Awe inspiring on the Amalfi Coast....an Albergo "Clash of the Titans"
Oct 5th, 2015, 02:43 PM
#121
Original Poster
Join Date: Jul 2010
Posts: 4,591
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
I would recommend trying Hotel Minerve for rooftop drinks as I imagine the view is similar to ADS and we so enjoyed our time on the rooftop there. Maybe it wouldn't be affordable to do every night but I do love a drink with a view!
Our last hours in Rome and the trip home---
As usual, I woke up very early but managed to wait until a reasonable time to step out onto the terrace for another view I had been waiting for. The Pantheon and piazza Della Rotonda....empty.
Not sure why, but I love to catch a famous site when no one is around. No selfie stick vendors, no tour groups, no one. It was kinda cool to see the fountain, which is usually mobbed, with no one there. You never see the Pantheon steps empty, but I did. It was a great way to bring this magnificent trip to a close.
I am always torn when leaving....always a bit ready to go home, definitely ready to see our fur babies, regretting the things we didn't do and see, sad to be leaving and a bit afraid that I will never be there again. Is it just me?
We went down to the breakfast at ADS. Maybe it was the all out luxury of Le Sirenuse but the spread at ADS is not impressive. The had the basics but I am not sure if I was staying here longer that we would have breakfast there. Mid way through, I suddenly realized....all Chaz cares about is the coffee and I am not that into the breakfast room. Why are we not at Tazza d'Oro? I knew it had to be deserted at this hour.
Off we went...might as well suck as much out of Rome as we could, while we could.
Yep, maybe 3 people there. I got a cappuccino in celebration of the fact that I made it through the entire trip without a diet coke. Chaz, un caffe doppio. Then, another to go. A lovely thing about cappuccino in Rome, is the designs they make in the foam. Mine was a little bear face....so cute. Arrivederci Roma!
The car was on time and we made good time to FCO. I also saw some things I had not seen before, so we will need to go back to catch those sites! Maybe we should thrown a coin in the Trevi fountain anyway!
Here's a question? What is it with the Rome airport and you can't even enter unless they say you can. Destination and time to flight, I guess. We passed a bunch of people corralled outside with a sign for a certain flight number. They stopped us and asked our destination. Atlanta. OK, yes, you can go inside. This is one airport where it does not pay to go early!
Easy check in. We always check everything except new purchases, and any nice clothes or shoes, on the way home. Mainly because we always go back with one extra bag, so if we are checking, might as well unload a bunch of it. We also remembered to leave electronics at the top of the bag, so we could easily remove and place in those clear bags they give you.
I had to stop at customs and get a stamp for my VAT refund. That was quick and I did not have to present the dress. The refund line was quick and I do have my refund back on my card now.
All of it went quickly and we hopped on the bus for our terminal. The Skyteam lounge was packed and I started to feel nauseous again as we sat there. All routine. Boarding was on time. For once, Chaz did not get pulled out for additional screening! But the agent did give me the visual up and down once over before she let me pass....we are very shady looking people!
We did have a last glass of Champagne before take off, a tradition for us. I really was not feeling well. Lunch was pretty bad but I didn't really care as I was not up to it. Ten hour flight.....just don't lose it mid flight . The best thing is that I got caught up on Episodes, which is hilarious to me. What was not hilarious, was getting scolded and shooed by flight attendants back to my seat. I have never been on a flight when they didn't stand in the doorways or place the carts in the aisle to prevent passengers from encountering the pilots, outside the cockpit, but they didn't on this flight. I had a straight shot to the lavatory but as I got there, the two of them scurried over and kinda screeched that I couldn't be there and had to go back to my seat. Maybe I caught them not following procedure...I dunno but there is a calm, polite way to ask someone to go back their seat.
They came and got me later when the coast was clear. But, I was paranoid to get up the rest of the flight. I know you don't advertise that a pilot is in the lavatory and not in the cockpit but I was shocked by the delivery. One flight attendant came over later and said she didn't want me to think they were being rude but I can't stand around in the galley. Uh, I wasn't loitering in the galley, I was walking into an open lavatory. I dunno...don't make it worse by trying to make it seem like I did something wrong.
I digress. Next viewing, The King's Speech and Whiplash...both excellent films. And yes, I don't get to many movies, as you can surely tell. Unfortunately, Confessions of a Shopaholic is an awful movie which does not make the flight go faster! Oh well, an episode of Nurse Jackie and we were on the ground. Early!
Global entry is fabulous. No line, no waiting....awesome. Our bags came off early and we were back in that Atlanta humidity and headed home. The trip home was easy as it was Fall break week here and no traffic, even at 6pm (unheard of in Atlanta).
The house was still standing and the Sheltie pups were very glad to see us. Great to be home but we will miss Italy! We truly did have the trip of a lifetime and it was really everything we wanted the trip to be....relaxing and just enjoying hanging out in a spectacular setting. Great food and wine and time for us to recharge.
Next---a summary of the "Titan" Albergos and the favorites of the trip for anyone interested
Our last hours in Rome and the trip home---
As usual, I woke up very early but managed to wait until a reasonable time to step out onto the terrace for another view I had been waiting for. The Pantheon and piazza Della Rotonda....empty.
Not sure why, but I love to catch a famous site when no one is around. No selfie stick vendors, no tour groups, no one. It was kinda cool to see the fountain, which is usually mobbed, with no one there. You never see the Pantheon steps empty, but I did. It was a great way to bring this magnificent trip to a close.
I am always torn when leaving....always a bit ready to go home, definitely ready to see our fur babies, regretting the things we didn't do and see, sad to be leaving and a bit afraid that I will never be there again. Is it just me?
We went down to the breakfast at ADS. Maybe it was the all out luxury of Le Sirenuse but the spread at ADS is not impressive. The had the basics but I am not sure if I was staying here longer that we would have breakfast there. Mid way through, I suddenly realized....all Chaz cares about is the coffee and I am not that into the breakfast room. Why are we not at Tazza d'Oro? I knew it had to be deserted at this hour.
Off we went...might as well suck as much out of Rome as we could, while we could.
Yep, maybe 3 people there. I got a cappuccino in celebration of the fact that I made it through the entire trip without a diet coke. Chaz, un caffe doppio. Then, another to go. A lovely thing about cappuccino in Rome, is the designs they make in the foam. Mine was a little bear face....so cute. Arrivederci Roma!
The car was on time and we made good time to FCO. I also saw some things I had not seen before, so we will need to go back to catch those sites! Maybe we should thrown a coin in the Trevi fountain anyway!
Here's a question? What is it with the Rome airport and you can't even enter unless they say you can. Destination and time to flight, I guess. We passed a bunch of people corralled outside with a sign for a certain flight number. They stopped us and asked our destination. Atlanta. OK, yes, you can go inside. This is one airport where it does not pay to go early!
Easy check in. We always check everything except new purchases, and any nice clothes or shoes, on the way home. Mainly because we always go back with one extra bag, so if we are checking, might as well unload a bunch of it. We also remembered to leave electronics at the top of the bag, so we could easily remove and place in those clear bags they give you.
I had to stop at customs and get a stamp for my VAT refund. That was quick and I did not have to present the dress. The refund line was quick and I do have my refund back on my card now.
All of it went quickly and we hopped on the bus for our terminal. The Skyteam lounge was packed and I started to feel nauseous again as we sat there. All routine. Boarding was on time. For once, Chaz did not get pulled out for additional screening! But the agent did give me the visual up and down once over before she let me pass....we are very shady looking people!
We did have a last glass of Champagne before take off, a tradition for us. I really was not feeling well. Lunch was pretty bad but I didn't really care as I was not up to it. Ten hour flight.....just don't lose it mid flight . The best thing is that I got caught up on Episodes, which is hilarious to me. What was not hilarious, was getting scolded and shooed by flight attendants back to my seat. I have never been on a flight when they didn't stand in the doorways or place the carts in the aisle to prevent passengers from encountering the pilots, outside the cockpit, but they didn't on this flight. I had a straight shot to the lavatory but as I got there, the two of them scurried over and kinda screeched that I couldn't be there and had to go back to my seat. Maybe I caught them not following procedure...I dunno but there is a calm, polite way to ask someone to go back their seat.
They came and got me later when the coast was clear. But, I was paranoid to get up the rest of the flight. I know you don't advertise that a pilot is in the lavatory and not in the cockpit but I was shocked by the delivery. One flight attendant came over later and said she didn't want me to think they were being rude but I can't stand around in the galley. Uh, I wasn't loitering in the galley, I was walking into an open lavatory. I dunno...don't make it worse by trying to make it seem like I did something wrong.
I digress. Next viewing, The King's Speech and Whiplash...both excellent films. And yes, I don't get to many movies, as you can surely tell. Unfortunately, Confessions of a Shopaholic is an awful movie which does not make the flight go faster! Oh well, an episode of Nurse Jackie and we were on the ground. Early!
Global entry is fabulous. No line, no waiting....awesome. Our bags came off early and we were back in that Atlanta humidity and headed home. The trip home was easy as it was Fall break week here and no traffic, even at 6pm (unheard of in Atlanta).
The house was still standing and the Sheltie pups were very glad to see us. Great to be home but we will miss Italy! We truly did have the trip of a lifetime and it was really everything we wanted the trip to be....relaxing and just enjoying hanging out in a spectacular setting. Great food and wine and time for us to recharge.
Next---a summary of the "Titan" Albergos and the favorites of the trip for anyone interested
Oct 5th, 2015, 02:50 PM
#122
Original Poster
Join Date: Jul 2010
Posts: 4,591
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Oct 5th, 2015, 04:43 PM
#123
Join Date: Jul 2011
Posts: 33
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Thanks everyone for letting me know the rooftop bar is "exclusive"! I will try the other place you recommended. OK...so you said it was REALLY pricey for drinks...I am used to NYC so 15-20 is kindof the norm at the "hip" places to go(do young folks even use the word hip?). Is it more than that at this place? That would knock me off my seat!
I have global entry too and it is the best 100 dollars spent. I just got an email today that you can get a new global entry that is affiliated with the UK for 70 and have the same privileges as if you were a UK citizen when traveling in. I wanted to check into it more because it seemed to infer that you can also get around the EU the same way, but I haven't had time yet to read the fine print.
I have not been a fan of flight attendants since 9 11. I know that they have a job to do, but that doesn't mean they have to act as if they are gestapo. I used to travel weekly by air for work and I got pretty aggravated almost every flight. It wasn't me that they would be uncivilized with, it was passengers in general. When you are stuck on the tarmac and your kid needs a glass of water why can't the flight attendant just get it for the kid instead of not and being a .... (remember too that I can't stand kids, but here I was sticking up for one that I didn't even know) but I digress.... Also, I made the mistake once of sticking up for someone on a plane and one of the flight attendants threatened to remove me from the flight! Mam...this is none of your business...if you are unhappy you can certainly relinquish your seat and try to book another flight out. Yeah, right.
Anyway, thanks and looking forward to looking at your pictures and reading your recommendations..jen
I have global entry too and it is the best 100 dollars spent. I just got an email today that you can get a new global entry that is affiliated with the UK for 70 and have the same privileges as if you were a UK citizen when traveling in. I wanted to check into it more because it seemed to infer that you can also get around the EU the same way, but I haven't had time yet to read the fine print.
I have not been a fan of flight attendants since 9 11. I know that they have a job to do, but that doesn't mean they have to act as if they are gestapo. I used to travel weekly by air for work and I got pretty aggravated almost every flight. It wasn't me that they would be uncivilized with, it was passengers in general. When you are stuck on the tarmac and your kid needs a glass of water why can't the flight attendant just get it for the kid instead of not and being a .... (remember too that I can't stand kids, but here I was sticking up for one that I didn't even know) but I digress.... Also, I made the mistake once of sticking up for someone on a plane and one of the flight attendants threatened to remove me from the flight! Mam...this is none of your business...if you are unhappy you can certainly relinquish your seat and try to book another flight out. Yeah, right.
Anyway, thanks and looking forward to looking at your pictures and reading your recommendations..jen
Oct 5th, 2015, 05:03 PM
#124
Join Date: Jul 2011
Posts: 33
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
I mentioned the email I received about now being able to apply for UK equivalent of global entry for US citizens.. it is only for UK. Below are some details. 70 euro and only good for a year. -- I guess if you are traveling there frequently it is worth it... but it will not get you around the EU.
Membership in Registered Traveller include the following benefits:
· Access to ePassport gates at airports across the country
· Use of the UK / European Union queue at airports across the country
· A dedicated Registered Traveller lane at Gatwick Airport
· Not needing to complete a landing card on arrival to the UK
· No credibility interview with a Border Force officer
Membership in Registered Traveller include the following benefits:
· Access to ePassport gates at airports across the country
· Use of the UK / European Union queue at airports across the country
· A dedicated Registered Traveller lane at Gatwick Airport
· Not needing to complete a landing card on arrival to the UK
· No credibility interview with a Border Force officer
Oct 6th, 2015, 05:56 AM
#125
Join Date: Jun 2008
Posts: 29,608
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
"I am always torn when leaving....always a bit ready to go home, definitely ready to see our fur babies, regretting the things we didn't do and see, sad to be leaving and a bit afraid that I will never be there again. Is it just me?"<<<<<<It isn't just you! Wonderful TR, thanks denisea.
Oct 6th, 2015, 06:44 AM
#126
Join Date: Sep 2005
Posts: 354
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Love your report and your amazing powers of recollection! I try to take notes on our trips, but putting together an informative and entertaining TR becomes increasingly difficult! Thank you for taking the time; I have enjoyed every morsel (word & food).
Oct 6th, 2015, 06:48 AM
#127
Join Date: Jan 2008
Posts: 1,362
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Hi Denisea,
We have really enjoyed following your experiences on the AC! Glad that you and Chaz had such a wonderful time and were able to enjoy a little finale in Rome.
Having recently returned from a very different kind of travel in Central Europe, we are already thinking of "Where to next?" Return to France, Spain, Italy??? Reading the TR's of others presents so many nice dilemmas.
Thanks again for sharing so many details of your trip!
We have really enjoyed following your experiences on the AC! Glad that you and Chaz had such a wonderful time and were able to enjoy a little finale in Rome.
Having recently returned from a very different kind of travel in Central Europe, we are already thinking of "Where to next?" Return to France, Spain, Italy??? Reading the TR's of others presents so many nice dilemmas.
Thanks again for sharing so many details of your trip!
Oct 6th, 2015, 11:20 AM
#128
Original Poster
Join Date: Jul 2010
Posts: 4,591
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
I appreciate it everyone. I am already thinking about where to go next.....which is awful (and I have no money to now go anywhere, anyway). I am missing Paris and am also feeling London calling! I think it may be a sickness!!
Paris... I do take some notes, usually on my iPad at the end of the day. And I do still forget things (Chaz usually catches them after he reads the TR).
Hope to get the ending up later...my job is getting in the way!
Paris... I do take some notes, usually on my iPad at the end of the day. And I do still forget things (Chaz usually catches them after he reads the TR).
Hope to get the ending up later...my job is getting in the way!
Oct 6th, 2015, 11:26 AM
#129
Join Date: Aug 2008
Posts: 1,887
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Denise:
I think we should start a GoFundMe account so that you and Chaz can go to Paris for some more Christmas shenanigans.
https://www.gofundme.com/
I think we should start a GoFundMe account so that you and Chaz can go to Paris for some more Christmas shenanigans.
https://www.gofundme.com/
Oct 6th, 2015, 11:48 AM
#131
Join Date: Nov 2003
Posts: 2,478
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Denise....really enjoyed your trip report, My departure on Saturday for Rome & Umbria can't come soon enough for me. It's been 13 months since my last trip and I am really ready for this one! ;-)
Oct 6th, 2015, 12:16 PM
#133
Original Poster
Join Date: Jul 2010
Posts: 4,591
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Oh, how exciting LCI....is " the nose" along for the ride? Are you fluent yet? Have a great time. I know you will sniff out the best food and wine!
Weekender, I am sure there will be tons of peeps wanting fund a Paris Christmas trip for us! I mean, who wouldn't want to donate to that cause?
Weekender, I am sure there will be tons of peeps wanting fund a Paris Christmas trip for us! I mean, who wouldn't want to donate to that cause?
Oct 6th, 2015, 06:04 PM
#138
Join Date: Nov 2003
Posts: 2,478
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Denise...yes, "the nose" is coming with me! Believe it or not, we don't have any dinner reservations yet, I think we are going to "wing it", but you know I have my "go to" places I can always rely on! I wish I was fluent, not even close and been so busy with work this year that I haven't been practicing my language skills at all! 
Oct 8th, 2015, 08:16 AM
#139
Join Date: May 2003
Posts: 401
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Hi Denisea, wonderful trip report! I don't check here often and I'm so glad I happened to catch this as I remember commenting on one of the planning threads last year. The end of your report felt bittersweet..just how I feel at the end of my actual trips! I never want to come home though. I totally agree with doing it up big for birthdays. I spent 6 days in Positano last year for my 45th and already starting to dream up ideas for my 50th!
Regarding the ADS rooftop bar for those interested, I sent my cousin there a few weeks ago not remembering it was for hotel guests only and they let her up. I think it is up to whoever is working at the front desk at the time. They posted a beautiful picture and tagged me and was so happy they got to experience that beautiful view. It's always worth a shot if you are in the area.
Regarding the ADS rooftop bar for those interested, I sent my cousin there a few weeks ago not remembering it was for hotel guests only and they let her up. I think it is up to whoever is working at the front desk at the time. They posted a beautiful picture and tagged me and was so happy they got to experience that beautiful view. It's always worth a shot if you are in the area.
