Day Zero. In this era of “instant” communication – twitter, instagram, snapchat etc. - messages might be limited to 140 typed characters or “less.” Maybe, no words at all, only an emoticon (-: or photograph , maybe blurred at that. Yes, I remember the axiom – one picture is worth a thousand words.
Well... I prefer spoken communication. Alas, a few have told me to limit my incessant “chatter.” Sure, I have thought of being brief, but, would miss what I was looking for – another person’s story I enjoyed and was interested in. I also want to to share with others, like you.
To some, I have replied what I learned from our “conversation.” I know, you talk, I listen. Then I talk, talk, talk and you maybe tune out. But... when I provide the details of what I remember or reviewed to get a better understating, realize they missed my many questions that they replied to before jumping to, unfortunately, my next item of interest.
I get "it" while I can. We’ve maybe have seen or heard the Latin term – carpe diem – seize the day.
I try to focus on the good of today, not maybe the not so good of yesterday, maybe the new “challenges” of tomorrow. Please accept my explanation that I mean no harm by my method. They might be thought of as brief conversations I see on the "tube" with “speed dating.” In a short amount of time – questions and answer are exchanged and the result is...?
My intent of this journal, has been to share my observations and interpretations of the experience – with bias to maybe looking at things with rose-colored glasses. Faulty? Maybe. But look at today's news in print or visuals and I think, where is the good in this place we call home? Escapism? Yes, you have that right (-:
Hope you find something of interest.
For me, this is home sweet home – the BIG blue ball. Enjoy the journey (-:
Why do I travel? I like to tell people I am a “lifelong learner.” So far, have not graduated from the “school of hard knocks.” Just after getting married, was drafted in the US Armed Forces. That big adventure was 1967-68, spending time in Vietnam. As one of the handful of advisors to the local province, Binh Dinh, learned a lot. First and foremost, you can’t believe all that you read (magazines & newspaper) or TV – reports from home regard what was shown. Typically, I felt the observations and interpretations were “incomplete,” not necessarily incorrect.
Was it the “whole truth?” Maybe.
To “learn” about anyplace, I feel I need to spend some time there. Not just what I see, but what did I - Do? Eat? My year there was spent at times traveling to other parts of the south part of the country. Like most places, something different in each area.
This adventure, we, Carol & I, do something different too. Plan an intergenerational adventure. Focus was on Road Scholar (RS) tour – Adventures Afloat: The Magic of Italy: A Grandparent Adventure by Riverboat. Program # 21395 July 8 - 17, 2015. http://www.roadscholar.org/n/program/summary.aspx?id=1%2D6W4S1L&MC=
Summary: Program intended for grandchildren from 11 - 15 years of age.
Benvenuti in Italia! Let the River Po lead you and your grandchild on an unforgettable journey among the canals of enchanting northern Italy. Get your first taste of Italy in beautiful Verona, then step aboard a river barge for a five-night voyage back through the centuries, floating past tiny villages and lush landscapes and tasting the many flavors they produce. Come ashore again in Venice to learn about the canals, bridges, lagoon and medieval streets of one of Europe’s most magical cities.
After Carol & I agreed on that, asked 13 year old, Mya – are you interested? Without hesitation, answered – YES! One of her school friends told her about a trip her family took to Rome, this past summer. Mya asked, could we visit Rome too? Of course. Carol & I did an RS tour 2 years prior - Italian Classics; Rome Florence & Venice Details @ Road Scholar #18206. We added extra days prior to the tour so she could visit the same locations we did – Rome plus Florence & Venice. http://www.roadscholar.org//n/program/summary.aspx?id=1%2D4PBJNK&MC=
When our daughter, Mya’s mom Maggie, heard about the plans – asked – me too? Sure you and Dan can come to on the part prior to the tour.
So today, we all leave the same airport – but Maggie & Dan on a different flight since our reservations were made by RS.
Today’s Schedule
Get to Rome, using my 6 step process:
Wake up at correct time. No problem today, since flight doesn’t leave until after 4 p.m.
Taxi shows up when scheduled.
Taxi gets us safely to airport.
Get through TSA security check with no issues. All OK.
Plane leaves on time – done.
Planes arrives at correct airport – on time – done.
My Observations
When “somebody” else does the logistical planning, everything looks, easy. My experience - far from easy.
In our case, where do we meet Maggie in Rome airport? What transportation do we take from airport to hotel – Taxi? Train? Bus? Are we both using the same map for hotel location? Whose name is the reservation made under? And, as I will find out in Venice – did I get a confirmation numbers after numerous notes to hotels to get reservations made correctly? I’ll save that story until we get to Venice. Here are internet links for highlights:
Land safely @ the Roma airport and arrange for transport to hotel. Original plans were to meet daughter and husband @ Terminal 3, but since they were taking different flight – changes made that we would just meet @ hotel. Main train terminal is only blocks away from hotel so we have option – taxi, train or bus. Decide on bus, which allows us to see some chance to view countryside before entering town area.
We drag our suitcases a block and turn corner toward hotel, We find Maggie & Dann having breakfast at sidewalk café. We join them knowing we had an hour yet until room check in. The airline “box” breakfast was not filling, plus need to coffee to help adjust to 6 hour time difference.
When we get to hotel, find our friend, front desk manager Marco, has day off. We go to rooftop garden to show off spectacular panoramic view to our new visitors. Carol & I stayed @ Hotel Diana 2 years ago on prior tour with Road Scholar to to see classic art of Rome, Florence & Venice. Plan is to stay at hotels we know the location and happy with prior service.
Once on the roof, meet again with Ali from Afghanistan, who was very helpful on prior visit. He introduces us to a staff member who was there for a few months as student-worker from Portugal. As we talk with them, find out she goes to school in Coimbra Portugal. We visited her university last year on another RS tour. The school is noted for excellent education and capes the students wear – yes, just like in Harry Potter.
After getting in our awesome rooms – a real update from last visit. Very nice (-:
Then, off to our potential daily schedule – walk as much as you can – so much to see just from block to block. Take them first to Cathedral Santa Maria Maggiore. Rather than adding my own photos, will let you “browse” via a virtual visit.
After that, head toward Coliseum. So much architectural antiquity is clustered in this area. We walk, walk, & walk. When I see the younger ones slowing down, decide to change direction, back toward hotel, maybe a 30 minute walk – if you don’t stop to see so much that is surrounding us.
All are hungry, so we settle for local small café and order food and drink. The weather was hot, so enjoyed a chance to sit in the shade. The walk back to the hotel was slow – with a stop for Gelato. One of many we have over the next several days.
My Observations
It’s great to be back. A chance to visit new places and revisit some favorites. Although the weather is hot, 38 C/100 F, we know that there are many places to stop for refreshment. From prior visits, have added names and contact information for many friends we have made. Each city has people we want to make sure we say – ciao – and renew friendship.
It’s been a long day – not much sleep on the airplane. So will make more comments in upcoming days. Will meet all for breakfast and decide – do go visit a place as a group? Or go our separate ways and meet for dinner? Here are internet links for highlights:
Photo 1 - See. We call it coliseum in USA – Italy, it is the Colosseo.
Photo 2 - Do. We meet a friend from prior visit – Ali from Afghanistan.
Photo 3 - Eat. A very delicious pizza funghi (mushroom)
Our schedule will be “flexible” over these next 2 weeks. While Maggie and Dan are with us, will let them choose where to go. In some cases may go with them. Mostly though, need to let them discover for them selves.
Maggie, Dan and Mya decided to get tickets and visit the Vatican and a catacomb location. The underground burial sites (catacombs are all over the city. All typically have niches carved into the stone walls where the dead were kept. Contrary to many “stories,” this was not a place where the Christians “hid” from the Roman soldiers. It was used for burials.
Carol & I decide to revisit Basilica of Santa Maria degli Angeli e dei Martiri - Saint Mary of the Angels and Martyrs at the Diocletian Baths. Formerly the bathhouse of 2,000 years ago, then “remodeled” later by none other than Michelangelo.
From there, see the fountain of Piazza on Via Nazionale. Then go up a few blocks to Via del Quirinale. The street where the last kings palace is — Palazzo del Quirinale.
Check out the other Rome virtual visit options (-:
My Observations
Although I have titled this journal as 3Q, it could have just as been 3R – renew, reuse and recycle. Much of what we see it remade from things originally constructed over 2,000 years ago. What might have been discarded by a major palace builder, could have then been used for a less picky family home.
The area of Rome we will walk around over the next few days is amazing. No skyscrapers or other “modern” buildings - usually. To appreciate it all, I have to make sure I follow a pattern of history – art – culture. Without knowing the history, the art and culture can be greatly misunderstood. Prior to the formation of the Roman Empire, the Greeks had constructed many of the buildings and carved sculptures. The Romans, then either copied favorite Greek items, or attempted to make improvements.
Photo 1 - See. Mya and parents visit Vatican City – Most impressed by Saint Peters.
Another meandering day like yesterday. Maggie and Dan did some night-time wandering on their own last night. Decided to take Mya with them and have her share in their experience of the Forum, and other surroundings. Much to see and so little time.
Carol & I are lucky that we took 5 extra days prior to the week long tour we had 2 years ago. For us this day planned for walking to the area of the Spanish Steps.
We start the day with meeting Marco the manager of the Hotel Diana. He has been so helpful on both our Rome visits. He had a few days away with family. For me – he is like family – brother – fratello. Once we leave hotel, head in the direction of the main train terminal. Along the way will check on two “Massimo.” One being the owner of the Alessio Ristorante. We ate at the sidewalk café part almost daily during the prior visit.
From there, cross the street to Museo Massimo. Enjoyed seeing the banners with special quotes displayed in Italian and English. One of my favorite sculptures from prior visit is there – The Boxer. A larger than life bronze pugilist who has his head turned – looks you in the eye – and like Robert De Niro from movie – Taxi Driver, seems to ask – you talkin’ to me?
Next stop, the train station to verify plans for leaving in a day for train to Florence. A very L-A-R-G-E terminal, that some may find daunting. Like most public transpiration places in Italy – instructions in both Italian and English. Very helpful for us and would guess many other travelers from Europe.
Late this morning, we board high speed (300 Km per hour) train to Florence. When you look out the window – the scenery does not fly by like you might imagine. A smooth quiet ride. The rail curves are even banked to minimize any feeling you are going at great speed around a curve.
We then check into Hotel Rivoli that Carol & I stayed at 2 years ago. No reason to search for another place since all the prior location were great. Hotel staff gave some recommendations for lunch. We meander along the various shops with leather goods that Florence is noted for.
After tasty lunch, head to the Cattedrale di Santa Maria del Fiore (Cathedral of Saint Mary of the Flower), also known as “The Duomo,” The Dome. The name comes from the dome shape on the building. After this type construction was found to allow large cup shaped ceiling, many other Italian churches that were built later and also have the name – duomo. The actual church names are different, depending on the naming request by wealthy donors.
Just think of the top artists, writers, and politicians who were largely responsible for the Florence we see and enjoy today. They all came from Florence.
Rather than me focus on who and what. You can find a “few” of the most famous here.
Photo 1 - See. The weather from Florence and back home aren’t much different. Temps have been and continue to be around 100. Whew – too hot.
Photo 2 - Do. We spent several minutes watching the pasta chef making pasta in the various stage of before cutting. Things looked so good ate there the next day.
Photo 3 - Eat. When it’s so hot – gelato is the treat for the day (-:
We agree to share the whole day wandering as a group. Go to the main piazza - Piazza della Signoria. This time, take the route past many fancy (read- expensive) stores. The window displays only show the best. Also past a few of the museums we visited on prior visit. Uffizi and Accademia.
We continue walking and cross the River Arno along the Ponte Vecchio bridge. Very famous with dozens for jewelry shops. Many that make only custom pieces. Yes, do bring a credit card with a high spending limit.
After window shopping, continue to the Palazzo Pitti. Get to see wonderful art in the museum. Next spend time outdoors walking thru the huge Boboli Gardens.
If you only had once city in Italy to view art – I would pick Florence. It is everywhere. We passed maybe a handful of chalk artists during the day. Since the time interval between visits were a few hours, got to see the completed works – Bella – beautiful.
I would even think and say, the food is also works of art. Dan thought the Brewdog brewery, was his highlight. He has watched a cable TV show that features the proprietors as they visit various breweries around the world. Craft beer has come into prominence. Dan has also tried his hand at a special concoction of his own – a peanut butter IPA – Indian Pale Ale. Good taste- yes, you know that it has a peanut flavor, yet some slight bitterness from hops – I think. What do I know. I only drink it – very cold of course because of the hot weather. Need to replenish my lost body electrolytes with vitamins – B-E-E & R for refreshing (-:
Photo 1 - See. Various chalk artists are sharing their talent for other to view and donate funds.
Photo 2 - Do. Travel to many parts of the city. Stop at favorite pizza ristorante. We sampled 5 different toppings prior visit. http://www.lorenzodemedici.eu/#!home
Photo 3 - Eat. Before tasting, always enjoy smelling the aromas of spices and toppings. Awesome flavor!
