Roma is all about food. I tried to capture that with some photos, but you really have to visit and taste the wonderful food here in Italy. Splendido!
Friday, May 11, 2007
Thursday, May 10, 2007
The short version of today’s activities is bus, school, Vatican, St. Peters, Dinner, Club.
That took about 6 seconds. The actual version took 16 hours. My feet are sooo sore from walking, but I love Rome. Mi piace Roma moltissimo!
Today I left Italy. Did you remember that the Vatican is in it’s own country within the city of Rome? (yah, me two) The incredible art/sculpture work in the Sistine Chapel, and the enormocity of St. Peters; words just can’t begin to describe it. Magnificó! Grandé! The one pic shows me in the Vatican inside the hall of maps. The other is one of the many scenes by Raphael painted on the walls and ceilings. And the guards wear pajamas!
The short version of today’s activities is bus, school, Vatican, St. Peters, Dinner, Club.
That took about 6 seconds. The actual version took 16 hours. My feet are sooo sore from walking, but I love Rome. Mi piace Roma moltissimo!
Today I left Italy. Did you remember that the Vatican is in it’s own country within the city of Rome? (yah, me two) The incredible art/sculpture work in the Sistine Chapel, and the enormocity of St. Peters; words just can’t begin to describe it. Magnificó! Grandé! The one pic shows me in the Vatican inside the hall of maps. The other is one of the many scenes by Raphael painted on the walls and ceilings. And the guards wear pajamas!
Wednesday, May 09, 2007
Pics from my first night in Roma.I was privileged to attend an art exhibition where Jamie is an intern. It was at Casina Giustiniani at Villa Borghese. (yah, I had to write that one down to remember it) The picture shows Jamie with The Professor (not me this time) and her friend and co-worker....
One word for Italy, FOOD! On our way to explore, we had a slice of pizza that was incredible. Then, after much walking, Jamie and I went out to eat at a fantastico place. The food was ..... hard to explain.....the best I've ever had. The extreme walking is going to be extremely necessary.
After dinner I met some of Jamie's friends and co-students. Elizabeth, Amanda, and Jordan. Funsters for sure. Piacere! (good to meet you)
Wednesday, May 9, 2007
I’m sitting at the aeroporto en Barcelona, Termina B having made it through all the checks. The bus for the airport was only a few blocks from my apartment, cost €3.90 and was very painless. (€1 = $1.40 or $1.00 = €0.7)
I have never flown Vueling Airline and had purchased a ticket over the internet. It was only $67.00 to fly from Barcelona to Rome. What a deal! Until check-in. It turns out they have a total baggage weight limit along with a carry on weight limit. The look on my face must have agony when she told me that I had to pay an extra €140 for the baggage that was 19kg over the limit. I told her that my ticket was less than half that and I weigh almost 100 kg. In Spanish I believe she thought to herself, loose some weight you fat American pig. I asked for some options and she said that if I reduced the smaller piece of luggage by 7 kg, I could carry on the smaller bag. So I stuffed 7 kg of dirty clothes into the larger piece. Is this making sense to you? (neither I) Now I’m checking one 28 kg huge bag. I was then told that I was only 8 kg overweight. She printed a form and told me to go somewhere else and pay the fee and then come back and she would give me my boarding pass. Did I mention that I was 3 hours early to the airport? When it was all over, my cheap ticket cost an additional $67. They saw me coming. I hope my return trip to Chicago on Swiss Air is not as $painful$.
So what to do with an extra 2.5 hours at the airport! Tons of shops and food courts. I was pleasantly surprised that a café con leche y croissant was only €2.75 which was cheaper than Starbucks in downtown Barcelona.
Maybe I’ll practice my Italiano so I can impress my daughter.
Grazie/prego = thank-you/ you’re welcome
buon giorno/serra mia bello figlia = good afternoon/evening my beautiful daughter
grazie della serata = thanks for evening
questo treno va a Trastevere? = is this the train to Trastevere?
sona pensionato = I’m retired
a domini = see you tomorrow
parlo poco I’italiano = I speak a little Italian
bello cappello = beautiful hat (some ladies at the train station in Rome told me this)
del vino rosso/bianco per favore e due bicchiere
Buon giorno! It’s almost 4pm and I made it to Rome. OOHAA! Somewhat painless and simple, so that was good. Sitting in my apartment overlooking the street a couple floors up. Loads of trees amongst the many many apartments. Did a quick walkabout to get my bearings. (and to see if I could find the place again) The owner had met me at the train station, sort of, and he personally walked me to their place. Very nice. Large room, my own bathroom, unlike Barcelona, and two black cats that are checking me out. Time to unpack and shower before Jamie arrives.
I’m sitting at the aeroporto en Barcelona, Termina B having made it through all the checks. The bus for the airport was only a few blocks from my apartment, cost €3.90 and was very painless. (€1 = $1.40 or $1.00 = €0.7)
I have never flown Vueling Airline and had purchased a ticket over the internet. It was only $67.00 to fly from Barcelona to Rome. What a deal! Until check-in. It turns out they have a total baggage weight limit along with a carry on weight limit. The look on my face must have agony when she told me that I had to pay an extra €140 for the baggage that was 19kg over the limit. I told her that my ticket was less than half that and I weigh almost 100 kg. In Spanish I believe she thought to herself, loose some weight you fat American pig. I asked for some options and she said that if I reduced the smaller piece of luggage by 7 kg, I could carry on the smaller bag. So I stuffed 7 kg of dirty clothes into the larger piece. Is this making sense to you? (neither I) Now I’m checking one 28 kg huge bag. I was then told that I was only 8 kg overweight. She printed a form and told me to go somewhere else and pay the fee and then come back and she would give me my boarding pass. Did I mention that I was 3 hours early to the airport? When it was all over, my cheap ticket cost an additional $67. They saw me coming. I hope my return trip to Chicago on Swiss Air is not as $painful$.
So what to do with an extra 2.5 hours at the airport! Tons of shops and food courts. I was pleasantly surprised that a café con leche y croissant was only €2.75 which was cheaper than Starbucks in downtown Barcelona.
Maybe I’ll practice my Italiano so I can impress my daughter.
Grazie/prego = thank-you/ you’re welcome
buon giorno/serra mia bello figlia = good afternoon/evening my beautiful daughter
grazie della serata = thanks for evening
questo treno va a Trastevere? = is this the train to Trastevere?
sona pensionato = I’m retired
a domini = see you tomorrow
parlo poco I’italiano = I speak a little Italian
bello cappello = beautiful hat (some ladies at the train station in Rome told me this)
del vino rosso/bianco per favore e due bicchiere
Buon giorno! It’s almost 4pm and I made it to Rome. OOHAA! Somewhat painless and simple, so that was good. Sitting in my apartment overlooking the street a couple floors up. Loads of trees amongst the many many apartments. Did a quick walkabout to get my bearings. (and to see if I could find the place again) The owner had met me at the train station, sort of, and he personally walked me to their place. Very nice. Large room, my own bathroom, unlike Barcelona, and two black cats that are checking me out. Time to unpack and shower before Jamie arrives.
Tuesday, May 08, 2007
Tuesday, May 8, 2007
This is La Boqueria, a city landmark. This superb market hall was built in the 19th century to house the food stands that cluttered up the Rambla and its surrounding streets. Beyond the market's gaping entrance arch are countless stand piled high with every foodstuff from the Mediterranean and its Catalonian cousin. Amid the riot of colour and smells, marvel at a hundred species of fish, gorgeous vegetables, fragrant herbs, and animal parts that you many not have dreamed existed - all temptingly arranged. This is an excellent place to find your favorite cheese, choose the best bread, and finish it with a bottle of wine. I opted for a small glass of sangria and some bread. This is the largest market I have every visited.
Pub Crawl #17Date: Monday, May 7th 2007
Location: Barcelona, Spain
The Quiet Man Pub located on
Marques de Barbera 11 near
La Rambla district
Server: Ingrid & Carmelo
Favorite: Guiness Stout
Guests: Tiberil & Joshua
Food: none
Notes: Ingrid our server is from
Lithuania and does some singing,
composing, and guitar playing.
This is an authentic Irish Pub in
Spain, but worthy of an entry
Monday, May 07, 2007
I discovered this chess set in one of the many shops at the base of Parc Guell. It gives a person a bit of insight into the artist/designer Antonio Gaudi. I believe the phrase 'ostentatiously ornamented' or 'gaudy' comes from this guys name. For about 450 euros, one could own/hide this chess set.
More Monday, the 7th. This one of the many mimes that make Barcelona their home. She, I think, was standing at the entrance to Parc Guell. Many of my other pics of the park didn't turn out well, so I had to take a few more. This is what you get.
Still Monday, May 7th, 2007
The adventure today continues with a metro ride to a hilltop park called Parc Guell, located in Gracia, one of Barecelonas most distinctive suburbs.
"Surrealist Salvador Dali was filled with "unforgettable anguish" as he strolled among the uncanny architectural forms of this hilltop park, Antonio Gaudi's extraordinary pice of landscape design. "
The rocky ridge which has a magnificent prospect of Barcelona and the Mediterranean, was bought in 1895 by Gaudi's rich patron, Eusebi Guell, with the idea of developing an English-style garden city. The project flopped; only 3 houses of the proposed 60 were built, and the area was taken over by the city council as a park in 1923.
Great views, colorful statues, and people.
Monday, May 7, 2007 Day 2 of 3 in Barcelona, Spain
Big day today….more laundry, find the aeroporto bus stop and fares, buy & write some post cards, find the post office and mail post cards, find some coffee and breakfast, and determine what museum to visit.
Today’s first pic is of La Rambla Avenue, which is known for it’s street vendors, musicians, and jugglers. Sort of a Fisherman’s Wharf area but without the water.
Big day today….more laundry, find the aeroporto bus stop and fares, buy & write some post cards, find the post office and mail post cards, find some coffee and breakfast, and determine what museum to visit.
Today’s first pic is of La Rambla Avenue, which is known for it’s street vendors, musicians, and jugglers. Sort of a Fisherman’s Wharf area but without the water.
Still Sunday, May 7th
Stubbed my toe had blood dripping on the sidewalks, but I was determined to find one of my ‘must see’ places. La Sagrada Familia! It is Barcelona’s most famous building. Antoni Gaudi began the project in 1883 and never finished it. He succeeded in completing only 1 of 18 planned towers. My pictures don’t do it justice, but it was an attempt. Toe is throbbing.
Next, I had to conquer the metro system. I wasn’t about to walk back 2 miles. After purchasing the wrong ticket, I managed to get on the wrong train, heading the wrong direction. Oh, well. That’s how you learn. Toe still throbbing.
Laundry time, siesta time.
Next, I had to conquer the metro system. I wasn’t about to walk back 2 miles. After purchasing the wrong ticket, I managed to get on the wrong train, heading the wrong direction. Oh, well. That’s how you learn. Toe still throbbing.
Laundry time, siesta time.
Sunday, May 6, 2007 Day 1 of 3 in Barcelona, Spain
Arrived at the Port of Barcelona at 5am. Breakfast at 6am. Off the ship by 7am. No immigration, no customs, nothing. Maybe I walked out the wrong door. Took a taxi to the bottom of Las Rambla, a major street that is mainly for vendors and mostly closed for vehicular traffic. Maybe a 20 block walk.
Found the address I thought was the correct one and rang the bell. Nothing. Called the number and Brett answered. Rang the bell again, three times, nothing. Well I discovered that there are two Universitat No. 5 addresses. Ok, got that corrected and was shown my ‘apartment’. Good thing that flexibility is my middle name. (go ahead and laugh)
Glad he had an elevator, even though it only fit one person. Need to get used to the order of floors. Pb, P, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, A, B Does that make sense? I’m on floor A.
The place has a few things to be desired, but since it has internet, and a washer, I’m ok with just about any conditions. Very centrally located across from the University and right next to a metro stop. Cool. I took several pics from the patio and from my room.
Read 380 emails, then took a stroll to get my bearings.
Arrived at the Port of Barcelona at 5am. Breakfast at 6am. Off the ship by 7am. No immigration, no customs, nothing. Maybe I walked out the wrong door. Took a taxi to the bottom of Las Rambla, a major street that is mainly for vendors and mostly closed for vehicular traffic. Maybe a 20 block walk.
Found the address I thought was the correct one and rang the bell. Nothing. Called the number and Brett answered. Rang the bell again, three times, nothing. Well I discovered that there are two Universitat No. 5 addresses. Ok, got that corrected and was shown my ‘apartment’. Good thing that flexibility is my middle name. (go ahead and laugh)
Glad he had an elevator, even though it only fit one person. Need to get used to the order of floors. Pb, P, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, A, B Does that make sense? I’m on floor A.
The place has a few things to be desired, but since it has internet, and a washer, I’m ok with just about any conditions. Very centrally located across from the University and right next to a metro stop. Cool. I took several pics from the patio and from my room.
Read 380 emails, then took a stroll to get my bearings.
Sunday, May 06, 2007
Pub Crawl #16
Location: Cadiz, Spain
La Cafeteria La Tetera de Mina located on Antonio Lopez No 2.
Favorite: Cruzcampo, a Spanish Beer.
Server: Carol
Food: none
Comments: Once again, Hadrian, and myself went on a stroll of the city. This is the first place we came across that wasn't packed. We did manage to hit several other places but decided to only enter this one. The beer was a lager that tasted a bit like Stella Artois. It was very nice.
Comments: Once again, Hadrian, and myself went on a stroll of the city. This is the first place we came across that wasn't packed. We did manage to hit several other places but decided to only enter this one. The beer was a lager that tasted a bit like Stella Artois. It was very nice.
Saturday, May 05, 2007
Saturday, May 5, 2007 Day 13
Feliz Cinco de Mayo! Wow, where did the past 2 weeks go! Tomorrow, before 6am, the ship sails into Barcelona, my final destination, for this cruise. It’s my last night on the ship and most will be spent saying all the farewells to the many wonderful people I have met. It’s also the night you tip your head waiter, waiter, assistant waiter, and Stateroom Attendant. Since I sat at two different tables during this cruise, I have an additional three people to tip. In addition to that, there are the 27 bartenders that….ok, only 3 or 4 that served me. Many thanks to ‘Sammy’ who is the best.
Yesterday I spent the day wandering the streets of Cadiz, Spain. Absolutely wonderful! Had a great time and when I get to Barcelona, I shall post some pics of Cadiz.
I have to mention that it was an amazing thing at 3am this morning as the ship passed through the Straits of Gibraltar! On the right I saw the lights of Africa, on the left, Spain. I was told that the channel is less than 8 miles wide. There were quite a few people standing on the top deck doing the same. The Rock of Gibraltar was not real clear, but you clear enough to make up some cool story.
Feliz Cinco de Mayo! Wow, where did the past 2 weeks go! Tomorrow, before 6am, the ship sails into Barcelona, my final destination, for this cruise. It’s my last night on the ship and most will be spent saying all the farewells to the many wonderful people I have met. It’s also the night you tip your head waiter, waiter, assistant waiter, and Stateroom Attendant. Since I sat at two different tables during this cruise, I have an additional three people to tip. In addition to that, there are the 27 bartenders that….ok, only 3 or 4 that served me. Many thanks to ‘Sammy’ who is the best.
Yesterday I spent the day wandering the streets of Cadiz, Spain. Absolutely wonderful! Had a great time and when I get to Barcelona, I shall post some pics of Cadiz.
I have to mention that it was an amazing thing at 3am this morning as the ship passed through the Straits of Gibraltar! On the right I saw the lights of Africa, on the left, Spain. I was told that the channel is less than 8 miles wide. There were quite a few people standing on the top deck doing the same. The Rock of Gibraltar was not real clear, but you clear enough to make up some cool story.
Wednesday, May 02, 2007
Pub Crawl #15
Location: The Island of Sao Miguel, One of 9 islands that are part of the Azores, which is part of Portugal. In the capital town called Ponta Delgada, at The pub/café called Papotatxo Molhobico located on Rua da Misericordia, No. 51. A small café that served cervejas. They also served Bitburger beer, but we, Adrian from the UK, stuck with the local beer, Sagres.
Favorite: But of course Sagres Cerveja. Very Nice.
Server: Anna Paula Lopez, seen in one of the pics
Location: The Island of Sao Miguel, One of 9 islands that are part of the Azores, which is part of Portugal. In the capital town called Ponta Delgada, at The pub/café called Papotatxo Molhobico located on Rua da Misericordia, No. 51. A small café that served cervejas. They also served Bitburger beer, but we, Adrian from the UK, stuck with the local beer, Sagres.
Favorite: But of course Sagres Cerveja. Very Nice.
Server: Anna Paula Lopez, seen in one of the pics
Wednesday, May 2, 2007 Day 10
The ship arrived in Ponta Delgada, The Azores, Portgual by 7am. Postcards, stamps, port wine, internet café, and Pub Crawl #15 were on my list. Maybe some pictures.
Sao Miguel is the largest island of the mid-Atlantic Azores archipelago and is know to the locals as the green island because of its lush foliage. The capital is Ponta Delgada, which has a population of about 21,000. Sao Miguel is known for its tobacco, tea, chicory and pineapples.
Today’s pics show a typical outside café in Ponta Delgada and the Church of San Pedro.
The docks were very busy loading/unloading cargo from the many ships in port today. Our shuttle bus had to weave between the huge forklifts and cranes. The town seemed to just be waking up at 9am when many of the shops open.
I did manage to find a wine store and purchased a Fonseco Tawny Porto for under 10 euros. That was the easy part. Not to get it onto the ship. They somewhat frown on that.
Also found some postcards and stamps, and managed to scratch a short note to several places even though I guessed on some addresses. The internet café was packed, so I skipped that. Found a pub, duh! (see next entry) The ship is planning to leave by 1pm, so we all had to be back by 12:30pm. A short stay in Ponta Delgado, but a nice one. On to Spain! Wait! No fuel. 2-3 hour delay in fuel delivery. Finally at 16:00 we pushed off. Going to be an hour late to Cadiz, Spain, but the Captain says we’ll stay an hour later. Need to bring the ship to full speed, 21 knots/hour to make this. Rain and 10 ft. swells expected. Where is the Dramamine when you need it.
The ship arrived in Ponta Delgada, The Azores, Portgual by 7am. Postcards, stamps, port wine, internet café, and Pub Crawl #15 were on my list. Maybe some pictures.
Sao Miguel is the largest island of the mid-Atlantic Azores archipelago and is know to the locals as the green island because of its lush foliage. The capital is Ponta Delgada, which has a population of about 21,000. Sao Miguel is known for its tobacco, tea, chicory and pineapples.
Today’s pics show a typical outside café in Ponta Delgada and the Church of San Pedro.
The docks were very busy loading/unloading cargo from the many ships in port today. Our shuttle bus had to weave between the huge forklifts and cranes. The town seemed to just be waking up at 9am when many of the shops open.
I did manage to find a wine store and purchased a Fonseco Tawny Porto for under 10 euros. That was the easy part. Not to get it onto the ship. They somewhat frown on that.
Also found some postcards and stamps, and managed to scratch a short note to several places even though I guessed on some addresses. The internet café was packed, so I skipped that. Found a pub, duh! (see next entry) The ship is planning to leave by 1pm, so we all had to be back by 12:30pm. A short stay in Ponta Delgado, but a nice one. On to Spain! Wait! No fuel. 2-3 hour delay in fuel delivery. Finally at 16:00 we pushed off. Going to be an hour late to Cadiz, Spain, but the Captain says we’ll stay an hour later. Need to bring the ship to full speed, 21 knots/hour to make this. Rain and 10 ft. swells expected. Where is the Dramamine when you need it.
Monday, April 30, 2007
Monday, April 30, 2007 Day 8
Another day for yet another time change. We are
Grey Goose Vodka and Smoked Salmon Cream Pasta, a delicious Pumpkin and Apple Soup and some Indian Curry. That was last night’s dinner.
The Captain tells us that we have traveled 3047 miles since leaving Galveston. We are 757 miles from the Azores. The temperature is 65 degrees for both air and water. The ocean is 10,660 ft. deep at this location. We all get his update at noon every day and it’s done in 4 languages. For many, this is there wake-up call.
Today’s pic include three wonderful hosts at the Viking Crown Lounge which is where many of us gather after dinner. Two of the ship’s dancers were at the Lounge last night and with a nearly empty dance floor, they performed several of there dance moves. Amazing Brazilians!
Attended a magic show this afternoon that was very entertaining. Watched a movie called, DejaVu that was good. Wide variety of things to do on this ship.
Another day for yet another time change. We are
Grey Goose Vodka and Smoked Salmon Cream Pasta, a delicious Pumpkin and Apple Soup and some Indian Curry. That was last night’s dinner.
The Captain tells us that we have traveled 3047 miles since leaving Galveston. We are 757 miles from the Azores. The temperature is 65 degrees for both air and water. The ocean is 10,660 ft. deep at this location. We all get his update at noon every day and it’s done in 4 languages. For many, this is there wake-up call.
Today’s pic include three wonderful hosts at the Viking Crown Lounge which is where many of us gather after dinner. Two of the ship’s dancers were at the Lounge last night and with a nearly empty dance floor, they performed several of there dance moves. Amazing Brazilians!
Attended a magic show this afternoon that was very entertaining. Watched a movie called, DejaVu that was good. Wide variety of things to do on this ship.
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