Rome – Day 3

Posted on November 26, 2011 by Dave

Early start as we had a three hour tour of the Colosseum and Roman Forum.   We followed that with a visits to the Capitoline Museum and the Capuchin Crypt on Via Veneto.  Finished the night with dinner in Piazza Navona.

I have to admit that I have never done this much running around on a vacation and I am not sure how I am going to handle the next final days in Istanbul on my own.

Funny story of the night:  me, Derek, John and Sinjin on our way to Piazza Navona veered onto a small side street of antiques shops.  Something catches my eye in one particular store and as I lean closer to look, my head crashes against the clearest glass windows I have ever seen (or not seen in this case).  I played it cool and thankfully no one in the group saw or heard it (which is surprising since I hit hard enough to break the glass).  However, Derek wasn’t so luck as he did exactly the same thing one minute later…we all saw it and, of course, offered him zero sympathy and countless laughs.  At least I received verification that it was the clearest glass I had ever (not) seen.

Not many good photos from the day but I do have a few:

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Rome – Day 2

Posted on November 24, 2011 by Dave

Fontana del Pantheon at Piazza della Rotunda

After the whirlwind day yesterday–Florence to Naples to Pompeii to Rome, we took it a bit easy.  Slept in late and left the hotel around noon for the Vatican Scavi tour–I think it’s my fifth time on this tour but I discover something new each time–one of the best tours in Rome/Vatican.  Early evening spent on a walk through central Rome with stops at the Spanish Steps, the Pantheon and the Trevi Fountain.  Some late dinner and we are calling it a night.  Here are some photos from tonight:

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Naples – Via San Gregorio Armeno Presepe

Posted on November 24, 2011 by Dave

Via San Gregorio Armeno - Nativity Scenes

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Pompeii

Posted on November 24, 2011 by Dave

Happy Thanksgiving!  Yesterday (Wednesday) was probably the most hectic travel day I have ever experienced but I have persevered and, actually, feel exceptionally good today.   The day consisted of waking up at 4:30am, packing and lugging three backpacks that weighed about 60 pounds on a mile long walk to the Florence train station.  We managed to catch the train to Naples with exactly 1 minute to spare–call it good luck or bad time management.   Checked our bags into the Naples storage area and took the 40 minute train ride to Pompeii–again with 1 minute to spare.  Pompeii was certainly worth the travel headache and expense–it covered much more area than I imagined.  We stayed for 4 hours or so then traveled back to Naples and walked the city streets for a couple hours.  We were specifically looking for Via San Gregorio Armeno– the street where traditional terracotta and wooden nativity (presepe) figures are hand crafted.  We were able to find it without much trouble, and again, weren’t disappointed.  San Gregorio Armenio is a very narrow 1/8 mile or so street with Christmas/Nativity shops lining both sides of the street…all the stores are lit up like Christmas trees; it was especially striking while walking the length of the street at night.  Of course, I didn’t take any photos but Derek did, so I will post some when I get them from him.  I did, however, take many photos of  Pompeii and here are some of the better ones:

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Cinque Terre

Posted on November 22, 2011 by Dave

Riomaggiore to Manarola

After a long train ride to the west coast of Italy, we were a bit disappointed that most of the Cinque Terre trails were closed–for the season we think.  We were only able to hike the 1.5-2km stretch between Riomaggiore and Manarola.  Still, we were able to find a great restaurant that was open–despite the dearth of tourists.  Fantastic seafood…given the location, of course.  After an equally long train ride back, did a little walk and shop through Florence and that’s about it.  I think we all hit a lull in the trip and I am hoping we can get some energy back for tomorrow.  The crew wants to hit Pompeii–which wasn’t originally on the schedule.  Majority rules so we will be up early to drag ourselves yet again to the train station for the 3 hour ride to Naples.  I am beginning to think I extended my trip a little longer than I should have.  Not sure how much I will have left for Istanbul……I know I won’t have any cash left, that is for sure.  Only a few pictures today–couldn’t get motivated:

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