Is it really coming to an end?

Busy last full day.....

Today was a great day! Mark and I sat outside on the patio to have our delicious breakfast. I am fortunate enough that I will have one last morning, tomorrow, to enjoy the decadent breakfast. After that it will be back to eating a more practical breakfast. After breakfast Mark and I went over to the inlaid wood factory. We were able to tour the facility and see the process to make all of the tables, boxes, etc. Unless you have ever seen the process you might not really know everything that goes into making one item. I was very lucky because Mark had me pick out a beautiful jewelry box that also plays music. It is gorgeous, but I will be taking a picture of it once I am home (it is already packed for the trip to the states).

After returning to our hotel with our shopping items we headed out for a tour of Sorrento on a tour bus. The tour went all around Sorrento and even along the coast. It was raining outside and all of the people who sat on the top of the open air bus were getting soaked. Mark and I were clever enough to know that it was going to rain since there was thunder and lightning and dark, dark clouds. Once it started to rain more steadily some people tried to come down, but there were no seats. I had to chuckle to myself, although if I would have been up there I would have been unhappy and very wet.

Once again we went back to the hotel to drop some items off. Then off to our very nice lunch at La Basilica. Our lunches were very scrumptious! A little more “fancy” with tiny little portions, but I actually felt very full afterward.

Off to shop...........................it was time to get all of the last minute shopping done that I needed and wanted to do today. Mark came with me saying he was “ready and prepared” to shop. I guess he forget how I like to shop. All over for a long time. He was exhausted after about two hours. He came back (fake) crying saying, “please don't make me shop any more....please....”. Hahaha. Silly guy, what was he thinking? Oh, we also went and chatted with Nicky, our new friend who owns one of the stores here. He is very nice. Mark didn't have the camera with him or I would be sharing a picture of Nicky. I did need to stop shopping any how because I think I am out of room. We didn't bring extra bags and I only had a little weight left for my suitcase. I have my whole carry on to use though since I read all of the books I came with. I figure I can pack that full with a lot of things. It will all work out. I just keep telling myself that I will be back one day soon.

Now we are in the hotel. I am getting ready to pack so I will have less to do later tonight or in the morning. I can't believe that my wonderful trip is coming to an end, but I have to say that I had the time of my life. We did so much each day and it will nice to get home to relax and have some comforts of home (like a washer and a dryer).

Thanks for following my journey across Italia. I will post either in the morning or once we get home the following morning.

Ciao!

Happy Fourth of July!!!

Happy Fourth of July!!!

Mark and I spent the 4^th of July in Capri and Anacapri. We had another wonderful buffet breakfast at our hotel as soon as it opened and then headed down to the marina. I do mean headed down....over 120 steps to get to the marina. Going down is not the hard part, it is going back up at the end of the day.

We found our tour guide and had to wait for the others to arrive. We ended up going over on a type of huge ferry boat for people and some autos. It is only about a 20 minute ride, but it was nice. It was so crowded. Once in Capri we took a bus up to Anacapri where we had about 3 hours to do our own thing. We went to the San Michelle Museum. It is the real place where a Swedish doctor (he was a personal doctor for queen Victoria). He followed her to Capri and lived there. He was also an author who wrote many books, one of his best known is The Story of San Michelle. I will be ordering the book from Amazon when I return home. I have attached some of the pictures from the garden at this museum (which used to be his home). You can't believe the amazing plants, trees, and flowers that are all over the property. It is a feast for ones eyes. There are birds and butterflies all of the area. It is so quiet and peaceful, one can hear the songs of all the birds. We went to the caffe up on a terrace and had a nice coffee drink while sitting and relaxing and enjoying the beautiful sights and sounds. We must have been there for about 40 minutes when we noticed all the talking...the tours were coming in. Time for us to leave and do our own thing. We tried to stay away from all the tours, including our own. We still had to walk through the little shops and see what was a hot seller in Anacapri. Our group was going to have lunch at one of the restaurants, but Mark and I wanted to wait and eat in Capri. We had to all meet up again to take the bus back down to Capri.

Capri was a short bus ride down from the top (Anacapri). My mission was to find the Zilli store. As you can see from the pictures I did find the store. I can't even tell you how expensive everything in the store is. It is absurd! I mean I do not think I could even afford to look in the store. I did look around though. The jeans were 750 euros, the polo shirts were 800 euros. There was nothing I could buy...not even a pair of sunglasses or a purse. A little canvas bag was 650 euros. Mark and I were just laughing. The shop is really dark inside and I think it is so the “fur coats” wouldn't get sun damaged. Yes, real fur coats. It was so funny. I am sure the woman who was working was thinking “Who does this lady think she is coming into my store?” Heeheehee... She didn't even get off the phone while I was walking around. She was helping a “paying customer” on the phone (I think). Later Mark and I walked back by and the lady poked her head out the door. Mark was looking through the window. Maybe she was thinking that I might be interested in something. Only if there is a Zilli BIG discount. So funny. All I have from the Zilli store is a picture.

After our “window” shopping we decided to enjoy a nice lunch. We found an outside caffe/ristorante and had a nice, light lunch. I had the insalata caprese and Mark had a pizze with anchovies, tomato and cheese. We also had a grilled veggie dish that was served cold. It was delicious. Really, even if it sounds odd. We both had our first ice tea drink. It was mixed with a frozen lemon mixture. So sweet and fresh.

Our tour was going to be going back down to the harbor in Capri at 2:00 or we could meet them down there by 3:30. Mark and I took our own little open aired taxi down. I figure it is worth the money to enjoy the trip without having a large group of people around. While we waited to leave we went and did a little shopping and had a gelato (of course).

We all boarded the ferry and then had to hike up the 120 stairs to get back up to our hotel area. I was tired after that, but maybe I burned off my gelato. (That is the bonus of the stairs and all the walking).

Oh, you can't believe how many people have horrible mosquito bites. Some of the bites look so huge, red,and swollen. Yuck, It is freaky.

Now, I am going to relax and read. Tomorrow is our last full day in Italia. We leave on Wednesday. Boo hoo. I have a lot of memories to help me through.

Once again. Happy Fourth of July to all of you!!

Oh what a beautiful day.....

Oh what a beautiful morning, oh what a beautiful day.....this is a very peaceful Sunday here in Sorrento. We slept in and got up and had a leisurely breakfast/brunch. The weather is amazing (sorry all of you who are roasting in Arizona). There is a breeze from the coast and it doesn't feel as humid as yesterday.

After breakfast we went to a stroll down to the marina so we would know where we are catching the boat to Capri in the morning. It was down 110 steps. Going down wasn't bad, it was coming back up that hit the spot. My legs feel like they are toning up from all of the walking and stairs I have been climbing. We sat down by the water and watched a young Italian fishing. He wasn't catching much, but he had very serious fishing stuff.

We walked through the town and went to visit Nicky, the man we met at the tile place. He was happy to see us and we chatted while he wrapped the things I purchased. He is like a friendly Italian grandpa. I really enjoyed our time with him. He gave us a recommendation for lunch today and also a good place for Mark to get some nice shoes.

We decided to visit the leather place where I bought my purse the other day. I really needed a wallet for my new purse. I found one that I liked and am looking forward to using both the purse and the wallet. We also went to look at the shoes. Mark just needs to look up the conversion for his size and he will have some new shoes.

At the moment I am sitting at the pool while I type. It is such a great day. We have more to do today, but first a little down time for Mark. He thinks I am running him non stop. Hahaha.

I will continue the day as it unfolds.

OK, I am back from my afternoon excursions. Mark and I went to Aurora Pizza after the pool and had the most delicious meal. I had a caprese pizze. It had warm crust and bottom with cold basil,mozzarella and tomatoes. There was a light coating of olive oil drizzled over the pizze. It was so fresh, so light and so wonderful to eat. After lunch we walked around the main square. Most of the shops are closed for the siesta time. We took some pictures by the hotel. Our hotel is called Antiche Mura which is the ancient wall. There is a huge wall and some ruins in a raven by the hotel. It is so pretty and old. I hope you enjoy it as much as Mark and I do.

I also went and found a store that sells books in English. I read all of the books that I brought. Luckily, I did find one that I do not think I have read. Let's hope I haven't or I spent a lot of money for nothing.

Now we are back at the hotel. I am sitting outside while I type. After this I will be reading my new book and relaxing. Tomorrow we get up early, have breakfast and then take a boat to Capri. I will update you more at that time.

Happy Fourth of July to all of you tomorrow!!!

Ciao

The Amalfi Coast Adventure

Amalfi Coast tour....woo hoo! What a day, what a day. First, let me start by saying what an absolutely AMAZING buffet breakfast we had this morning. We had to get up early (6:15) in order to be ready to eat at 7:00 when the restaurant opened. Our bus trip down the coast was at 7:50. Bright and early for us. I have to say that Mark is very excited about having a day off tomorrow. I guess I am running him ragged. But, I digress...breakfast was a feast for my eyes. What a spread they have here. There are egg dishes, cheese, meats, breads, and ohhhhhh the sweets. Yum! (I want to take pictures but Mark says no way!)

After our breakfast we headed out to meet the bus tour for our full day down the Amalfi Coast. This did not go as planned in the beginning. Actually, we almost didn't even get on the bus. I have to say, for those of you who really know me, that I was very unhappy and about ready to erupt. We had to keep waiting and waiting and waiting while they let all the others on the bus as they checked on our paid voucher. They didn't have us down on their list. I was so frustrated because we got there early so we could pick our seats. No, this did not happen. I honestly think the only reason we got on at all was that there were exactly two vacant seats on the bus. You are probably saying, “well that is great”. You would be wrong. The seats were not together. In fact, I had to sit all the way in the bus at the very back where there were four seats across. It was hotter than you know what and Mark was in the middle of the bus next to a British young man. It was not how I planned on taking a drive down the coast. At first I was so mad that I wasn't enjoying myself. Then I decided that I needed to cheer up and enjoy the trip. The bus ride was luckily only a part of the trip.

We stopped about 50 minutes into the journey. We got to get out and have a bathroom break and get something to drink at a ceramic tile place. The ceramics are so beyond beautiful here that I just want to buy then all. They will even ship for free depending on how much you spend. Mark says I can get one piece at a time. The prices are usually about 45 euros and up (even for the Christmas ornaments).

Back on the bus we all headed. Now, just so you know how things on the bus work.....the air conditioning was off while we were in the ceramic place, but luckily only for about 30 minutes. It was getting toasty on there and I was praying that I didn't turn into “scary hot woman”. We continued down the coast until we got to Amalfi. I love this place!! It is so serene and scenic. We paid to go on a boat ride along the Amalfi Coast from sea level. It was amazing. The picture with the helicopter in it is Sophia Loren's house. It was breathtaking. I have it in the blog. We also got to go into the little square and see the church and shop. There were some wonderful little shops. My sister will be so happy to know that I FINALLY found a beautiful cross for her that is the Amalfi design. (Debbie, you will love it. It will be your Christmas and birthday present for the next year.)

Heading out of Amalfi was unbearable because the bus had been sitting in the sun for over two hours. Everyone was dying from heat stroke. The air on the bus was not working very well, and all of us at the back were in worst shape because half of the air conditioners weren't blowing air. I wanted to cry but kept telling myself at least I was in Italia dying from heat stroke. (That seems to make everything more tolerable.)

We continued on to the next little area up the mountain which was Scala. We all got out and went to a restaurant. We got to have a full lunch with salad, wine, water, pasta and dessert for only 13 euors. That is a very good price. Mark and I lucked out because the couple we were sat next to at our little table didn't drink wine. You know what that means....yes, more for us!

After lunch we headed to Ravello to shop. Now, in one of the pictures I have in the blog you will see 7 umbrella pine trees. That is where we were for our last shopping time (2 hours). We walked around and found a few little things. Had some gelato and then got back on the bus. This time the bus was hot again and I was praying that I would fall asleep so I wouldn't know I was melting. We headed back to Sorrento. The trip took about 1 and ½ hours. I survived, but I have to say I was glad to get off the bus and walk back to the hotel. We did get to fill out an evaluation for our trip, All in all I did mark it as good, but I was very honest about the bus and how extremely hot it was.

After freshening up at the hotel Mark and I headed out to look at a few of the elegant shops that are next to our hotel. We went into a shop that specialized in inlaid wood work. I think that Mark is going to buy me a beautiful jewelry box. It is a piece of art. I can't even tell you how amazing it is. I will get a picture of it once I decide on the one I want. I honestly feel bad because it is so expensive, but Mark says it is worth it because of how well it is made. I am very excited! I am also looking at getting a small one for my little Ella Bella.

Mark decided that he needed a cappuccino and we hit a caffe in the main square. It is just such a charming little area. He wanted to wake up so we could come back and make some mimosas with our champagne. Now we are sitting out on our private patio drinking our mimosas and typing my blog.

All in all, in spite of the hot bus, today has been a wonderful day. I know each day that passes puts me one day closer to having to return to the states. It is sad, but hopefully next year at this time I will be moving to Eastern Europe and will be able to come to Italia more often.

Look for more to come tomorrow.

Ciao!

Pompeii and Sorrento

What a great beginning to July! Mark and I had an action packed day. We left Roma earlier this morning. We had to get up at 6:00 AM so we would be ready to get a taxi and head to the train station. We were able to actually see another side of Roma that we hadn't seen before. When we arrived in Roma we went straight through town (which now I think was a ploy to get us to pay more euros since it takes longer to get from point A to point B) and going this morning we took the back roads which was very quick. At the train station we got to experience our first express caffe. It was all very rushed. It was something knew and I didn't mind. I was lucky enough to find the little espresso candy that I like.

Once on the train all was peaceful. I read the entire time and the trip, a little over an hour, went quickly. I was even served juice and a little snack. We got to Naples and found our private driver, Massimo. He was very nice and his English was amazing. He was such a fast walker. I thought I walked fast, but now I know I do not. Mark will not be able to tell me that I am walking too fast any more, because Massimo truly is a fast walker.

He was telling us about Naples and about Pompeii because we were going to be stopping to see the ruins before we got to Sorrento. He was also telling us about a cameo maker that we just had to see. When we arrived in Pompeii he took us to see the “master” working on the cameos. The “master” is 78 and has been making the cameos by and since he was 10. It was amazing to see all that goes into the process. I bought a small pendant that can also be a brooch. I also bought a more modern pendant that has flowers. They were beautiful. Massimo took my package to the van and Mark and I headed across the street to the Pompeii ruins.

Pompeii was a very large city when it was covered in ash and lava when the volcano erupted. I was sad to see the humans that died and the dogs. It is sad to know that everyone in that area was killed and almost buried in stone. Amazing. There are dogs living there now and you can see how much dogs were respected and almost worshiped. There are mosaics throughout Pompeii that are pictures of dogs. We were lucky that it was a little overcast today, otherwise it would have been soooooo hot.

When we finished our tour of Pompeii Mark and I met up with Massimo and we were off to Sorrento. Massimo told us all about the area and showed us a great lookout point where we took a few pictures. Massimo took one of Mark and myself. That was our first picture we have of us together in Italy. I only wish I wouldn't have been so hot and casual. Oh well, it is how I have looked almost the whole vacation. The humidity is very high in Sorrento...that goodness for pony tails.

We finally got to our hotel around 2:30 or 3:00ish. It is a gorgeous hotel and our room is amazing. We have a private little French balcony and a private patio area outside another area of our room. There is a little table and two chairs plus two lounge chairs there for us to use. We also had another surprise. We had a bottle of champagne and a fruit platter waiting for us in our room! Delicious.....we haven't had the champagne yet, I think that will be for tomorrow. We put it in our refrigerator. The fruit is such a welcome sight. I haven't had fresh fruit in several days. The hotel also has an “opulent” breakfast as told to us by the guy who checked us in. I am looking forward to that in the morning.

It is so funny, because I have been looking forward to coming to Sorrento the whole trip. I have heard all about the Limoncello and couldn't wait to try some. So, when we went out for our meal today I ordered the “liquor nationale”, which of course is a small frozen glass (shot glass size but more elegant) with limoncello inside. I of course needed to share with Mark because it is a little strong. I had such a tasty calzone with veggies and mozzarella inside. Too good for general words. All I can say is I was sad when I was too stuffed to finish it.

Good news....we have a laundry place within walking distance. Yes, you are right....that means we have clean clothes. Woo hoo! I love starting out a new place with clean clothes. We headed over right after we ate lunch. Luckily for us there are shops galore all around the laundry. So I shopped and found a beautiful purse and Mark found two belts. I then decided that I also needed a belt (which I really do). Then we waited for the clothes. They weren't dry so we had to go out again and look around. We met the nicest older Italian man working in one of the shops. His name is Nick and he was so nice and welcoming. He gave us a couple of places to visit when we go to Capri on Monday. He even pulled out a couple of books and showed us the pictures of the areas. He was just so nice.

Tomorrow we have a full day Amalfi Coast drive tour for 8 hours. We will get up early, eat breakfast quickly and then get to our meeting spot. Stay tuned for those pictures. I am sure they will be breathtaking.

Ciao from Sorrento!

Vatican City

First thing this morning Mark and I got up and headed out to the line area for the Vatican Museum. It wasn't too bad when we got there, although we were there at 7:15 and they don't open until 9:00. We met a really nice couple in line and passed the time talking with them. While going through the Sistine Chapel I couldn't get over how amazing they are to see first hand. There is so much depth to the paintings. I just loved being there. We went thought the whole place and even took a break and had a little snack and something cold to drink. We also went out and walked in the garden area. They were setting up for a fancy private luncheon in the private garden (we could see it from an upstairs window).

The museum became more and more crowded while we were there. It was time to get out and quick. As we left the building we could see that it would take people in line at least 3 hours to get to the front door. It was just crazy. I am so glad we were able to get up early and get over there, otherwise Mark might have said no way.

We are back at the hotel now rested and cooling off, although it is cooler and overcast today. We might get lucky on our last full day in Roma.

I may post again later when we return from going out this afternoon/evening.

Holy water and a pope coin........

Holy water and a pope coin....what a great way to end the day! Mark and I had a plan for the day today. We were going to be up and out early, come back at the hottest part of the day, take a nap and then head out again. The plan was pretty good. I think it was much better than yesterday although Mark is lying on the bed moaning. He thinks I am out to get him. I am not!

So, we found out more about today's holiday. It is St. Peter and St. Paul's Day. It is Rome's day to celebrate Rome. All of the big sights were closed, but there was still a lot to go and see. We hit the Trevi fountain today. While we were walking there it looked like things were going to be quiet. What were we thinking? Every other tourist in Rome had the same idea. Haha. We got there and there was soooooo many people. It was just a sight to see all the people there taking pictures of each other throwing coins into the fountain. I may be a tourist, but I am not that touristy. We headed to the Spanish Steps once we had experienced the fountain. Now, let me tell you about the Spanish steps. There are tons of steps that you climb and climb and climb. Now, remember that everyone is sweating to death and roasting in the sun while climbing the stairs. I am glad I did it so I can say I did it, but really it is more of a tourist thing. The local Italians like to go and meet friends and hang out. It is right by a shopping area that has all kinds of shops. When I finished the climb I downed a Energade (There version of Gatorade) and a water. I knew I needed to get inside to cool off. Mark and I back tracked and found an inside mall. It wasn't very big, but it was nice and cool. We decided to order a cold coffee drink and sit for a bit. We then decided to have a little snack to give us some energy. Now, feeling human again we went to look around. Most of the stores are very high dollar stores. They did have a Lindt store....Yippieeeeeee. Of course, I did buy a little candy. Not a lot because I knew it could melt before we got back to the hotel. I was right. The chocolate was melting so we threw it in the refrigerator. Much better. Now we have a little sweet snack for later.

Then, it was nap time. We both took a little nap and cooled off. It was so nice to come into the hotel and have to room nice and cool and not as bright as the outside world.

At about 4:00 we figured there would be more shade and we could head out to see more sights. My goal was to see the Campo de Fiori and then St. Peter's Square. I knew that Vatican Museum and the Basilica wouldn't be open, but I figured I could scope it out for tomorrow. We found the Campo de Fiori and realized that all the market stalls were closing down. No harm there. I don't really want all the tourist knick knacks. We found a nice little place to eat. Today we opted to have a sandwich and a cold drink instead of a big meal. Too hot for hot food. I had a nice tomato, cheese and spinach sandwich. No, really...that is what it was. It was called the “Italiano”. I had never had mushy spinach on a sandwich. There is always a first time for everything. I do know that I would NEVER have it again.

We then headed for the Vatican area. Now, you must know that Mark is not a big church person and I have had him in many churches since we arrived in Italy. So, I was just happy he was going with me so we could see what we needed to do tomorrow when everything was open. It is just amazing to be there in person. If you are catholic or any other believer. It is so grand! We decided to go look by the basilica not knowing that it WAS open. Yes, really!!! We went through security and then went to see if we could get in. We were both wearing long shorts today since I didn't think anything was open. They said we could go in that we were covered enough. Woo hoo! We got to go through the basilica without a million people and hardly had to wait in line at all. If you ever get a chance to come to Rome you have to visit the Vatican. Now, once again I must tell you that Mark is fine with churches, but this one even blew him away. It is HUGE! Every place you look is some amazing sculpture, mosaic, fresco or something else so amazing to see. It was such a special place...you could feel it. I went to the little gist shop and bought a bottle to put holy water in. When you buy it you give it to a man who works in one area and he takes it and fills it with holy water. Now, that was very cool for me, but was even better was that when he gave me my change he gave me a pope coin. A really honest to goodness pope coin. In Rick Steve's travel book he says “ You're very unlikely to find one in your pocket, though, as they are snatched up by collectors before falling into actual circulation.” That is what the book states. I have one of those coins now. It is a new one and I am keeping it forever. Not only that but I have holy water from St. Peter's Basilica in Vatican City.

We found the area we need to go to tomorrow in order to get in line to see the Vatican Museum. It won't be too bad. We are getting up early so we can be in line by 7:30 for the 9:00 opening. I figure we shouldn't have to stand in line for too much longer than 2-3 hours.

As we walked back to the hotel there were a lot of restaurants set up down by the river and all kinds of little market things set up. Tonight at 10:00 there will be fireworks on the river for the holiday. I will see if I am able to go across the street to see them. It will depend on how tired I am. After walking all day in the heat it really wears you out. Mark is exhausted right now.

I bought some postcards and I am going to have them mailed though the Vatican postal service. I am looking forward to that. I am sending one to myself so I will have one postmarked too.

I will post more tomorrow. Stay tuned for more of our journey.

Vatican Museum or bust!!!!!!!