Italy Trip Report - Rome/Venice - late December
Feb 17th, 2008, 04:08 PM
#21
Join Date: Mar 2006
Posts: 259
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
thanks for the trip report! I am planning my Sept 08 trip to Rome so your info is coming at a great time!I love hearing the stories about your sons too! It only makes me think of how I can't wait one day to have kids and show them Italy as well!
Feb 18th, 2008, 12:38 AM
#23
Original Poster
Join Date: Jan 2004
Posts: 10,823
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
DAY 5 – Christmas Day
Morning - We knew that this was going to be a low-key day – so we planned it as such.
We slept late, and then I had the boys go through their clothes to separate out the “worn, but can be worn again” from the “worn, and now needs to be isolated from all other clothing items.”
Then we grabbed a taxi to the main train station. I needed to buy train tickets for our day trip to Pompeii and tickets to take us to Venice. While I stood in line for the tickets, DH and the boys scouted out the train station to get an idea of where we would need to go.
DS#2 was also checking out the shops and was ecstatic at seeing a Foot Locker store. He insisted that he “needed” to get some skateboarding shoes and we insisted that he “needed” no such thing. He has started using the word “need” instead of “want” – foolishly thinking that will make us more likely to say “yes.” Such a silly, silly boy!!! He was also disappointed to find no Burger King – only a McDonald’s. He really wanted some BK onion rings, and while we had spotted some while driving around, we had not walked past any. Sometimes – life is just tough! (Okay – to be fair – DS#1 and I could have gone for some BK onion rings as well!)
We had planned on getting our train tickets and then grabbing a taxi to the Spanish Steps, but since we were already at the station, I talked everyone into taking the subway. I told the boys that they needed to add the Rome subway to their list of subway adventures, and I told DH that it would be cheaper than a taxi (I was not sure if that was really true – but he bought it so I must have been convincing!!). We went down to the lower level, figured out how to get our tickets from the machines, and were on our way.
Let me take this moment to talk about the fear of pickpockets, gypsy scams, etc. I had read all the comments warning of these problems. We were prepared. We had talked about it with the boys, had discussed the best way for them to carry their cameras, wallets, etc. We were vigilant and stayed aware at all times. I have to say – we were VERY lucky. We never had a problem. But – our experience should not “downplay” the problem. I am sure it is real – we were just fortunate.
Afternoon - We arrived at the Spanish Steps station, walked out into the fresh air, and were immediately “greeted” by music. It was very crowded, but we worked our way through the people and saw that the steps were providing the stage for a large gospel music group – singers and musicians. What an incredible setting for a concert! We stood there just listening to the music. It was fantastic. The boys had never really heard gospel music before, but DS#1 (trumpet player) enjoyed watching the brass players and DS#2 (guitar player and budding rock musician) was fascinated by the guitars and drums. When the concert was over and the group was packing up, I made my way over to talk to some of the musicians. The members of the group came from all over the US and were in Rome for a series of concerts.
We made our way up to the top of the steps, looked at the nativity scene, and just enjoyed the beautiful view. Unfortunately, the obelisk at the top of the steps must have been having some work done because it was covered up and – unfortunately – the material covering it had advertising logos on it. Really was not appealing to look at.
We walked down the steps and strolled around the piazza for a bit. I did insist on taking a photo of the boys in front of the Keats-Shelley House for their grandmother (an English teacher). Then we strolled down Via Condotti - just window shopping. I am not really into “high fashion” stuff, but it’s always fun to look in the windows! At some point, DS#2 spotted another Ferrari store, but DS#1 dragged him away so that we could continue our stroll. We crossed Via del Corso, then down Via del Leoncino (which turns into Via Campo Marzio), slowing heading back toward the Pantheon.
As we walked, DS#2 spotted Gelateria della Palma (Via Della Maddelena, 20) and was drawn in by the variety of candy. We insisted on lunch (somewhat late due to our late start) before turning him loose in the candy store, so we plopped down at a little outdoor café next door. I honestly don’t remember the name, and that’s okay because the food was very average. Nothing really to rave about. DS#2 ate, begged us for some money, and headed back to the candy/gelato store to BUY!!!! We sent DS#1 after him to provide a voice of reason and to make sure he didn’t buy anything stupid. That was probably a mistake. They came back - 15€ poorer – with a bag-full of candy! YUCK!
We continued walking around - checking to make sure the balloon horse was still at the top of the Pantheon dome, looking in store windows, and people-watching. We slowly worked our way back to the hotel for a bit of a rest before dinner.
Dinner – One of the restaurants that the hotel had recommended for our Christmas Eve dinner was Grill and Wine (Via in Arcione, 74/75), but they were not able to get us reservations. We had passed it when we walked to Piazza Barbarini and were intrigued enough to get reservations for this night.
As we walked form the hotel to the restaurant, we passed a number of street vendors at the corner of Via di Pietra and Via del Corso. DS#2 spotted some artwork that he liked – especially a painting of some sailboats. Not really a “Rome” theme – but he liked it. However, the artist wanted 45€ and we thought that was a bit much. We continued walking and told him we would look at it again on the way back.
DH and I enjoyed some good wine. DH had a Greek salad and fettuccini with clams. I can’t remember what DS#1 had, but DS#2 had grilled shrimp, and I had a grilled chicken breast. There was live music, which was nice but was a little too loud for conversation. The food was good, but overall, it wasn’t our favorite meal.
On the way back to the hotel, we told DS#2 that he could use some of his Christmas money to buy the painting he liked, but that he needed to bargain to get the price down. He got it down to 30€ and everyone walked away happy - except for DS#1 (the artist in the family) who kept grumbling that spending that much money on a painting of sailboats was “just stupid!”
Morning - We knew that this was going to be a low-key day – so we planned it as such.
We slept late, and then I had the boys go through their clothes to separate out the “worn, but can be worn again” from the “worn, and now needs to be isolated from all other clothing items.”
Then we grabbed a taxi to the main train station. I needed to buy train tickets for our day trip to Pompeii and tickets to take us to Venice. While I stood in line for the tickets, DH and the boys scouted out the train station to get an idea of where we would need to go.
DS#2 was also checking out the shops and was ecstatic at seeing a Foot Locker store. He insisted that he “needed” to get some skateboarding shoes and we insisted that he “needed” no such thing. He has started using the word “need” instead of “want” – foolishly thinking that will make us more likely to say “yes.” Such a silly, silly boy!!! He was also disappointed to find no Burger King – only a McDonald’s. He really wanted some BK onion rings, and while we had spotted some while driving around, we had not walked past any. Sometimes – life is just tough! (Okay – to be fair – DS#1 and I could have gone for some BK onion rings as well!)
We had planned on getting our train tickets and then grabbing a taxi to the Spanish Steps, but since we were already at the station, I talked everyone into taking the subway. I told the boys that they needed to add the Rome subway to their list of subway adventures, and I told DH that it would be cheaper than a taxi (I was not sure if that was really true – but he bought it so I must have been convincing!!). We went down to the lower level, figured out how to get our tickets from the machines, and were on our way.
Let me take this moment to talk about the fear of pickpockets, gypsy scams, etc. I had read all the comments warning of these problems. We were prepared. We had talked about it with the boys, had discussed the best way for them to carry their cameras, wallets, etc. We were vigilant and stayed aware at all times. I have to say – we were VERY lucky. We never had a problem. But – our experience should not “downplay” the problem. I am sure it is real – we were just fortunate.
Afternoon - We arrived at the Spanish Steps station, walked out into the fresh air, and were immediately “greeted” by music. It was very crowded, but we worked our way through the people and saw that the steps were providing the stage for a large gospel music group – singers and musicians. What an incredible setting for a concert! We stood there just listening to the music. It was fantastic. The boys had never really heard gospel music before, but DS#1 (trumpet player) enjoyed watching the brass players and DS#2 (guitar player and budding rock musician) was fascinated by the guitars and drums. When the concert was over and the group was packing up, I made my way over to talk to some of the musicians. The members of the group came from all over the US and were in Rome for a series of concerts.
We made our way up to the top of the steps, looked at the nativity scene, and just enjoyed the beautiful view. Unfortunately, the obelisk at the top of the steps must have been having some work done because it was covered up and – unfortunately – the material covering it had advertising logos on it. Really was not appealing to look at.
We walked down the steps and strolled around the piazza for a bit. I did insist on taking a photo of the boys in front of the Keats-Shelley House for their grandmother (an English teacher). Then we strolled down Via Condotti - just window shopping. I am not really into “high fashion” stuff, but it’s always fun to look in the windows! At some point, DS#2 spotted another Ferrari store, but DS#1 dragged him away so that we could continue our stroll. We crossed Via del Corso, then down Via del Leoncino (which turns into Via Campo Marzio), slowing heading back toward the Pantheon.
As we walked, DS#2 spotted Gelateria della Palma (Via Della Maddelena, 20) and was drawn in by the variety of candy. We insisted on lunch (somewhat late due to our late start) before turning him loose in the candy store, so we plopped down at a little outdoor café next door. I honestly don’t remember the name, and that’s okay because the food was very average. Nothing really to rave about. DS#2 ate, begged us for some money, and headed back to the candy/gelato store to BUY!!!! We sent DS#1 after him to provide a voice of reason and to make sure he didn’t buy anything stupid. That was probably a mistake. They came back - 15€ poorer – with a bag-full of candy! YUCK!
We continued walking around - checking to make sure the balloon horse was still at the top of the Pantheon dome, looking in store windows, and people-watching. We slowly worked our way back to the hotel for a bit of a rest before dinner.
Dinner – One of the restaurants that the hotel had recommended for our Christmas Eve dinner was Grill and Wine (Via in Arcione, 74/75), but they were not able to get us reservations. We had passed it when we walked to Piazza Barbarini and were intrigued enough to get reservations for this night.
As we walked form the hotel to the restaurant, we passed a number of street vendors at the corner of Via di Pietra and Via del Corso. DS#2 spotted some artwork that he liked – especially a painting of some sailboats. Not really a “Rome” theme – but he liked it. However, the artist wanted 45€ and we thought that was a bit much. We continued walking and told him we would look at it again on the way back.
DH and I enjoyed some good wine. DH had a Greek salad and fettuccini with clams. I can’t remember what DS#1 had, but DS#2 had grilled shrimp, and I had a grilled chicken breast. There was live music, which was nice but was a little too loud for conversation. The food was good, but overall, it wasn’t our favorite meal.
On the way back to the hotel, we told DS#2 that he could use some of his Christmas money to buy the painting he liked, but that he needed to bargain to get the price down. He got it down to 30€ and everyone walked away happy - except for DS#1 (the artist in the family) who kept grumbling that spending that much money on a painting of sailboats was “just stupid!”
Feb 18th, 2008, 07:56 AM
#24
Original Poster
Join Date: Jan 2004
Posts: 10,823
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Almost finished with Day 6 (Pompeii). Will have that for tomorrow.
SusanP - have a wonderful time!
SavTrav - we usually have a good time! We have occasional ups and downs....but it all works out in the end!
SusanP - have a wonderful time!
SavTrav - we usually have a good time! We have occasional ups and downs....but it all works out in the end!
Feb 22nd, 2008, 07:03 AM
#27
Original Poster
Join Date: Jan 2004
Posts: 10,823
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
DAY 6 - Pompeii
I’ve wanted to go to Pompeii ever since I read “Gods, Graves, and Scholars” in early high school (and that was SEVERAL years ago). I’ve always had an interest in archaeology, took several courses in college, and I just couldn’t imagine a trip to Rome without taking the time to go. The Y-chromosomes were interested, although not as “passionately” as I was – but they went along “to make Mom happy!”
Morning/afternoon – We hailed a cab and headed to the train station. We quickly went through McDonald’s - grabbing some coffee for DH, a Diet Coke for me, and juice and hash browns for the boys – then we boarded the train to Naples. I had paid for the 1st class coach and it was nice to have reserved seats (although I later got the impression that 2nd class seats were also reserved). No matter – we were quite comfy. I think our train left around 9 am – but the actual time is a little fuzzy.
Unfortunately, the skies got grayer and grayer as we moved away from Rome. I was keeping my hopes up – but my DH kept looking at me and shaking his head. We reached Naples, and after asking a couple of different people, finally found the train that would take us to Pompeii. I had read several reports that I had to change “levels” in the Naples station – going downstairs or something. But that was not the case. We just had to find the right platform and it helped when someone (in very broken English) explained that the train to Pompeii was the 2nd train on the track – so we had to walk down a little ways. No reserved seats on this one.
Here is where my research failed me a little. We got off the train in Pompeii about noon and went through the small station to the street. DH asked (quite naturally) “So - where do we go?” And, frankly, I had no answer! Somehow, it never occurred to me to research HOW to get from the train station to the site! I just assumed there would be signs with directions or taxis lined up ready to take us. No such luck. DH (in an unexpected move) went into the little gift shop and asked directions. (This was a first, and I was a little shocked!) The lady assured him the main entrance was just a 10+ minute walk down the street. Well, 20+ minutes later, as the walked along in the drizzling rain, we reached the main entrance. Not knowing what would be available within the site, we stopped for a quick snack, then went inside.
Our original plan was to hire a guide once we got there and to enjoy a nice leisurely tour of the site, but the weather had us a little concerned so we decided to go it alone. The book I had purchased outside looked like a great resource – with a large map with locations clearly marked with numbers and corresponding to descriptions in the text. The map showed a short (1-2 hours) and a longer (2-3+) hour route and we decided to follow the shorter route but take any detours that looked interesting. However, it didn’t take us long to figure out that the numbering system on the map I had did not match the numbering system within the site (which was coordinated with the audio tour, I guess). But with some persistence and lots of patience, we were able to make our way through the site.
I really wasn’t prepared for the place to still look so much like “a city.” You could really see how everything was laid out and walking through the various buildings (shops, homes, public buildings, etc) was fascinating. I would have loved to have been there on a bright, sunny day!
However, the little drizzle that had greeted us started getting heavier and heavier. DS#1 was in charge of the map and I was in charge of the book with the descriptions, but every time we pulled them out to figure out our location or learn about a specific building – they got wetter and wetter. We took a small break in the café that is located within the site hoping that the rain would subside (a good FYI – since we would have skipped the snack outside the site if I had realized there was a nice place inside). But the rain kept on and kept getting heavier, and combined with the chilly temperature, it was really getting miserable. DH and I were okay because our coats were long, but the boys were in shorter jackets and their legs were getting soaked. We kept ducking into covered buildings to get out of the rain and dodging the puddles accumulating in the streets got harder and harder. Soon, the boys had wet legs and wet shoes!
We took cover at one point, looked at the map again, narrowed down 2 or 3 more things that we really wanted to see and focused on those. Somehow, we missed the big amphitheater, and it was a little difficult finding the garden that had the enclosed area with the remains of a family who perished there. We did eventually find it and worked our way around the mud puddles for a closer look. Then we decided to cut our losses and head for the exit – throwing away the map and the little booklet, both of which were so water logged the paper was tearing. I was sorry to have to go, but we were all really miserable at this point.
We decided to go across the street to a small café and dry out. It was a small place, but it was warm and they had pizza. We ordered some food, hung up our coats to dry, and the boys stood in front of the heater near us trying to get their jeans dry. The shoes were hopeless. The male members of my little family were so cute. They kept telling me how sorry they were about the weather – knowing how much this trip had meant to me!
We still had 2 hours before our train back to Naples, but I thought there was an earlier train, so we decided to go back to the station and try to get on it. By this point, the rain had lessened, so we walked to the main square in town and then over to the train station. On a better day, it would have been really nice to explore the city some more. The main square area looked so interesting, but we just weren’t up to it.
Unfortunately, since this was the day after Christmas – and a holiday in Italy – not all the trains were running. So, we had to wait in the station until our scheduled train. Just a note- there is NO HEATING in that station and the little café next door and the little gift shop were both closed. So we had no choice but to sit in the little, cold, waiting area. As the time for our train approached, we crossed over to the appropriate side of the platform. DH and DS#1 stayed on the platform, but I made DS#2 – who was still quite wet and miserable- stay in the covered area by the stairs, trying to keep him out of the wind. Of course, the train was 15 minutes late, but we eventually made it back to Naples and caught our train back to Rome.
Exiting the train station in Rome, we noted the long taxi queue. We were so miserable, the last thing we wanted was to stand in a long line, but I knew that the individuals approaching us offering taxi rides were the “gypsy taxis” and I told my husband to ignore them. We passed the long queue and walked around the corner of the station, where I was lucky enough to flag down an empty taxi within 1 minute. The Y-chromosomes were quite impressed.
Back at the hotel, we all changed clothes. Luckily, I had insisted on the boys bringing an extra pair of shoes…..just in case something like this happened. Again, they marveled at my wisdom!
Dinner - We didn’t want to spend a lot of time walking around looking for a place to eat, so we decided to return to Rotunda, just a short walk from our hotel. I really wanted another eggplant gratin and DH really wanted another artichoke appetizer. However, luck just wasn’t with us as they were out of both items. I settled for a small bowl of pasta. DH ordered another seafood pasta dish. DS#1 ordered his usual spicy pasta, and DS#2 – once again – ordered the grilled shrimp. I guess our first visit to this place left an impression because the young lady taking our order (who had been around the first time) asked the dear boy if he wanted just 1 order of shrimp or if he wanted to go ahead and get 2! He decided on 1 order with a side dish of pasta with olive oil and garlic. DH and I again got the cheesecake….which was still divine! Then, we went back to the hotel and crashed!!!!
I’ve wanted to go to Pompeii ever since I read “Gods, Graves, and Scholars” in early high school (and that was SEVERAL years ago). I’ve always had an interest in archaeology, took several courses in college, and I just couldn’t imagine a trip to Rome without taking the time to go. The Y-chromosomes were interested, although not as “passionately” as I was – but they went along “to make Mom happy!”
Morning/afternoon – We hailed a cab and headed to the train station. We quickly went through McDonald’s - grabbing some coffee for DH, a Diet Coke for me, and juice and hash browns for the boys – then we boarded the train to Naples. I had paid for the 1st class coach and it was nice to have reserved seats (although I later got the impression that 2nd class seats were also reserved). No matter – we were quite comfy. I think our train left around 9 am – but the actual time is a little fuzzy.
Unfortunately, the skies got grayer and grayer as we moved away from Rome. I was keeping my hopes up – but my DH kept looking at me and shaking his head. We reached Naples, and after asking a couple of different people, finally found the train that would take us to Pompeii. I had read several reports that I had to change “levels” in the Naples station – going downstairs or something. But that was not the case. We just had to find the right platform and it helped when someone (in very broken English) explained that the train to Pompeii was the 2nd train on the track – so we had to walk down a little ways. No reserved seats on this one.
Here is where my research failed me a little. We got off the train in Pompeii about noon and went through the small station to the street. DH asked (quite naturally) “So - where do we go?” And, frankly, I had no answer! Somehow, it never occurred to me to research HOW to get from the train station to the site! I just assumed there would be signs with directions or taxis lined up ready to take us. No such luck. DH (in an unexpected move) went into the little gift shop and asked directions. (This was a first, and I was a little shocked!) The lady assured him the main entrance was just a 10+ minute walk down the street. Well, 20+ minutes later, as the walked along in the drizzling rain, we reached the main entrance. Not knowing what would be available within the site, we stopped for a quick snack, then went inside.
Our original plan was to hire a guide once we got there and to enjoy a nice leisurely tour of the site, but the weather had us a little concerned so we decided to go it alone. The book I had purchased outside looked like a great resource – with a large map with locations clearly marked with numbers and corresponding to descriptions in the text. The map showed a short (1-2 hours) and a longer (2-3+) hour route and we decided to follow the shorter route but take any detours that looked interesting. However, it didn’t take us long to figure out that the numbering system on the map I had did not match the numbering system within the site (which was coordinated with the audio tour, I guess). But with some persistence and lots of patience, we were able to make our way through the site.
I really wasn’t prepared for the place to still look so much like “a city.” You could really see how everything was laid out and walking through the various buildings (shops, homes, public buildings, etc) was fascinating. I would have loved to have been there on a bright, sunny day!
However, the little drizzle that had greeted us started getting heavier and heavier. DS#1 was in charge of the map and I was in charge of the book with the descriptions, but every time we pulled them out to figure out our location or learn about a specific building – they got wetter and wetter. We took a small break in the café that is located within the site hoping that the rain would subside (a good FYI – since we would have skipped the snack outside the site if I had realized there was a nice place inside). But the rain kept on and kept getting heavier, and combined with the chilly temperature, it was really getting miserable. DH and I were okay because our coats were long, but the boys were in shorter jackets and their legs were getting soaked. We kept ducking into covered buildings to get out of the rain and dodging the puddles accumulating in the streets got harder and harder. Soon, the boys had wet legs and wet shoes!
We took cover at one point, looked at the map again, narrowed down 2 or 3 more things that we really wanted to see and focused on those. Somehow, we missed the big amphitheater, and it was a little difficult finding the garden that had the enclosed area with the remains of a family who perished there. We did eventually find it and worked our way around the mud puddles for a closer look. Then we decided to cut our losses and head for the exit – throwing away the map and the little booklet, both of which were so water logged the paper was tearing. I was sorry to have to go, but we were all really miserable at this point.
We decided to go across the street to a small café and dry out. It was a small place, but it was warm and they had pizza. We ordered some food, hung up our coats to dry, and the boys stood in front of the heater near us trying to get their jeans dry. The shoes were hopeless. The male members of my little family were so cute. They kept telling me how sorry they were about the weather – knowing how much this trip had meant to me!
We still had 2 hours before our train back to Naples, but I thought there was an earlier train, so we decided to go back to the station and try to get on it. By this point, the rain had lessened, so we walked to the main square in town and then over to the train station. On a better day, it would have been really nice to explore the city some more. The main square area looked so interesting, but we just weren’t up to it.
Unfortunately, since this was the day after Christmas – and a holiday in Italy – not all the trains were running. So, we had to wait in the station until our scheduled train. Just a note- there is NO HEATING in that station and the little café next door and the little gift shop were both closed. So we had no choice but to sit in the little, cold, waiting area. As the time for our train approached, we crossed over to the appropriate side of the platform. DH and DS#1 stayed on the platform, but I made DS#2 – who was still quite wet and miserable- stay in the covered area by the stairs, trying to keep him out of the wind. Of course, the train was 15 minutes late, but we eventually made it back to Naples and caught our train back to Rome.
Exiting the train station in Rome, we noted the long taxi queue. We were so miserable, the last thing we wanted was to stand in a long line, but I knew that the individuals approaching us offering taxi rides were the “gypsy taxis” and I told my husband to ignore them. We passed the long queue and walked around the corner of the station, where I was lucky enough to flag down an empty taxi within 1 minute. The Y-chromosomes were quite impressed.
Back at the hotel, we all changed clothes. Luckily, I had insisted on the boys bringing an extra pair of shoes…..just in case something like this happened. Again, they marveled at my wisdom!
Dinner - We didn’t want to spend a lot of time walking around looking for a place to eat, so we decided to return to Rotunda, just a short walk from our hotel. I really wanted another eggplant gratin and DH really wanted another artichoke appetizer. However, luck just wasn’t with us as they were out of both items. I settled for a small bowl of pasta. DH ordered another seafood pasta dish. DS#1 ordered his usual spicy pasta, and DS#2 – once again – ordered the grilled shrimp. I guess our first visit to this place left an impression because the young lady taking our order (who had been around the first time) asked the dear boy if he wanted just 1 order of shrimp or if he wanted to go ahead and get 2! He decided on 1 order with a side dish of pasta with olive oil and garlic. DH and I again got the cheesecake….which was still divine! Then, we went back to the hotel and crashed!!!!
Feb 22nd, 2008, 08:01 AM
#28
Join Date: Mar 2003
Posts: 10,253
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Grcxx3,
Too bad you had such a rainy day for your important daytrip!
<< I had read several reports that I had to change “levels” in the Naples station – going downstairs or something. But that was not the case. >>
Actually, it IS the case--just another option. You took a regular Trenitalia train to Pompeii, the town. If you bought a ticket Rome>Pompeii from Trenitalia, ut it was not the most efficient way to reach the excavations.
On the lower level in Naples, you could have taken the Circumvesuviana train to Pompeii Scavi, which stops directly outside an entrance the the Pompeii Excavations. For this option you buy a Trenitalia ticket for Rome>Naples. Then you buy a separate ticket in Naples for the Circumvesuviana.
Too bad you had such a rainy day for your important daytrip!
<< I had read several reports that I had to change “levels” in the Naples station – going downstairs or something. But that was not the case. >>
Actually, it IS the case--just another option. You took a regular Trenitalia train to Pompeii, the town. If you bought a ticket Rome>Pompeii from Trenitalia, ut it was not the most efficient way to reach the excavations.
On the lower level in Naples, you could have taken the Circumvesuviana train to Pompeii Scavi, which stops directly outside an entrance the the Pompeii Excavations. For this option you buy a Trenitalia ticket for Rome>Naples. Then you buy a separate ticket in Naples for the Circumvesuviana.
Feb 22nd, 2008, 08:17 AM
#29
Original Poster
Join Date: Jan 2004
Posts: 10,823
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
ellenem - OH! Another "notch" in my unpreparedness for that day!
Just for future reference, could I still have bought the more "efficient" ticket at the main station in Rome? Or could I have just gotten the tickets to Naples and then purchased the tickets to Pompeii once we were there?
I know I specifically mentioned to the agent helping me that we were visiting the ruins in Pompeii, so - silly me - I just assumed I was getting the most efficient route.
Just for future reference, could I still have bought the more "efficient" ticket at the main station in Rome? Or could I have just gotten the tickets to Naples and then purchased the tickets to Pompeii once we were there?
I know I specifically mentioned to the agent helping me that we were visiting the ruins in Pompeii, so - silly me - I just assumed I was getting the most efficient route.
Feb 22nd, 2008, 09:21 AM
#31
Join Date: Mar 2003
Posts: 10,253
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
The Circumvesuviana is a special local commuter train line that runs between Naples and Sorrento. Trenitalia doesn't sell its tickets since its a different company. You have to buy the tickets locally, in your case in Naples.
On a sunny day, strolling through the modern town of Pompeii might have been perfectly pleasant . . .
On a sunny day, strolling through the modern town of Pompeii might have been perfectly pleasant . . .
Feb 23rd, 2008, 08:00 AM
#33
Original Poster
Join Date: Jan 2004
Posts: 10,823
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
DAY 7 – Our last day in Rome
Since this was our last day, I didn’t really schedule anything. It was kind of a “catch-all” day – a day we could use to make up for any weather or logistical problems or to do extra shopping or whatever. As such, I was thrilled when I was “chatting” online back in November with a friend and realized that her family would be arriving in Rome the night before. She suggested we all try to get together for lunch.
Morning – We had tried to get reservations for the Borghese Gallery in the morning but it was not available. So – on to Plan B. Since we were meeting our friends at Piazza Navona at noon, we didn’t want to venture too far away. We decided to go to the Palazzo Altemps – a museum located near Piazza Navona (Piazza Sant’Apollinarie, 46). We really weren’t expecting much and were a little surprised at the entrance fee (around 10€ each if I recall). Then, we realized that the entrance ticket also included 3 other sites/museums – but at that point, we knew we wouldn’t have time to visit them. Oh well….
We stored our stuff in the lockers provided and started our walk through the museum. I will say – it didn’t take us long to realize that this was a real gem! The statuary was spectacular and the painted ceilings and walls were wonderful. And, most of the pieces had English descriptions – which helped a whole lot!!!! There weren’t very many people in the museum, so it was like we had the whole place to ourselves. DS#2 and I were busy taking photos (which were allowed), while DH moaned about leaving his camera in his bag in the locker. We went through the whole museum and it was getting close to the time we were to meet our friends.
DH was still bummed about not getting any photos with his camera, so I suggested that he and DS#1 stay in the museum while DS#2 and I went to meet our friends. The people in the locker area were quite nice and helpful – allowing DH to retrieve his camera and go back into the museum.
So – DS#2 and I headed back to Piazza Navona. It wasn’t long before I got a call from our friends saying they had had a late start and would meet us by the Pantheon in 30 minutes. I sent a text message to DH telling him not to hurry and to meet us in the Piazza by the Pantheon. We strolled around the Piazza Navona a bit– and the boy even talked me into giving him money to play some of those stupid arcade games (shooting games, bowling game, etc). YUCK! I did, however, talk him out of any more cotton candy! Then we headed over toward the Pantheon, checking out shops along the way.
I grabbed a table at one of the outdoor cafes and decided it was time for a glass of wine. DS#2 - with his own agenda – went into the Pantheon to check on the horse balloon. It was still there at the top of the dome! DH and DS#1 joined us a little while later – just after our friends had called again saying they had been stuck in traffic but were now parking and on their way. So, DH had a glass of wine and told me how he insisted on D#1 purchasing something at the museum gift shop. As usual, DS#1 picked out a simple, elegant piece – in this case – a handsome gladiator helmet about 2 inches high. The boy doesn’t buy much – but what he buys is always classic!!
Finally, our friends arrived. Now, I would be remiss in not talking a little about them – because they are quite interesting. The husband is American, but has lived overseas for many, many years and is a CNN Middle East correspondent. They lived in Cairo for 8 years (where their middle child and DS#2 became good friends), and 2 years ago they moved to Jerusalem. The wife is Italian, and much of her family still lives in Rome. Between the 2 of them, they speak 6+ languages, and the 3 kids are fluent in Italian and English and quite competent in Arabic. We used to go to great parties at their house in Cairo – meeting all sorts of journalist types that were quite different from the oil-business types we usually hung out with!
We had a glass of wine and then headed off for lunch. It took us a while to find a place that appealed to everyone and could handle our 9 person group. We ended up at a little place right next to our hotel on Piazza di Pietra. It was very interesting being there and hearing our friends (even the kids) ordering in Italian. However, the food was really mediocre and my lasagna was downright awful! But the company was great – and while we were sitting there our friend got a text message from CNN about Benatar Bhutto being assassinated. Of course, he rushed outside to check in with the office and came back in to fill us in on the story. It was such sad news, but it was very interesting getting it “hot off the wire!”
We had a leisurely lunch – catching up on our lives, filling each other in on mutual friends, and comparing notes about the trials and tribulations of raising kids overseas. Meanwhile – the kids were comparing notes about school, social lives, and what they got for Christmas!!! It was great fun! Then they had to head back to be with family, and we headed back to the hotel to pack up.
Dinner – This was such a tough decision, but in the end we decided to go back to La Scala – which was quite near the hotel. Again, it was very crowded but we got a table rather quickly. I honestly can’t tell you what we all ate that night, but I know that I got the veal dish that DS#1 had had for lunch a few days before. On the whole, the meal was not as good as our lunch had been, but I think at that point – we were just tired and nothing would have been really great!
Since we were all packed and ready to go – we spent a little time walking around before heading back to the hotel. Earlier in the day, DH had spotted a little shop that sold magic tricks. It was a very eclectic shop – with all sorts of miniature soldiers and strange things from all over the world. But in the back was all the magic stuff. DS#2 has been practicing card tricks for months (often studying videos on You-Tube when he was supposed to be doing homework) and was getting pretty good. DH thought it would be fun for him to have a real set of “trick cards.” DS#2 was thrilled, DS#1 was perplexed, and all I could think of was how long it would take him to lose one of the cards!!!! In fairness – weeks later – the deck is still intact and he has entertained his friends at school during lunch.
Tomorrow – off to Venice!
Since this was our last day, I didn’t really schedule anything. It was kind of a “catch-all” day – a day we could use to make up for any weather or logistical problems or to do extra shopping or whatever. As such, I was thrilled when I was “chatting” online back in November with a friend and realized that her family would be arriving in Rome the night before. She suggested we all try to get together for lunch.
Morning – We had tried to get reservations for the Borghese Gallery in the morning but it was not available. So – on to Plan B. Since we were meeting our friends at Piazza Navona at noon, we didn’t want to venture too far away. We decided to go to the Palazzo Altemps – a museum located near Piazza Navona (Piazza Sant’Apollinarie, 46). We really weren’t expecting much and were a little surprised at the entrance fee (around 10€ each if I recall). Then, we realized that the entrance ticket also included 3 other sites/museums – but at that point, we knew we wouldn’t have time to visit them. Oh well….
We stored our stuff in the lockers provided and started our walk through the museum. I will say – it didn’t take us long to realize that this was a real gem! The statuary was spectacular and the painted ceilings and walls were wonderful. And, most of the pieces had English descriptions – which helped a whole lot!!!! There weren’t very many people in the museum, so it was like we had the whole place to ourselves. DS#2 and I were busy taking photos (which were allowed), while DH moaned about leaving his camera in his bag in the locker. We went through the whole museum and it was getting close to the time we were to meet our friends.
DH was still bummed about not getting any photos with his camera, so I suggested that he and DS#1 stay in the museum while DS#2 and I went to meet our friends. The people in the locker area were quite nice and helpful – allowing DH to retrieve his camera and go back into the museum.
So – DS#2 and I headed back to Piazza Navona. It wasn’t long before I got a call from our friends saying they had had a late start and would meet us by the Pantheon in 30 minutes. I sent a text message to DH telling him not to hurry and to meet us in the Piazza by the Pantheon. We strolled around the Piazza Navona a bit– and the boy even talked me into giving him money to play some of those stupid arcade games (shooting games, bowling game, etc). YUCK! I did, however, talk him out of any more cotton candy! Then we headed over toward the Pantheon, checking out shops along the way.
I grabbed a table at one of the outdoor cafes and decided it was time for a glass of wine. DS#2 - with his own agenda – went into the Pantheon to check on the horse balloon. It was still there at the top of the dome! DH and DS#1 joined us a little while later – just after our friends had called again saying they had been stuck in traffic but were now parking and on their way. So, DH had a glass of wine and told me how he insisted on D#1 purchasing something at the museum gift shop. As usual, DS#1 picked out a simple, elegant piece – in this case – a handsome gladiator helmet about 2 inches high. The boy doesn’t buy much – but what he buys is always classic!!
Finally, our friends arrived. Now, I would be remiss in not talking a little about them – because they are quite interesting. The husband is American, but has lived overseas for many, many years and is a CNN Middle East correspondent. They lived in Cairo for 8 years (where their middle child and DS#2 became good friends), and 2 years ago they moved to Jerusalem. The wife is Italian, and much of her family still lives in Rome. Between the 2 of them, they speak 6+ languages, and the 3 kids are fluent in Italian and English and quite competent in Arabic. We used to go to great parties at their house in Cairo – meeting all sorts of journalist types that were quite different from the oil-business types we usually hung out with!
We had a glass of wine and then headed off for lunch. It took us a while to find a place that appealed to everyone and could handle our 9 person group. We ended up at a little place right next to our hotel on Piazza di Pietra. It was very interesting being there and hearing our friends (even the kids) ordering in Italian. However, the food was really mediocre and my lasagna was downright awful! But the company was great – and while we were sitting there our friend got a text message from CNN about Benatar Bhutto being assassinated. Of course, he rushed outside to check in with the office and came back in to fill us in on the story. It was such sad news, but it was very interesting getting it “hot off the wire!”
We had a leisurely lunch – catching up on our lives, filling each other in on mutual friends, and comparing notes about the trials and tribulations of raising kids overseas. Meanwhile – the kids were comparing notes about school, social lives, and what they got for Christmas!!! It was great fun! Then they had to head back to be with family, and we headed back to the hotel to pack up.
Dinner – This was such a tough decision, but in the end we decided to go back to La Scala – which was quite near the hotel. Again, it was very crowded but we got a table rather quickly. I honestly can’t tell you what we all ate that night, but I know that I got the veal dish that DS#1 had had for lunch a few days before. On the whole, the meal was not as good as our lunch had been, but I think at that point – we were just tired and nothing would have been really great!
Since we were all packed and ready to go – we spent a little time walking around before heading back to the hotel. Earlier in the day, DH had spotted a little shop that sold magic tricks. It was a very eclectic shop – with all sorts of miniature soldiers and strange things from all over the world. But in the back was all the magic stuff. DS#2 has been practicing card tricks for months (often studying videos on You-Tube when he was supposed to be doing homework) and was getting pretty good. DH thought it would be fun for him to have a real set of “trick cards.” DS#2 was thrilled, DS#1 was perplexed, and all I could think of was how long it would take him to lose one of the cards!!!! In fairness – weeks later – the deck is still intact and he has entertained his friends at school during lunch.
Tomorrow – off to Venice!
Feb 23rd, 2008, 09:32 PM
#35
Original Poster
Join Date: Jan 2004
Posts: 10,823
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Taxis were pretty easy. Sometimes we caught one on the main street by our hotel (Via del Corso). We also grabbed a taxi where Via del Corso runs into the Vittoria Emmanuel monuments. TONS of taxis there. At the train station, there is a queue for taxis, but we walked around the corner and got one. And on our last day, we had the hotel call for a taxi to take us to the train station for our trip to Venice.
Mar 5th, 2008, 03:02 AM
#39
Original Poster
Join Date: Jan 2004
Posts: 10,823
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
DAY 8 – to Venice
Morning – We had decided to take the train to Venice – partly for the experience and partly to avoid the hassles of flying. Since our train was departing around 9:30, I paid the hotel bill (DH occupied himself with the luggage) and had the desk clerk call a cab for us. We arrived at the main station about 9, got our requisite coffee, Diet Coke, hash browns and orange juices from McDonald’s and waited for the train to pull in.
I had paid for 1st class seats and it was a nice setup – with the 4 of us facing each other and a table in the middle. DH and the boys had their iPods and books, I had my book and we were all ready for the trip.
I enjoyed looking at the scenery, reading, and taking a little snooze. BUT – the trip was made more difficult by the family sitting behind my sons. It was a mother, a little girl about 6, a little boy about 2 and their nanny. The little girl was quiet and entertained herself the whole time. The mother seemed to only be interested in reading her magazines and wanted the nanny to take care of the little boy. Unfortunately, that’s not what the little boy wanted. He wanted to be with his mother! So, we spent most of the trip listening to him whine, scream, cry, and fuss. The nanny did her best, but the little boy was only quiet when he was sitting on his mother’s lap. The mother really wasn’t interested in taking care of him (that’s what the nanny’s for, right???), so she would hold the child for a few minutes, he would quiet down, then she would give him back to the nanny and – you got it - he would start crying again. I felt really bad for the little boy…..the kid just wanted him mom. And I felt bad for the nanny who was incredibly embarrassed by all the fussing. The whole situation made it very difficult to “relax” and enjoy the ride.
Arrival in Venice - We arrived in at the Santa Lucia station Venice a little after 2 pm (I think – mind is fuzzy here), grabbed our bags, and ventured out of the station to figure out how to get to the hotel. We bought out tickets and searched out the boat we needed. According to the hotel’s website - we needed the #82 vaporetto, we needed to get off at the Rialto stop, then we needed to follow the map to the hotel.
All was going well. We got onto the boat – it was crowded and we had luggage, but we did out best to “squeeze” into as small a space as possible. Riding along the Grand Canal really was a wonderful experience. We got off at the Rialto stop and I got the map out to get oriented. Next step – simply follow the map.
DH was a little concerned about having to haul our luggage to the hotel, but I assured him it was only a short, 5 minute walk. Well, it wasn’t. As it turns out - the map was wrong and after asking directions a couple of times and walking an additional 5 minutes – we finally arrived at our hotel.
NOTE – as I was writing this, I checked the website again and the map NOW on the site is correct.
Hotel – I had a really hard time getting a hotel in Venice. Many of the ones that people had recommended and that had good reviews were full. Others were in locations I didn’t want (really wanted close to Piazza San Marco). Other hotels wanted a 4 night minimum and we were only staying 3 nights. The fact that we were leaving Venice on the morning of December 31 – didn’t help. Other places I looked at had really mixed reviews on TripAdvisor. Some of the reviews mentioned musty, moldy smelling rooms, and since DS#2 has severe allergy problems – I try to avoid any rooms like that.
SO – we ended up with 2 rooms at the Hotel Bonvecchiati (www.hotelbonvecchiati.it)
located where Calle Goldoni meets C. Ungheria. We spent WAY more money than we wanted. But, I just dealt with it. I have tried to block it all out of my mind….but it seems like we were paying something like $300+ per room per night, including breakfast.
While I checked in at the hotel, the boys and DH looked around – quite impressed with the lobby area. We were a little dismayed, however, when the desk clerk mentioned that our room was in a separate building. With the help of a porter, we took our bags across the bridge over Rio Fuseri to a building that had shops on the ground floor. He used our room key to open the door and took us up to the 2nd floor. In this building, each floor (I think there were 4 above ground level) had 2 rooms.
On the plus side – the rooms were quite large and well equipped and the setup provided some quiet and privacy. There were lots of windows overlooking the canals (Rio Fuseri and Rio e Basino Orseolo) and 2 of the windows opened onto small balconies. The rooms had comfortable beds, nice TVs and mini-bars and great bathrooms. The breakfast (back at the main hotel) was quite good – with bacon, sausages, eggs, pastries, breads, yoghurt, fruit, etc. I can just imagine sitting out on the covered patio in good weather.
On the negative side – the room seemed to be lacking the “information” normally found in hotel rooms (room service menu, phone list, TV channel guide, etc), and even after requesting the information I didn’t get it. The TV had lots of channels but no English ones. I’m not even sure we found CNN or BBC. The rooms were incredibly COLD and on the 2nd day we had to request that someone come and turn on the heater - since the thermostat didn’t seem to be working. The breakfast room was VERY crowded the first day and we had to wait for a table, but the next day we got there earlier and had no wait.
Afternoon/evening – After getting settled into the hotel, we were all hungry. And – having spotted a Burger King in the square walking to the hotel (Campo San Luca) …..that’s where we went. It was late afternoon and we didn’t want a big meal, so this was perfect. (DS#1 and I finally got our onion rings!).
Then we started walking around. What fun! We walked over to Calle Dei Fabbri and started strolling toward Piazza San Marco. I love window shopping – and Venice is definitely a place to do that! We reached the Piazza and although it was starting to get dark, it was really lovely. We continued walking around, eventually stopping for a glass of wine at a little café, then did some more window shopping.
DH and I had decided to “treat” ourselves to a piece of Murano glass, so we had fun looking at all the different pieces that were available trying to decide on something we both would like. I liked almost of it, but we really don’t have a place for anything real “artsy” so that ruled out a lot of things. And somehow – I just couldn’t see DH spending 500€ on a glass balloon!!!!
Dinner - We finally decided it was time for dinner and ended up being “lured” into Trattoria Pizzeria da Gioia (Calle dei Fabbri, 1016). I guess you might consider this “oops #3.” DS#1 had his usual spicy pasta, I had a salad, and DH talked DS#2 into sharing a fresh flounder. The “mistake” was that he ordered the fresh fish “for 2” – and it was WAY too much for the 2 of them to eat. He should have just ordered it “for 1” and shared. The food was certainly good, but I wouldn’t call it great. Anyway – as a result - this was a REALLY expensive dinner, but when I averaged in the McD’s as a mid-morning snack and BK as an afternoon snack, it wasn’t much above our usual daily average!!!
After dinner, we strolled back to the hotel and crashed!!!!
Morning – We had decided to take the train to Venice – partly for the experience and partly to avoid the hassles of flying. Since our train was departing around 9:30, I paid the hotel bill (DH occupied himself with the luggage) and had the desk clerk call a cab for us. We arrived at the main station about 9, got our requisite coffee, Diet Coke, hash browns and orange juices from McDonald’s and waited for the train to pull in.
I had paid for 1st class seats and it was a nice setup – with the 4 of us facing each other and a table in the middle. DH and the boys had their iPods and books, I had my book and we were all ready for the trip.
I enjoyed looking at the scenery, reading, and taking a little snooze. BUT – the trip was made more difficult by the family sitting behind my sons. It was a mother, a little girl about 6, a little boy about 2 and their nanny. The little girl was quiet and entertained herself the whole time. The mother seemed to only be interested in reading her magazines and wanted the nanny to take care of the little boy. Unfortunately, that’s not what the little boy wanted. He wanted to be with his mother! So, we spent most of the trip listening to him whine, scream, cry, and fuss. The nanny did her best, but the little boy was only quiet when he was sitting on his mother’s lap. The mother really wasn’t interested in taking care of him (that’s what the nanny’s for, right???), so she would hold the child for a few minutes, he would quiet down, then she would give him back to the nanny and – you got it - he would start crying again. I felt really bad for the little boy…..the kid just wanted him mom. And I felt bad for the nanny who was incredibly embarrassed by all the fussing. The whole situation made it very difficult to “relax” and enjoy the ride.
Arrival in Venice - We arrived in at the Santa Lucia station Venice a little after 2 pm (I think – mind is fuzzy here), grabbed our bags, and ventured out of the station to figure out how to get to the hotel. We bought out tickets and searched out the boat we needed. According to the hotel’s website - we needed the #82 vaporetto, we needed to get off at the Rialto stop, then we needed to follow the map to the hotel.
All was going well. We got onto the boat – it was crowded and we had luggage, but we did out best to “squeeze” into as small a space as possible. Riding along the Grand Canal really was a wonderful experience. We got off at the Rialto stop and I got the map out to get oriented. Next step – simply follow the map.
DH was a little concerned about having to haul our luggage to the hotel, but I assured him it was only a short, 5 minute walk. Well, it wasn’t. As it turns out - the map was wrong and after asking directions a couple of times and walking an additional 5 minutes – we finally arrived at our hotel.
NOTE – as I was writing this, I checked the website again and the map NOW on the site is correct.
Hotel – I had a really hard time getting a hotel in Venice. Many of the ones that people had recommended and that had good reviews were full. Others were in locations I didn’t want (really wanted close to Piazza San Marco). Other hotels wanted a 4 night minimum and we were only staying 3 nights. The fact that we were leaving Venice on the morning of December 31 – didn’t help. Other places I looked at had really mixed reviews on TripAdvisor. Some of the reviews mentioned musty, moldy smelling rooms, and since DS#2 has severe allergy problems – I try to avoid any rooms like that.
SO – we ended up with 2 rooms at the Hotel Bonvecchiati (www.hotelbonvecchiati.it)
located where Calle Goldoni meets C. Ungheria. We spent WAY more money than we wanted. But, I just dealt with it. I have tried to block it all out of my mind….but it seems like we were paying something like $300+ per room per night, including breakfast.
While I checked in at the hotel, the boys and DH looked around – quite impressed with the lobby area. We were a little dismayed, however, when the desk clerk mentioned that our room was in a separate building. With the help of a porter, we took our bags across the bridge over Rio Fuseri to a building that had shops on the ground floor. He used our room key to open the door and took us up to the 2nd floor. In this building, each floor (I think there were 4 above ground level) had 2 rooms.
On the plus side – the rooms were quite large and well equipped and the setup provided some quiet and privacy. There were lots of windows overlooking the canals (Rio Fuseri and Rio e Basino Orseolo) and 2 of the windows opened onto small balconies. The rooms had comfortable beds, nice TVs and mini-bars and great bathrooms. The breakfast (back at the main hotel) was quite good – with bacon, sausages, eggs, pastries, breads, yoghurt, fruit, etc. I can just imagine sitting out on the covered patio in good weather.
On the negative side – the room seemed to be lacking the “information” normally found in hotel rooms (room service menu, phone list, TV channel guide, etc), and even after requesting the information I didn’t get it. The TV had lots of channels but no English ones. I’m not even sure we found CNN or BBC. The rooms were incredibly COLD and on the 2nd day we had to request that someone come and turn on the heater - since the thermostat didn’t seem to be working. The breakfast room was VERY crowded the first day and we had to wait for a table, but the next day we got there earlier and had no wait.
Afternoon/evening – After getting settled into the hotel, we were all hungry. And – having spotted a Burger King in the square walking to the hotel (Campo San Luca) …..that’s where we went. It was late afternoon and we didn’t want a big meal, so this was perfect. (DS#1 and I finally got our onion rings!).
Then we started walking around. What fun! We walked over to Calle Dei Fabbri and started strolling toward Piazza San Marco. I love window shopping – and Venice is definitely a place to do that! We reached the Piazza and although it was starting to get dark, it was really lovely. We continued walking around, eventually stopping for a glass of wine at a little café, then did some more window shopping.
DH and I had decided to “treat” ourselves to a piece of Murano glass, so we had fun looking at all the different pieces that were available trying to decide on something we both would like. I liked almost of it, but we really don’t have a place for anything real “artsy” so that ruled out a lot of things. And somehow – I just couldn’t see DH spending 500€ on a glass balloon!!!!
Dinner - We finally decided it was time for dinner and ended up being “lured” into Trattoria Pizzeria da Gioia (Calle dei Fabbri, 1016). I guess you might consider this “oops #3.” DS#1 had his usual spicy pasta, I had a salad, and DH talked DS#2 into sharing a fresh flounder. The “mistake” was that he ordered the fresh fish “for 2” – and it was WAY too much for the 2 of them to eat. He should have just ordered it “for 1” and shared. The food was certainly good, but I wouldn’t call it great. Anyway – as a result - this was a REALLY expensive dinner, but when I averaged in the McD’s as a mid-morning snack and BK as an afternoon snack, it wasn’t much above our usual daily average!!!
After dinner, we strolled back to the hotel and crashed!!!!
