Gee, it almost been a month since we returned from our vacation. And it's been a busy month too so that made things interesting with lots of good and not so good things happening. One death before (our oldest puppy) and one during ( the ex wife) didn't help make it any easier, but both were events we knew were going to happen and that helped in dealing with it all.
We started this trip of a lifetime with a day ahead of our cruise in Rome and shared our flight over with some guy named Gary Hart who at one time had presidential aspiriations until his love life interfered. Didn't talk with him since he was 'up front' in the plane.
Rome is simply beyond words. So much to see and so much history. The Vatican, St. Peters Square - and the list goes on - just simply amazing. I actually called the pope out to see if he wanted to come and say hello - but he didn't so the Halifax with him.
I'm also a Dan Brown fan and so my highlights were seeing the Angels and Demons places including the tower.
Then we were off to Naples to see Pompeii, Amalfi Coast and Sorrento. Breathtaking and the Lemoncello was very,very good! If there is one other place to go in Italy, make it this area. So pretty. Didn't have time for Capri. Next time.
Over to Dubrovnik Croatia next and the walled city. Pretty neat experience and for excitement we had our cab driver arrested! He charged us too much and the Taxi drivers union and the Police had him 'taken care of'. That was funny.
Then Venice - wow. I love that place. For some reason the humidity seemed a little high.
The gondolas and vaporettos were fun.
Then down to Sicily and saw Mt. Etna and Taormina - very nice place to go and the cannoli is to die for. You just have to try them. That night we left and saw Mt. Stromboli fire up - it is the only active volcano in the area and like clockwork - off it went. Got a couple of shots of that.
Barcelona was next, but it rained. Still shopping was on order and leather shoes are cheap so two pair joined our baggage. Las Ramblas area is quaint and quirky with lots of character and characters.
A rare storm throughout Central Europe with strong winds caused us to miss Monaco and discover Genoa - think Chris C here, but other than that claim to fame we only got to enjoy their wonderful seven stop subway system for an afternoon while we tried to chase down a refund - without success because Italians can't or won't count time! We had some gifts to send to a friend who nows lives in Monaco and just had a baby. Since we did not go to Monaco - Genoa was next so we boxed up everything and set off to find a post office - via the subway. Long story worth telling at another time.
Over to Florence and Pisa next and it's another must see place - Leaning Tower is still leaning and David is still posing nude. Although you are not supposed to take any pictures in the Accadamia.....I snuck in one and you can see it. Santa Croce, Pont Vecchio Bridge, Biboli Gardens - wow. Great place to see and enjoy.
Then it was back to Rome for the last day and a chance to test out their subway system while we explored Trevi Fountain. Near there is the Triton statue and fountain sculpted by Bernini. Beside that is Hotel Bernini where my old neighbour used to work 50 years ago so we got some pix of the area to bring back and share with him.
Those were the places and then there was the ship which we shared with 2,900 other people and it didn't feel like it. But the food was fantastic and I didn't gain a pound - maybe a few.
So many choices. Great experience and if you have never done it - try it. We liked it so much we booked for another.
Lots of things to do onboard and yes I did the slide - three times no less. Fun
So 15 days later we are back home with many good memories and a lot less money. Good old Canadian dollar and our US Visa account are going to be fun next week when that lands - not. Oh well - that's life, Here is link to pix. Enjoy.
http://picasaweb.google.com/IncoChief/Cruise2008?authkey=RRxQjiz8enA#
