had stood in line to get in. I did not understand the problem since it was a free event. So I tried to go around them. One guard left and returned to his post, but the other guard was in my face and blocking me from entering. Lee said she is with me and we just got here He did not care. I thought he was kidding. Seriously. He threaten to get the police and I said go ahead, that might be better. Told him I did not know I was doing anything wrong and I was just trying to get a picture of guards. Finally the other guard walked over and said let her go. Finally he let me pass.  Never want to go to jail, especially in Europe. I really think he was a little too assertive.  They need to work on capturing the pickpockets and not little old ladies!

Anyway, we went in the Basilica and it was truly amazing... beautiful, enormous and so ornate from top to bottom. Pictures do not even begin to describe the beauty. They were lightly playing sacred music in the background and even though it was a crowded, it's still felt very spiritual. It was completed in the early 16th century, but actually started in 1506. Over a hundred years! There were many architects, including Michaelangelo, but Giovanni Panini was credited with the painting of the Bascilia. It is one of the largest and the Pope still holds mass many times throughout the year. Sometimes viewed by as many as 15,000 to 80,000 visitors. Wow!

St. Peter. Everyone lined up to touch his foot. 

Vatican Post Office where you could mail postcards home. 

 I could spends days, weeks, and never tire of the beauty of these European historical creations. I am always puzzled how the amazing structure came to be. If I could go back in time, that would be the period I would chose. I want to see all of the workers creating such beautiful art under such difficult circumstances. Well to them it was probably not difficult, because that was the only way they could complete their creation. 

The Vatican Museum

Another truly amazing museum that is filled from top to bottom with beautiful works including paintings, sculptures, tapestries and of course the workmanship of the 54 galleries leading up to Michaelangelo's Sistine Chapel. I did not see the "no photo" sign, so I was able to take a few pics. They do not come close to the actual colors in the artwork. The spiral staircase that winds up from the first floor is also a beautiful masterpiece from top to bottom. 

St. Peter's Bell Tower

On our last day in Rome, we went back to the Vatican so we could climb the tower.  There is a handicap elevator, but others must use stairs. For 7euros you could take a short elevator rise and climb 303 stairs or to save money you could pay 5 euros and climb about 300 more steps. We took the 7 euro route. The stairs were tiny and the passage very narrow. Not for the weak heart. No way to get down, but there were a few platforms for resting. But once you get to the top, it is beautiful. The birds definitely have the best view! 

Trevi Fountain

I was so excited about seeing this fountain. I still remember the movie and the song. All girls want to go yo Rome, fall in love and throw coins in the fountain. I was ready, but the fountain was under construction and would be for the next year. There were some visible parts and they made a path for visitors so we could throw in our coins and make a wish. Why not, it is estimated that 3,000 euros are thrown in every day. Wow! Well maybe next time. That was my wish. 

The Coliseum and The Pantheon

We visited the coliseum, but did not get to go inside. Did tour the ruins around the area. It is amazing that so many parts of early Rome are still in existence. They really protect their historical sites no matter how big or how small. 

The Altar Della Partia

Also known an Altar of the Fatherland.  Very beautiful and very large. We even got to go to the top for a birds eye view. This building is not that old as it was completed in 1925. It also contains the remains of an unknown soldier. 

Other Fun Stuff 

So many beautiful building and churches. We had some amazing Italian meals, pizza, and one vegetarian/pasta buffet. Sometimes you really miss veggies. Also, had a great time shopping in the smaller boutiques we found in some of the backstreet areas. Great street entertainment. Great hotel. 

Our buffet lunch. 

And desserts. Yum!

Not So Fun a Stuff

Lee had his pocket picked for the second time. We were at the train station headed for the airport to Barcelona. We were at the baggage claim and a young guy tapped Lee on the shoulder. He had his cell phone. He said sir you dropped your phone. We looked at each other puzzled, because I was behind Lee the entire way. Lee said thank you. Then the guy asked for euros. What a trick. They pick your pockets and since it was a phone and useless to him, he returned for money. Of course, Lee gave him a euro and the guy was off. The other time they took his billfold complete with 50 euros. I had mine picked outside Notre a Dame, but she only got my hotel card. Then she returned as if I had dropped it. She unzipped my side zipper and thought she would get money. Not on me. 

One day the transportation system was on strike, so we had to walk everywhere. We walk a lot, but we also use transportation when possible. That day we walked 13+ miles. We are ready to sign up with Sydney for a half marathon. Thank goodness it was only a one day strike since we were flying our the next day and needed public transportation to get to airport. 

Salerno & Almafi, Italy (11/9-11/14)

Salerno, Italy

Sunday, November 9-11, 2014

Salerno it is. That is as far down as we will travel in Italy. Then we will head to Almafi, Cinque Terra, Rome and then to Barcelona. We have a lot to cover and only eleven more days. 

Today was a beautiful, warm and sunny day that we could only experience from our train's big window. :- ) We traveled all day to get to Salerno. Boarded the train at 10:00am, then did not arrive until 5:30pm. We had a few changes and one stop allowed for an hour layover in Formia. We head outside and sit on park bench and enjoy the view of the Mediterranean. Lee picked up a couple of beers from the bar and we always have a bag of snacks. It felt so good to bask in the sun. Hope we will have more tomorrow. 

We finally reached Salerno and hiked to our hotel. Unfortunately, we left my backpack behind on the train. We immediately reported and had to complete paperwork. A lady tried to help with translation, but then she left and we were a lost cause with no translator. It was not just the backpack, but gifts we had purchased for the family in Sienna. Long story short, we never saw the backpack again. We have lost or forgot a lot of things along our journey, but with our travel agenda, it is to be expected. Except for the umbrellas... :-) Don't ask?

We had a great B & B. Very luxurious.  Our host was the best, which always helps. So we unpacked and headed downtown. Believe it or not, they were in full swing with their Christmas directions. Very beautiful and most big streets had different themes.  They were even playing Christmas music on the streets and selling roasted chestnuts. Then time to retire. 

November 10th

It was Monday, so we headed out to see the sites. We walked down to the waterfront and the view was so beautiful. Then we headed to the gardens. After we hiked and hiked, everything we wanted to see was closed. Then the rain moved in. Good time to get inside and have lunch. Need to shop for more gifts, since we are running our of time.

We were hoping to travel to Cinque Terre and Venice, but the forecast showed rain. So we decided to head out to Almafi. 

November 11th

Other than a car or boat, the bus was our only transportation. It was only an hour ride, but oh what a ride. Lee described it as treacherous, scary and unbelievable. The road was very narrow and very curvy. If we were going around a curve, the bus driver would toot his horn. That was a signal to the other side to let them know a big bus was coming. If they did not stop on time, we would have to wait for all cars to back up so we could complete our turn. Visa versa... If it was a bus coming in the other direction. Crazy. We felt sure that the driver was deranged to accept that assignment. 

But when we arrived, it was absolutely beautiful. The Mediterranean was on one side the mountains on the other side. It was a small quaint town and we enjoyed walking through the street. We also toured the the Almafi Cathedral. This is the cathedral that honors St. Andrew and it houses his remains. 

Lemoncello shop. 

Just a cute store. 

Almafi in miniature. 

We shopped and then had a great Italian lunch at one other many sidewalk cafés. We could not have asked for better weather. After lunch, we rode the bus back to Salerno. Just as much fun going home. Then we jumped on a train and headed for Sorrento. We arrived at the same time the rain arrived. Of course, we were prepared. We have been blessed with so many umbrellas along the way. We shopped and toured the city. Cute small town, then in search of dinner bit was raining, but not too cold so we sat outside and enjoyed some more Italian food and red wine. Then time to head home. No time for Naples. 

Tomorrow we are headed to Rome!

Sienna, Italy (11/7&8/14)

Sienna, Italy

November 7 & 8, 2014

Another 14 hour train ride with too many changes to count. We did not have a sleeper train since we started traveling early in the afternoon. We arrived in Sienna around midnight dead tired. We do not have a hotel reservation. We had one in Sienna for the night before, but due to travel issues, we were unable to keep the reservation. So now it is midnight, everything is closed at the train station. The city is dark and no one is around. Thank goodness there is one taxi. He takes us to the hotel and lucky for us they have one room and it is a suite. A little more than we had hoped, but it was great and with two big rooms so we could decompress. We opened the windows and the night air was so cool. Also had a tiny bathtub, but not too tiny for me. Took a hot bubble bath and soaked for a long time. Enjoyed a wine from the mini bar. Expensive, but needed! What a day!

Our hotel. 

View from our hotel window. 

We did not set the alarm, because we needed some sleep.  After we woke up, went down for a yummy breakfast. Another hot bath for me, then we hit the streets. Sienna is a beautiful small town. The shops were amazing, and the town was buzzing with people. This is the first time we did not have an agenda. We leisurely strolled up and down the small brick streets. I think we both needed a day of nothing. We did need to do some shopping for some things we needed before we head home. One thing we needed was a big suitcase for Lee's backpack. Too heavy to carry, because we keep accumulating things along the way. Found one that was perfect. Now we think we need a smaller one for my backpack. We will not know how to act without being attached to our backpacks. We have been attached for over two months! Then more shopping. Having so much fun. 

Time for lunch. Found a great restaurant where everything is homemade. I settled for vegetarian pizza and lee had veggie pasta. We ordered chianti that was wonderful. Really nice staff too! We finished and then needed to take items we purchased to our room. I decided I wanted to take a nap. Lee wanted to do more shopping. I was still asleep when he returned three hours later. I really needed a nap to catch up on lost sleep. 

Then we walked around the backstreets of town. Shops were quaint and smaller. We were still not in a hurry. Also, started looking for a place to have dinner. We found a small restaurant owned and operated by a three generation family. From where I was sitting, I could see the family cooking in the kitchen. The food was delicious!

Then we returned home, needed to make better use of our time tomorrow. There is a lot to see and do in Sienna. 

November 8, 2014

Slept until almost 9:00am. Yea! Then we went down for breakfast. Love this service. Our hotel had no rooms available for today, so we had to change hotels. We found one the day before and it was right in the middle of town and less expensive.  So we moved our things and headed out to check out the sites.  

First stop,  Basilica of San Domenico also known as Basilica Cateriniana. The church was originally built in the early 1200's, with renovations being made in the 14th and 15th century. The church is named for St. Catherine of Sienna and contains many of her relics. The chapel also houses her decapitated head and thumb. From an early age she vowed to give her life to God and do good things to help other people. She did just that.  

Next stop, Sienna Opera Della Metropolitan Complex.  This complex includes The Cathederal, the Baptistry, The Crypt, The Opera and The Library. This cathedral is amazing from the mosaic flooring to the beautiful ceilings and yet different from any other we have seen. Every chapel and every room is adorned with masterpieces. The Cathederal was built with black and white striped marble. This is striking. The arched ceilings are painted blue with gold stars. The mosaic tile covered the entire cathedral. 

After viewing the entire complex, we climbed up thousands of stairs, well maybe not thousands, but it seemed like it. The stairs were spiral and very small. Only one way up and one way down. If someone needed to pass, you had to hug the wall so they could go up or down. The view of the town was definitely worth it. 

We had worked up an appetite and we were still craving some more Italian food. we found a restaurant with homemade lasagna. It was great. Then we went in search of some decadent dessert or gelato? We settled on almond cookies and hazelnut chocolates. Then we returned to our hotel. Now that we have new suitcases, time for some much needed re-organization. Then needed to make plans for tomorrow. Will it be Rome, Prussia or Salerno? What an adventure!!!

Genova to Milan to Siena, Italy (11/6/14)

Genova to Milan to Siena, Italy

Wednesday, November 6, 2014

Wow, yesterday was a little crazy. We were on trains for a little over 14 hours yesterday. Thankfully when we arrived in Genova, our hotel was right around the corner from the train station. It was after midnight before we got in bed.  Did not want to wake up when the alarm went off at 7:30. But we had places to go and people to see. We were going to Milan even in the rain. 

This was a city that was always on our list. Our first stop The Museum Cenacola Vinciano to see the famous painting by Leonardo Di Vinci "The Last Supper". We had a few hours to kill after we got our tickets, so it was off the the Duomo Di Milano Cathedral. 

Of course, it was absolutely massive and amazing. You know I always wonder why they built such majestic and over-sized cathedrals, when it was so time consuming. Considering the  expense and the time involved, you might think they would build something smaller and less elaborate.  Don't get me wrong, I am glad that went to the extra trouble! Most cathedrals might charge an entrance fee and have a charge for the audio tour, but thy did not. As it should be!

After the cathedral, we jumped on a train and headed back to the museum. The painting was so beautiful and it really set off quite a few emotions because we know what happened next. It was painted between 1494 and 1498, not on canvas, but actually on the wall.  He was able to capture the emotions in the apostles facial expressions after Jesus made the statement about the betrayal to be made by one of his apostles. Leonardo de Vinci was truly a genius and was way ahead of his time with his artistic ability and the machines he created. I wanted to sit on the benches and absorb the beauty, but there was another group that wanted to see the painting too. The opposite wall from the of "The Last Supper", there is a painting of the crucifixion. Can you picture two artist hard at work on their painting of the before and after life of Jesus in his last days on earth. 

Wanted to do some window shopping since Milan is a mega city for fashion, but we had a train to catch... again. We were headed to Sienna.

First class on the train is nice. They offered free wine and snacks. Yum. I needed that since we had to run to the train with our backpacks to make the train. Now for a nice nap before we arrive in a Sienna. 

Genova, Italy (11/5/14)

Genova, Italy

November 5, 2014

This is one of the luxuries of no reservations while traveling. We were headed for Siena, Italy last night. We checked the weather and all was Ok! Then we woke up this morning and checked weather again. Rain for next three days! Cinque Terre... More rain. So we decided to go to Nice, Italy. Checked the weather and it is sunny and warmer. Just keep following the sun! (Did not make it to Nice because we missed our train.)

Lee had a wonderful breakfast at our hotel. I had my breakfast in my room while I packed. Hot tea and fruit. Love that Earl Grey.  Then back to the tracks. 

We got on our train and it was a short trip to Bern. We arrived and it was so cold and rainy outside and no place for cover while we await our next train. We still had a lot of Swiss money we did not spend, so Lee went in search of an umbrella to replace the one he lost or someone stole. We prefer to think someone stole it instead of losing anything else. He found an umbrella and he also got a hot dog and drink from a little mobile hot dog stand. Such a cute mobile kiosk, I would like to have one for my neighborhood at home. We have a lot of new home construction in our neighborhood and I could sell food to the workers. Would have to add salsa and jalapeños to my menu. 

 

We boarded the train to Genova, so glad to be out of the cold. While we were settling in, there was an announcement about a Starbucks train. Since we still had Swiss money we needed to spend, thought I could help with our dilemma and support Starbucks too! Yes? Poor Starbuck's!

So I headed to the Starbucks car. The prices were more outrageous than home, but people were lined up to pay those prices? I ordered my hot tea and then since I still had a lot of Swiss money, why not a blueberry muffin? This was the first train service for Starbucks in the world, but I am sure there will be others in no time. By the way, everything was Starbucks perfect.  

We reached Genova and had about 18 minutes between trains. We went down to find a bakery. We did, then headed for our track. It was not the usual track change and we were not sure if we were going the right direction and the clock was ticking. We were running at this point and no signs for "track 7" in sight. We stopped to make sure we were going the right way. We were still running with our back packs and hand bags. We reached the track just in time to see it pull away. Yikes!

We go to ticket office to see if we can fix our dilemma. Not an easy fix. Next train would put us there around 2:00am the next day. So we cancelled our hotel reservation and chose another location closer with less time on the train. It was costly, but it was the best choice. So now we are going to Genova, Italy. This was the first time we missed a train and hopefully the last. 

We got a hotel and spent the night, then left for Milan to see the famous Leonardo de Vinci painting, The Last Supper. 

Good night!

Chur, Switzerland (11/2-5/14)

Chur, Switzerland

Sunday, November 2nd-5th, 2014

We arrived in Switzerland. In less than 24 hours we have traveled from Budapest to Vienna then Switzerland. We checked into our hotel and we were off to train station. Getting tickets for our next adventure. We were taking a scenic train to Arosa. It was a spectacular ride with plenty of mountainous views. It is Fall and the trees still have their leaves. Lee and I agreed that the trees were not as pretty as Georgia or Missouri.

We arrive and there was just a little snow, but this time next month there will be plenty of snow and buzzing with people since Arosa is a small ski resort. We walked around the town and picked our restaurant by the garlic smells that were seeping from inside the restaurant to the nice cool air.  Hmmmm!  We ordered a ham and mushroom pizza. They delivered to our table a large vegetarian pizza and an extra large ham and mushroom calzone. Lee went to tell the waitress that she delivered the wrong food to our table, but she disagreed and said it was what we ordered? Oh, the language barrier. We thought the pointing to the menu also worked. Guess not! We also ordered a beer. Then Lee asked for water, but they brought mineral water which was more expensive than beer. Final cost for lunch... 63 francs? Oh well! Anyway, we enjoyed our lunch except for the expense. Guess tomorrow we will have pizza for breakfast. 

We got home early, but needed to wash clothes. It happens even when you are in Switzerland. Lee volunteered to do the laundry. He assigned me to checking train schedules and finding a hotel for the next day. I think he gave me the hard job? Believe it or not, I did good. The next day we got up early. We had booked another scenic train ride. This was one  was really amazing, The Bernina Express. It is the highest altitude railway and is 5000 feet above sea level. Hope you enjoy the pics, but they do not show the breathtaking view from our train. Everyone was oohhhhing and ahhhhing. So funny!m

Back on the train to our next destination. 

Interlaken, Switzerland

Hotel Banhof

Today was another day of train riding. We started at 9:00am this morning with our scenic train and we have changed trains eight times.  Most of the changes required immediate boarding the for next train. Once we had a 15 minute break.  Just enough time to grab lunch... Goldfish, dark chocolate for Lee, light chocolate with nuts for me, Peach Nestea and we had left over cold pizza from our lunch yesterday. Life is good.  One train we were on from Zurich to Bern was entirely full and we barely made the connection. Lee did not even have a real seat and thankfully it was a one hour ride.  Europeans really take advantage of the buses, trams and trains. 

We arrived at our hotel around 8:00pm, so we headed out to find dinner. Most of the town was closed except for a few restaurants. Luckily we found one that served brats and Lee was happy. Then back to hotel for some much needed sleep, will have to catch an early train tomorrow. 

Lauterbrunnen, Switzerland

Hotel Jungfrau

We picked this city so that we could take the Jungfrau Express to the top of the highest point in Europe. The brochure was unbelieveable.  Could not wait. But when we arrived it was cloudy and rainy. So the Express was closed for the day., not so much the rain, but the clouds created zero visibility at the top. Also, the wind gusts were about 80mph. So we went to store and picked up some lunch and wine. Did I also mention it was freezing in this town. When we got to our hotel, the view was amazing. We were surrounded by the alps. Beautiful, even though you could not see the tops because of the clouds. We stepped out on the patio and our neighbors were outside enjoying the view too. We started chatting and chatted outside in the cold for over an hour. So nice to have a conversation with fellow Americans. Dinner was served at 5:00pm, so we decided to continue chatting in the dining room downstairs and have some dinner. Earlier the outside menu listed  Chinese meals (owner was Chinese), but they serve a different culture everyday. So we settled for a Swiss menu. I had some wonderful spaghetti with tomatoes, zucchini and garlic. Great white wine. Lee had Swiss cuisine. Delicious. Enjoyed dining with Dave and Deb from Indiana. 

Nothing like a full stomach to make you sleep like a baby.  Phone rang during the night and it was Jason. He was at Dallas/Fort Worth airport waiting on his flight back home. So glad that we got to talk and catch up on the little ones.  Then back to sleep! Yep, you got ut... Up for an early train to... Italy. Yea!!!