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 (-:
Today there is no online photo album today.
Day 1 of 21 Saturday 27-Jun-2015 Enroute Rome
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:
Airport – FCO - Fiumicino
http://www.rome-airport.info/in.html
http://europeforvisitors.com/rome/transportation/rome-fiumicino-airport.htm
Taxi – Take white color cabs with rate posted on door.
http://www.roninrome.com/transportation/new-taxi-rates-take-effect-in-rome
Train - Maggie & Dan took train to Termini.
http://www.roninrome.com/transportation/leonardo-express-the-trenitalia-nonstop-train-to-the-fiumicino-fco-airport
Bus – We took T.A.M bus line. Got us to same Termini train terminal. Just 2 short blocks from hotel.
http://www.adr.it/en/web/aeroporti-di-roma-en-/pax-fco-bus
http://www.tambus.it/index.php?lang=en
Photo 1 – See. Saw that our plane was on time (-:
Photo 2 - Do. Flew high above the clouds for 5,500 miles / 9,000 kilometers with nary a bump.
Photo 3 - Eat. Nothing fancy since we ate most meals at home. Had cookies and coffee while we bid our time for cab ride to airport.
Click here for today's online photo album.
Day 2 of 21 Sunday 28-Jun Rome
Today’s Schedule
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.
http://www.virtualtourist.com/travel/Europe/Portugal/Distrito_de_Coimbra/Coimbra-289328/Local_Customs-Coimbra-TG-C-1.html
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.
http://www.vatican.va/various/basiliche/sm_maggiore/vr_tour/index-en.html
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.
https://www.google.com/maps/@41.9005603,12.4773822,15z
Once we got to Trajan's Column, a record to the many battles won by the Roman army, decide our “troops” need to be fed.
http://www.aviewoncities.com/rome/trajanscolumn.htm
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)
Click here for today's online photo album.
Day 3 of 21 Monday 29-Jun Rome
Today’s Schedule
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.
http://www.santamariadegliangeliroma.it/index.htm?lingua=INGLESE&cambialingua=SI
Rather than add too much for each day, I will refer to a prior journal page from 2013 visit, with web links included.
http://2013-c2c-adventure.blogspot.com/2013/08/day-13-of-28-thursday-oct-31-2013.html
http://2013-c2c-adventure.blogspot.com/2013/08/day-14-of-28-friday-nov-1-2013.html
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.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Quirinal_Palace
http://www.panoramicearth.com/4004/Rome/Palazzo_and_Piazza_del_Quirinale
We go on meandering up to the Spanish Steps – Scalinata Spagna. Sit a bit to watch the other people watchers, then head back to hotel.
http://www.youvisit.com/tour/rome
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.
Photo 2 - Do. Carol filling water bottle at nasoni. The water coming from a “nose.”
http://www.lifeinitaly.com/tourism/lazio/nasoni-of-rome
Photo 3 - Eat. My favorite – pasta and clams. First time of many (-:
Click here for today's online photo album.
2015 3Q Day 3 of 21 Monday 29-Jun Rome
Day 7 of 21 Friday 3-Jul Florence
Today’s Schedule
Maggie & family off to points yet unknown. Carol & I are making a visit to a special friend we met last year. Paola Vojnovic, an art historian. After our last visit, she was heading a crowd-funding effort for restoration of the chapel façade of the Basilica Santa Croce (Holy Cross). Poala and us, with another couple who were also donors, climb the scaffolding to view restoration in action.
http://www.theflorentine.net/authors/author-view.asp?authorid=456
http://www.theflorentine.net/articles/article-view.asp?issuetocId=9266&browse-by=&level=
http://www.airpano.com/360Degree-VirtualTour.php?3D=Florence-Italy
http://www.sacred-destinations.com/italy/florence-santa-croce
To clean the 500 year old stone work, we were surprised at the simplicity. A light pressure spray from a water hose nozzle directed at a different section every few minutes when the years of dirt accumulation was removed, without damage to the stonework. Of course, some areas required major work like replacing broken or missing pieces. For those parts, molds were made and reconstruction made to fill in missing items.
While visiting the chapel interior, Paola told us of the building acoustics. Was very good when the monk who were the original occupants used it for many centuries. Poala suggested that I might sing something to hear what she had described. I gave a try using the song – you are my sunshine. It startled a few of the other visitors, but wondered of it might collect a few coins like the street buskers we see. No luck. Guess I need to keep my day job – independent scholar. Keep studying and maybe someday, I will...?
Next we visit the basilica proper. Like most places we visit, very ornate with a feeling of spaciousness to include many works of art. Some pieces were memorials to notables like Michelangelo and Dante.
From there, to the museum that also had wood block prints made by a monk – Pietro Parigi. A very talented person.
http://www.contemporaneaprogetti.it/exhibition/gallery.php?type=past-exhibitions&cat=modern&gal=01__Museo%20Pietro%20Parigi&lang=eng
http://www.google.com/search?q=firenze++%22pietro+parigi%22++prints&client=safari&rls=en&hl=en&sa=X&oi=image_result_group&ved=0CCoQsAQ4CmoVChMIj5-n9NyuxwIVw3A-Ch1t3gS_&tbm=isch
http://www.worthpoint.com/worthopedia/pietro-parigi-signed-xylograph-print-459445585
Time now to try pasta – which is not too difficult.
My Observations
As I wrote earlier, art is everywhere, whether in the architecture painting, sculpting or leatherwork.
Before leaving Santa Croce went to visit a special school stated after Word War II – Scuola Del Cuoio. A school to train leather workers. The leather work originated around 1220, when Saint Francis of Assisi was traveling thru the area. Since the area is known for cattle raising for meat, the hides are also used to make things. There are tanneries, dyers, and the finished leather craftsperson's in this area.
http://www.scuoladelcuoio.com/scuola-del-cuoio-about-us.html
Because of the many war orphans, local Santa Croce father superior, Padre Farnetani, asked a local artist, Marcello Gori to help. Marcello started the leather school to give the orphans a craft and be able to make a living. Since that time business has continued and expanded.
Seeing that there are still people interested in learning about and using the old crafts was appealing. Once those skills are lost, is difficult to “reverse engineer” the process. I still have yet to see a modern 3-D printer duplicate to wood , stone or leather work we have enjoyed.
Photo 1 - See. Another friend from prior visit – Poala Vojnovic, art historian at Opera Santa Croce.
Photo 2 - Do. Visit the chapel at Santa Croce that we helped in the crowd funding for restoration.
Photo 3 - Eat. More good pasta, this time, tagliatelle, with sweet tomato sauce – yummy (-:
Click here for today's online photo album.
Day 8 of 21 Saturday 4-Jul Florence
Today’s Schedule
Another day of separate meanderings. No problem. Although I have been here before, would like Maggie and family to make their own discoveries.
Carol & I will continue to try and walk at least 5 miles per day – as verified by GPS I carry. Use the data to also match my photos at end of day. When I see photo, don’t need to wonder, just where was I?
My Observations
We again stop at front window of Osteria Pastella, just a short walk from hotel. The pasta chef today is making little ravioli, then filling with a pastry cone/bag she adds to little dough pouches. The shop has not opened for business, so no menu for the day is yet displayed.
http://www.osteriapastella.it/
http://www.yelp.com/biz/osteria-pastella-firenze
We continue a few blocks until we see a few classic Italian sports cars – Fiat, Alfa and Ferrari. All are bright red. What else would you expect?
What a thrill to just walk and look. No agenda. No timetable. Walk, look, stop. Then ponder a bit why? How? Maybe, how much?
We find an unusual snack shop. No person in attendance. All needed right there. Food. Drink. ATM. The Pasta Ciutta Caffe. Nice idea.
After hours of walking, head back to hotel. Find the Osteria open. The ravioli I find are filled with salmon. We get ourselves seated. Some cold refreshments. Red wine for Carol. A Pironi beer for me. The menu has a handful of separate sections. Some diners only order the “main” course. For us – go all the way. 1. Antipasti. 2. Zuppe 3. Primi Piatti 4. Secundi Piatti. 5. Dolce.
Some times there are even more selections: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Italian_meal_structure
It is no wonder that you hear of the “meal” covering 2 hours or more of time. It is a time for talk and tasting, in an unhurried manner. Wow, do I miss that now that I’m back.
Photo 1 - See. Window shop for next meal – Osteria Pastella
Photo 2 - Do. Walk many miles – get tired and hungry.
Photo 3 - Eat. Great food. Ravioli with Salmon filling seasoned with sweet vermouth. Got to meet and thank the chef for an outstanding meal.
Click here for today's online photo album.
Day 9 of 21 Sunday 5-Jul Venice
Today’s Schedule
Another high speed train ride. This time Firenze (Florence) to Venezia (Venice).
Get to Hotel Principe that I had scheduled, then a “whoops.” No reservation listed. I check my many e-mail that I exchanged over the past 2 months to find that I never got a confirmation. Vincenzo, the desk manager, says he will “help” us. One night only though. Not the 2 nights for Maggie and the 4 for Carol. Mya and I. Maggie and Dan wer going to leave on July 7 to join son, Diego. He was in Italy also with another friend who graduated from high school with him. The friend’s family has a home & business on the Isle of Elba where Napoleon was exiled to. A small island just off the coast from Pisa – yeah – the place with the crooked building.
http://www.hotelprincipevenice.it/
Vincenzo sets us up in “luxury.” Rooms with balcony facing the Grand Canal. Is this special you ask? If you know of anyone who has been there, ask if they got a 4 star hotel room with balcony facing the Grand Hotel. We felt blessed! Lucky too (-:
My Observations
Train ride was nice. Since our seating was set up in groups of 4, I was “odd-man” out. Was across the aisle with 3 other people. I find in our 90 minute or so ride it is a mother with 2 teenage daughters. Traveling from Rome to Venice. At first I did not chat with them. I know – who me – not talk? I listened a bit at the chatter between the 3 of them. Realized they were talking in Polish. I used my abbreviated Polish skills and introduced myself and family across the aisle.
Spent the time learning much from the emigrés from Poland to Italy. Agnieszka came to find work. She is a school teacher. After a few months of learning enough Italian, opened a school for visitors to learn a bit of Italian to ease language fears while in Italy. Then added classes for English with the Italians who were interested. Was great to have all 3 share their stories with me. Got more talk from the 16 year old, than the 13 year old. I know though, they probably thought me a scary Americano.
We parted ways after reaching the train station. For us, just a short walk to the hotel. Already Maggie and family surprised at the various types of watercraft using the canals.
Since rooms not yet ready, we go across the pedestrian only walkway. Yep – no cars. Maybe a few baggage carriers with carts, but no motorized vehicles. I talk the group into trying Ginos Pizzeria. Carol & I ate there a few times during last visit. Plus – my “nickname” from teen years was Gino. My neighborhood Italian friends had a hard time with the long Polish surname and shortened it to Gino.
http://www.ginospizzeria.it/
We ordered pizza and drinks. Being another hot day, asked for the large beer? I hear the word – Grande? I nod – OK. Out comes a jug with a liter of beer. A true 2 fisted endeavor. Mmm – good and cold.
After getting settled in our rooms, decide to wander the streets. Maps are OK, if you can find the street names. The are typically painted on a building corner about 10 feet high – sometimes. Maggie and Dan go off on their own. Mya stays with us and is our “guide.” Her job is to locate the directions to key locations – Rialto, for the Rialto bridge. P. Marco, for the Piazza San Marco, known to us as Saint Marks Square – it’s really an L-shaped rectangle. And the key one, back to the hotel – Ferrovia – the Iron place that is the train terminal. A short walk from the hotel.
About halfway into our excursion, bump into Maggie and Dan, who are having a ball – getting lost, then found and lost again.
Another great day.
Photo 1 - See. Mya did a great job of locating the Venice direction signs.
Photo 2 - Do. Got a great room right on the Grand Canal.
Photo 3 - Eat. Pizza and BIG cold beer.
Click here for today's online photo album.
Day 10 of 21 Monday 6-Jul Venice
Today’s Schedule
Maggie, Dan & Mya explore on their own.
Carol & I spend time using the view from the balcony to enjoy the passing boats and people. Then get busy to find out where we stay the next 3 nights. Vincenzo, tells us he was able to arrange for us to get 2 rooms just down the street at the Hotel Bellini. One night only. Great for Maggie and Dan who leave in the morning.
http://www.b4bellinivenezia.com/en
We have breakfast, then put luggage into hotel storage and we go to “inspect” the place the 3 of us will have for 2 nights. After a good amount of time searching find out – Vincenzo is correct – all places are full. Then instead of a hotel, I try bed & breakfast. Alas – 1 has an opening for 2 nights – 2 beds. I jump at the offer. Wow, only half the cost of the original quote from Hotel Principe when I was making reservations. Casa San Andrea – Nice name and next door to a convent and church.
I’ll save the “surprise” until I write about it tomorrow. Interesting place.
My Observations
Boats, boats and more boats. Big ones that carry up to 300 people (vaporetto). The the custom speed boats known as water taxi. For the cost of an arm and half a leg, will take you in style where you want to go. Then there are barges carrying fuel for the stoves. Some, bring food. Laundry. You name it – it goes in and and out using boats. Yes, garbage too.
http://www.reidsitaly.com/destinations/veneto/venice/sights/grand_canal.html
Carol & I have lunch a few doors from hotel - Ristorante Povoledo. Another location we ate at with our tour group 2 years ago. Fried fish was tasty.
http://www.trattoriapovoledo.com/Venice-restaurant-pizzeria-Povoledo-english/Typical-trattoria-in-Venice-historical-center-about-us.htm
We walk off the big meal crossing a bridge we have not yet been on. The “red bridge” that goes to the bus station on Piazzale Roma. Obviously, this is a part of Venice that is not included in what most folks go to see. We check out Casa San Andrea and get our bus tickets to take us to the airport in 2 days. Although we are not flying anywhere, this is where we meet the group we will be touring with for 11 days.
http://www.italyheaven.co.uk/veneto/venice/piazzale-roma.html
We come back to hotel, find Maggie & family and eat another fine meal at Ginos. Mya gets a special cup of cappuccino. I think the guy who brought it thinks she is sweet – even has a heart made of cream on top.
After eating, go for our luggage and take it a 100 yards away to Hotel Bellini. Wow, more nice rooms. Facing the walkway, and if you look carefully, can see the Grand Canal.
Since this is our last night with Maggie and Dan, all fit in 1 bed, drink wine and talk about all we have seen in the past 10 days. Much fun. Many laughs. More stories to share with others when we get home.
Photo 1 - See. Moonlight on the Grand Canal. How beautiful. Priceless – almost.
Photo 2 - Do. Get to ride on a boat with a couple hundred hot and sweaty travelers. Thoughts of cold beer are visions in my head.
Photo 3 - Eat. Fried fish was wonderful. On prior visit had some squid. After eating it everybody compared the dark black coating on tongue. Fun food (-:
Click here for today's online photo album.
Day 11 of 21 Tuesday 7-Jul Venice
Today’s Schedule
Take a vaporetto boat to Isle of Murano. See the glass making shops at work. Admire all the beautiful pieces.
Next boat stop is Burano, the colorful crayola crayon buildings are just like in a story book. I also great place for food, then again, where have we been that it was not absolutely yummy.
My Observations
We have been to Murano on prior trip. We did look into a few other glass factories. Decided to go back to where we liked the presentation and the glass showroom. There was one large size art piece, maybe 2 feet tall and egg shaped with figurines molded inside. Cost – a very expensive 200,000 Euro ($240,000). Nice, but not for me.
http://www.virtualtourist.com/travel/Europe/Italy/Veneto/Murano-147375/Things_To_Do-Murano-TG-C-1.html
On Burano, we eat at the Bar Sport. Great pizza. Al we have sampled in the various place all have a thin crust, with minimal toppings. Not like the USA Pizza Hut variety with a thick, cushy dough, and mounds of topping. Here, minimal, aromatic with seasonings, and mighty good on the taste buds.
http://www.isoladiburano.it/en/index.html
http://www.isoladiburano.it/en/toeat/barsport/PizzeriaBarSport.html
I went to wash my hands from the pizza. Saw the reminder – many “washroom” toilets have no seat. Hygienic? For sure you aren’t going to spend time just sitting (-:
Photo 1 - See. Maggie & Dan leaving to catch train to Florence. Then bus to Pisa, with ferry to Isle of Elba.
Photo 2 - Do. Yep, this area in the water we are staying at looks like a big fish on a map.
Photo 3 - Eat. Bellini breakfast- eggs, rice, beans cheese and tomatoes.
Click here for today's online photo album.
Day 12 of 21 Wednesday 8-Jul Venice
Today’s Schedule
We walked last night from Hotel Bellini to B&B, Casa San Andrea.
http://www.casasantandrea.it/en/
Today, Carol & Mya are going shopping. Me – go to the Peggy Guggenheim Museum. Two of the special exhibits are from the Pollock brothers – Jackson, and his older brother, Charles.
http://www.guggenheim-venice.it/inglese/default.html
http://www.guggenheim-venice.it/inglese/exhibitions/pollock365/alchemy.html
http://www.guggenheim-venice.it/inglese/exhibitions/pollock365/mural.html
http://www.guggenheim-venice.it/inglese/exhibitions/pollock365/charles-pollock.html
My Observations
Casa San Andrea, was comfy. Maybe not elegant like our prior locations. The surprise is – it is a hostel. Every 3 room cluster shares a bathroom. It’s great if you need your back scrubbed - maybe someone will help (-:
Just kidding. The door has a lock and we had no problem getting access & privacy whenever needed.
I thoroughly enjoyed all the exhibits at the Peggy Guggenheim Museum Collection. Even seeing the special place where Peggy and her many dogs are buried. It was fun talking with the seasonal docents who seemed to be art history students from many prestigious USA Universities. I still believe no matter how good the school, or their programs, wonder – are there jobs out there that will help pay off the student debt? Guess Peggy didn’t have to worry about that.
I walked back to the Casa San Andréa. A nice hike, since I took a vaporetto over to the exhibit to get there just at opening time. Needed to get my 5 mile walk in for the day. Plus my watercraft pass was only good for 24 hours and that would be up at 10 a.m.
Like any of the pathways I took around the 130 or so islands that make up the Venice, as we know it, I just keep looking for the familiar signs. Either Ferrovia – the train terminal. Or Piazzale Roma, which crosses the bridge by the terminal and is nearer to where we are staying. I make it back to join Carol & Mya with minutes to spare.
But, see that storm clouds have formed, decide even if we have not had any rain the whole visit – don’t tempt things. Go eat before things turn very wet.
We do a brisk walk a few blocks away. Just get into the restaurant and rain is pouring down and new restaurant clients are soaked. I look out the window by our table, and notice the street is covered with about 4 inches of water.
We take our time and enjoy the food. When I look at the bill find that this is one of the places that adds an extra “table charge.” Ten Euro for sitting down. So, you can order a 5 Euro cappuccino and stand by the bar – no extra charge. Sit at an empty table – you just spent an extra 10 Euro for that “pleasure.”
When we leave the restaurant, the rain has stopped. Sun is shining and the streets are dry. Almost like there was no rain at all.
Photo 1 - See. I go to Peggy Guggenheim grave, that is onsite at the museum.
Photo 2 - Do. Buried next to her are her dogs. Yes she had 2 children, but they are elsewhere (-:
Photo 3 - Eat. Mya orders a favorite – lasagna with tasty tomato sauce.
Click here for today's online photo album.
Day 13 of 21 Thursday 9-Jul Venice
Today’s Schedule
Today, we start our Intergenerational Tour with Mya:
The Magic of Italy: A Grandparent Adventure by Riverboat
http://www.roadscholar.org/n/program/dailySchedule.aspx?dID=1-8U0387
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.
Activity Particulars
Walking up to 1.5 miles on city walks, sometimes on uneven paving stones, bridges, steps.
Specifically, this program includes:
8 nights accommodations
22 meals: 8 breakfasts, 6 lunches, 8 dinners
Field trips: 16
Hands-on experiences: 3
Performances: 1 – Opera in Verona
Plus these special experiences...
Several city tours - including Venice, Verona, Ferrara, Padova (Padua) and Chioggia.
An open air concert at the historic Roman amphitheatre - Arena di Verona.
Full day excursion to the spectacular Lake Garda area of Italy, including a visit to an olive oil factory and a vineyard.
Flights arrive in Venice, Italy.
Afternoon: Buona Sera Italia! At the hotel learn some simple conversational Italian from a local teacher to help you through your trip followed by the Welcome Meeting. Welcome and Orientation meeting at your hotel. We will gather in our private meeting room in the early evening where the Group Leader will greet you with a warm welcome and introduce everyone. We will review the up-to-date daily schedule and any changes, discuss responsibilities, safety guidelines, emergency procedures, and answer any questions you may have. Please be aware that program activities and scheduled times could change due to local circumstances. In the event of changes, we will alert you as quickly as possible. Thank you for your understanding.
Dinner: At the hotel.
Lodging: Hotel Veronesi La Torre
My Observations
We check out of Casa San Andréa. Not so luxurious, but meets our needs - a comfy bed and quiet surroundings. After breakfast, hoof it of few short blocks to board a bus that goes to airport. There we meet our guides – Thomas & Poala. So far, we will be going with group#2 on small van to hotel. Another group, left an hour ago. One more group to arrive in about an hour.
Road Scholar travel group manages to get these arrangements done efficiently. Saves us the time and anxiety to do all the detail planning, which includes arraigning to try for lowest price airfare.
The remainder of the day will be spent on the hotel grounds with an orientation midday. Had a chance to meet many new friends we will journey with for the next 8 days.
Our home for a few days - Hotel Veronesi La Torre - we are impressed. When walking down the halls, notice that the door to each room has a front façade of marble, of different color and type. Once inside the room the high ceiling with large log beams and modern furniture is impressive.
http://www.hotelveronesilatorre.com/
Photo 1 - See. We get to meet our guide for the intergenerational adventure – Thomas & Poala.
Photo 2 - Do. Wow they must be mind readers – See-Do-Eat. Yes, focus on the fine points.
Photo 3 - Eat. Verona Hotel food was fabulous. We won’t skip any meals here (-:
Click here for today's online photo album.
Day 14 of 21 Friday 10-Jul-15 Verona
Today’s Schedule
Highlight - Verona - Arena di Verona and evening performance – Don Giovanni opera.
Breakfast: At the hotel
Morning: Discover the sites and monuments related to the legend of Shakespeare's Romeo and Juliet during this morning's guided walking tour of Verona. See the famous balcony in Juliet's house and Juliet's tomb, alleged scene of their tragic demise . Later visit the city's renowned and remarkably well preserved Roman Arena & Theater and the monumental 16th Century city walls and gates.
Lunch: Enjoy typical Italian Pizza at a local Pizzeria in Verona
Afternoon: Take advantage of some free time before transferring back to hotel
Dinner: At hotel.
Thomas, our guide, is quite a good artist. I will supplement the usual agenda details with his sharing of comic approach.
My Observations
The breakfast bar is outstanding. As you might see below on Q3 – Eat – I had a Happy breakfast.
When we get on the bus, find we added in special city guide who will shows us a few of the special offerings of Verona. Our entire group – 40 people, adults and young folks – board a luxury bus for a 20 minute ride to Verona. We start our walk tour along the Adige river that flows from the melting snows of the Dolomite mountains to the North.
We continue to walk to the Ponte della Vittoria bridge that crosses the Adige river.
http://www.tripadvisor.com/Attraction_Review-g187871-d3822461-Reviews-Ponte_della_Vittoria-Verona_Province_of_Verona_Veneto.html
Although some comments may not see the artistic value of the bridge, note the number of comments written in Russian. Yes, we heard and saw many visitors from Russia.
Next stop along the walk Porta Bosari. It was originally a gateway into a part of the city and was built in first century C.E. From there, many of other stops of interest.
http://www.virtualtourist.com/travel/Europe/Italy/Veneto/Verona-140824/Things_To_Do-Verona-Porta_Borsari-BR-1.html
Piazza Della Erbe
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Piazza_delle_Erbe
Casa di Giulietta
http://www.viator.com/Verona-attractions/Juliets-House-Casa-di-Giulietta/d945-a4037
http://www.bbc.com/travel/story/20120416-shakespeares-italy
Verona Arena
http://www.italyguides.it/us/italy/veneto/verona/arena/verona-arena.htm
Leon D’Oro Pizzeria
http://www.pizzerialeondoro.com/en/index.html
Free time after lunch to wander around. I look for a gelato place nearby and return to the pizza near the arena to people watch. After the group returns to hotel, have dinner, then back to town to see an opera in the arena.
There is just too much to write about. So... to simplify things, since I did my usual in-depth research, am giving you a 3-link highlight of the experience. My thoughts of the event? Bravo!
http://www.arena.it/en
Check out link to PLOT: http://www.arena.it/arena/en/shows/don-giovanni.html
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=A9UYEoE8oQs
Photo 1 - See. Many wonderful sites along the Verona Adige river.
Photo 2 - Do. Attend the opera in the Arena – wonderful.
Photo 3 - Eat. A Happy Birthday.
Click here for today's online photo album.
