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.
Wednesday, November 30, 2011
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
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