......sort of ! I am currently on a bus heading north from Logan on the next to last leg of our incredible journey. It has been a long day,,starting with the wake up call at 5:45 am GMT (12:45 am EST) to the cab ride to Heathrow through a still dark London to a boarding call for the emptiest 767 I have ever seen! It was fabulous. We each had a whole row to ourselves so I could stretch out and relax. There were so few people on the flight that everyone could have free wine and beer and newspapers. It was almost as good as flying first class!
Upon landing in Logan I hear this "Ms. Caterina, is that you?" as I waited for luggage . Along comes a former student, Zmira Zilkha, whom I taught at Waynflete a long time ago. She had been on the same flight heading home from grad school in England. She filled me in on fellow students then headed out to meet her parents. What a small world!
So...here it is 4:34 pm EST more than 12 hours after setting forth as we head for Portland and a ride home to beef stew made by my mother in law and my cat, Gingerbread, and bird, Pineapple. Caterina is very excited to have her animals and her own room for the next couple of weeks. It is great to be almost home!
Tuesday, December 13, 2011
Monday, December 12, 2011
Buried relatives in Westminster and seeing Cameron in Parliament
Last day in London today! Such a bummer to think we are almost done with our vacation. Had a fabulous ending to it all, though.
First, we walked to Westminster Abbey where a cousin of my great grandmother is buried. It was the strongest thing as there are many hundreds of people buried or memorialized there. It was fantastic to see Queen Elizabeth I and Mary Queen of Scots. Then as I wandered in the Poet's Corner, I remembered my mother and other relatives telling us that we had a distant relative buried at the Abbey....a Henry Irving. As I wondered if I should ask a guide if they knew who he was, I looked down and saw that I was standing right on the name, "Sir Henry Irving- Actor and Manager" How weird is that! that was definitely one of those times that send chills down the spine! No pictures are allowed, but I snapped a pic with my camera. I definitely need to research him. He was a Shakespearean actor and somehow or other was friendly with Dickens. According to family story, he visited Portland in the late 1860's and visited my great grandmother's mother whose maiden name was Mary Irving. It was somehow in connection with a visit by Dickens to the US. Very cool!
We had a great lunch in the Methodist Centre across from the Abbey then wandered down to Parliament. We knew Cameron was meeting with the House of Commons at 3:30 and manged to get tickets to be admitted to the House Gallery. As it turned out, we were able to get into the Gallery and we saw Cameron arguing his position on stiffing the EU live and in person! This was definitely the best, best thing that has happened in the whole trip! Imagine being present for a critical argument in a period of history critical to the continuing existence of the European Union, critical to the state of the world's economy! It took my breath away. We sat and absorbed it all for an good hour and a half. We didn't leave until they were, long after 5 pm. I am still in heaven for being able to see Parliament in action. This is where modern democracy got its start. This is where so many important historic politicalevents happened. You have to be a political junky like me to get it!
So.....on that high note, I pack my bags and look forward to returning home to my Dad and my cat and my bird. Caterina is looking forward to being home and doing nothing for a couple of weeks. She misses Pineapple and Gingerbread.
So.......homeward bound we are!
First, we walked to Westminster Abbey where a cousin of my great grandmother is buried. It was the strongest thing as there are many hundreds of people buried or memorialized there. It was fantastic to see Queen Elizabeth I and Mary Queen of Scots. Then as I wandered in the Poet's Corner, I remembered my mother and other relatives telling us that we had a distant relative buried at the Abbey....a Henry Irving. As I wondered if I should ask a guide if they knew who he was, I looked down and saw that I was standing right on the name, "Sir Henry Irving- Actor and Manager" How weird is that! that was definitely one of those times that send chills down the spine! No pictures are allowed, but I snapped a pic with my camera. I definitely need to research him. He was a Shakespearean actor and somehow or other was friendly with Dickens. According to family story, he visited Portland in the late 1860's and visited my great grandmother's mother whose maiden name was Mary Irving. It was somehow in connection with a visit by Dickens to the US. Very cool!
We had a great lunch in the Methodist Centre across from the Abbey then wandered down to Parliament. We knew Cameron was meeting with the House of Commons at 3:30 and manged to get tickets to be admitted to the House Gallery. As it turned out, we were able to get into the Gallery and we saw Cameron arguing his position on stiffing the EU live and in person! This was definitely the best, best thing that has happened in the whole trip! Imagine being present for a critical argument in a period of history critical to the continuing existence of the European Union, critical to the state of the world's economy! It took my breath away. We sat and absorbed it all for an good hour and a half. We didn't leave until they were, long after 5 pm. I am still in heaven for being able to see Parliament in action. This is where modern democracy got its start. This is where so many important historic politicalevents happened. You have to be a political junky like me to get it!
So.....on that high note, I pack my bags and look forward to returning home to my Dad and my cat and my bird. Caterina is looking forward to being home and doing nothing for a couple of weeks. She misses Pineapple and Gingerbread.
So.......homeward bound we are!
Sorry..delayed story!
Been off wifi for a couple of days due to weird connections. So I need to recap yesterday first. Started the day off by seeing the changing of the guards which was right next door to the hotel. While it is cool to see, I am not sure I would bother again to be honest. There is marching and bands playing and pageantry, but 15 minutes would have done me fine.
In the afternoon, Geoff went back down to the Thames and rode on one of the river boats. He managed to catch up to the captain, of course, and chatted him up about the boats and how they get licensed and whatnot. He also visited the Guard Museum and chatted with one of the guys there.
While he did that, Caterina and I walked across the city to the British Museum. It was a great hike through Green Park along Piccadilly to the Circle then up Regent and Oxford to the museum. It was fun as the streets were all closed through Regent and Oxford for a huge Christmas happening. We saw a huge Sebago shoe and learned that there is a Sebago shoe store on Regent Street. There were street acts and lots and lots of shoppers!
The British Museum was fabulous. We saw the Elgin Marbles and the Rosetta Stone and many Roman British artifacts. It was not very crowded and it was free! That was super given that every other museum we visited in Paris and Rome charged for visits. I was quite impressed.
After hiking back through Charing Cross and Trafalgar Square, we cut through St. James Park under the full moon and returned to the hotel very, very tired.
In the afternoon, Geoff went back down to the Thames and rode on one of the river boats. He managed to catch up to the captain, of course, and chatted him up about the boats and how they get licensed and whatnot. He also visited the Guard Museum and chatted with one of the guys there.
While he did that, Caterina and I walked across the city to the British Museum. It was a great hike through Green Park along Piccadilly to the Circle then up Regent and Oxford to the museum. It was fun as the streets were all closed through Regent and Oxford for a huge Christmas happening. We saw a huge Sebago shoe and learned that there is a Sebago shoe store on Regent Street. There were street acts and lots and lots of shoppers!
The British Museum was fabulous. We saw the Elgin Marbles and the Rosetta Stone and many Roman British artifacts. It was not very crowded and it was free! That was super given that every other museum we visited in Paris and Rome charged for visits. I was quite impressed.
After hiking back through Charing Cross and Trafalgar Square, we cut through St. James Park under the full moon and returned to the hotel very, very tired.
Saturday, December 10, 2011
Top of the bus is COLD!
Fabulous day touring London today on the top of a double decker bus. Several people suggested, and we agreed, that it would make sense to get a hop on, hop off bus pass that would give us the layout of the town and then we would pop off. We rode around for about an hour and a half on the top, outside sort of, no heat until we reached the tower of London and hopped off with frozen feet and faces. We popped into a local pub and had a great lunch with mulled cider before setting off a tour of the Tower. This was great fun seeing the jewels and the rooms where many famous people were held, many of those being executed in the courtyard. It was fascinating. From there we hopped onto a barge on the Thames that delivered us back to Westminster just as Big Ben was hitting 4 pm. Of course, Geoff sought out the captain of the barge and learned a bit about the boat,of course.We walked back to the hotel from the Thames as the moon rose behind us, bright and orange over St. James Park.
Now, after a spot of tea, we plot our evening activity!
Now, after a spot of tea, we plot our evening activity!
Friday, December 9, 2011
Hail, Britannia!
We have landed in jolly, old England after a 2 hour 15 minute ride from Paris under the England Channel. We had a fabulous cabbie coming in who was so excited to have people who spoke English in his cab that he gave us a nice little tour along the route. Our hotel literally looks at Queen Elizabeth's backyard at Buckingham Palace. It is easy walking distance to many of the spots we want to see while here.
We took off looking for fish and chips at 5:30 and landed at a great little spot behind the hotel. The fish was excellent as were the chips. Geoff chatted up an elderly couple at the next tab,e and we had quite a laugh with them about France, and bees, and the Euro, and whatnot. The gentleman took Geoff's beekeeper card and told us that he, Larry, and Margaret would send along a Christmas card! I hope he does. They really were fabulous.
After dinner, Caterina and I strolled up to the palace and took a few pictures of the place lit up. It is really quite a bit smaller than I expected, but maybe it is because it was night. We didn't walk for long as it is FREEZING here! Temps below 32 degrees tonight. I miss Rome and its sun. The sun sets way too early here!
Tomorrow we are doing the bus around London tour then a river ride to the Tower. Check in and see what happens!
We took off looking for fish and chips at 5:30 and landed at a great little spot behind the hotel. The fish was excellent as were the chips. Geoff chatted up an elderly couple at the next tab,e and we had quite a laugh with them about France, and bees, and the Euro, and whatnot. The gentleman took Geoff's beekeeper card and told us that he, Larry, and Margaret would send along a Christmas card! I hope he does. They really were fabulous.
After dinner, Caterina and I strolled up to the palace and took a few pictures of the place lit up. It is really quite a bit smaller than I expected, but maybe it is because it was night. We didn't walk for long as it is FREEZING here! Temps below 32 degrees tonight. I miss Rome and its sun. The sun sets way too early here!
Tomorrow we are doing the bus around London tour then a river ride to the Tower. Check in and see what happens!
No dinner due to riot police!
It's 9:30 am here and we have finished packing again, about to head to Gare du Nord and the Chunnel Train. I really thought we would make it out of France without experiencing any protests or shut downs, but was I mistaken! We were hoping to have dinner at our fave, Grand Palais, which is immediately around the corner of our hotel, but the block around it was cordoned off by police in riot gear and traffic which normally goes up the Champs Élysées was being routed in front of our hotel. What a mess! We made it to the Champs élysées along the Rue Montaigne ( the TOP street for fashion in the world, by the way) and watched as the police smoked cigarettes and chatted up the crowd. What in the world? As it turns out, an avant garde play that slams Christianity and Catholics was opening at the Rond Pointe Theater around the corner and the militant Catholics (you read that right) were raising hell (sarcasm intended ) at the theater. This silliness went on for awhile, as when we returned from dinner at another establishment, the street was still cordoned off and police were standing by. Such excitement!
So.....off we go to London today. It will be interesting to read and hear their take on the Brussels meeting happening today to stabilize the Euro as they are not part of the currency, but have trade agreements with the Euro countries. I will write more later.
So.....off we go to London today. It will be interesting to read and hear their take on the Brussels meeting happening today to stabilize the Euro as they are not part of the currency, but have trade agreements with the Euro countries. I will write more later.
Thursday, December 8, 2011
Last full day in Paris
It is hard to believe that we are ending our stay in Paris. It seems like just yesterday we arrived. I was telling Geoff that according to my history with this awesome city, we should be back in 6 years. I was first here as a starry eyed high school student in 1973. Because my name is Jean-Marie, a very common name for boys, I was assigned to a hotel room with the guys! I was all for it, but the chaperone was "Mais non!" :( I returned in 1997, 24 years later, as the chaperone of my very own crew of kids. We had fun and I have heard various stories since then of hijinks that went on in the wee hours without my knowledge. C'est la vie! Now, 12 years have passed and I have returned to show this place to my husband and daughter. 1/2 of 24 is 12..1/2 of that is 6.......hmm...
Spent the day reading newspapers and getting the drift of the world from the French journalists view. It is always good to see the world through something other than an American centric lens. As you may know, we are in the midst of crisi talks here in Europe regarding the fate of the Euro countries and their economies. Apparently,Geithner was here yesterday. As we walk around this city and in Rome previously, it is amazing how small the world has become. Where even 10 to 12 years ago, the cultures of Rome and Paris were more clearly different from one another and from the USA, today about the only difference is language. And there the gap is closing as more of us speak, or attempt to speak, each other's languages.
Caterina is off to Montmarte today to meet friends from UChicago who have been studying in Paris. Geoff and I wandered the Left Bank finding a Carrefours and bringing a late lunch of baguette, ham, cheese and Bordeaux wine back to the hotel. We also bought some French honey. I brought a Hannaford's bag with me which we used to carry the groceries. In Europe, you bring a bag or you pay for one. I think that is a brilliant idea! One more way in which Europeans are way ahead of us. I also noted that there are doctors offices everywhere and learned that the ratio of doctors to population is significantly higher here than the US with its tightly controlled access to medical school. That, alone, leads to better access to care let alone access to Universal Care. So much for the free markets, my dear country!
But, I digress......Geoff agrees that coming to Europe has been a great chance to experience America from the other side of the pond. Without such an experience, one cannot begin to appreciate our own lives, and appreciate how critical it is that we all recognize just how small the world really is!
' til later!
Spent the day reading newspapers and getting the drift of the world from the French journalists view. It is always good to see the world through something other than an American centric lens. As you may know, we are in the midst of crisi talks here in Europe regarding the fate of the Euro countries and their economies. Apparently,Geithner was here yesterday. As we walk around this city and in Rome previously, it is amazing how small the world has become. Where even 10 to 12 years ago, the cultures of Rome and Paris were more clearly different from one another and from the USA, today about the only difference is language. And there the gap is closing as more of us speak, or attempt to speak, each other's languages.
Caterina is off to Montmarte today to meet friends from UChicago who have been studying in Paris. Geoff and I wandered the Left Bank finding a Carrefours and bringing a late lunch of baguette, ham, cheese and Bordeaux wine back to the hotel. We also bought some French honey. I brought a Hannaford's bag with me which we used to carry the groceries. In Europe, you bring a bag or you pay for one. I think that is a brilliant idea! One more way in which Europeans are way ahead of us. I also noted that there are doctors offices everywhere and learned that the ratio of doctors to population is significantly higher here than the US with its tightly controlled access to medical school. That, alone, leads to better access to care let alone access to Universal Care. So much for the free markets, my dear country!
But, I digress......Geoff agrees that coming to Europe has been a great chance to experience America from the other side of the pond. Without such an experience, one cannot begin to appreciate our own lives, and appreciate how critical it is that we all recognize just how small the world really is!
' til later!
Wednesday, December 7, 2011
Louvre trip.....few folks!
Hint for anyone going to Paris. Go to the Louvre after 6 pm on Wednesday. No lines, no kidding! We had a fabulous 2.5 hours doing a quick run through the Greeks, Etruscans, Romans and Egyptians. We made it to see Mona ( as in Lisa) at around 8 pm and had maybe twenty people grouped around her simultaneously. The last time I was here, I was fortunate enough to have seen her from 50 paces away! Tonight, right there..right at the rope. :) The Louvre is very pretty at night, also. It is definitely the way to go if you are on a tight schedule.
As is our habit, we didn't even eat dinner until after 9:30, not a good habit. I don't even want to think about what the scale must look like after this trip!
So......it's 11:30 pm here. Time to read my book and relax into a deep sleep with people speaking French and Italian in my dreams. Tomorrow is our last full day in Paris. Think we might go to Montmartre. Geoff is on the lookout for French honey, also! LOL :)
Bon soir!
As is our habit, we didn't even eat dinner until after 9:30, not a good habit. I don't even want to think about what the scale must look like after this trip!
So......it's 11:30 pm here. Time to read my book and relax into a deep sleep with people speaking French and Italian in my dreams. Tomorrow is our last full day in Paris. Think we might go to Montmartre. Geoff is on the lookout for French honey, also! LOL :)
Bon soir!
Il pleut and other adventures
Our Paris adventure continues today with a brisk walk to Isle de la Cite and Notre Dame Cathedral. As we have settled in here, we find that we eat at strange hours. Because it is dark until 8:30 am we rarely awake before that time, then enjoy a leisurely petit dejeuner here in the hotel. We are quite spoiled as we have a suite of approximately 400 sq feet that includes a large, marble salle de bain with soaking tub and heated towel bars, a separate toilette, a living room with sofa, desk, table and 4 chairs, and a sepaparate bedroom. Needless to say, we can loll about reading Le Figaro and watching the news in French (amazing how quickly it comes back) before heading out for the day.
Today we set out for Notre Dame at around noon. Dark clouds surrounded us from time to time, but nothing happened until we left the cathedral in search of a bistro at about 2. All of a sudden, the heavens opened up as we were standing near a very nice spot at the corner of Rue Victoria near the Chatelet metro stop. We enjoyed a nice, leisurely lunch and watched as the sun slowly returned.......but not for long.......bam! Another downpour hit as we were thinking of leaving which made us reconsider walking directly to the Louvre. Caterina and I convinced Geoff to hop on the Metro, something he had been avoiding, and we headed back to our hotel so Caterina could switch out her contacts for glasses. As it is raining again and the Louvre is open until 9:45 tonight, we are relaxing again, planning a late evening at the museum. It is our understanding that Wednesday night has no crowds, no lines and is when the locals visit. I will let you know if that is true!
So, we are hitting on those places we want to see at our own pace, eating some great food, drinking some good wine and just enjoying Paris. This is exactly how vacation should be. Au revoir until I post our Louvre adventures.
Today we set out for Notre Dame at around noon. Dark clouds surrounded us from time to time, but nothing happened until we left the cathedral in search of a bistro at about 2. All of a sudden, the heavens opened up as we were standing near a very nice spot at the corner of Rue Victoria near the Chatelet metro stop. We enjoyed a nice, leisurely lunch and watched as the sun slowly returned.......but not for long.......bam! Another downpour hit as we were thinking of leaving which made us reconsider walking directly to the Louvre. Caterina and I convinced Geoff to hop on the Metro, something he had been avoiding, and we headed back to our hotel so Caterina could switch out her contacts for glasses. As it is raining again and the Louvre is open until 9:45 tonight, we are relaxing again, planning a late evening at the museum. It is our understanding that Wednesday night has no crowds, no lines and is when the locals visit. I will let you know if that is true!
So, we are hitting on those places we want to see at our own pace, eating some great food, drinking some good wine and just enjoying Paris. This is exactly how vacation should be. Au revoir until I post our Louvre adventures.
Tuesday, December 6, 2011
Santa Flies Over The Champs Élysées
Wonderful day wandering the streets of Paris, attending the Musee d'Orsay,seeing Sarkozy fly by in a motorcade,and stumbling on a fabulous Christmas celebration along the Seine. We wandered from booth to booth checking out the wares and the food, planning to pop by later for a quick crepe or chocolate, warmed wine or a punch. It was fun to see the sparkling lights and hear carols in French and English. There was a high wire act where a real live Santa flies in a sleigh across the street while suspended. The shouts of joy and real excitement from all the little ones surrounding us reminded me how important Christmas is to so many children around the world. I was truly feeling the old Christmas spirit. How wonderful and fortunate we are to be able to be here in Paris to see the fun! Joyeaux Noel!
Monday, December 5, 2011
Baby,it's cold outside!
Mais oui, nous sommes in Paris! We left Roma at 10 am yesterday morning via a Mercedes with driver, flying out of Fiumicino via Dusseldorf, Germany and onto France. What a difference a day makes! We went from the colorful hub bub that is Italy, through the well regimented and efficient German airport and airline to land in the very civilized city of Paris. Our one adventure while flying was the extreme turbulence we hit as we began to descend towards Charles de Gaul. But it only lasted about 5 minutes and the reason for it was clear as we deplaned onto a windy, rainy, cold tarmac en route to the terminal.
Settled into the hotel suite ( you read that correctly!), Geoff and I left an exhausted Caterina and sallied forth in the pouring rain at 10 pm in search of food. Our hotel is located in a very swanky area of Paris.....two blocks from the Champs Elysses and in the same neighborhood as Dior, Chanel, Jimmy Choo........mais oui! We reached the Champs Elysses and found one hopping spot with all sorts of action and expensive eateries. So..what did we choose? The Cafe di Roma, I kid you not! What did we eat? Pizza! LOL
Today, I woke at 7:30 am and had to double check the clock as it is PITCH DARK then! The sun does not rise until 8:15 am in the City of Lights. It turned out to be a sunny, brisk
day....more brisk than we expected as we found out as we were blown about on our way to the Eiffel Tower. Being brave and crazy, we climbed to the first level of the tower, 328 stairs.
Geoff and Caterina climbed the remaining 300 plus stairs and then to the lift to the tippy
top. I was not sure I wanted to climb that many stairs again, nor did I want to be that high
in the wind! They had a great time and took many pictures. I cruised around the first platform
and looked out over the city in all directions. But, man, was it cold! In the 40's with a 15
knot wind is quite different from the high fifties and warmer sun of Rome.It feels great to be back!
A long walk back through the Trocadero and along the Avenue Kleber to the Arch di Triomphe, then back to the Champs d'Elysses and to the hotel for a late afternoon break made for a great
day. We are breaking out the down jackets, hats and mittens for our foray this evening. Will post later!
Settled into the hotel suite ( you read that correctly!), Geoff and I left an exhausted Caterina and sallied forth in the pouring rain at 10 pm in search of food. Our hotel is located in a very swanky area of Paris.....two blocks from the Champs Elysses and in the same neighborhood as Dior, Chanel, Jimmy Choo........mais oui! We reached the Champs Elysses and found one hopping spot with all sorts of action and expensive eateries. So..what did we choose? The Cafe di Roma, I kid you not! What did we eat? Pizza! LOL
Today, I woke at 7:30 am and had to double check the clock as it is PITCH DARK then! The sun does not rise until 8:15 am in the City of Lights. It turned out to be a sunny, brisk
day....more brisk than we expected as we found out as we were blown about on our way to the Eiffel Tower. Being brave and crazy, we climbed to the first level of the tower, 328 stairs.
Geoff and Caterina climbed the remaining 300 plus stairs and then to the lift to the tippy
top. I was not sure I wanted to climb that many stairs again, nor did I want to be that high
in the wind! They had a great time and took many pictures. I cruised around the first platform
and looked out over the city in all directions. But, man, was it cold! In the 40's with a 15
knot wind is quite different from the high fifties and warmer sun of Rome.It feels great to be back!
A long walk back through the Trocadero and along the Avenue Kleber to the Arch di Triomphe, then back to the Champs d'Elysses and to the hotel for a late afternoon break made for a great
day. We are breaking out the down jackets, hats and mittens for our foray this evening. Will post later!
Saturday, December 3, 2011
Time to say good by..
This song by Andrea Bocelli has been running through my head as we wrap up our visit to Rome and prepare to head to Paris tomorrow. We had a tremendous time just wandering the area around the Aventine,going to a farmers market and buying Italian honey, visiting the Orange Garden and peeking through the keyhole at the Knights of Malta Palace. We crossed the Tiber and ate at a delightful little cafe, making it in the door about 5 minutes before a torrential rainfall deluged the Trastevere. We again trekked the 300 plus steps to Caterina's apartment where we visited as she finished her packing. On the way back to the San Giovanni area, we noticed that the ATAC (bus) police were hopping on and off busses collecting mega fines from people like us who didn't have a ticket. We raced across the street at the Colosseum and bought two tickets, but, wouldn't you know! No bus police hopped on our last bus. Ah well.......it is ridiculously easy to just hop on and off busses and never pay. I am not sure how they fund them to be honest.
So.....all packed and writing this blog before I turn in for the night. It has been a really nice experience to be in Roma again. Even Geoff was beginning to be able to understand a little Italian! Va bene!
So.....all packed and writing this blog before I turn in for the night. It has been a really nice experience to be in Roma again. Even Geoff was beginning to be able to understand a little Italian! Va bene!
Friday, December 2, 2011
The 70's and 80's Italy Style
In case I forgot to mention it, I planned this trip as an anniversary celebration for Geoff and I. As of August 22, we will have been married for 25 years. I think that surviving marriage for that long in this day and age is pretty darned good. And to still love one another is even better! Anyways, as we sit and digest another delicioso Italian dinner at 10:45 at night we have found this TV station that plays pre- MTV videos of the awesome bands of the 70's and 80's. Most of them are clips from music we enjoyed as while dating and newly married. Can we say déjà vu? Gotta love Italy!
Fire fighters in Rome
Today got off to a slow start as Geoff and I both slept in..not a good thing to do when you are trying to get over jet lag! Ah well! Making plans to meet Caterina at San Giovanni de Laeterano Basilica at noon, we arrive to find a huge Mass going on and a cathedral full of dignitaries and armed service folks (mostly Navy) and many firefighters in bunker type outfits as members of the audience. Come to find out it is the Feast of St. Barbara, the patron saint of Navy folks and firefighters. We were treated to a full orchestra singing Handel's Messiah Hallelujah chorus as well as archbishops and clergy galore concelebrating a Mass. It was quite moving. I learned from Caterina that the Basiloca was the original church ofnthe Popes prior to the building of the current Basilica of St. Peter. The doors were the original doors of the ancient Curia in the Roman Forum. All in all, quite an impressive place.
After speeding some time with Caterina at our hotel, we set off to find the Trevi Fountain, a tourist trap if ever there were one! Getting there was another adventure as Geoff and I got separated on the subway when the door slammed shut in my face. LOL! I figured I would just head to Barberini station and call Geoff if he wasn't there. ( At that point I had no idea if that was where he was going.) thankfully he was standing there hoping I was on the next train! We finished the afternoon wandering up the Quirinal to the palace and an exhibit on modern Italian history. This is a brand new exhibit geared for Italians. The palaceis impressive.
After speeding some time with Caterina at our hotel, we set off to find the Trevi Fountain, a tourist trap if ever there were one! Getting there was another adventure as Geoff and I got separated on the subway when the door slammed shut in my face. LOL! I figured I would just head to Barberini station and call Geoff if he wasn't there. ( At that point I had no idea if that was where he was going.) thankfully he was standing there hoping I was on the next train! We finished the afternoon wandering up the Quirinal to the palace and an exhibit on modern Italian history. This is a brand new exhibit geared for Italians. The palaceis impressive.
Thursday, December 1, 2011
The bees....
...yes, we were discussing bees and honey (miele) tonight with a waitress at a local eatery. She spoke very little English and Geoff speaks no Italian so I had to moderate as best I could with my meager Italian and vast Latin. I am finding that knowing Latin is somewhat helpful. Geoff learned the word for bee is "ape", pronounced ah-pay which makes sense since it is Apis in Latin.. The young lady brought our a jar of Sardinian honey from the cucina and Geoff had a very yummy Sardinian pastry made with pecorino cheese and honey. Ah...the international language of sweets! Buona sera, all! More adventures tomorrow, I am sure, as our tour guide is joining us.
Ah..those Spanish Steps!
Took a wild taxi ride this morning to the Galleria Borghese which is definitely a wonderful place to see some of the best art in the world in a small space! We screeched down back roads and one way streets like the proverbial bat in hell. I was damned gladI had a seat belt for that ride. I knew Romans drove like crazy people, but this was truly amazing!
After the gallery and a lazy lunch, we poked along the park behind the gallery, making our way to the top of the Spanish steps through some pretty swanky neighborhoods. While perched at the top of the stairs enjoying a place to sit and the sun in our faces, I noticed a group of unsavory types who were plying the tourists with babies and children in hand. One of the artists at the top of the hill finally came over to them and started yelling that he was sick of them and he was calling the carabinieri and they better get lost! All of this at the top of his lungs in true Italian style. Off they slunk to a lower portion of the steps.
Well, about ten minutes later, Geoff and I began to descend the stairs. The ladies began to follow and realizing I was having none of it and had a purse that was secured underneath my cape they began to buzz all over Geoff in hopes of picking his pocket of his phone which was in hand, or his wallet which was in the front pocket covered by the camera case. Anyone who knows Geoff knows he has a voice that can be heard all across the Atlantic Ocean. Fast as they thought they could distract him and pick the old pocket, Geoff booms out, "Get your hands out of my fu#*$ing pockets you bitches" whereupon the whole square seemed to stop and look as the crazy pickpockets knew they had the wrong mark and skeedadled away. I was ready to clock one of them. Good thing they don't allow those of us with concealed weapons permits to carry in Rome..........
With that little adventure, we proceeded to the Vatican where we toured for a bit before
catching two busses and returning to the hotel. We are getting really good at that now!
After the gallery and a lazy lunch, we poked along the park behind the gallery, making our way to the top of the Spanish steps through some pretty swanky neighborhoods. While perched at the top of the stairs enjoying a place to sit and the sun in our faces, I noticed a group of unsavory types who were plying the tourists with babies and children in hand. One of the artists at the top of the hill finally came over to them and started yelling that he was sick of them and he was calling the carabinieri and they better get lost! All of this at the top of his lungs in true Italian style. Off they slunk to a lower portion of the steps.
Well, about ten minutes later, Geoff and I began to descend the stairs. The ladies began to follow and realizing I was having none of it and had a purse that was secured underneath my cape they began to buzz all over Geoff in hopes of picking his pocket of his phone which was in hand, or his wallet which was in the front pocket covered by the camera case. Anyone who knows Geoff knows he has a voice that can be heard all across the Atlantic Ocean. Fast as they thought they could distract him and pick the old pocket, Geoff booms out, "Get your hands out of my fu#*$ing pockets you bitches" whereupon the whole square seemed to stop and look as the crazy pickpockets knew they had the wrong mark and skeedadled away. I was ready to clock one of them. Good thing they don't allow those of us with concealed weapons permits to carry in Rome..........
With that little adventure, we proceeded to the Vatican where we toured for a bit before
catching two busses and returning to the hotel. We are getting really good at that now!
Wednesday, November 30, 2011
Cafe, Cafe! On Via Dei Santi Quattro
Geoff and I are finally sitting down to a late lunch at this awesome cafe I found on an online non tourist site. We spent this morning and early afternoon ambling about the Colosseum and the Roman forum. When I say amble, I really mean it, too. I have been married to Geoff for almost 25 years and learn something new every day! I had no idea that Geoff likes to read all the information posted by the museum, for example. No idea!!! I have to confess that this being my second visit to Rome and teaching Latin and Roman history gives me a bit of an edge when it comes to knowing what I am looking at. But, really, some of this stuff is eye glazing. But....what the heck. We are spending quality time and it really is fun seeing things through his eyes. Like taking kids on trips, I learn to see through another lens, if your will. For someone as driven as me, it is good to slow down and really see what is around me.
As for this cafe...it is smashing! It is hidden away on a side street and offers the best American jazz music and the best eggplant parmigiana. Add cappuccinos and melt in your mouth chocolate cake with pears and walnuts......benissimo! It is a great place to relax, check the Internet,and watch the real Roman world go by.
As for this cafe...it is smashing! It is hidden away on a side street and offers the best American jazz music and the best eggplant parmigiana. Add cappuccinos and melt in your mouth chocolate cake with pears and walnuts......benissimo! It is a great place to relax, check the Internet,and watch the real Roman world go by.
Wednesday morning in Rome!
It is 7:30 am and the sun is rising over the ancient city of Rome. Church bells are ringing out over the city, not sure why at this hour. It may be that there is Mass as the Lateran Basiloca, nearly next door. Today we plan to do the Colosseum, Palatine, and Fora this morning, then the Fountains and Spanish Steps this afternoon. While we were graced by Caterina's presence yesterday, she has finals and final partying this afternoon, so won't see her until tomorrow.
I was dead tired last night. And couldn't even write my entry without starting to doze off. Our flight to Rome was uneventful, the airplane a typical Alitalia one, a little worn around the edges but with great food, and funny Italian movies. We caught maybe two hours of sleep on the plane, so grabbed a quick hour of a cat nap at the hotel before meeting Caterina at the Pantheon at one. She took us in tow and we bought panini and ate at the Argentine Square after touring the Pantheon. From there we took the ATAC to Trastevere where we walked up 306 stairs- yes, I thought I would die, before reaching Ctaerina's apartment where we walked up 5 more flights to her abode! That was definitely the exercise part of the program!
At the apartment we met her delightful roommates and spent a pleasant hour or so learning more about their semester and how they are all very sad to be leaving this beautiful place. From there Caterina brought us to the Janiculum where we gazed upon the vista o f the city below and caut the sunset. She showed us where to catch the bus to the Colosseum where we were supposed to find a connection to our hotel. 30 minutes of waiting and no bus later, Geoff and I made the long traipse back to the hotel to catch some free, cold pizza in the lounge with a glass of red wine then off to a total collapse and long sleep at 8:30 pm. It is now 8 am and sleeping beauty continues to snore! It is time to get up and get going as it is a sunny, warm (66 degree) day here in the eternal city!
Will post later today! Ciao.
I was dead tired last night. And couldn't even write my entry without starting to doze off. Our flight to Rome was uneventful, the airplane a typical Alitalia one, a little worn around the edges but with great food, and funny Italian movies. We caught maybe two hours of sleep on the plane, so grabbed a quick hour of a cat nap at the hotel before meeting Caterina at the Pantheon at one. She took us in tow and we bought panini and ate at the Argentine Square after touring the Pantheon. From there we took the ATAC to Trastevere where we walked up 306 stairs- yes, I thought I would die, before reaching Ctaerina's apartment where we walked up 5 more flights to her abode! That was definitely the exercise part of the program!
At the apartment we met her delightful roommates and spent a pleasant hour or so learning more about their semester and how they are all very sad to be leaving this beautiful place. From there Caterina brought us to the Janiculum where we gazed upon the vista o f the city below and caut the sunset. She showed us where to catch the bus to the Colosseum where we were supposed to find a connection to our hotel. 30 minutes of waiting and no bus later, Geoff and I made the long traipse back to the hotel to catch some free, cold pizza in the lounge with a glass of red wine then off to a total collapse and long sleep at 8:30 pm. It is now 8 am and sleeping beauty continues to snore! It is time to get up and get going as it is a sunny, warm (66 degree) day here in the eternal city!
Will post later today! Ciao.
Sunday, November 27, 2011
Anyone want to buy a boat?
Rather than continue packing or thinking about packing, the day was spent having our boat "Catnip" pulled out of the water, driven to my yard, and shrink wrapped. That's right..they shrink wrap boats. So.....I have just decided that if Geoff forgets anything, oh well.....I will make sure he has his tickets and his passport. But it is somewhat tempting to see what would happen if he forgot them! Twenty five years of this my friends, 25 years.....gotta love the guy. I should have made that bet with him. :)
Saturday, November 26, 2011
Making progress
Today, Geoff actually spent a concentrated amount of time deciding what to pack and what else he needed to buy. He went to Lamey Wellehan's and bought a nice pair of Clarke's shoes that actually passed his sister Susan's "metro Euro" test. ( Susan having lived in Europe for a couple of years.) At lunch with all 4 sisters, we learned more tips for travel. Susan lived in Europe, Janet travels there frequently for Amnesty, Ruth was in the Peace Corps in Poland, and Laura has travelled there. They had all sorts of advice, mostly helpful, and Geoff took it all in. It is much better to hear from someone other than me!
Upon our return home, Geoff started to sort through the pile on the bed (see previous photos) and some pieces have actually made it into the suitcase! Then it was off to clean guns, hang wreaths, and monkey with the boat trailer as the boat is being hauled out and shrink wrapped tomorrow am. He is now out on a fire call and I am not sure what is for dinner as I have been emptying the refrigerator in anticipation of the two week absence.
I wonder when he will finish the packing? My bet? Tomorrow night....late! Stay tuned! We leave the house Monday am.....LOL
Upon our return home, Geoff started to sort through the pile on the bed (see previous photos) and some pieces have actually made it into the suitcase! Then it was off to clean guns, hang wreaths, and monkey with the boat trailer as the boat is being hauled out and shrink wrapped tomorrow am. He is now out on a fire call and I am not sure what is for dinner as I have been emptying the refrigerator in anticipation of the two week absence.
I wonder when he will finish the packing? My bet? Tomorrow night....late! Stay tuned! We leave the house Monday am.....LOL
Friday, November 25, 2011
Packing
Pictures of Geoff
The morning after...
...Thanksgiving and I am tired. Geoff was up and out for a 6 am shift at the fire department and I have been working since 8 am getting loose ends tied up. As always, all hell breaks loose when I am trying to leave, but that is OK as it means properties being put under contract!
I was hoping to post pictures of Geoff in his new Euro look, but it seems my fake SIM card is thoroughly jammed in the portal in my Dell. This is not good. I don't dare stick anything in there as I will probably electrocute myself. Online tech sites talk about putting superglue on an old credit card and letting it stick to the card to pull it out. I may give that a try. Otherwise, I need to bring my SIM from the Nikon up to the fire station and download to Picasa from Geoff's Mac. This will give him more ammo for having me take his old Mac so he can buy a new one. Oh sure! He just bought a new IPAD running a similar scam on me! LOL......
So......stay tuned.....for further updates....
I was hoping to post pictures of Geoff in his new Euro look, but it seems my fake SIM card is thoroughly jammed in the portal in my Dell. This is not good. I don't dare stick anything in there as I will probably electrocute myself. Online tech sites talk about putting superglue on an old credit card and letting it stick to the card to pull it out. I may give that a try. Otherwise, I need to bring my SIM from the Nikon up to the fire station and download to Picasa from Geoff's Mac. This will give him more ammo for having me take his old Mac so he can buy a new one. Oh sure! He just bought a new IPAD running a similar scam on me! LOL......
So......stay tuned.....for further updates....
Thursday, November 24, 2011
Happy Thanksgiving!
What a beautiful day! The frost is most definitely on the pumpkin and the turkeys are out looking for their corn in the yard. I look at the bed in Caterina's room piled high with clothes and all the stuff that needs to make it into one remaining suitcase and one small carry on and I despair! While I have most of my things already packed and sorted, Geoff's stuff is all over the place. Imagine that!
As mentioned in his own post, I put my foot down on blue jeans and Scarborough Fire Department shirts accompanying us to the major capitals of Europe. So off we trotted to Geoff's favorite clothing store..Sam's Club, I kid you not!......and purchased some very nice Ralph Lauren sweaters, black pants and black polo shirts. (Yup, Lauren Polo) I happened to find two "roll them up into a small pack" down jackets for Caterina and I for chilly Paris and London and three bottles of wine for the party at Nancy's. Leaving behind more money than I like to donate to WalMart, Geoff looks quite spiffy I must say! I will post a picture for your viewing pleasure when I figure out how to do that.
And so, we munch on breakfast and make plans for the 12:15 ferry to Peaks where we will eat at the best kept Thanksgiving secret in town---the Inn at Peaks. Shoreside we will meet up with the MacLean clan, many of whom are flying in today, for another round of food and drink.
I give thanks for life and all its blessings. I will tackle Geoff's pile on the bed tomorrow.
As mentioned in his own post, I put my foot down on blue jeans and Scarborough Fire Department shirts accompanying us to the major capitals of Europe. So off we trotted to Geoff's favorite clothing store..Sam's Club, I kid you not!......and purchased some very nice Ralph Lauren sweaters, black pants and black polo shirts. (Yup, Lauren Polo) I happened to find two "roll them up into a small pack" down jackets for Caterina and I for chilly Paris and London and three bottles of wine for the party at Nancy's. Leaving behind more money than I like to donate to WalMart, Geoff looks quite spiffy I must say! I will post a picture for your viewing pleasure when I figure out how to do that.
And so, we munch on breakfast and make plans for the 12:15 ferry to Peaks where we will eat at the best kept Thanksgiving secret in town---the Inn at Peaks. Shoreside we will meet up with the MacLean clan, many of whom are flying in today, for another round of food and drink.
I give thanks for life and all its blessings. I will tackle Geoff's pile on the bed tomorrow.
Wednesday, November 23, 2011
Countdown to Italy....and France and England!
Last year,my daughter Caterina made the decision to attend classes in Rome, Italy for the Fall trimester. While I was sad to have her far across the Atlantic from me, I quickly decided that I was going to go visit her. Even more rapidly, this evolved into a 25th wedding anniversary gift for my husband, Geoff, and I, and spread across the Continent to include Paris and London. How cool! A mini Tour, just like the old days when people would pack their trunks and wander the capitals of Europe for months at a time! Regretfully, all,we can spare is two weeks. Ah, but what a two week adventure this may be! Think about this -Geoff on tour....Geoff in museums....Geoff dawdling at a long lunch,wineglass in hand, philosophizing on the meaning of life.......hmmmm.....no bees, no fire engines, no TRELG, no puttering around. This will be an adventure!
Tune in often as I chronicle Geoff's introduction to foreign lands.....I promise it will be fun. :)
What can Geoff wear?
Guess Geoff needs new shoes, pants, shirts....... can't get by with jeans and an FD job shirt? Thank heavens we are just a mile from great diggs in the mall area.
Even though Latin mamma JMC has the itinerary all planned out....where should we go when we get there?
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