Day 9, Rome

My love for Rome and wanting to explore it is a passion. I can walk for hours and be happy as can be.

When everyone got up, I pointed the girls in the right directions. The Roma pass has map and transit info. Their destination though was just 250 meters from hotel. I told them to text me when they get done and we could meet up.

Off I went to check off the bucket list more things I had not seen. My first goal was to find the Spanish steps. I walked several blocks buying shoes, fruit, chips and goodies along the way. The fruit man made sure he told me about pickpockets and be careful. He was insistent to give me a bag to disguise my wallet/phone case high one case. While continuing my walk I found a flea market and several other reasonable vendors I finally made it to the Spanish steps. It was crowded and hot. The fountain in front of the Spanish steps had many people washing hands or having picture made in front of it. However when a woman filled up water bottle, that is when I had to turn away.

While exploring I found a new Piazzo I had not been to before and many new fountains I had not seen. I went into the Basilica of Saint Maria and without remembering I had forgotten to cover my shoulders and knees….needless to say I got a little fussing from a lady cleaning floor…so I left.

Getting text from girls I went back to room to meet the girls. They had walked forever and was exhausted. For dinner, Angie cooked in our room and we had stopped at matket to get a few items. The plan for the next day was for the girls to go to Vatican while I did more on my list. .

DAY 10

Early this morning.I took the girls to the metro and took them to St. Peter’s square, after leaving them I walked a couple of blocks away to Castel dell Angelo. I explored the castle taking many pictures and climbing stairs. Wearing my yellow dress with full bottom may not had been the wisest choice on a windy day and a spiral staircase. Walking to the roof terrace I believe I flashed half of Rome. Many pictures later I walked to St Peter’s and met up with Julie who decided not to wait in the St peter line since she had went through the museum. We went through some shops and got a little gelato while waiting on others. We all then went for lunch. How funny it was to see another wedding. We feel that Julie is getting signs from somewhere.

That evening Julie and I got dressed up and went out for a couple drinks. The others decided to turn in early, but we also were tired and we only stayed out for a couple hours and headed back to room. We found a place thanks to GPS called Black . Peeking in the doorway we decided it wasn’t the best choice…slow sleepy music and people stretched out on couches…We figured if we did that, we would never get back. Another choice GPS gave us was the Blue Moon, that was quickly dismissed when the sign said “strip tease”However we did find a little place, didn’t have tables outside, instead was just a bench outside the door, where we bought a couple drinks and sat among the other restaurants on this little bench. I’m sure we looked like a site, dressed up door ornaments….but the drinks were delicious. I have no fear about walking in Rome or other cities in Italy, but Julie is a little more cautious, so we headed back and finished up laundry and loading our bags we finally laid down to bed.

Day 8…Heading to Rome

Although my phone hero got my phone started again there was problems with connection services…and I could take pictures, but gps, and other forms of communication was not working. Calling driver to confirm transportation ride to Naples on 1st night in Positano, the rude man on the other end simply said, “its confirmed!” And hung up… knowing I had confirmed email, I just wanted make sure.

Waking up in Positano early before our yummy breakfast from Gippy we went out ro our stop and waited for the driver 6:10 no one shows, 6:30 no one shows, having no way to communicate I used Angie’s phone to call driver. He stated that he would not be there til 7am. When telling my party, I could see frustration and irritation. However I had done what I could to assure the ride. Whether it was being tired or paramoia, I had distinct feeling that I was being resented for the misfortune, although anyone who knows me; knows this will happen. The driver arrived at 7am and was very friendly and courteous.

Being on the Amalfi road there is nothing more than curves, twist, and swirls. With two girls being prone to car sickness I didn’t know how this would go.

When we arrived at the train terminal I left them eating lunch while I tracked down there Roma passes from tourist office. Still wheeling my roller bag and looking side to side, I made a quick turn and plowed over a tiny sweet nun….well if that didn’t take 100 hail marys! Only me.

We had to wait on our train, and then we boarded. We arrived at termini station. Using my GPS a luxury I did not have my first trip, I was able (with help of a few questiins) to navigate to our apartment. Bags a rolling, and backpacks swinging we made it to our room. Very nice and my excitement was building. I love Rome, I love it all. We cleaned up and out to explore we went. The girls were cautious and a little wary. Plus everyone sore fron the day before hike. We walked through the streets, shopped the vendors, and explored our area. I took them to one of my favorite sites the Trevi Fountain. Of course it was crowded with everyone tossing in coins and selfie picture making, but I love seeing it again. But the girls just didn’t seem impressed. One asked “what is it?”I realized at that moment to them this was vacation, a trip, and to me it’s a passion of seeing and sharing the place I fell in love with from books and reading all my life. I could’ve hung out there 1/2;the night, but I think I was the only one enthusiastic about seeing it.

Everyone was ready for dinner and we found a restaurant and we ordered our meal. It seems most are worried about the menu and stay on the safe side with pizza and pasta….I ventured out with chicken. More shopping and walking we headed back to room for a good nights rest. As we walk by, a young couple is spotted getting married…the getting married thing had followed Julie..

Getting back to our room with plenty of walking, we went to sleep. Plans for the girls to go to the Colosseum while I did some exploring on my bn own.

Day 7

After a delicious breakfast from Gippy. One of the things on my bucket list was to venture the Paths of the Gods…a hike fron Praino to Positano which actually was the smaller of several paths….the longest one took 10 hours…nope…I warned the girls it was going to be quite a hike even for the shortest hike. But they said they wanted to donit….Getting directions we caught the bus to Praino and after waiting several minutes we caught another bus to take us to the beginning of the trail. I can tell by this time the girls were not necessarily thrilled. So again I told them before we got out of the bus that if they didn’t want to go , to please don’t go. I do not want them to do anything other than what they like and please do not wait or worry about me. I could also tell that whether it was to make decisions seemed or make choices everyone seemed to be worried about each other and what the others were going to do.. I kept assuring them to please do whatever they wanted to do or see, Google what they want to see, or anything they had read about I would help them find it. That is why I didn’t micro organize everything because since we all had different likes we would want to do different things… and with my interest and already being to many of these destinations I did not want to drag them to what I like and let them miss what they wanted. This is why I said at beginning of the planning that I wanted them to be a be able to go without me and be able go on their own.

Anyway, after riding around and around on the bus, we finally reached the entryway to the path. According to the reading the path was 1000 steps up and 2000 steps down….wow…how wrong that was. Instead it was a 1000 steps just to reach the beginning of the path.

As we enter the pathway and began the climb of the 1000 steps, huffing, puffing, and gasping for air, I wondered what I had gotten myself from into. Brush covering some steps, and broken rock on others we trudged on. I could see a church near the top of the mountain where the steps seemed to go. What seemed hours later we reached the church. A man there was selling refreshments and BJb viewing of the church was available. After resting we were happy we were half way there….until we seen the sign…”Beginning of Path of Gods” Oh my lord… we had not begun the path yet. The 1000 steps were just to get there! 4 hours later the steps were no more. It had turned into a literal rock climb. Pushing fingers into crevices, on all fours climbing over rocks and barriers. Going to the top of the cliff.500 meters above sea level. Gasping for air, guzzling 5 bottles of water, taking pictures and balancing on edges of cliffs…we traveled around 5 miles of this…up and down, over and through…Angie and I were behind the other two and it seemed we ended up descending down differently. When we finally began the descent down, my legs were swollen, feet were numb, fingers bleeding and my body hurt from head to toe. Then we began the stairs down…2000. It was ridiculous. Resting every 100 we continued ending in a road which had to be walked two more miles to get back to our room. 12 miles overall of the hardest trek I have ever done….hut at least I can say I accomplished it…barely.

DAY 6

Waking to the sun shining through the French doors from the balcony and hearing the water splash from the Mediterranean is a perfect way to start the day. Gippy showering us with sweet juice, coffee, croissants and jams only way to start a day. It was time to begin Day 6.

Unfortunately, the girls missed the first ferry and didn’t get to Capri til after 12. It seems their trip to Capri may had started too late and due to the ferry leaving Capri by 5pm the day was short. Meanwhile back on the mainland I’m a little slow to get moving, however I took off on a bus to Amalfi. the bus ride itself was an adventure. Around the corners on two wheels it seems. The whole way I’m snapping pictures and videoing. I found the swimming spot I had so seen so many pictures of. As I’m taking pictures, my camera freezes with some download message on it. This is not good. I continue to travel on to Amalfi and walk to Atrani. I strolled the beach and ate pizza at a cafe. I went into a little store to see if I could get a pin or paperclip to use on phone to possibly reset. The very nice looking gentleman in the store found me a clip and we proceeded to take sd card out…didnt work. He began messing with it and was able to reset it. We talked for a while and he stated he worked in restaurant behind where we were staying and said we should come by. As if on cue he reset my phone and it became unfrozen…I thanked him and bought a small bottle of limoncello from him and went on my way taking pictures. I walked back to Amalfi, however on the way it appeared my phone hero was taking a swim. So with a couple clicks I preserved him in my phone (in his speedos). Walking back to Amalfi avoiding being struck by moving vehicles I shopped a little in Amalfi before catching the ferry back to Positano.

When meeting back up with the friends we got cleaned up and headed out for dinner we went to the restaurant/bar that my phone hero recommended, but after walking up several stairs it did not appear to be casual, instead appeared very formal. So back to room for a good nights rest. Tomorrow we had planned beach time, hike and rest before next departure.

Day 5,

Now they get it!

As we head out at 4:30 am to get to our flight. We catch the vaporetta that take us to airport. It seemed Julie had the wrong ticket and it took her finding her correct ticket to be get into the airport. As we head off to airline. We got through without much difficulty. Standing in line we noticed it began to rain. We boarded the plane, and being very tight we took our seat. Announcement came over speaker that there was a delay. Of course there was. 2 and 1/2 hours sitting on a still plane watching the time slip by , missing our train and ferry. When it finally got off ground we had to catch a bus from the airport to the train station in Napoli. The girls were obviously culture shocked, because Napoli does have that effect on people. The loudness, boisterous people, and chaos. There wasn’t much enthusiasm for it like it is for me.

Trying to find different train wasn’t too hard, then we boarded the train and began our way to Salerno. Walking the block to the ferry was pretty intense then waiting for the ferry we had a few amusing characters that entertained us. My tickets were for 11:40 am and it was now 2:40, but the man at the counter allowed me to use them.

I don’t kmow if the girls are enjoying trip ot not. I don’t think it is what they expected. But I knew the beautiful ride to Positano would make anyone happy. Positano is my happy place.

The ferry ride and the scenery are truly extraordinary. The wind and water is the only way to travel.

After arriving to our B anf B, the same I had stayed in before with the host Gippy, made all my bragging of this place real. His warm hospitable personality just brings a smile to everyone’s face. Fresh fruit and wine waiting for us and the beautiful view. Relaxation seems to want to envelope me. This is why Positano is my happy place.

We all decided to get cleaned up and head out to dinner. It seems we have ate more than any vacation I have ever been on. A nice restaurant with a guitarist and singer entertaining the guest played music as we ate. It’s funny we are in the land of gourmet and all we tend to brave is pizza and pasta.

The singer sang to our table, the waiters were typical Italian flirts, and the view on such s beautiful night was priceless…until we got the bill. After a day of exhaustion we head back to the BnB and relax on the deck. The girls would be going to Capri anf I was going to Atrani. They were to catch the ferry before 11 and I told them of things they could see if they choose.

Day 3, June 6, 2018

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Late start today, but it was time to explore Venice. Of course our first stop would be St. Marco’s Square. The basilica, and shopping day packed full of walking and exploring. We found the Bridge of Sighs , we checked out the Rialto bridge, ate a good lunch. In the evening, we all were tired and we went back to the apartment and Angie cooked supper. Pasta!. Julie and I decided to go back out and explore more at night. Julie wasn’t ready for venice at night. Its practically deserted, dark and a little creepy. We would find small groups outside pubs, and a loud boisterous bunch of Americans. We went to the square and being in Italy, following too close for comfort was a stereo typical Italian in the voice of Peppy Lepew go up behind Julie and says “I love you” I said, ” but she doesn’t love you!” He went on his way. We realized coming out at 12am may not been the best time…so getting lost back to the room and in the tiny little narrow streets made for an experience that cannot be explained..

While in the square a photographer was taking pictures of a bride and groom…how sweet..

Day 4: Burano

Burano is absolutely the brightest and most charming island of all. We caught the waterbus to the island. Walking and wondering in the streets in front of people’s residence, U could only think about how we would be shot if we did this in the USA.

I am finding out that my fascination for somethings are not necessarily a fascination for my friends. I’m fearful that what I am so enthusiastic for, they may be bored. I enjoy the thrill of getting lost,to roam aimlessly in the alleyways. Maybe I’m a little nuts or false bravado, but I have no fear to walk at night alone and through the alleys. I enjoy getting lost, and feeling the accomplishment of finding my way back. I believe that using our instincts, common sense and show a sense of confidence will prevent most incidents. Besides attackers, kidnappers and such look at me and say to themselves….”too much work!”

As we are walking around a sweet wedding couple was having their picture made….Julie says “I keep seeing weddings, ” is someone sending me a message?” We all laughed.

When we returned back to the main island of Venice we walked and shopped.

Julie and Cherrie found very cute dresses at extremely good prices…I couldn’t have found anything there that would fit my bigt oe, much less than my body.

Julie had wanted to take a gondola ride and regretting that I had not taken it before when I came last, we split the difference and all four of us took the ride. Our gondolier was typical Don Juan with his flirtatious comments, and was so non chalfant and sweet when he helped us into the boat to distribute the weight to prevent sinking I guess…..needless to say I was the main factor of where everyone sat and used as the anchor…The ride was pleasant and fun. Going through the canals was what people envision when they think of Venice.

Our last hours was spent having dinner and returning to our room to finish packing, our alarms are set for 3am…we get to bed around 12am.

Day 2 June 5, 2018

After the mass traveling with flights…from Charlotte to Boston.then to London and finally to destination of Venice Italy. From the airport to the Vaporetta (bus taxi) . The owner of the apartment we are renting meets us at the station to guide us to it. She is walking as fast as possible and with our semi exhaustion we trail behind. Her little legs just didn’t slow down. To help us move fast I guess she grabbed Julie’s backpack and my suitcase and off she goes. When we get to the apartment, the tiny stairs winded up to the 3rd floot. The entry way was a little scary however the apartment was very nice.

Showers and dressing up we were out again. We caught the Rialto bridge at night which was beautiful, ..we trailed into St. Marco’s square to see the beautiful view of the square. We bought water bus tickets and took a ride on the Grand Canal. Of course we wanted back deck seats that were full, waiting at the door we were ready to pounce when those people got off the boat. After the ride we got a smoothie at the smoothie shop, gelato at the gelato shop. We then headed to a little cafe for our dinner. Salad and a drink …didn’t settle well. Julie was not feeling well and exhaustion had hit us all, we decided to head back to the apartment. Of course we were lost. I don’t kmow if they believed me before, but I do stay lost. It was 11 pm though. As we were walking up and down the stairs, Julie’s heel got caught in concrete step, I tried to grab her, she grabbed me and we both go tumbling down. Both of us wearing dresses, of course course was not very lady like….and of course it would be on the busiest street in Venice. One man turned and started laughing saying something in italian….I turned to him and in my meanest voice told him to shut his mouth! People turned to help us, but I was more fearful I would pull them down with me…Julie hurt her leg in the fall, and was having trouble walking on it. So with our help and Angie’s GPS we were on our way back to our room…an hour later.(should have been 15 minutes) we were back home. Asleep we were.

Pic:goodies from Cherrie

Day 1 June 4th 2018

Leaving today for my new adventure. This time I have three friends that will be adventuring out with me….I have Cherrie with whom I met the most recent while attending graduate classes at ETSU… Angie my friend and fellow teacher I met thirteen years ago in Lee County,Va. Finally there is Julie, a dear friend who I went to high school with and have had some amazing fun times with. We are definitely a diverse group and I’m the common denominator. None of us are considered low maintenance. Expectations to have a great adventure is high…but our first dilemma would easily be the luggage….since this is my fourth time flying this way, budget, basic economy I am beginning to learn different tricks to the packing problem, but I’m still far from the best. It seems like I always plan to go as a minimalist each year, but by the time the date arrives I’m dragging a suitcase made of lead and layering my clothes….It seems the other girls were facing many of the same issues. All of us in our prime 🙂 have come to love our conveniences, such as our shoes, our beauty supplies and our electronics….just because I said I wanted to be a minimalist doesn’t mean I will be without..I just have to learn to pack better. But between all of us, there were enough supplies to help out any impoverished souls we may find in Italy! I offered to help them condense their suitcases when they arrived at the house. I wanted to see if I could apply any of my tricks. I was able help Angie pretty quickly with a compression bag. Julie was a little more tricky, since it seemed she had more bags inside of bags, in yet other bags…??? Cherrie’s bag was different, she had done very well at condensing….tight , and orderly…However she did have 7 hats and 6 pairs of shoes..and I don’t kmow what else…but her final weight was 33lbs according to the scale…all this in one carryon! Oh, this will be fun, but I can’t say much…. my bag weighed 26. The max for carryon is typically 22.

The dilemma of packing became apparent when I received these three pictures from Julie showing me her schedule of packing.

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Before

As far as traveling experience, Cherrie has been out of the country and has stayed in many nice areas, Julie has been out of country but tends to go with tour groups, and this is Angie’s first time out of U.S…when they each said they were going with me, my first thought was, “they didn’t read my blog,did they?” Or did they just forget that I tend to “wing it”, I get budget accommodations, flights etc…I hope they understand that I’m not AAA , I have priorities that does not include 5 star accommodation, 1st class meals, and priority seating on the plane…I will sacrifice taking everything I want to pack to get a good price rate. I will pack snacks to save on fancy airplane meals. Plain Hotels rooms and Airbnbs are preferable to me than a hotel with all the amenities. I prefer just strolling, admiring, getting lost instead of a scheduled tour. I do not follow people well and I’m definitely not much of a leader. My priorities is about the place, seeing things I have never seen, admiring other places, cultures and people.I am too easily distracted to attend to tour giides. I warned them all ahead, that my style of traveling may not be what they find as fun. It’s not about relaxing for me as much as experiencing everything possible in the short time I have. I have mishaps, and things often go wrong. I’ve learned to just go with it or find an alternative. I am very flexible. I have no fears of getting lost (because I stay lost), taking chances, or trying new things. I refuse to sit in a room when I’m on an adventure, I have to be in the middle of it. I like my accommodations in the center of everything if possible. The girls agreed and seemed up for it, they were ready to try adventuring my way. I hope they don’t regret it.

Booking different flights, and trying to get some kind of itinerary scheduled we are now off. We all met at my house and my daughter Mekia gave us a ride to Charlotte. Using GPS, we found the curviest road possible and off we went, With the waves of the curves and my driving technique, it wasn’t long half the car was getting carsick.. quick stop for Dramamine and drinks…After arriving at the airport we found out our airline was checking our bag, instead of carryon. They consider your purse the carryon… so with some rearranging of suitcases we checked the bag and headed off to gate. ..Of course, the first flight of our journey would be delayed….we finally boarded and was off to Boston.

In Boston, we had a layover but with different rules for different airlines that adjustments have to be made, about the “carryon and personal” Everyone but Angie ended up having to distribute weight and dimensions of the bags at different times. To many, this would be frustrating and an annoyance… to me it was just the price of saving $200. After getting bags approved we went and had a good lunch at the airport. With being gone the first day, I had many messages I had to catch up on. However, Julie laughs at me walking down the airport and missing my stops, walking past the gate and simply being zoned out because I was “texting and driving” (my luggage).

Going through luggage check after redistributing, and trying to remember where everything was, made it difficult when you are stripping and dumping everything in bin, Cherrie’s phone made her get searched and my bra set the alarm off and Angie was told the scan said she had something down the front of her pants…(.I didn’t ask,) but she was cleared on the second pass.

On the plane and ready for the long ride, on board with not too many more struggles. We will wake in London and head to Venice…goodnight.