Talk about fortuitous - I logged in ready to blog about a blurb I just read about how dirty Naples is! Let's skip it and enjoy a restorative day in the Italian countryside. I think we'll need it after the craziness of Rome. And I whole-heartedly concur with the idea that Pompeii is something we need to see. I was thinking that I know I'd regret missing it.
And, concerning your questions about electric outlets, I'd like to point out that that's no trivial concern! The Celebrity Cruise site says that each cabin (is that what they're called?) includes a hairdryer and electrical outlets like those we use here. I think I've still got a universal outlet converter from my time in Tonga, if I can find it I'll be sure to bring it along.
Another trivial concern? I'm not exactly sure how many pictures my camera's 1gb memory card will hold. I've been taking a bunch of random pictures to discover the answer, like a scientist testing a hypothesis. ;)
Friday, July 31, 2009
Who Needs Naples?
Okay, here's my input for our last day in Italy. I'm thinking the Taste of Sorrento & Pompeii. As much as I'd love to do the Herculaneum tour, I think it would be more beneficial for us (as first time visitors), to visit Pompeii. It's kind of one of those things that as a tourist you just don't miss. Here's what that tour includes:
Travel from Naples via the autostrada and the Campanian coastal route to Sorrento. Enjoy the panoramic scenery of the Bay of Naples as you make your way towards the Sorrentine Peninsula. Once in Sorrento proceed to a local farmhouse, nestled in the hills and located over this beautiful town. Visit the antique wine cantina and learn of the process of producing olive oil and hand-made mozzarella. Following the explanations and demonstrations, enjoy a taste of the mozzarella cheese, fresh tomatoes, salami and bread in a peaceful setting of lemon and olive trees. You will have a time (approximately 1.5 hours) at leisure to explore, shop and eat in Sorrento's charming flowered-filled streets that offer a wide array of boutiques, souvenir shops, and atmospheric outdoor cafes. Please note that lunch is at the guest's own expense. After lunch, drive towards Pompeii and enjoy views of Mt. Vesuvius, the still-active volcano located about fifteen miles southeast of Naples. Your guided walking tour through the rocky ruins of Pompeii will begin as you enter through the sea gate. Marvel at the many beautifully restored buildings. The plaster casts of the volcanoes victims are particularly poignant and one can never forget the horrible events that brought life in Pompeii to an end. Time permitting; a stop at a small cameo shop will be made so you can browse for delicate, handmade earrings, bracelets and brooches. Return to Naples and catch glimpses of this metropolitan area, much of which stretches along the waterfront with a maze of crowded streets and their infamous motor traffic.
Taking a break from excursions, I had some thoughts go through my head. If I remember correctly, doesn't Europe have a different power source? If so, will we need to bring converters to use electronics ie. hair straightener, blow dryer, and kindle (hopefully) or ipod charges on the boat and in the hotel room? How do we go about finding out? I know, super trivial, but still important! :)
Travel from Naples via the autostrada and the Campanian coastal route to Sorrento. Enjoy the panoramic scenery of the Bay of Naples as you make your way towards the Sorrentine Peninsula. Once in Sorrento proceed to a local farmhouse, nestled in the hills and located over this beautiful town. Visit the antique wine cantina and learn of the process of producing olive oil and hand-made mozzarella. Following the explanations and demonstrations, enjoy a taste of the mozzarella cheese, fresh tomatoes, salami and bread in a peaceful setting of lemon and olive trees. You will have a time (approximately 1.5 hours) at leisure to explore, shop and eat in Sorrento's charming flowered-filled streets that offer a wide array of boutiques, souvenir shops, and atmospheric outdoor cafes. Please note that lunch is at the guest's own expense. After lunch, drive towards Pompeii and enjoy views of Mt. Vesuvius, the still-active volcano located about fifteen miles southeast of Naples. Your guided walking tour through the rocky ruins of Pompeii will begin as you enter through the sea gate. Marvel at the many beautifully restored buildings. The plaster casts of the volcanoes victims are particularly poignant and one can never forget the horrible events that brought life in Pompeii to an end. Time permitting; a stop at a small cameo shop will be made so you can browse for delicate, handmade earrings, bracelets and brooches. Return to Naples and catch glimpses of this metropolitan area, much of which stretches along the waterfront with a maze of crowded streets and their infamous motor traffic.
My boss Russ said that eating hand-made mozzarella in Italy is an experience. Plus, it's in a farmhouse nestled in the hills, and we can learn all about olive production! This Sorrento/Pompeii excursion is not only cost-efficient, but we'll see Naples because we have to disembark! I think this should be one of the first excursions we purchase after we get our plane ticket.
I'm so glad I've spent so much time researching this trip! That Roma Archaeological pass is amazing! Apparently, it's 27.50 euro (you do the conversion--it's too much for me to think about right now...). Thanks for enlightening me on the Palatine Hill and the Eternal City. Considering Rome was always conquering other lands, it makes sense that it remained the capitol. You're so smart!Taking a break from excursions, I had some thoughts go through my head. If I remember correctly, doesn't Europe have a different power source? If so, will we need to bring converters to use electronics ie. hair straightener, blow dryer, and kindle (hopefully) or ipod charges on the boat and in the hotel room? How do we go about finding out? I know, super trivial, but still important! :)
Tuesday, July 28, 2009
Naples? Pompeii? Herculaneum?
I've been pouring over the excursion trips (yet again) for our day in Naples/Capris. I'm sure there's something else I should be doing, but as whatever it is isn't readily coming to mind, so Italy it is!
It looks like the Pompeii excursion, which lasts is a four hour trip, has a morning options (leaving at 8:15) and an afternoon option (leaving at 1:30). Herculaneum has just one excursion, at 1:30 pm. Additionally, there is the Naples Archeology Museum and Pizza Tasting excursion, which is also four hours long, that begins at 8:30 am. Obviously, we have a number of options here: Pompeii/Herculaneum, Naples/Pompeii, Naples/Herculaneum, Pompeii/Herculaneum.
Paying for two excursions is tantamount to purchasing a more expensive one, like the Sorrento & Pompeii trip, for example, but how determined are you to see Naples? After a day in and about Rome, it might be nice to spend some time in the country. The problem is that I just don't want to miss anything. So many possibilities!
Speaking of Rome, I think the Roma Archaeological pass you mentioned is a fabulous idea. If memory serves me correctly, the Palantine Hill is one of the seven hills of Rome, as well as being one of the oldest parts of the city. It's part of that myth about Romulus and Remus, twin brothers raised by a she-wolf. The brothers lived in a cave on the Palantine Hill and grew up to found Rome (can you tell that I revised the Latin I courses at work recently?). While we're seeing the glory that was Rome, I think we'd be well served to pay a visit to the Hill.
Also, Rome is the called the Eternal City because, in it's 2,000 year history, it's always been the capital city of whatever country/empire it's part of. Pretty amazing, isn't it?
It looks like the Pompeii excursion, which lasts is a four hour trip, has a morning options (leaving at 8:15) and an afternoon option (leaving at 1:30). Herculaneum has just one excursion, at 1:30 pm. Additionally, there is the Naples Archeology Museum and Pizza Tasting excursion, which is also four hours long, that begins at 8:30 am. Obviously, we have a number of options here: Pompeii/Herculaneum, Naples/Pompeii, Naples/Herculaneum, Pompeii/Herculaneum.
Paying for two excursions is tantamount to purchasing a more expensive one, like the Sorrento & Pompeii trip, for example, but how determined are you to see Naples? After a day in and about Rome, it might be nice to spend some time in the country. The problem is that I just don't want to miss anything. So many possibilities!
Speaking of Rome, I think the Roma Archaeological pass you mentioned is a fabulous idea. If memory serves me correctly, the Palantine Hill is one of the seven hills of Rome, as well as being one of the oldest parts of the city. It's part of that myth about Romulus and Remus, twin brothers raised by a she-wolf. The brothers lived in a cave on the Palantine Hill and grew up to found Rome (can you tell that I revised the Latin I courses at work recently?). While we're seeing the glory that was Rome, I think we'd be well served to pay a visit to the Hill.
Also, Rome is the called the Eternal City because, in it's 2,000 year history, it's always been the capital city of whatever country/empire it's part of. Pretty amazing, isn't it?
Monday, July 27, 2009
Seeing the Wonders
This blog is in reference to Lani's "Blew Up Like that Vesuvius." It is so true that when you have a subject on your mind, everything revolves around it. Articles seem to be written for your upcoming trip and strangers who have been to that country now become your bosom buddy and are giving you advice on places to see and things to do.
In regards to Herculaneum, I had no idea that a city's wealth was judged by the number of brothels it had/has! I wonder what the worth of Las Vegas would be? Or Pahrump? Apparently, it's the brothel capitol of the world! I'd like to think that there are other places that brothels are in abundance (not that I'm a visitor) :) Good ole pornographic wall paintings. Brothels-what a lucrative business! No wonder people say that prostitution is the world's oldest business.
We need to find out how to go from the Herculaneum tour to Pompeii or vice versa. Or like you mentioned, visit one or the other and spend the rest of the time in Naples before returning to the ship. I'm totally for seeing museums! I'm so glad that you and I have the same interest in museums--they're fascinating! Can you really be all museumed out? I daresay, nay, nay. Who knows when you'll have the opportunity to go back? I say take advantage of seeing everything! Plus Naples is the last stop on our trip. Do as much as we can because the next day is a whole day at sea!
In regards to other excursions, I read an article this morning entitled "Seeing the Wonders of the World Without the Crowds". One wonder on their list was the Roman Colosseum. The author mentioned going in January because it will be cold and the Christmas crowds will be gone. I think late October may be just as well! We had talked about just walking Rome ourselves. This article says that because the Colosseum is highlight for visitors, he suggested getting a combination ticket for the Colosseum, Palatine Hill and the Roman Forum that would allow us to bypass waiting in lines at all three sites. I'm not quite sure what Palatine Hill is, do you? I'll have to do some research. He also mentioned a Roma Archaeological Pass that offers the same privilege for nine archaeological sites in the Eternal City. And why is it called the Eternal City? Anyways...something to look into. At least we're not going to Machu Picchu! This guy said to forget it entirely! Your thoughts?
In regards to Herculaneum, I had no idea that a city's wealth was judged by the number of brothels it had/has! I wonder what the worth of Las Vegas would be? Or Pahrump? Apparently, it's the brothel capitol of the world! I'd like to think that there are other places that brothels are in abundance (not that I'm a visitor) :) Good ole pornographic wall paintings. Brothels-what a lucrative business! No wonder people say that prostitution is the world's oldest business.
We need to find out how to go from the Herculaneum tour to Pompeii or vice versa. Or like you mentioned, visit one or the other and spend the rest of the time in Naples before returning to the ship. I'm totally for seeing museums! I'm so glad that you and I have the same interest in museums--they're fascinating! Can you really be all museumed out? I daresay, nay, nay. Who knows when you'll have the opportunity to go back? I say take advantage of seeing everything! Plus Naples is the last stop on our trip. Do as much as we can because the next day is a whole day at sea!
In regards to other excursions, I read an article this morning entitled "Seeing the Wonders of the World Without the Crowds". One wonder on their list was the Roman Colosseum. The author mentioned going in January because it will be cold and the Christmas crowds will be gone. I think late October may be just as well! We had talked about just walking Rome ourselves. This article says that because the Colosseum is highlight for visitors, he suggested getting a combination ticket for the Colosseum, Palatine Hill and the Roman Forum that would allow us to bypass waiting in lines at all three sites. I'm not quite sure what Palatine Hill is, do you? I'll have to do some research. He also mentioned a Roma Archaeological Pass that offers the same privilege for nine archaeological sites in the Eternal City. And why is it called the Eternal City? Anyways...something to look into. At least we're not going to Machu Picchu! This guy said to forget it entirely! Your thoughts?
Thursday, July 23, 2009
The Makings Of A New Adventure
I am not what one would call an adventurer. Sure, I like to explore new things. Who doesn't? But I usually like to do it from the comforts of a car as I drive by an expanse of land, or visiting something in the confined contours of a building with proper air conditioning and heating. I am not a risk-taker by any means. My idea of a risk is trying to flirt with a guy or attempting to get a rise out of my younger siblings. By definition, an adventurer is "1. a person who has, enjoys, or seeks adventures. 2. a person who undertakes great commercial risk; speculator." The past two months, I have expanded my proverbial wings and am flying!
For many years I have subscribed to Travelzoo . It's a website that discounts aifare, hotels, vacation packages, etc. I often just give it a passing glance, but not this one week in May. Lani and I just returned from our travels to Bear Lake, Paris, Idaho, the Black Gold Testicle Festival and everywhere in between. Needless to say, Bear Lake didn't quite live up to its hype.
I came back wanting. Hence, the microscopic examination of Travelzoo . Like Lani, I've always wanted to go to Europe--"Just wishin' and hopin' and thinkin' and prayin". When the words "Mediterranean Cruise" featuring the countries of Spain, France and Italy popped out to me, I knew I had to do it. The price was fantastic and what better way to be introduced to Europe? Now two months from that fateful day of surfing the web, our cruise is all paid for, flights determined, a hotel in Spain found, and my wishin', hopin', thinkin' and prayin' has become reality. Like the eruption of Mount St. Helens, Kilauea, and even Mount Vesuvius, I'm exploding with excitment! In three months (this October), I will be the ultimate adventurer and speculator as I embark on my first international trip. (Thanks Lani for being so adventurous with me!)
For many years I have subscribed to Travelzoo . It's a website that discounts aifare, hotels, vacation packages, etc. I often just give it a passing glance, but not this one week in May. Lani and I just returned from our travels to Bear Lake, Paris, Idaho, the Black Gold Testicle Festival and everywhere in between. Needless to say, Bear Lake didn't quite live up to its hype.
I came back wanting. Hence, the microscopic examination of Travelzoo . Like Lani, I've always wanted to go to Europe--"Just wishin' and hopin' and thinkin' and prayin". When the words "Mediterranean Cruise" featuring the countries of Spain, France and Italy popped out to me, I knew I had to do it. The price was fantastic and what better way to be introduced to Europe? Now two months from that fateful day of surfing the web, our cruise is all paid for, flights determined, a hotel in Spain found, and my wishin', hopin', thinkin' and prayin' has become reality. Like the eruption of Mount St. Helens, Kilauea, and even Mount Vesuvius, I'm exploding with excitment! In three months (this October), I will be the ultimate adventurer and speculator as I embark on my first international trip. (Thanks Lani for being so adventurous with me!)
"Blew Up Like that Vesuvius"
Have you ever noticed that when you've got a certain subject on your mind, references to it pop up frequently? More so than usual? Case in point, today my history blurb of the day is focused on Pompeii and the eruption of Mt. Vesuvius (talk about your violent igneous rock!). In my ignorance, I had no idea that so much of the city has been un-earthed. I know the other day we chatted about visiting Herculaneum, but I'd really like to try and see Pompeii as well. Did you know that a city's wealth is often judged by the number of brothels it had/has? Apparently, Pompeii boasted a large number of brothels, complete with pornographic wall paintings. Men haven't changed much over the last few millenia, have they?
From what I understand, Herculaneum ruins are in better conditions than those in Pompeii. If we can't manage both Herculaneum and Pompeii, at least both are relatively short excursions - 4 hours each, I believe. We'd still have time to see some Naples before returning to the ship. That, in turn, makes me wonder if we wouldn't enjoy staying in Naples and visiting museums and such. There is the National Archaeological Museum of Naples, the Duomo, and lovely Napleon castles. Although, by that point, we may be all museumed out. If we weren't restrained by time and needing to be back to the ship, we could create our own day of it using local trains/busses. What are your thoughts, Sus?
Wednesday, July 22, 2009
Europe, Here We Come!
I've already said it half a million times....and will probably continue to say it....but, I am SO EXCITED FOR THIS TRIP! For as long as I can remember, I've wanted to visit Europe. I always thought I'd venture into the U.K. first, exploring the castles I love, and places that are featured prominently in my favorite books....but, a Mediterranean cruise? I'll take it!Three months from today will find us winging our way east, en route to Barcelona. Sadly, in spite of nearly six years of study, I do not feel my Spanish is going to find favor with the locals. I've put Senor What's-his-name to shame.
I think that preparing for the trip is nearly as much fun as actually being there. There are so many things to see and try to experience in just one short week. I don't to miss anything (and I don't want us to wear ourselves out after a couple of days). Even the formal dinners on the cruise will be an adventure. This year really has been all about fun trips to various parts of the U.S., and now the world. It's exciting!
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