Say goodbye to Italy

We made it back to Rome to fly home, early in the evening. We hadn't bought anything for the kids to we were on a quest. The receptionist at the hotel said we would find shopping one train stop from the airport. Great, this will be easy. Hopped on the train only to come to a mall, a pretty big mall. What a disappointment from what we had been shopping at. We were hungry so we found a Tex-Mex place. I had nachos with really cheddar cheese. You don't find that anywhere in Italy. They have a thing or two to learn about making good nachos, but it was good just the same. James had a grilled chicken what was fabulous. So I've had nachos and a hamburger in Italy now. We ended up going to the airport to buy souvenirs.

I hope you have enjoyed this blog of our travels, even if it is a week late. I know that there are spelling and grammar errors. I don't type as fast as my brain spits it out. We enjoyed our time immensely. I'm not quite ready to poor over our 1200 photos to scrapbook.

Pompeii

Have I mentioned that it is HOT? Pompeii is only an hour from Sorrento on the way back to Rome. It's weird because I thought it would be out in the middle of nowhere. It's in the middle of the city. We decided to do our own tour here since we had limited time. We started out following their map and reading the little book, but back to the Forum, once you've seen one ruin, you've seen them all. Sweat was just dripping down our backs. We stopped in the little caffe(air conditioning)and decide what we really wanted to see. We got to all but about four using the point and shoot method of photography. You could spend all day, we spent 3 hours. I think we decided that it was about 104 and 50% humidity.

Sorrento/Capri

I decide to go here based on a Food Network special. We got started late out of Rome due to our fun experience renting a car. You just don't do it during holiday. One of the local car agencies ended up have a car that we could rent and drop off at the Rome airport. We thought that it would be good to rent a GPS since we weren't sure where we were going. I didn't come with instructions, so we were wingin' it. To make a long story short, we got going and then it took up back to were we started. We finally got the directions to get out of town and that was the last time we tried to use it.

It took us a little long than we thought to get to Sorrento. We ended up just stopping short and asking for directions. The further south you go, the less English they speak. The traffic was horrific and scooters everywhere. In Italy, there aren't any real law for motorcycles/scooters. They pretty much do what they want. I was hoping that would still would be holding our reservations at the hotel. We finally found a parking garage and walked down to the hotel. We started telling the guy at the desk our dilemma and he just said, "You're on vacation. We can handle the paperwork when your ready." Holy Cow! You never hear anything like that. That just made the trip worth it. Our hotel was at the end of that main Piazza drag. They close the road to travel and people just walk around, eat, window shop. We love it.

The next morning we got up to catch the boat to Capri. The line was long, so we opted for the speed boat option. It gets you there in about 30 minutes. On the boat, this guy was walking around looking for people to take his tour. We decide that it would be worth it since we had no clue where we were going. It allowed us to talk with other English speaking people.

We started off going up to Anacapri (means above Capri). On the island only buses and golf cart type vehicles are allowed. While on the bus, he (the guide, Jerry) pointed out that the only way people could get to Anacapri was a set of stairs that I think the Greeks build. There around 8,000. I don't know if many people used them. Once in Anacapri, we took a chairlift to the top of the island. You can see all sides. It was a hazy day, so we could see very far. On one side you can see the Fraglioni rocks of Capri. On the way up you look into people's backyards that are terraced on the side of the hill. We had a light lunch that Jerry suggested. (It was quite over priced.) Then onto Capri. Really the only thing there is shopping. I was on the hunt to find Capris and handmade sandals. The capris were way expensive but I did find the sandals. You pick your style and color and come back in an hour. I would probably never spend that kind of money on another sandal. There is a main plaza, that anyone who is anyone, wants to be recognized here. We didn't see anyone important. There were more famous designer name stores. It was extremely hot and we went to ride the Funigular railway. They pack you down this tunnel to get into this car to ride down the hill. I couldn't help but think about slaves being herded into ships. It was HOT! Luckily, its only a 5 minute ride. We hoped on the boat and back to Sorrento. We went back to the hotel to let our clothes air out in the air conditioning. This was the only place that the air conditioning got cold.

Now by this time in the trip, I was ready for a piece of meat. Carbs will only take up so far. Meat is expensive, so they use lamb or pork. We found a restaurant on the main Piazza that served hamburgers. They come in pairs, two small burgers. They were wonderful! Before we ate, one thing that Capri is known for is lemons. There is a monastery that makes perfume from them and other natural ingredients. I looked for it on Capri and they were closed, but they had a store in Sorrento. So I bought a small bottle of perfume. We finished the night by just walking around window shopping.

Last set of Rome pictures

More Pictures of Rome

Rome (Roma) 2 days

We got into Rome early in the evening. After a bit of a struggle in finding our hotel we went out the see the sights at night. This took us to the Trevi fountain. This was build to celebrate the reopening of the ancient aqueduct that powers it. You then can head to the Spanish steps. It was crowded. The only disappointment was that the obelisk was under construction. On to the Pantheon, its not much in the dark. So then to the Piazza Navona. There were lots of artist selling their pictures. There was a hemp tatoo vendor. I told James we should getting matching tatoos. He didn't go for it. The other disappointment was the Four Rivers Fountain was under construction. We were seeing alot of things under construction.

The next morning we grabbed a taxi and went to the Vatican. One thing that the travel books don't tell you is how long the line is going to be. We got their about 9:00 and the line was 3 hours long. Just as we got out of the taxi, some guy asked if we spoke English. We were a little hesitant, but it turned out that it was a tour group looking for people to take a guided tour. We decided it was for the best and it turned out great. We had an Art History/Restoration guide. He really knew his stuff. We spend about 4 hours and bearly scratched the surface. The line to climb the dome was long so we bagged it. Some highlights: The Sistine Chapel is smaller than the pictures show, the pictures don't do justice to Michelangelo's paintings, St. Peter's Basilica is huge, the Pieta sculpture is gorgeous. It's so much to try to describe, so just ask.

After the busy morning, we decided to walk back through the sites from the night before. We stumbled on to the Roman Forum and Coliseum. We found a nice restaurant across from the Coliseum. We couldn't find a taxi, so we started to walk back to the hotel. Halfway there, a lady with a baby came up to James with a cardboard box. She started saying something and then another child grabbed hold of his arm. I came around to the front of him to watch his pockets. He was able to break free and we kept walking. He later realized the they had pickpocketed him. Luckily, all they got was his cheesy magnet. This made him a little nervous to be going through Naples the next day. They already have the reputation of pickpocketing people. So we decided that we would rent a car and drive to Sorrento.

Since we were driving, we went back to St Peter's to climb the Dome (Cupola). We got right in with no waiting. We took the elevator up to the inside of the dome. People look like ants on the bottom floor. We then took the 323-step climb to the outside top of the dome. It is an incredible view. We noticed a helicopter flying around, it landed at the back of the Vatican. It was the POPE!. Three cars winded down the complex to a baricade of people. He popped out the sunroof and started waving. I don't care if your Catholic or not, it was pretty cool.

We left and went to do the Forum and Coliseum tours. It was really hot by then and we were to the point, you've seen one ruin, you've seen them all. We went through to the various spots, read the information I had on the and snapped a picture. I figured I would sort it out all when I scrapbooked them. We did the same thing in the Coliseum, only there isn't much to see on the inside. Its their giant "football" stadium. It's just amazing how big it is and how did they build it back then without modern tools or machines.

Pisa

Now when you are planning your trip to Italy, only plan for an hour and half in Pisa. It is a 15 minute photo opp. It will take you 25 minutes both ways from the train. That will leave you time to fight your way through the illegal vendors around the buildings. There isn't much you can say, it's the Leaning Tower of Pisa.

Florence (Firenza)

As some of you know, the Chapmans are allergic to McDonalds. But I never was to glad to see a McDonalds by the train station in Florence. I knew it would have a bathroom. James actually bought a meal. I wasn't that desparate for food.

The buildings seemed taller then in Venice, probably because you can only go so high on water. We checked in to the hotel and then set off exploring. We started walking towards the Duomo not really know what to look for. We came around the corner and then there it is, this incredibly beautiful building. It is is huge. We had to go to then end of the Piazza to photograph Giotto's tower. It has a green, white and pink marble sheets that cover the construction. Right by the Duomo Cathedral is the Baptistery. It has the big, bronze paneled doors. Michelangelo said they were fit to be the gates of paradise. You then can walk down the pedestrian only Via dei Calzaiuoli. We liked not having to deal with cars. You stroll down to the Accademia and Uffizi Museums, this is were Michelangelo's David is. We decided not to do museums for two reasons, you have to reserve a spot and then they herd you through like cattle. There are several other sculptures in this area, Neptune's fountain, Perseus, and the Rape of the Sabines. We did run into the sister missionaries. Their district get together on Sundays and sing in the Piazza.

You keep walking through and turn into the Ponte Vecchio. This has shopping. There is a spot of a bust of the great goldsmith, Cellini. Now the importance for me what that guys would demonstrate the enduring quality of their love by ceremonially taking their girls here, locking a lock and throwing the key into the Arno. They had cleaned the fence and only a few lock were found on it. We found a spot around the corner of the bridge that had tons of locks on it.

On the train, we were asked if we were going shopping in Florence. It has all the major designer name stores, Gucci, Dolce & Gabbana, Fendi, Dior and many more. We just took pictures of the signs.

Venice (Venezia)

Our trip didn't start out on the best foot. The train in Avezzano was about two hours late and then once on board they told us it had some problems and we would have to get off. They would have a car to take us the rest of the way. So we made it to Pescara about 11:00 pm. We weren't quite sure how to get our next tickets so we picked the "Fast" option. Don't do that! We ended up sleeping in our chairs, 7 hours and still had to change trains to get to Venezia (Venice.)

We were able to check our bags in at our hotel so we could spend the morning around Venice. We grabbed some breakfast. It was somewhat of a relief that they spoke more English. We hopped on the vaporetto (water bus) and headed towards San Marco square. There were some cruise ships in port and the square was packed. We decided not to worry about going to the museum and Doge's palace. There were pigeons everywhere. People were having them eat right out of their hands. The clock tower is beautiful. It is the first in the world to have a digital clock.

We took David's advice, (my brother served here on his mission) and went across the way to San Giorgio Maggiore to go up this clock tower. There was hardly anyone there and the view was incredible. You could see all around the island. It was late morning and we were dragging. We head back to the hotel for a shower and a nap. Most of the cruise people should be gone in the afternoon as well.

It's amazing what a shower and a nap can do for ya! We started off to the Rialto Bridge. This bridge dates back to 1588. I had very specific shopping wants in Venezia; a mask, ties and glass jewelry. We checked all those items off the list as we wandered our way through the twist and turns of the "roads". You can just about walk from one end to the other in about an hour. Some of the churches had different exhibits on display. We found one with violins and violas. They also showed the tools on how they make them.

We decided that Venezia was great to visit, but it wasn't a place we would likely visit again.

No internet connection

As you my have noticed, we didn't have interent connection for the rest of our trip. We did find one place in Rome but they wanted a passport to have access. I will finished posting our trip over this week so you can have the full story.

Avezzano

James and I had to check out of the hotel Friday morning, which left me without a home for the day. He dropped me in the Piazza downtown and gave me a work cell phone. I thought this shouldn't be a problem, I can walk around and take a few pictures. Within minutes of dropping me off, some woman came up to me and started talking. Now what do you do? She finally caught on and asked if I understood, to which I replied, "Non Italiano." I must fit in pretty good.

I walked around taking pictures for a while and it started to get warm. I waited for a bench in the shade to sit down. No sooner than I sat down, than an old man came up and started to talk to me. I tried to tell him I didn't speak Italian. He couldn't hear very well and gave me the money sign of rubbing his thumb against his fingers. So he was either wanting money or propositioning me. I kept trying to telling him, no Italian and no, and he kept asking why. I finally got up and walked away.

So I was on my search for more shade. I found a closed restaurant with slab steps out of the way. It was away from the Piazza, so I thought I was safe. I saw this guy drive by and look at me. I thought, "You should just leave. No, I just found me a shady spot." So the guy parked and came up to me. Again, I tried to explain that I didn't speak Italian. He didn't care. He wanted me to go to coffee with him. So I tried to tell him I was waiting for my husband to call for lunch and I didn't drink coffee. This guy had to be about 25, he must be desperate. He sat down beside me and tried to brush up against me and started rubbing my back. I called to find James. He wasn't at his desk, so I told his boss that I had found a new "friend" and I couldn't get rid of him. His boss interpreted that to mean, that I was with my friends at the Piazza. The guy wanted my phone number, so I gave him James's boss's number. He called it to see if the phone rang. He then decided to just write down his number for me to call tomorrow. Sure, I'll call you tomorrow, and we parted ways. So I have an Italian guy's phone number if anyone wants it.

I called Rick Bunch, James's former boss who is now living in Avezzano, and asked if he knew where James was because I was done with walking around. I had been propositioned and had gotten a guy's phone number, I should be flattered right? I was a bit shaken up, I was more mad at myself for how I handled the situation. James and Rick came to my rescue and I spent the rest of the afternoon at Rick's house.

Audrey's here!

I made it to Italy! It's smaller than what I expected. The plane ride was so long! I was able to sleep for about 4 1/2 hours, that left 5 more hours. I studied Italian only to fly on a German airline and change planes in Munich. I could come up with French phrases but that doesn't help with German. The security guard at the security point started to talked to me about my carry on and I just was stumped. Do you say something in English or what do you do? You would think I could regurgitate something of German since Dad was always spouting something off to us as kids. I must have looked lost because he then told me in English.

August 15 is Ferragost,a holiday in Italy. Next to Christmas, Easter, and New Years, Ferragosto is one of the most celebrated holidays in Italy. It celebrates the rise of Mary up to heaven to join her son Jesus, taking her place by his side to look after those of us remaining here on Earth. It is a day of great festivities with celebrations in the streets and prayers to the Virgin Mary for thanks and support. All of Italy shuts down to celebrate Ferragosto.They say it's something like Thanksgiving. The traffic was bad from the airport to Avezzano until we passed the touristy turn off. We went to the Abbey of Montecassino. The drive alone would make anyone car sick with its tight turns and height. It was founded in 529 by St. Benedict. It has been destroyed and rebuilt about four times.

Nothing opens until about 7 pm to eat, so we went to the Piazza. They block the roads around it and people just start gathering around. I had my first gelato! It was incredible! Since it was a holiday the restuarants that James had eaten at before were closed. There was a Chinese place open, but I didn't come to Italy to eat Chinese. We ended up eating that the hotel.

Road Trip

Last weekend James and Rick Bunch drove to the Ferrari plant. They made stops in Sienna and Florence. That's James next to an Enzo Ferrari, red on red. He said that to own one you first have to be a Ferrari owner, then you put in an application and get your name on a list. If one comes available, they will then consider whether you are worthy to own one. That's probably as close to one as he'll ever get.

The picture of the castle on the hill is a tower of San Marino. San Marino is an independent republic within Italy. They have their own army, stamps and even can print their own money. I just think the picture is cool.

Mt Vesuvius

James drove to Mt Vesuvius the first weekend he was here. How cool is that to climb a volcano? Especially a famous one. OK, so it's inactive and there are plants growing at the bottom of the crater. Still, at one time this sucker wiped out a whole city. Take that Pompei.