We had to get up super early--4:30AM to get to the airport for my flight. It was still dark out as we put our last minute luggage together and were off to Fiumicino Airport. Driving even this early was insane, no lane distinction and speed limit really didn't matter. Everyone is a middle of the lane driver. I said my good-byes and dearest thank you's to Alessandro and headed to check-in. I accidentally cut the line which was wrapped like all the way around the corner but didn't realize that until after. I walked through the duty free shops and walked around a bit before boarding.
First flight to Brussels---smooth, quick 2 hr flight--I was exhausted so I fell asleep for all but 20 minutes of the flight. When I landed I had to go through 3 sets of customs/security to my next connecting airplane. They were very very strict in Brussels. This was a very large airport and had lots and lots of stores and restaurants. I had to go through Border control, regular customs, and security again at my gate, along with everyone else so there were lines everywhere. Even to board the plan, they checked all my documents again.
Flight to Philadelphia---this was the long haul about 8 hrs. I got fed on this ride----got rice, grilled veggies in marinara sauce, with a bun, salad and fruit salad. Then I took a nap, woke up and walked around the plane and read (Amy let me borrow Water for Elephants---which kept me busy). I drifted off a few times during the flight but this one seemed to take forever. I remember getting up to stretch and asking the flight attendant how long we had been flying (it felt like 8) and she said about 3 hours----Oh boy this was going to be a long 8 hrs then! For lunch I got a cold panini----which was just some sauce and cold cheese--not very good at all but I ate it. I felt US Airways had some very rude staff, when I got up to bring my water bottle to a flight attendant for some water, she replied "I just came around with water" and gave me an irritated face. I was insulted---someone didn't like their job! Eventually the plane ride was over.
After landing Philadelphia, I had to claim by bag and then put it back on a transfer belt and head off to the my last flight. Wow this airport is gigantic. I had a few hours so I walked around and shopped---there was a Gap outlet, Hallmark, lots of clothing and jewelry stores---this place was awesome so I easily burned a couple hours here. I just liked being off a plane I think! Wow did it feel good to hear English and see English on signs!
Soon enough it was time to board and I was ready for my final flight. The flight was only a couple hours and was a very smooth, fast flight. I read the entire time and soon it was over. Natalie was picking me up in my car and we were off! Wow it felt good to be with family again. The whole family wouldn't return until the next day because they went to Starve Rock with the Strahs. This meant a quiet house for the night---I think I unpacked, made some dinner, and went to bed around 9!
What a great trip to Italy!!
Thursday, July 28, 2011
Wednesday, July 27, 2011
Florence-day 2, train to Rome
It was my idea to watch the sun rise on the last day in Florence, so I woke Amy up at 5:20 to start on our way. We would head up to the Piazzale Michelangelo which is a looking point over the city. We took the Flume Arno all the way down which was so peaceful this early in the morning, no hustling and bustling around town. We had to climb up to the point which was about 50 long stairs, but the view at the top was spectacular. Sun just coming up past the homes, we took some time to enjoy the view and just take it all in--we would be back in the US in just 2 short days so we wanted this lasting impression. I know Amy was not excited about getting up that early and heading up those stairs, but when the sun peaked out, I could she really enjoyed it. There was no one else up there which was lovely, so we stayed up there for about a half hour and then went back to the hostel.
I brought some cream of wheat so we cooked that up, packed up our stuff, and heading out to the city. We crossed the famous bridge again--this time because it was day not like the day before, the stores were beginning to open and we could see all the jewelry being sold. We kept wondering around and ran into some markets on the street. They sold a lot of leather items here in Florence which is the material they are known for. There were many jewelry, t-shirt, shoe stands---Amy and I got a few necklaces with the large pendants while we were there (it was only .5Euro).
Then we went back to the train and ended up getting on an earlier one that we had planned. We got to everything we wanted and wanted to spend a little more time in Rome so we jumped on a 11:15 train. I journaled for a bit and had a packed lunch (pb and j, chexmix and a nectarine), and then slept. Because there was a fire a couple weeks prior at one of the stations, many trains were taking different routes and had to go on different tracks, so we had to switch trains at a station called Orte which was the one right before our stop. Luckily a woman next to us who spoke English told us this change because all the announcements were in Italian and we had no idea what was being said. This second train was a lot nicer--the coaches were nicer--more cushion, cubicles to sit that had drapes, and could lay all the way out on them if no one was sitting by you, door to close the room off to reduce sound. The stops were all very smooth. The only thing I didn't like was they we kept going in and out of tunnels. These tunnels made my ears pop and leave them feeling like they need to be popped and I couldn't pop them so that was kind of irritating.
We made it to Terminin though and Amy had an errand to run so she met up with Jo and I went off to the Boca del la Verita (Mouth of Truth). I had to catch a bus and this guy from Africa started trying to talk to me. I freaked out a bit but tried to give him the hint I didn't want to talk but he kept asking questions and kept the conversation going. He was really freaking me out though--asking about the government, saying he was here for 3 months and working as a Politician. We couldn't communicate very well so he pulled his phone out and could look up different words and show them to me---the first was politician but the second one was asylum (which made me really uncomfortable). I had no idea what he was trying to tell me. He smiled at me a few times and just tried to keep the conversation going and going and going. Luckily in 10 minutes (the longest 10 min of my life), he got off and I could relax. I found my stop about 5 min later.
To get to see the mouth, I had to wait in this line for about 20 minutes. It was this big face which I had to put my hand in for a picture. If the mouth bites down, you are a liar, if it doesn't, you don't lie. I think the mouth only took off a couple finger tips with its clamp....! The couple behind me thankfully took my picture and then I headed back to the bus stop to Jo's.
No was there when I got there, so I started packing up, showered, and when Jo, Fabio, and Amy returned they ran to the grocery and got some Mexican supplies for chicken and shrimp fajitas. We all cooked dinner together and ate the last meal together. They were delicious with some grilled onions, peppers, lettuce, and shredded cheese. We all talked for a bit and Amy finished packing. We would spend the last night at Alessandro's since it was very close to the airport. Fabio and Jo dropped us off at his apartment. He usually rents his apartment out because he has been traveling for the year and mostly in the US, but the guy who rents it wasn't using it for a month so we could stay there for the night. I was very thankful. He gave Amy and I the brand new Queen-size bed in the bedroom which was super comfy. We talked until about 12:45AM and then I couldn't keep my eyes open any longer and had to lie down. I was out within seconds.
I brought some cream of wheat so we cooked that up, packed up our stuff, and heading out to the city. We crossed the famous bridge again--this time because it was day not like the day before, the stores were beginning to open and we could see all the jewelry being sold. We kept wondering around and ran into some markets on the street. They sold a lot of leather items here in Florence which is the material they are known for. There were many jewelry, t-shirt, shoe stands---Amy and I got a few necklaces with the large pendants while we were there (it was only .5Euro).
Then we went back to the train and ended up getting on an earlier one that we had planned. We got to everything we wanted and wanted to spend a little more time in Rome so we jumped on a 11:15 train. I journaled for a bit and had a packed lunch (pb and j, chexmix and a nectarine), and then slept. Because there was a fire a couple weeks prior at one of the stations, many trains were taking different routes and had to go on different tracks, so we had to switch trains at a station called Orte which was the one right before our stop. Luckily a woman next to us who spoke English told us this change because all the announcements were in Italian and we had no idea what was being said. This second train was a lot nicer--the coaches were nicer--more cushion, cubicles to sit that had drapes, and could lay all the way out on them if no one was sitting by you, door to close the room off to reduce sound. The stops were all very smooth. The only thing I didn't like was they we kept going in and out of tunnels. These tunnels made my ears pop and leave them feeling like they need to be popped and I couldn't pop them so that was kind of irritating.
We made it to Terminin though and Amy had an errand to run so she met up with Jo and I went off to the Boca del la Verita (Mouth of Truth). I had to catch a bus and this guy from Africa started trying to talk to me. I freaked out a bit but tried to give him the hint I didn't want to talk but he kept asking questions and kept the conversation going. He was really freaking me out though--asking about the government, saying he was here for 3 months and working as a Politician. We couldn't communicate very well so he pulled his phone out and could look up different words and show them to me---the first was politician but the second one was asylum (which made me really uncomfortable). I had no idea what he was trying to tell me. He smiled at me a few times and just tried to keep the conversation going and going and going. Luckily in 10 minutes (the longest 10 min of my life), he got off and I could relax. I found my stop about 5 min later.
To get to see the mouth, I had to wait in this line for about 20 minutes. It was this big face which I had to put my hand in for a picture. If the mouth bites down, you are a liar, if it doesn't, you don't lie. I think the mouth only took off a couple finger tips with its clamp....! The couple behind me thankfully took my picture and then I headed back to the bus stop to Jo's.
No was there when I got there, so I started packing up, showered, and when Jo, Fabio, and Amy returned they ran to the grocery and got some Mexican supplies for chicken and shrimp fajitas. We all cooked dinner together and ate the last meal together. They were delicious with some grilled onions, peppers, lettuce, and shredded cheese. We all talked for a bit and Amy finished packing. We would spend the last night at Alessandro's since it was very close to the airport. Fabio and Jo dropped us off at his apartment. He usually rents his apartment out because he has been traveling for the year and mostly in the US, but the guy who rents it wasn't using it for a month so we could stay there for the night. I was very thankful. He gave Amy and I the brand new Queen-size bed in the bedroom which was super comfy. We talked until about 12:45AM and then I couldn't keep my eyes open any longer and had to lie down. I was out within seconds.
Tuesday, July 26, 2011
Leave for Florence-explore city
Got up at 7:25AM, ate some oatmeal really quick and was off to the bus. Amy and I were running a bit late and arrived at Termini at the exact time our train was departing (which meant we were not going to get on it). However, as we were running into the station, we were told that the train actually takes off from a different station. While in line at customer service, we met a couple from Canada who were traveling too and we decided to venture out to the other station together. We sat with each other talking at the new train station for about 2 hours until the train arrived and then sat with each other on the train. We talked about random things like traveling, global events----they were a very nice couple just adventuring around Europe together.
The train was moving at a very slow rate (I mean we decided on the slow train due to the cheaper cost, but we didn't think it would be this slow). The entire ride was over 4 hours and about 25 stops along the way. It is usually about 2 hours on a fast train, but we wanted to see the countryside and enjoy the travel a bit.
About half-way, the couple got off, and Amy and I decided to get up and move a bit. I did some lunges, squats, Pull-ups, dips (yes on the train I got a decent workout in haha---there was no one else in our cart so I didn't feel as weird), and used the bathroom on the train (called the WC) then decided to sit back down, snack and take a nap. Amy woke me up about 20 min later when we were at our stop.
Because of the long delay of the train, we were told we would get 50% refunded so when we arrived in Florence, we went on a search to get refunded, had to fill out some paperwork, and get mailed the refund----I guess we will just have to wait and see if I ever get one when I get home.
Our first stop was the Information Center where we picked up a map and then headed out to find a hostel. The first two we stopped at were expensive so we went across the Flume Arno River to Ostello Santa Monaca-cost 19.50Euro + 1Euro Tourist Tax (newly stated in Florence). The hostel was very clean and the guy working the desk was very nice and understanding (we forgot our passports in Rome so he worked with us by giving us the room, but allowing Fabio to fax the passports to Amy's email so we were saved and could stay in the place).
The first image of Florence-Rude people in the train station---while waiting in a line for customer assistance, another guy cuts the line and is screaming at the service man---He spoke with a lot of emotion and seemed to very upset. I felt dirty in the station too.
However, I didn feel Florence had a higher style level than Rome--with very high fashion-Prada, Gucci, and D&B. Everyone dressed very well--classy.
The town was very clean, and lots of boutiques on the streets--more so boutiques than markets like Rome. The streets were even more narrow than Rome. The streets were way less packed than Rome, but I felt very safe with Amy.
There were lots of Asians in Florence and windows and shutters on the buildings. We just walked around the city--saw a few Piazzas, museums and then we headed to the hostel. We got a bunk-bed in a 8-bed all female dorm. We dropped our backpacks and were off to explore more of the city.
We had a new map and new adventures to conquer. We walked around lots of shops, churches, went to the Galleria dell' Academia where Michelangelo's David statue is. On the way to the museum, we stopped to eat at Self Service Ristorante--which was very cheap, tray meal (go down the food and pick and choose whatever you want). We each had salads and shared this spinach manicotti dish in an Alfredo sauce--cream sauce was not very good but no expectations because it was so cheap. Then it was off to David!
On this evening, it just so happened to be a free night at the museums---so we sat in line for about 30 minutes, making friends with some Australians. The security was very relaxed as well, Amy spotted a 99 Cent store and saw beer so she bought two bottles and had one but the other one was in her bag still, but the security did not pay much attention to bag content.
We saw some old musical instruments, statues, layered crosses with Amy enjoyed a lot and then on to David. He stood in the center of an open room, what a brilliant piece of art. We were told no pictures, but again everyone was including me! I was very impressed by the human detail---veins in his hands, muscular definition. We spent about 30 minutes inside and then were off to explore some more.
We heard some drumming sounds and decided to head toward the music. W ended up in Piazza Della Signoira where there was a huge precession with lots of bright, colorful costumes (very medieval-looking), banners, and trumpets. At first the music was playing and they were all hovering by a church and then the procession started and they strolled down the street-there had to have been at least 50 women, men, and children in the procession. We had no idea what they were celebrating, but very cool to see.
Then we were off to the Piazza Duomo which is close to the Opera Museum and Santa Maria del Fiore Cathedral (renown church in Florence--had a very unique pattern and building material). We sat in the Piazza and a small group of guys starting playing music and they were just phenomenal--they had such a great instrumental rhythm going on--using only a man-made drum, wooden and tin instruments. They just started with a rhythm and then kept adding on to each other. It was outstanding, I wish they had a cd. We stayed listening for about 20 minutes and just enjoyed people watching. Florence is definitely a lot less crowded than Rome and it was nice to have a little space to ourselves.
After leaving the Piazza we went to the Piazza Santa Croce (there are Piazzas everywhere I tell ya). This is where we found a wine/grocery shop which I brought back home. I got two bottle of red and one white (one bottle of red was free because they did not give me the students discount on my first bottle so he let me pick out another bottle of wine for free).
We continued on to the famous bridge over the river called Ponte Vecchio. There are a lot of jewelry stores all very close together along the bridge. This is a very long bridge with many lookouts to the other arches. We were both getting very tired so we headed back to the hostel just over the water. We checked our emails and then got ready for bed. Our room had a bathroom which was nice. We also shared with 5 other girls (One from Mexico, 3 from Norway or Finland, and one older African American woman who walked in really late in the evening).
What a great first day in Florence---I think we conquered most of the city to be honest!
The train was moving at a very slow rate (I mean we decided on the slow train due to the cheaper cost, but we didn't think it would be this slow). The entire ride was over 4 hours and about 25 stops along the way. It is usually about 2 hours on a fast train, but we wanted to see the countryside and enjoy the travel a bit.
About half-way, the couple got off, and Amy and I decided to get up and move a bit. I did some lunges, squats, Pull-ups, dips (yes on the train I got a decent workout in haha---there was no one else in our cart so I didn't feel as weird), and used the bathroom on the train (called the WC) then decided to sit back down, snack and take a nap. Amy woke me up about 20 min later when we were at our stop.
Because of the long delay of the train, we were told we would get 50% refunded so when we arrived in Florence, we went on a search to get refunded, had to fill out some paperwork, and get mailed the refund----I guess we will just have to wait and see if I ever get one when I get home.
Our first stop was the Information Center where we picked up a map and then headed out to find a hostel. The first two we stopped at were expensive so we went across the Flume Arno River to Ostello Santa Monaca-cost 19.50Euro + 1Euro Tourist Tax (newly stated in Florence). The hostel was very clean and the guy working the desk was very nice and understanding (we forgot our passports in Rome so he worked with us by giving us the room, but allowing Fabio to fax the passports to Amy's email so we were saved and could stay in the place).
The first image of Florence-Rude people in the train station---while waiting in a line for customer assistance, another guy cuts the line and is screaming at the service man---He spoke with a lot of emotion and seemed to very upset. I felt dirty in the station too.
However, I didn feel Florence had a higher style level than Rome--with very high fashion-Prada, Gucci, and D&B. Everyone dressed very well--classy.
The town was very clean, and lots of boutiques on the streets--more so boutiques than markets like Rome. The streets were even more narrow than Rome. The streets were way less packed than Rome, but I felt very safe with Amy.
There were lots of Asians in Florence and windows and shutters on the buildings. We just walked around the city--saw a few Piazzas, museums and then we headed to the hostel. We got a bunk-bed in a 8-bed all female dorm. We dropped our backpacks and were off to explore more of the city.
We had a new map and new adventures to conquer. We walked around lots of shops, churches, went to the Galleria dell' Academia where Michelangelo's David statue is. On the way to the museum, we stopped to eat at Self Service Ristorante--which was very cheap, tray meal (go down the food and pick and choose whatever you want). We each had salads and shared this spinach manicotti dish in an Alfredo sauce--cream sauce was not very good but no expectations because it was so cheap. Then it was off to David!
On this evening, it just so happened to be a free night at the museums---so we sat in line for about 30 minutes, making friends with some Australians. The security was very relaxed as well, Amy spotted a 99 Cent store and saw beer so she bought two bottles and had one but the other one was in her bag still, but the security did not pay much attention to bag content.
We saw some old musical instruments, statues, layered crosses with Amy enjoyed a lot and then on to David. He stood in the center of an open room, what a brilliant piece of art. We were told no pictures, but again everyone was including me! I was very impressed by the human detail---veins in his hands, muscular definition. We spent about 30 minutes inside and then were off to explore some more.
We heard some drumming sounds and decided to head toward the music. W ended up in Piazza Della Signoira where there was a huge precession with lots of bright, colorful costumes (very medieval-looking), banners, and trumpets. At first the music was playing and they were all hovering by a church and then the procession started and they strolled down the street-there had to have been at least 50 women, men, and children in the procession. We had no idea what they were celebrating, but very cool to see.
Then we were off to the Piazza Duomo which is close to the Opera Museum and Santa Maria del Fiore Cathedral (renown church in Florence--had a very unique pattern and building material). We sat in the Piazza and a small group of guys starting playing music and they were just phenomenal--they had such a great instrumental rhythm going on--using only a man-made drum, wooden and tin instruments. They just started with a rhythm and then kept adding on to each other. It was outstanding, I wish they had a cd. We stayed listening for about 20 minutes and just enjoyed people watching. Florence is definitely a lot less crowded than Rome and it was nice to have a little space to ourselves.
After leaving the Piazza we went to the Piazza Santa Croce (there are Piazzas everywhere I tell ya). This is where we found a wine/grocery shop which I brought back home. I got two bottle of red and one white (one bottle of red was free because they did not give me the students discount on my first bottle so he let me pick out another bottle of wine for free).
We continued on to the famous bridge over the river called Ponte Vecchio. There are a lot of jewelry stores all very close together along the bridge. This is a very long bridge with many lookouts to the other arches. We were both getting very tired so we headed back to the hostel just over the water. We checked our emails and then got ready for bed. Our room had a bathroom which was nice. We also shared with 5 other girls (One from Mexico, 3 from Norway or Finland, and one older African American woman who walked in really late in the evening).
What a great first day in Florence---I think we conquered most of the city to be honest!
Monday, July 25, 2011
Typical Rome
Restaurants are mostly outside and people all prefer to eat outdoors. The tables all have candles and musicians walk by the tables and stop and play for the table. However, then the musician stick their hands out and expect to get paid. They really don't leave or remove their hands until they get a coin. There are also guys that walk by with roses and put the flowers right up to people and hold them there. Usually people say "No grazie" and they get the hint, but some can get be persistent---and keep the flowers there until we repetitively say no or ignore them.
Around the touristy places, there are lots of guys that sell umbrellas, ponchos, roses, fans, and sunglasses. It is mainly Filipino guys--and trying to get anyone to buy something. When it rains, they sell umbrellas, when its sunny---they sell glasses, at night---they sell roses. Amy's friend Jo said one night---"When it starts to rain, the roses magically turn to umbrellas." Hahha it was so true tho----saw it happen when were were out by the Forum and it started to rain and all of a sudden the guys had umbrellas and ponchos for sale. Amy got one fore 2Euro and her mom for 3 by bargaining with the street guys.
Selling on the street without a permit is illegal so they would run away when police came around.
Typical phrases I used all the time:
Mi scuzi--excuse me Buongiorno--Good morning Grazie--thank you
Per favore--Please Ciao--bye Quanto?---How much?
Non parlo l'italiano---I dont speak Italian Tu parla inglese?---Do you speak english?
Dove e il bagno/el toilette?---Where is the bathroom/toilet? Grazie mille---thank you very much
Around the touristy places, there are lots of guys that sell umbrellas, ponchos, roses, fans, and sunglasses. It is mainly Filipino guys--and trying to get anyone to buy something. When it rains, they sell umbrellas, when its sunny---they sell glasses, at night---they sell roses. Amy's friend Jo said one night---"When it starts to rain, the roses magically turn to umbrellas." Hahha it was so true tho----saw it happen when were were out by the Forum and it started to rain and all of a sudden the guys had umbrellas and ponchos for sale. Amy got one fore 2Euro and her mom for 3 by bargaining with the street guys.
Selling on the street without a permit is illegal so they would run away when police came around.
Typical phrases I used all the time:
Mi scuzi--excuse me Buongiorno--Good morning Grazie--thank you
Per favore--Please Ciao--bye Quanto?---How much?
Non parlo l'italiano---I dont speak Italian Tu parla inglese?---Do you speak english?
Dove e il bagno/el toilette?---Where is the bathroom/toilet? Grazie mille---thank you very much
Campo di fiori/Trastevere/Vatican
Woke up very sore at 8:15AM. The floor was not very comfortable after a nights rest on it and my left hip was killing me. I got up and dressed right away and headed breakfast with Amy. Since Amy and her parents were heading to a few sights I had seen and church, I went over to Campo di Fiori to catch a glimpse of the market (this time early enough before its all closed). I walked from the hotel to the Campo di Fiori which was just bursting with fruit, jewelry, veggies, nuts, wines, just packed with people. The markets took up the whole piazza and was very colorful and bright this morning.
I walked thru the market, browsing the sales and then went off to Trastevere. I crossed the Tiber River into a nice town called Trastevere. This town had lots of restaurants, very close buildings, lots of apartments--almost like a suburb of town with families, homes, and a lot tighter than the city. It seemed like the people knew each other more and everyone seemed a bit more friendly in Trastevere. On my way to the main strip, I stopped in Piazza San Cosimato and bought a peach and grapes from a local market. The sellers were very respectful and not pushing me to buy buy buy--they let me look around and offered me a basket if I wanted to pick out something. I made my selection which I would have for lunch----and it only cost me one euro!!($1.50US).
After getting my fruit, I made my way to Trastevere Street which had a ton of markets. This is where I get Laurens colorful purse, my black purse, and another dressy teal shirt. Again I was bargaining more and more, and always saying "Ohhhh too expensive, I only have _____amount." The market guys are very helpful at first when they see I am interested and say "good price good price", but they are always way too high. So I start to act uninterested and they say "ok for you less." Usually I still say its too much and we go back and forth bargaining. I only had time to shop a few markets and then had to start heading toward the Vatican.
But first I stopped on the Roman Island called Isola. To get to the Island there was a bridge cars and people could cross. It didn't seem much like an island----was just like a little town, had restaurants, cars, buildings---and to get off I just took another bridge and walked off. I only walked thru the island and it took maybe 5 min to cross it so it was very tiny. Not a whole lot to the "island," so I continued on my way. I walked along the Tiber and had to move pretty fast because I had to meet Amy and her parents at the Vatican Museum within 30 min. It only took me 27 because I was booking it and flying on foot.
We didn't have to stand in any line because we already had tickets so we went right in. There was security to go through, but it was very relaxed---I looked at the guy watching the xray machine and he was not even looking at the screen as bags passed.
The museum had a courtyard at the very beginning and then lots and lots of statues and heads in the first part The entire museum was a one-way path. Once we entered, the path just kept going thru different sections. The paintings were just outstanding and gigantic. The path kept winding back and forth all the way to the Sistine Chapel which is the very last thing we walked to. This is a very famous creation piece which is portrayed on the ceiling about the creation of adam and eve, however, everyone is herded into this room like cattle. There are police at the front telling people to keep walking, not take pictures, but there was no where for people to go. It was so crammed in there it really was not enjoyable at all. I did snap a couple pictures as did all kinds of people, by turning off our flashing and holding the cameras down. We only spent 10 minutes in there because everyone was too squished and then left. I really was not that impressed with the Sistine Chapel or the Museum---it had lots of art and sculpture, I did see a mummified corpse which was neat. We spent about 3 hours in the museum which was enough--I love art but not too many hours of just looking at it.
Amy's parents were hungry so we went to a close cafe and they ordered some beer and a pizza. I had my peach still from the market (ate my grapes in the museum) so we sat for a bit to relax.
It felt good to sit down for a bit, but then we were off to St. Peter's Basilica dome. There was no line at the Basilica either now that was 5PM so we went right through security--which was again very relaxed. To enter the Basilica however, everyone had to be covered up--my dress was long enough to my knees so I just pulled out a small shoulder jacket to get by the dress code security.
We decided to climb the dome which was 531 steps to the top. There were two options the stairs (5 Euro---Amy, her dad, and I took this way) or the elevator (7Euros and it brought her mom half way up).
The stairs started very wide and long apart then moved to normal stairs---this brought us to the halfway part which was the first landing area---we could peer into the Basilica and see a special mass going on just for religious figures. Then we continued up more stairs to an outside landing point. This is where we met up with Amy's mom. We had to walk across the roof it appeared like to another set of stairs. We guessed we were about half way there. There was more to come. The stairs started to get really narrow and turned into small, tight spiral staircases all the way to the top. When we got to the top, we had a beautiful view. It took about 25-30 minutes to get up, but the view was well worth it. We could see the whole city for miles around the dome. We took a few pictures and then jumped into the line for the exit. It took about 15 minutes to even get back to some stairs. The only way to get down though was the same way we came up---the stairs. The elevator line was ridiculous so her mom decided to use the stairs down, however, she dropped her sweater on the way down and didn't realize it until we reached the bottom, but luckily the security allowed Amy and I to go back up to find it. They actually took up in the elevator to do so---one of the guards jumped in at the last minute and started sweet talking us on the way up, asking what we were doing later and asking us to go out with him that night. He was very cute, but a bit forward. As we stepped off the elevator, I spotted the sweater and because the elevator was so crammed on the way down, we just took the stairs...again.
Walked through the Bascilica---I saw the body of one of the Popes which has been preserved however without any restoration techniques. Then Amy and I ran to the priest store for Father Weldon, however, it was closed already and had to walk the 25 minutes all the way back to the hotel.
Along out trip there we could feel some tension between the two of us---Amy didn't know if she could afford Florence on her own and didn't want to ask her parents for money and I really wanted to see somewhere else and because she went to Barcelona the week before I got there, I wasn't going to go all alone but still wanted to see something besides Rome. Amy was stressed that this trip had very little planning, but we talked on the street before heading back to get what each of us was thinking and discussed what we each wanted to do. But we figured it out in our talk and then headed back to hotel to meet her parents for their last dinner.
We went to a restaurant close to the hotel. I shared a fungi pizza (mushroom) which I ordered and pasta and mushrooms which Amy ordered. I had a little white wine and we relaxed with her parents for the evening. We talked and reminisced about all the things we saw, and then walked back to the hotel. Then Amy and I went back to Jo's for the night. We stopped at Termini to get a ticket to Florence and then off to Jo's. We talked with Fabio and Jo for a bit and then it was bed time.
I walked thru the market, browsing the sales and then went off to Trastevere. I crossed the Tiber River into a nice town called Trastevere. This town had lots of restaurants, very close buildings, lots of apartments--almost like a suburb of town with families, homes, and a lot tighter than the city. It seemed like the people knew each other more and everyone seemed a bit more friendly in Trastevere. On my way to the main strip, I stopped in Piazza San Cosimato and bought a peach and grapes from a local market. The sellers were very respectful and not pushing me to buy buy buy--they let me look around and offered me a basket if I wanted to pick out something. I made my selection which I would have for lunch----and it only cost me one euro!!($1.50US).
After getting my fruit, I made my way to Trastevere Street which had a ton of markets. This is where I get Laurens colorful purse, my black purse, and another dressy teal shirt. Again I was bargaining more and more, and always saying "Ohhhh too expensive, I only have _____amount." The market guys are very helpful at first when they see I am interested and say "good price good price", but they are always way too high. So I start to act uninterested and they say "ok for you less." Usually I still say its too much and we go back and forth bargaining. I only had time to shop a few markets and then had to start heading toward the Vatican.
But first I stopped on the Roman Island called Isola. To get to the Island there was a bridge cars and people could cross. It didn't seem much like an island----was just like a little town, had restaurants, cars, buildings---and to get off I just took another bridge and walked off. I only walked thru the island and it took maybe 5 min to cross it so it was very tiny. Not a whole lot to the "island," so I continued on my way. I walked along the Tiber and had to move pretty fast because I had to meet Amy and her parents at the Vatican Museum within 30 min. It only took me 27 because I was booking it and flying on foot.
We didn't have to stand in any line because we already had tickets so we went right in. There was security to go through, but it was very relaxed---I looked at the guy watching the xray machine and he was not even looking at the screen as bags passed.
The museum had a courtyard at the very beginning and then lots and lots of statues and heads in the first part The entire museum was a one-way path. Once we entered, the path just kept going thru different sections. The paintings were just outstanding and gigantic. The path kept winding back and forth all the way to the Sistine Chapel which is the very last thing we walked to. This is a very famous creation piece which is portrayed on the ceiling about the creation of adam and eve, however, everyone is herded into this room like cattle. There are police at the front telling people to keep walking, not take pictures, but there was no where for people to go. It was so crammed in there it really was not enjoyable at all. I did snap a couple pictures as did all kinds of people, by turning off our flashing and holding the cameras down. We only spent 10 minutes in there because everyone was too squished and then left. I really was not that impressed with the Sistine Chapel or the Museum---it had lots of art and sculpture, I did see a mummified corpse which was neat. We spent about 3 hours in the museum which was enough--I love art but not too many hours of just looking at it.
Amy's parents were hungry so we went to a close cafe and they ordered some beer and a pizza. I had my peach still from the market (ate my grapes in the museum) so we sat for a bit to relax.
It felt good to sit down for a bit, but then we were off to St. Peter's Basilica dome. There was no line at the Basilica either now that was 5PM so we went right through security--which was again very relaxed. To enter the Basilica however, everyone had to be covered up--my dress was long enough to my knees so I just pulled out a small shoulder jacket to get by the dress code security.
We decided to climb the dome which was 531 steps to the top. There were two options the stairs (5 Euro---Amy, her dad, and I took this way) or the elevator (7Euros and it brought her mom half way up).
The stairs started very wide and long apart then moved to normal stairs---this brought us to the halfway part which was the first landing area---we could peer into the Basilica and see a special mass going on just for religious figures. Then we continued up more stairs to an outside landing point. This is where we met up with Amy's mom. We had to walk across the roof it appeared like to another set of stairs. We guessed we were about half way there. There was more to come. The stairs started to get really narrow and turned into small, tight spiral staircases all the way to the top. When we got to the top, we had a beautiful view. It took about 25-30 minutes to get up, but the view was well worth it. We could see the whole city for miles around the dome. We took a few pictures and then jumped into the line for the exit. It took about 15 minutes to even get back to some stairs. The only way to get down though was the same way we came up---the stairs. The elevator line was ridiculous so her mom decided to use the stairs down, however, she dropped her sweater on the way down and didn't realize it until we reached the bottom, but luckily the security allowed Amy and I to go back up to find it. They actually took up in the elevator to do so---one of the guards jumped in at the last minute and started sweet talking us on the way up, asking what we were doing later and asking us to go out with him that night. He was very cute, but a bit forward. As we stepped off the elevator, I spotted the sweater and because the elevator was so crammed on the way down, we just took the stairs...again.
Walked through the Bascilica---I saw the body of one of the Popes which has been preserved however without any restoration techniques. Then Amy and I ran to the priest store for Father Weldon, however, it was closed already and had to walk the 25 minutes all the way back to the hotel.
Along out trip there we could feel some tension between the two of us---Amy didn't know if she could afford Florence on her own and didn't want to ask her parents for money and I really wanted to see somewhere else and because she went to Barcelona the week before I got there, I wasn't going to go all alone but still wanted to see something besides Rome. Amy was stressed that this trip had very little planning, but we talked on the street before heading back to get what each of us was thinking and discussed what we each wanted to do. But we figured it out in our talk and then headed back to hotel to meet her parents for their last dinner.
We went to a restaurant close to the hotel. I shared a fungi pizza (mushroom) which I ordered and pasta and mushrooms which Amy ordered. I had a little white wine and we relaxed with her parents for the evening. We talked and reminisced about all the things we saw, and then walked back to the hotel. Then Amy and I went back to Jo's for the night. We stopped at Termini to get a ticket to Florence and then off to Jo's. We talked with Fabio and Jo for a bit and then it was bed time.
Sunday, July 24, 2011
Off alone/beach/Appetivo
Got up around 8:30---got more sleep this night because I was so tired from the night before I could drown out the snoring. I had breakfast which was the same as the day before and was off back to Jo's. I would go alone for the first time--keeping my fingers crossed I knew which bus and which stop to get off. Luckily the buses were working again today so I hopped on and successfully made it back to repack my bags.
Then I was off to the Metro to take it to Laurentina where I would meet Alessandro. Today Alessandro and his friend Fabritizio would take me to another beach--this one more public called Zion Beach. When I got there 8 or so of his friends were there so I was introduced to them--normally they kiss each cheek as hello but because I was American and we hand shake they did just that with me. A few of them knew English but mostly did not so I kept quiet most of the time. Alessandro would fill me in every few minutes, but I mainly listened to their conversation without knowing a thing.
This beach was way more packed, but had lounge chairs which was nice. It also had many vball courts and a hut for drinks and food. Alessandro brought cherries though so we just ate those. We got about 8 chairs together and relaxed a bit---it was a very windy though. The waves were huge and no one was in the water. The wind got to be very bad and we ended up leaving within the hour because we were all eating sand and getting it in our eyes.
We went to his Fabritzio's apartment which was very nice---had a really nice elevator, 2 bedrooms/2baths, a huge patio, large living room---very classy place. He let me shower off and we hung out for about an hour just talking---he knew very little English so we struggled to communicate. Alessandro would try to help explain for each of us when he could.
Then we were off to Appetivo (for 10 Euros its an all-you-can-eat appetizers with one drink deal). This is the first time I was driven in car in the city---and boy was it crazy. I guess seat belts were just made legal last year and only the front seat needs to wear them----thats crazy--I definitely put mine on in the back and they both laughed at me. There are no rules when it comes to driving--it is nuts. Cars are in the middle of the lanes---going everywhere--basically playing chicken all the time, dodging tourist, always stop/go. All the cars are manuals too so its always a constant stop/go. I thought Chicago was bad, but Chicago has nothing on this--its pure chaos. And then parking is a whole nother issue. They park anywhere and everywhere--even if that means blocking in another car. And motorinos squeeze into the smallest spots as well.
When we arrived at the restaurant they ordered some wine. There is a huge book---basically like a photo album which they choose the wines. It took them about 20 min to select and decide on one and they did they every new bottle they chose (had 5 bottles that night). I had no idea what I was trying but every white wine we had was very tasty-went down very smooth--I had them suggest some wines for me so I could bring home the very best!
I tried a bunch of different things: wrap with this ham in it, salad with tuna on it (I really liked this), rigatoni pasta with not all the way cooked noodles and marinara, break pocket with tuna in it, mini mini pizzas with tomato sauce (my favorite), white bread in a circle with cream and a raw fish slice on it (did not like this), small bread sandwiches with cucumber and white sauce--these were ok, not a whole lot of taste.
I met more of his friends---there were 10 of us there. Again most of his friends spoke Italian so I sat there in Italian most of the time. Alessandro filled me in every now and then but basically I listened to their conversation not knowing what they were talking about. Some of his friends knew English and would start conversation with or ask me what I think of Rome, but many time they didn't know the words I used so Alessandro would help me. It was very unusual to not speak and to sit in silence for the majority of the meal. Amy called me after we had ate and it felt really good to speak English again for the 2 min we were on the phone. I felt like I was not contributing at all, but I couldn't. I was catching on a bit by the end and could laugh and get involved into a conversation by recognizing the words but that was it.
His friends were all between the ages of 29-37, however, looked and acted much like 25-28 year olds. I guess they age more slowly in Italy. Many of his friends smoked which was fairly annoying, but almost everyone in Italy does so its the norm.
I had three plates of food (there plates were small, old- rectangular shaped plates) and was stuffed. The buffet kept changing so Alessandro would be like ohhhh try this or that----so I had so much to eat.
Then we jumped back in the car and went to the best gelato place in Rome. It was called San Crispino by Trevi Fountain. Wow was it amazing! I had a 3Euro cup of banana and San Crispino (the traditional flavor which was honey and cream). The gelato was so creamy and contained pieces of honeycomb and banana but which melted in your mouth. Topped with a little whipped cream it was outstandingly delicious.
Now when I said bye to his friends--now that we were friends, I acted as an Italian and kissed each one of them on the side of the cheek (this was normal so I felt very comfortable----always go to the right then the left).
Then the guys drove me to the hotel where I talked with Amy's parents about what each of us did since Amy was already sleeping. Since Amy was out and not moving she was covering most of the bed and I didn't want to wake her so I made myself comfortable on the floor with some blankets and was out like a light. I remember my hip being really sore from the ground, but I was so tired I didn't really move at all. Full and tastefully satisfied---what a great day!
Then I was off to the Metro to take it to Laurentina where I would meet Alessandro. Today Alessandro and his friend Fabritizio would take me to another beach--this one more public called Zion Beach. When I got there 8 or so of his friends were there so I was introduced to them--normally they kiss each cheek as hello but because I was American and we hand shake they did just that with me. A few of them knew English but mostly did not so I kept quiet most of the time. Alessandro would fill me in every few minutes, but I mainly listened to their conversation without knowing a thing.
This beach was way more packed, but had lounge chairs which was nice. It also had many vball courts and a hut for drinks and food. Alessandro brought cherries though so we just ate those. We got about 8 chairs together and relaxed a bit---it was a very windy though. The waves were huge and no one was in the water. The wind got to be very bad and we ended up leaving within the hour because we were all eating sand and getting it in our eyes.
We went to his Fabritzio's apartment which was very nice---had a really nice elevator, 2 bedrooms/2baths, a huge patio, large living room---very classy place. He let me shower off and we hung out for about an hour just talking---he knew very little English so we struggled to communicate. Alessandro would try to help explain for each of us when he could.
Then we were off to Appetivo (for 10 Euros its an all-you-can-eat appetizers with one drink deal). This is the first time I was driven in car in the city---and boy was it crazy. I guess seat belts were just made legal last year and only the front seat needs to wear them----thats crazy--I definitely put mine on in the back and they both laughed at me. There are no rules when it comes to driving--it is nuts. Cars are in the middle of the lanes---going everywhere--basically playing chicken all the time, dodging tourist, always stop/go. All the cars are manuals too so its always a constant stop/go. I thought Chicago was bad, but Chicago has nothing on this--its pure chaos. And then parking is a whole nother issue. They park anywhere and everywhere--even if that means blocking in another car. And motorinos squeeze into the smallest spots as well.
When we arrived at the restaurant they ordered some wine. There is a huge book---basically like a photo album which they choose the wines. It took them about 20 min to select and decide on one and they did they every new bottle they chose (had 5 bottles that night). I had no idea what I was trying but every white wine we had was very tasty-went down very smooth--I had them suggest some wines for me so I could bring home the very best!
I tried a bunch of different things: wrap with this ham in it, salad with tuna on it (I really liked this), rigatoni pasta with not all the way cooked noodles and marinara, break pocket with tuna in it, mini mini pizzas with tomato sauce (my favorite), white bread in a circle with cream and a raw fish slice on it (did not like this), small bread sandwiches with cucumber and white sauce--these were ok, not a whole lot of taste.
I met more of his friends---there were 10 of us there. Again most of his friends spoke Italian so I sat there in Italian most of the time. Alessandro filled me in every now and then but basically I listened to their conversation not knowing what they were talking about. Some of his friends knew English and would start conversation with or ask me what I think of Rome, but many time they didn't know the words I used so Alessandro would help me. It was very unusual to not speak and to sit in silence for the majority of the meal. Amy called me after we had ate and it felt really good to speak English again for the 2 min we were on the phone. I felt like I was not contributing at all, but I couldn't. I was catching on a bit by the end and could laugh and get involved into a conversation by recognizing the words but that was it.
His friends were all between the ages of 29-37, however, looked and acted much like 25-28 year olds. I guess they age more slowly in Italy. Many of his friends smoked which was fairly annoying, but almost everyone in Italy does so its the norm.
I had three plates of food (there plates were small, old- rectangular shaped plates) and was stuffed. The buffet kept changing so Alessandro would be like ohhhh try this or that----so I had so much to eat.
Then we jumped back in the car and went to the best gelato place in Rome. It was called San Crispino by Trevi Fountain. Wow was it amazing! I had a 3Euro cup of banana and San Crispino (the traditional flavor which was honey and cream). The gelato was so creamy and contained pieces of honeycomb and banana but which melted in your mouth. Topped with a little whipped cream it was outstandingly delicious.
Now when I said bye to his friends--now that we were friends, I acted as an Italian and kissed each one of them on the side of the cheek (this was normal so I felt very comfortable----always go to the right then the left).
Then the guys drove me to the hotel where I talked with Amy's parents about what each of us did since Amy was already sleeping. Since Amy was out and not moving she was covering most of the bed and I didn't want to wake her so I made myself comfortable on the floor with some blankets and was out like a light. I remember my hip being really sore from the ground, but I was so tired I didn't really move at all. Full and tastefully satisfied---what a great day!
Saturday, July 23, 2011
Forum and Colloseum
I didn't sleep well at all---both of her parents snored really loud and so I slept maybe a few hours but it was a long night with the noise.
We got up at 8 and headed down to breakfast which consisted of croissants (not a huge fan of the warm,buttery, flaky bread), cereal (one like corn flakes and one like rice krispies--which tasted like Special K), yogurt-plain and raspberry (mmmm loved the yogurt), mini toast crackers (in a package there were small breads thats looked like mini (about 3 inches maybe) toast and was fairly good with a little bit of jelly----mmmm and they had cherry jelly), also served a larger roll with I put jelly and nutella on. My favorite thing was this pound cake which was so good---I dipped it in the yogurt---mmmmm it was much like a pound cake here but served for breakfast. Italians eat a lot of sweet--cakes and cookies for breakfast.The drink they had were cafe americano, pineapple juice, OJ, water, and hot milk (i took it the first day because I thought it was regular milk, but was showed wrong when it burned my lip on the first sip).
Then it was off to the Metro (cost 1 Euro/ride). We had to take the B-line and then change over to the A-line to get to the Forum. The Forum is what is left of the old Roman rubble and city. We walked slowly around the remains. There were only a few pillars left, a few bases left of buildings from thousands of years ago. We walked the entire Forum and then to Palatine Hill.
Then it was off to the Colosseum---which was probably one of my most favorite places. I enjoyed learning about the structure (all the info was printed in English as well). After getting inside, we headed toward the center where we saw the stage which was removed to show where the animals and prisoners were help before battle. Much of the education shared was about hoisting the animals, the many fights that happened there, and how it was destroyed in a city fire. We decided to move to the second floor which meant 4 long staircases. Looking out over the bottom, it appears like a big stadium, however entirely rock. I felt the Colosseum was more interesting than the Forum because there was information in English to read about and understand what was what and how this place was used thousands and thousands of years ago. I wish we could have spent more time here, but we were off to Catacombs next.
We jumped on a bus and were on our way. The Catacombs are the ancient, human-made subterranean passageways for burial or protection. Many Christians were buried at the one we saw when Christians were being prosecuted. We met up with Jo & Fabio and all took the 1 Euro tour.
There were many different language tours--French, Spanish, Italian, English,Chinese... among a few others and the guy announcing could do each announcement in every language--it was outstanding he had each accent and pronunciation down. I was very impressed as he called each group in their native language.
When he called English we head to be education first about the Catacombs and then were taken down. Many tombs were family tombs---each parent had an arch-shape tomb where the parents went and then around the tomb were small rectangle tombs where their children, grandchildren, and family went. If only a moon shape tomb was there, they had no kids, but many family tombs were packed with several tombs. Some of the bodies were actually inside the tombs and these remained closed with bricks lying over the tomb, however, the bodies that had been removed show an open tomb. It was just freezing down there----it felt like full blown air conditioning. There were a total of 4 underground floor, however we were only allowed to level 2, the other two were being excavated still and discovering more bodies. But boy was it cold. At the very end we got to see two bodies which they uncovered from the tombs--one was a girl and one a boy----there was very little left of each body--I could barely make out the skeleton structures.
After coming back up and enjoying the sun to defrost, Amy, her parents, and I jumped back on a bus to St. Giovanni church. Her parents wanted to see that church so Amy and I went back with them. Then we jumped on another bus to the Piazza Novona where we met up Jo and Fabio again for dinner. We ate off the main roads (which was highly suggested by everyone who lives there---because the rest are tourist traps) at a place called Cul de Sac. Again we had some white wine, bread, and a meat/cheese plate for antipasto. I ordered a Sicilian pasta dish which was soooooo delicious. It was made with a tomato sauce, with eggplant, parmesan, the noodles were thick and twisty. It was very tasty and fresh mmmmm! Then we went back to the hotel, it was getting a bit chilly this evening--had goosebumps the whole way back. On our way back, we bumped into Father Dave who showed us his balcony view from his hotel. We enjoyed the few for a few minutes and then returned to the hotel. Amy and her parents enjoyed some wine in the lobby and I took a shower and went to bed!
We got up at 8 and headed down to breakfast which consisted of croissants (not a huge fan of the warm,buttery, flaky bread), cereal (one like corn flakes and one like rice krispies--which tasted like Special K), yogurt-plain and raspberry (mmmm loved the yogurt), mini toast crackers (in a package there were small breads thats looked like mini (about 3 inches maybe) toast and was fairly good with a little bit of jelly----mmmm and they had cherry jelly), also served a larger roll with I put jelly and nutella on. My favorite thing was this pound cake which was so good---I dipped it in the yogurt---mmmmm it was much like a pound cake here but served for breakfast. Italians eat a lot of sweet--cakes and cookies for breakfast.The drink they had were cafe americano, pineapple juice, OJ, water, and hot milk (i took it the first day because I thought it was regular milk, but was showed wrong when it burned my lip on the first sip).
Then it was off to the Metro (cost 1 Euro/ride). We had to take the B-line and then change over to the A-line to get to the Forum. The Forum is what is left of the old Roman rubble and city. We walked slowly around the remains. There were only a few pillars left, a few bases left of buildings from thousands of years ago. We walked the entire Forum and then to Palatine Hill.
Then it was off to the Colosseum---which was probably one of my most favorite places. I enjoyed learning about the structure (all the info was printed in English as well). After getting inside, we headed toward the center where we saw the stage which was removed to show where the animals and prisoners were help before battle. Much of the education shared was about hoisting the animals, the many fights that happened there, and how it was destroyed in a city fire. We decided to move to the second floor which meant 4 long staircases. Looking out over the bottom, it appears like a big stadium, however entirely rock. I felt the Colosseum was more interesting than the Forum because there was information in English to read about and understand what was what and how this place was used thousands and thousands of years ago. I wish we could have spent more time here, but we were off to Catacombs next.
We jumped on a bus and were on our way. The Catacombs are the ancient, human-made subterranean passageways for burial or protection. Many Christians were buried at the one we saw when Christians were being prosecuted. We met up with Jo & Fabio and all took the 1 Euro tour.
There were many different language tours--French, Spanish, Italian, English,Chinese... among a few others and the guy announcing could do each announcement in every language--it was outstanding he had each accent and pronunciation down. I was very impressed as he called each group in their native language.
When he called English we head to be education first about the Catacombs and then were taken down. Many tombs were family tombs---each parent had an arch-shape tomb where the parents went and then around the tomb were small rectangle tombs where their children, grandchildren, and family went. If only a moon shape tomb was there, they had no kids, but many family tombs were packed with several tombs. Some of the bodies were actually inside the tombs and these remained closed with bricks lying over the tomb, however, the bodies that had been removed show an open tomb. It was just freezing down there----it felt like full blown air conditioning. There were a total of 4 underground floor, however we were only allowed to level 2, the other two were being excavated still and discovering more bodies. But boy was it cold. At the very end we got to see two bodies which they uncovered from the tombs--one was a girl and one a boy----there was very little left of each body--I could barely make out the skeleton structures.
After coming back up and enjoying the sun to defrost, Amy, her parents, and I jumped back on a bus to St. Giovanni church. Her parents wanted to see that church so Amy and I went back with them. Then we jumped on another bus to the Piazza Novona where we met up Jo and Fabio again for dinner. We ate off the main roads (which was highly suggested by everyone who lives there---because the rest are tourist traps) at a place called Cul de Sac. Again we had some white wine, bread, and a meat/cheese plate for antipasto. I ordered a Sicilian pasta dish which was soooooo delicious. It was made with a tomato sauce, with eggplant, parmesan, the noodles were thick and twisty. It was very tasty and fresh mmmmm! Then we went back to the hotel, it was getting a bit chilly this evening--had goosebumps the whole way back. On our way back, we bumped into Father Dave who showed us his balcony view from his hotel. We enjoyed the few for a few minutes and then returned to the hotel. Amy and her parents enjoyed some wine in the lobby and I took a shower and went to bed!
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