Italy - Tour of Duty

Well during our Italy trip, Cheryl and our friends from Alabama decided that we needed to have pictures of the men in blue through out Italy.  Now I believe this started two years ago when Cheryl and I were in Malta and I decide to take a picture of every country's flag that I could locate.  Okay, so during our visit to Italy it became a obligation to photograph as many men/women in blue as possible.  Now you will notice some our in green for military enforcement. Hm..you wonder.  What is even more amazing was I had no problem locating these individuals it was like they were following me around.  Do I look like a international spy? 

Here is to the officers who protected us during our tour of Italy:

Okay this guy was questionable

 

Now, that's a gun

 

Stay out of the Water!

Yes, He is a bit out dated.

The Police Station



Vatican Police



Vatican Guard

 

Out of my way!

 

Well needless to say we found plenty of officers to take a picture of and had a little bit of fun doing it.  Cheryl and the our girls from Alabama would come up to me and say "Oh, look take a picture of that policeman." 

Just the facts.

Italy: The Trip Home

Well for the last two days, Cheryl and I have been recovering from our trip home from Italy.  Needless to say the flight home did not disappoint us as we have come to expect unforeseen events in our travels.  Now don't get confused, we don't like the events necessarily but after our last couple of adventures well we have come to expect trouble.

Our flight from Rome departed at noon on Thursday, May 26th.  So once we had elbowed and fought our way onto the plane we were able to settle down and relax for the long flight to New York.  Some 9 hours later we arrived at JFK International Airport and had a 2 1/2 hour lay over.  Okay so far so good. 

Well at JFK we had to claim our luggage and go through customs and then recheck our luggage.  Approximately, 30-45 mins ordeal.  Still left plenty of time to move to terminal three go through security and grab a bite to eat before proceeding to our final leg of the journey.  The Security Checkpoint took another 45 minutes but we survived the ordeal again and grabbed a bit to eat and then proceeded to the gate with only 15 minutes to spare before boarding. 

Wrong!  First, the plane was late by half an hour.  Okay, we can accept half hour late and it was time to board.  Text Taylor and let him know that the plane is delayed a bit but we should still arrive around 11:00 PM.  Boarded the plane, the plane backed out and we stopped and waited and waited and waited.  Flight attendants indicated that there were bad storms but as soon as they could determine a different route and avoid we would take off.  Actually, moved out onto the taxiway after an hour wait and then parked the plane for another hour and half and sat. 

Now we are not happy and we are not the only ones unhappy.  Okay by law now, the plane taxied back to the gate and they open the door of the plane and indicated that we would be able to get off.  However, if you get off you may not be able to get back on due to security or lack thereof.  Second, if you chose to depart the plane you had to take your carry on luggage with you also due to security issues.  Well after some assurance that passengers could depart from the plane and be able to get back on half the plane de-boarded with the strict warning that they need to stay close by because if a window opened up we would head out immediately. 

Approximately another hour passed by.  Cheryl and I chose to stay on the plane.  I didn't want to take any chances with missing this flight at all.  The crew announced that the weather was breaking and that we would head right out and take off.  Re-boarded plane, backed away from gate and moved out onto the taxiway.  Once there we waited and waited and waited.

At this point we had text Taylor and asked him to take our vehicle to the airport and park it and then lock the keys in it and text us the location.  We had no idea if we would still be in New York by morning or not.  Finally, the pilot came on and announced that we were 10th in line to take off.  Hm...I think I heard that over two hours ago.

Finally after approximately 7 hours of waiting the plane finally departed.  The next 5 hours of flight seemed to take for ever.  I never did think that we would finally make our home destination.  Passengers were cranking to say the least. 

Finally we began our final approach to the airport and turned to Cheryl and told her we need to put our electronic equipment away and prepare for landing.  We did so.  I'm watching the GPS Flight Tracking and note that we have dropped to 10,000 feet in elevation and think that the Flight Crew will make their finally announcement and check of the cabin for landing. 

Hm..no announcement until we have reach 5000 feet.  Hm.. the flight attendants are just starting to make a final check.  I turned to Cheryl and told her they are way behind the eight ball on this task when the lead flight attendant comes back on the radio and firmly instructs all attendants to get to their jump seats and I sensed that the plane is about to touch down. 

Yes, folks the first time I have ever seen this but we had passengers and flight attendants standing in the aisles as our plane landed.  Luckily, no one was injured.  I'd say our chief flight attendant was a bit groggy also.

So our adventure ends at 5:00 AM on Friday morning the 27th instead of 10:30 PM on the 26th but we are home safe and sound ready for a long weekend.  Well we will take the weekend to recoup. 

Italy Day Thirteen: Areverdercci Italy

Caught the train to Rome mid morning and said goodbye to Napals.  Probably not our most favorite location to visit but worth at least one visit. 

The Spanish Steps

Arrived in Rome mid afternoon, and had some lunch.  Afterwards, we walked up to the Spanish Steps Piazza.  This was the only site in the last two visits that we had not seen.  Our visit was short due to a sprinkling of rain; but at least we can say that we have been to the Spanish Steps. 

On the walk back to the hotel we came across a fountain that we had walked to on our last visit in Rome a little over a year ago.  During that walk our quest was to find the Spanish Steps.  Well we were within one block of the Spanish Steps last time and never knew it.  If we had only kept on the path for a bit longer we would have run right into them. 

Once back to the hotel it was time to adjust our luggage for the flight home.  We have to re-pack to meet wieght requirements and protect our valuables.  Tomorrow morning bright and early our private driver will pick us up at the hotel and it's off to the Rome Airport and this time Terminal 5 for real.  It is a Delta Ineternationl Flight to JFK.  Not like last time when we should have been in Termainal 3 for Air France even though it was listed as Delta. 


Our trip has come to an end and we have had a great time over the last two weeks here in Italy.  We have seen some spectaular sites and people.  Now all we can say is Areverdercci to Italy.

Italy Day Twelve- An Anniversary Not To Be Forgotten

This morning we met our own private guide, Domineco, for a day on the Amalfi Coast.  Today became an anniversary that Cheryl and I will never forget. 

First, we headed out of Naples and heading up the mountains to get to the coast line, Domineco educated us on the Italian Lifestyles, life history, and various tid bits.  At the summit we pulled over and he had sized Cheryl and I up and knew what our desires and wants of the day would be.  A fantastic oversight of Naples was observed and then onward to the coast we climbed.

Stopping at Villa Cimbroe in Ravello, we climbed to a little know garden and saw some spectacular sights.  Looking down the steep canyons walls at the small villages that lined the coast line.  Here it was pointed out the the Americans during World War II lost over 4,000 troops as they tried to invade Italy and faced the steep slopes and the German Army Gun Turrets.  Some of they turrets still in place today.  This Garden alone made the day; however, Domineco informs us that we have not seen anything as of yet. 

Moving down the mountain and onto the coast line we travelled through Amalfi. Positano, and finally Sorrento.  In Positano, we found a wonderful tile shop that takes volcanic limestone and creates ceramic tile works of art from them.  Decorative tiles, dishes, bowls, flower pots, and tables.  Hm.. yea we need a table for our patio deck.  What do you think?  Why not have a table made and shipped to Highland Utah.  Okay.  All we can say is that I'll be working for the next ten years to pay for the table yet it is a great investment that our family will enjoy for years to come. 

Positano is the place where Domineco grew up and he had made arrangements for a special lunch for Cheryl and I.  High up on the cliff we were treated to a real Italian dinner with vegetables, octopus, eggplant, cheese, ham, Gnocchi, Mama's Pasta and a special anniversary cake.  Yes, they made a special cake that wished us a Happy Anniversary with a candle to blow out.  We indeed felt honored and appreciated the efforts in our behalf. 

Our view was spectacular at lunch and in many ways we hated to say goodbye to the restaurant staff but we needed to head to Sorrento for some Gelato and then take the short way back to Naples.  We had just entered a long tunnel when the traffic came to a halt.  After sitting for approximately 30 minutes, we found out that the highway ahead was being blocked by picket lines of a strike.  I just can't get away from the trials of Unions.  After probably another 20 minutes, Domineco turned the van around and it was back the way just came to Naples.  One hour outside of Naples and we had to turn around and return back the way we came taking over two more hours.   Well we did get to see the Amalfi Coast twice thanks to the union strike. 

I'm not sure what Cheryl is doing here, maybe the officer can shed some light.

The Amafi Coast

 Yes, we are living the dream with an anniversary that will never be forgotten. 

Italy Day Eleven: At the base of the Volcano

Naples-Mount Vesuvius in background

Last night with our arrival in Naples, we signed up for a tour this morning to Pompeii.  This is the most preserved and intact oldest community in the world.  Why?  Due to the volcanic eruption of Mount Vesuvius that covered the city with volcanic ash and suffocating the residents and preserving the village of 25,000 inhabitants. 

A tour guide, a Spaniard seemed more concerned with explaining to those who spoke Spanish than to the remainder of the group (English).  However, despite his slow pace and yodeling we survived the tour.

As we walked through the city streets we could see the intelligence of the people who once lived here.  Evidence of sewer systems, storm drain systems, running water and lead pipelines could all be observed.  One could only imagine what the streets looked like back in 76 AD as we stepped back in time. 



Pompeii once a port city now lies several miles from the s





One of the significant artifacts that we were able to see were the mummified bodies, skeleton bodies of some of the residents who were caught in the volcanic ash.  Bodies of young men and  a mother possible wondering where her child was were again more evidence of the terrible fate of this village. 

Afterwards, we returned to Naples and tried to catch some of the routes of the Jump On Bus; however, after two attempts only to be told the bus was full, we abandoned the idea and took the opportunity to have a gelato, take a short nap, and then a relaxing dinner again at Antinio & Antinio. 

Tomorrow is Happy Anniversary for Cheryl and I.

Italy Day Ten: Oliva Twist and a pick pocket or two and Mr. Toads Wild Ride

Well all during out tour trip our tour guide has been warning everyone to be aware of the pick pockets and gypsies. This morning, Cheryl and I became well too acquainted with two gypsies and yes pick pocketers. We caught a cab to the train station and as we began to board the train two young ladies, one with a baby opened the door from inside the train and assisted Cheryl in finding our compartment. Next they had to assist us in loading our luggage up onto the racks. Now Cheryl and I were thinking, oh they are in the same compartment and that’s why they are assisting us. First my bag was lifted up and then it took one of the young ladies, Cheryl and I to lift Cheryl’s bag up onto the rack. As we began to lift the bag I felt something at my rear pocket and thought hm… I must have caught my wallet pocket along the baby and mother behind me. No, once again I felt something on my rear pocket and swatting my hand behind me I told Cheryl to move very sternly and pushing the bag upward turned to confront our friends.

Now I wasn’t sure if they were trying to lifting my wallet or not and the one young woman plead poverty and that she was pregnant I told Cheryl to give her a euro and get her out of our compartment. Cheryl noted the disappointment on her face when she observed that Cheryl’s purse was not accessible.

It was interesting to note as I told Cheryl that I thought they were trying to lift my wallet that we saw them outside the train on the platform moving into another unknowing tourist to assist. Yes, they did try to lift my wallet. She had managed to unbutton my rear pocket with my wallet in it, however, when I swatted her hand away and became a little irritated they immediately retreated not wanting to create a scene. As the train loaded we warned those who understood us to be aware of the gypsies.

Our trip was otherwise without incident but left me a bit more cautious. We did share the compartment with two other couples one from Portland, Oregon and one from Australia. It was at least comforting to spend then 1 ½ hours conversing in English at the time.

Disembarked from the train in Naples and said goodbye to our traveling companions. This is when we caught Mr Toad's Wild Ride from the train termini to the hotel.  Again, the traffic signs and lanes are only suggestions in Italy.  As we rushed through town and could see the VIN numbers in each vehicle next to us we had to wonder if we would survive this adventure in one piece.  I thought Tijuana Taxi drives were one for the storybooks well Italy will top the books also.

 It was disappointing to drive through Naples and see the filth and atmosphere of the city. Crime rate is high, dirty conditions, and having experienced now firsthand the attempt of being stolen from left a sour taste in my mouth. We had a late lunch and then realized that we had missed the last departure time jump on/off bus we retired for the evening with hopes that things would get better in the morning.

 

Naples is the birth place of the pizza.  This evening we located a restaurant that confirmed that Naples knows how to make a pizza.  Antinio & Antinio was a great find and we will revisit them before our stay is over.

Italy Day Nine: The Italian Life

Today, Cheryl and I began our official lives as Italians.  No tour group today to help us about town.   We spent the first half of the day catching up on some much needed rest.  After we had gotten up and going we caught the shuttle bus into Rome and walked around the Forum and Coliseum Area wondering what we could do to kill 4 plus hours. 

On the way to the Forum; however, an interesting event transpired.  We are the first passengers onto the bus at the hotel.  The bus arrived at the hotel around 11:30 and then parked out in the parking lot until 11: 40  when the driver brought the bus around to the front lobby.  Anyway, Cheryl and I were the first passengers on.  The bus loaded up the driver walked through the bus and had confirmed that he had everyone's ticket and it was down the road we go.  Approximately half way into Rome the driver's cell phone rings and he is an emotional conversation with the party on the other end.  He also pulls over on the freeway and walks back to the bus.  Now in our limited Italian understanding we can tell he is talking about a bambino.  He quickly drives down the freeway takes an exit and heads back to the hotel.  As we enter into the hotel entrance a woman is standing quite upset and she boards the bus and says something to the effect: " How could you..." 

Evidently, all we can figure out is that her and her husband had caught the bus back from Rome/Airport and their baby had fallen asleep and they had disembarked and had told the driver that they would ride into Rome and be right back.  Hm...well we they get off the bus in Rome, they have a 8-9 year old boy with them and evidently he was the bambino.  I just can't figure out why they would leave their bambino on the bus alone at all.

Yes, everyone today we put my loyalty to the test and I can say I still have my hand after placing it in the Lion's Mouth.  Well okay I got a picture of the Lion but there was no way I was going to wait in line for over an hour to lose my hand.  A picture will have to suffice today.







At least this time we found the vestal virgins




Well after walking around the forum and deciding not to pay 12 Euros each to enter ( been there done that two years ago) we decide that we were hungry.  No breakfast and so visiting one of the streets nearby we sat down at a sidewalk cafe and enjoyed probably for the first time in my life an one and one half hour lunch.  Can I just tell you I kinda of like the Italian life style. 

You know a work shift starting time, or the painted lines in the road, or the traffic signs are only suggestions.  It's one thing that we have notice while particularly here in Rome is the suggested way of living.  Traffic doesn't necessarily stay in the traffic lanes, they straddle the lines and work their way into whatever side of the road they want to be on.  It's an amazing feat to watch 4-5 lanes of traffic come to a 2 lane ahead situation and they without incident manage to keep traffic flowing by just jockeying for position with the other drivers. 

It may be also that they seem to be unaware of what we Americans call "personal space".  Everywhere you go they crowed as close as possible to keep others from slipping ahead of them.  No such things as an Italian waiting in a line.  It's all for one and one for all.  You learn quickly to use your arms and elbows to keep them at bay.  Cheryl became the linebacker for our tour group as she has the gumption to block them from getting ahead of her and then wave our tour group through first.  The group loved her for her linebacker abilities. 

Tiber River in Rome

Well back to our lunch.  We just sat and enjoyed the atmosphere just up the street from the Forum and the food.  I had a pizza and Cheryl had pasta.  Afterwards we talked about what our trip ahead had in store for us and the fun we have had so far.  After a second round of sodas we had some gelato and then it was time to work our way back to the shuttle stop and back to the hotel for the evening. 

Tomorrow it's a train ride to Naples.

Italy Day Eight: Rome is Conquered

Pyamid of Rome

Today was a long and busy day.  First, we picked up a guide familiar with Rome and the Vatican.  Alexandra was excellent as we drove around the city pointing out points of interest and tidbits of facts for us.  We visited the Circus Maximus, drove by the Forum, visited the Colosseum, Trevi Fountain and the Pantheon. 

Our Tour Group at Trevi Fountain

Pantheon

Inside the Pantheon

After lunch we entered the smallest nation in the world, Vatican City.  104 Acres consists of the whole of the Vatican and it is recognized as a nation within itself.  We toured the Vatican Museums and saw great colletions of the statues, tapestry and art collected over the years.  We visited St. Peters Catherdal and saw the works of Bernini and mummies of popes laid to rest.  Yes, the actual bodies embalmed and mummified for display.  Of course St. Peters Catherdal is the location of where the Apostle Peter is buried and the center of the cathedral is built upon his burial spot. 

Masterpiece Art Work

St. Peters




Hallway to the Sistine Chapel

 

Michangelo's Work

St. Peter's Catherdal

Vatican Square



The Swiss Guard



Looking up to where the Pope would address the crowd














The Pope was in his office today



Confession line was too long to see the Pope



One of the greatest highlights for Cheryl and I was to see the Sistine Chapel and work of Michelangelo and others.  What a spectacular site to view and take in.  It's too bad that they will not allow photos of the chapel and the great artwork. 

Cheryl giving the Angel's and Demons Tour

Finally our last hurrah was to take and lead seven of our group through the streets of Rome to a couple of interesting spots.  First, we visited the Castel and Ponte of Sant'Angelo.  This historical site became well know from the movie Angels and Demons.  It is here that the four popes were kidnapped and held hostage in the movie. 

Our Demon Tour Group



Piazza Navona

  Dinner was in a little side cafe where we had a delicious dinner and then on to the Piazza Navona where one of the bodies of the popes was dumped into the fountain in the movie.  It

is a great spot to gather and hold market and entertainment as well. 

Rome has been Conquered

After conquering Rome, a tired tour group met for the last time and took our last bus ride back to our hotel.  Tomorrow the main group goes to Pompeii and others will go their separate ways.  It has been a great little tour group and we would do it over in an instance.  Thanks to Image Tours and our guide Thea, it's been great.