Friday, September 20, 2024

2024 Italian Sojourn TRAVEL HOME May 26-27


Sunday- We disembarked Viking Jupiter at 8:30 a.m. after waiting our turn in the lobby.  We got a bus to the Rome (FCO) airport. Larry and Marilyn flew out that day, while we don't fly until tomorrow.  We got on the Hotel Tiber shuttle and rode a short distance to the little town of Fiumicino, which is right on the seashore. 





Our room looks over the Tiber river where fishing boats dock. We walked on the dock, then walked down the street to buy some tourist t-shirts in a little store that carried everything from housewares, hardware, clothing, office supplies, souvenirs, etc.  We then found a pharmacy so Kirk could get cold medicine. 

"World's best pizza"
Had a pizza and a beer at an outdoor cafe, then came back to room for a nap.  Before dinner we took a walk along the pier- it was very windy and rough seas- the fishing boats were really rocking. 



We went to dinner at Cielo- a nicer restaurant where I had a mushroom and meat ragu with pasta and salad, and Kirk had pizza and salad.  We were back to the hotel in bed by 9 pm. Our last night in Italy.

Monday- we got the free hotel shuttle to the airport at 6:30. We were dropped off at the wrong terminal (Delta) of KLM, so we had a long walk to find it and check in.  There was no line, and we got through security quickly too. Went to the lounge and had a crummy (Free) breakfast while we waited. Our flight to Amsterdam was good, I sat next to an Italian lady traveling on business and had a nice talk.  We landed late in Amsterdam, and we had to stand in a long line for the customs check. Made it to our connecting gate in time. Flight time to Minneapolis is 8 hours. We got fed twice. Did not try to sleep- we watched movies. Arrived at MSP at 5:15, no delay in customs (carry-ons only helps)! Took the shuttle to the Park N Fly, drove home through some rain, got home at 10:30.  Very tired! What a fabulous trip with great friends!

2024 Italian Sojourn NAPLES & POMPEII May 25

We had light rain when we woke up in Naples. After breakfast we took the tour bus 25 minutes to Pompeii with our guide Marco- he was very funny and a very good narrator. There were tons of people on tours at Pompeii, although we got a really good tour anyway.  Pompeii was buried under 20 feet of ash in 79 AD when Mt. Vesuvius erupted. It was rediscovered in the 17th century.  We walked the ancient cobblestone streets past baths, temples, public spaces, and homes of wealthy and more modest working class.

Main square with gladiator barracks and shops

Small theater with 1000 seats for wealthy

Shops on main street

"Fast food" stand


Lead pipes under floor

Apartments

Frescoes in brothel tell of services available

Bed in brothel

Public well in street

Rain collection pool

Mosaic floor in dining room

Main street with raised walkways

Main plaza with government buildings

Household items including stove


Plastic casts of bodies found under ash

Mount Vesuvius today


We had very little free time before and after the tour- bought a book and a magnet. Back to the ship at 1:15- we decided not to do the 1:30 Naples by foot tour.  We had lunch at the pool grill, then back to the room to get packed.  Went to the pool bar to play cards, then to Explorer lounge to relax until dinner.  We had a wonderful dinner again in the Restaurant- grilled veal chop, tiger prawns. It's too bad we couldn't get reservations in any of the special restaurants, but we were very happy with the food and service in the Restaurant. Went back to Explorer's for a nitecap. Quiet last night onboard the Jupiter.  We sailed to Rome (port of Civitavecchia) overnight. Partly cloudy, hi 75F.

2024 Italian Sojourn SICILY May 24

The port of Messina

Coastline of Sicily

 

After arriving at Messina, the main town on Sicily, we took the tour bus to Taormina, south along the hilly coast. There are lots of beautiful flowers like bougainvillea growing on fences.  The town is beautiful, lots of cute shops and many views of the sea.


Public water fountain








Bakery and pizza/sandwich shop

I had to stop and look inside the church we passed- each one is unique and beautiful!


Cross made up of people figures

Mosaic inside church

We walked around the side streets, then Kirk and I walked up to the Ancient Greek Amphitheater- spent 12E each and it took us about 10 minutes to see it, but it was worth it, with a beautiful view of the sea.  

Volcano Mt. Etna in background




We had a nice pizza/sandwich lunch in a beautiful peaceful garden away from the masses on the main street.  We took the bus back to the ship and went to the main pool for a while.  Had dinner in the main dining room, I had prime rib, Sicilian roasted veggies and praline dessert- wonderful! Went back to the Explorer's lounge in the front of the ship where Michael was playing guitar- then went to our balcony to see the active volcano Mt. Stromboli after dark. Very cool to see.  Nice ending to a great day! Sunny, high 79F

Mt. Stromboli- picture from website above