I had my last post almost all written and somehow somewhere between here and Frankfurt I have lost it!!!
Give me a day or so to recover from jet-lag and I will either have found it or worst yet, have rewritten it! BTW Frankfurt was great, can't wait to tell you and show you about it.
Tuesday, May 29, 2012
Friday, May 25, 2012
Fitness Circuit AKA the Airport
Thursday morning hubby had me up bright and early - 7:00AM - for our departure from Rome. I tried to book a taxi the night before, but the language barrier was too much to over come. The dispatchers just kept hanging up on me. Luckily, there is a taxi stand just down the hill from our apartment, so we piggybacked our bags and off we headed to the stand to start our airport trek. We decided on a taxi, because our backs were too many and too heavy to be schlepping on and off buses and trains.
The trip to the airport was fairly uneventful, except for a slight delay because two an\mbulances had managed to have a slight fender bender at an intersection. The did not seem to have any passengers and no one appeared to be injured. There was though a lot of shouting going on between one ambulance person and the police. Once we cleared that, we continued on and arrived safe and sound , well ahead of our needed time. We found our check-in counter, a different process than we have seen before. Instead of an airline having a specific counter, they are moved around as flights leave and change. You go to a main board where all flights are listed by departure time - our counter was 251- there were over 300 counters.. Check-ins open about 2 1/2 hours before your scheduled departure. Once you arrive, you are checked in, boarding passes are received, baggage is dispatched - unless you have extra baggage and you are on the way to security. If you have excess baggage, then you are sent to the airline ticketing counter, to pay for the extra. Then you make your trip back to the check-in counter, join the queue again with the stubs to verify that you have paid and now receive your boarding passes.
Next comes security. Now, when we went thru, there were not a huge amount of people going through security, but in order for a pile up not to occur, you had to make your way back and forth, up and down a line of of channels. Fifteen times up (30 ft), 15 times down (30 ft) vertically, to travel horizontally a distance of about 100 feet. Security was a swift pass through, most people seemed to know what they had to do, which was easy, because they had a video screen that if you were paying attention, walked you through the steps you needed to take.
Now the gate search occurred. There were 8 major gates and each gate had any number of auxiliary gates off of it. There was signage to indicate how many minutes it was to the major gate area. We were fortunate as our gate was only 3 minutes walk, and the minor gate was only about 2 minutes beyond. Oh, did I tell you that when we checked in we were told that our flight was delayed by an hour. Next it was time to find something to eat, as breakfast was missed and it looked like lunch in Vienna, was bbecoming less of a possibility. The only restaurant in our area was closed, so our option was a coffee bar with the usual sweet pastries. Then we bided our time at our gate, only to see another, later scheduled flight listed. We were told to just keep an eye on the board to see when our flight would be leaving. Closer and closer to the newly scheduled departure time and still nothing. Then over the loudspeaker, a change of gates was announced. As our area only had 10 gates, it wasn't a long trip anywhere. Once there we were notified that there was going to be a further delay. Now we started to get a little anxious, because we had a connecting flight to catch, and if there was much more delay, we would be missing it. We finally left 1hr and 45mins late.
We arrived in Vienna, with 10 minutes to spare, but not to worry, that flight was going to be late leaving!! I had been hoping to get some pictures on the flight, but we were seated over the wings, and there was a lot of big billowy clouds below, blocking almost all of the view. Our arrival in Vienna, was different in that we did not taxi to the airport, but instead parked on the tarmac, where we were met by buses that transported us about a mile away to the terminal building. Once inside, we again had to find our departure gate - again we lucked out as it was very near to where we arrived. Once our plane was ready, we were back on the buses and taken to it. It was the same plane and crew we had arrived with so there had been no need to worry.
Frankfurt airport was much more of a pleasurable transit than our last time. We have not had to pass through any passport control yet on our trip, which is somewhat surprising. We were at our hotel within 45 minutes of landing. Our only glitch was with baggage pick-up, and that was because we were standing at the wrong belt. We saw our flight number on a display board and thought, this was it, how lucky could we be, it was right at the door we arrived through. Well, after waiting and waiting, and everyone else standing at the belt receiving their bags, we figured something was not right. When we investigated further we saw that if we would have read further, we would have seen the number of the belt that our baggage was on. Low and behold, there it was when we got to the right belt.
Again we commandeered a taxi to deliver us to our hotel. We are staying in the general area of the financial district and only about 3 blocks from the train station. The area is very international in scope. Lots of shops and restaurants from India, Turkey, Islam, Chinese, Thai, etc. Almost no shops or restaurants with German foods - a great disappointment to Bill. We ended up finding a great Burger joint to have supper. I discovered my new favourite alcoholic drink - Apelfwein - something like an apple cider, but not cider. That was about it for our exploring for our first day.
We past the Eurotower, the site of the European Central Bank. In the park below it was a protest going on about the austerity programs that almost all countries are dealing with these days. Looks like they have been there for awhile. Here are a couple of pictures.
The trip to the airport was fairly uneventful, except for a slight delay because two an\mbulances had managed to have a slight fender bender at an intersection. The did not seem to have any passengers and no one appeared to be injured. There was though a lot of shouting going on between one ambulance person and the police. Once we cleared that, we continued on and arrived safe and sound , well ahead of our needed time. We found our check-in counter, a different process than we have seen before. Instead of an airline having a specific counter, they are moved around as flights leave and change. You go to a main board where all flights are listed by departure time - our counter was 251- there were over 300 counters.. Check-ins open about 2 1/2 hours before your scheduled departure. Once you arrive, you are checked in, boarding passes are received, baggage is dispatched - unless you have extra baggage and you are on the way to security. If you have excess baggage, then you are sent to the airline ticketing counter, to pay for the extra. Then you make your trip back to the check-in counter, join the queue again with the stubs to verify that you have paid and now receive your boarding passes.
Next comes security. Now, when we went thru, there were not a huge amount of people going through security, but in order for a pile up not to occur, you had to make your way back and forth, up and down a line of of channels. Fifteen times up (30 ft), 15 times down (30 ft) vertically, to travel horizontally a distance of about 100 feet. Security was a swift pass through, most people seemed to know what they had to do, which was easy, because they had a video screen that if you were paying attention, walked you through the steps you needed to take.
Now the gate search occurred. There were 8 major gates and each gate had any number of auxiliary gates off of it. There was signage to indicate how many minutes it was to the major gate area. We were fortunate as our gate was only 3 minutes walk, and the minor gate was only about 2 minutes beyond. Oh, did I tell you that when we checked in we were told that our flight was delayed by an hour. Next it was time to find something to eat, as breakfast was missed and it looked like lunch in Vienna, was bbecoming less of a possibility. The only restaurant in our area was closed, so our option was a coffee bar with the usual sweet pastries. Then we bided our time at our gate, only to see another, later scheduled flight listed. We were told to just keep an eye on the board to see when our flight would be leaving. Closer and closer to the newly scheduled departure time and still nothing. Then over the loudspeaker, a change of gates was announced. As our area only had 10 gates, it wasn't a long trip anywhere. Once there we were notified that there was going to be a further delay. Now we started to get a little anxious, because we had a connecting flight to catch, and if there was much more delay, we would be missing it. We finally left 1hr and 45mins late.
We arrived in Vienna, with 10 minutes to spare, but not to worry, that flight was going to be late leaving!! I had been hoping to get some pictures on the flight, but we were seated over the wings, and there was a lot of big billowy clouds below, blocking almost all of the view. Our arrival in Vienna, was different in that we did not taxi to the airport, but instead parked on the tarmac, where we were met by buses that transported us about a mile away to the terminal building. Once inside, we again had to find our departure gate - again we lucked out as it was very near to where we arrived. Once our plane was ready, we were back on the buses and taken to it. It was the same plane and crew we had arrived with so there had been no need to worry.
Frankfurt airport was much more of a pleasurable transit than our last time. We have not had to pass through any passport control yet on our trip, which is somewhat surprising. We were at our hotel within 45 minutes of landing. Our only glitch was with baggage pick-up, and that was because we were standing at the wrong belt. We saw our flight number on a display board and thought, this was it, how lucky could we be, it was right at the door we arrived through. Well, after waiting and waiting, and everyone else standing at the belt receiving their bags, we figured something was not right. When we investigated further we saw that if we would have read further, we would have seen the number of the belt that our baggage was on. Low and behold, there it was when we got to the right belt.
Again we commandeered a taxi to deliver us to our hotel. We are staying in the general area of the financial district and only about 3 blocks from the train station. The area is very international in scope. Lots of shops and restaurants from India, Turkey, Islam, Chinese, Thai, etc. Almost no shops or restaurants with German foods - a great disappointment to Bill. We ended up finding a great Burger joint to have supper. I discovered my new favourite alcoholic drink - Apelfwein - something like an apple cider, but not cider. That was about it for our exploring for our first day.
We past the Eurotower, the site of the European Central Bank. In the park below it was a protest going on about the austerity programs that almost all countries are dealing with these days. Looks like they have been there for awhile. Here are a couple of pictures.
Wednesday, May 23, 2012
Powers to be are preparing us
Well, I think the powers to be are preparing us for our arrival home to the "wet coast", as we have had nothing but rain since Sunday afternoon. On Monday, the skies grew dark about 8PM, and in the west, coming from the Mediterranean, was a massive sheet of blue-black cloud. Then the thunder and lightening started - far away at first, then closer and closer. It was mainly sheet lightning with the occasional streak lightening. We were treated to this show for about and hour - then the rains started, and did it ever rain! The rain was still falling the next day at 3PM. Sometimes lightly, sometimes in great buckets. Here's how the tourists were coping with it.............
This group sheltered across the street, single file against the building, umbrellas raised, for about 20 minutes, until the worst of this particular downpour subsided, before moving on.
The rain was continuous in various intensities for over 24 hours. Today it is sunny but overcast with more rain for both today and tomorrow predicted. Tomorrow we leave for four days in Frankfurt, then we fly back to Vancouver on the 28th.
Monday, May 21, 2012
Count down truely on
Well, the countdown to going home is truly on now. Three more nights sleep in Rome and we are on our way. We are both starting to pack our bags. Last grocery shopping has been done. Fridge is being cleared. Laundry gets done tomorrow.
I am really having mixed feelings about it. I want to get home to visit friends and family, but at the same time I will really miss being here. Life has been comfortable and effortless. I a am not sure if we will ever be back, there are so many other places to be, but I would do it in a heart beat, all things being right. We have won at least two prizes on the Lotto Max while gone - I sure hope it was more than just our usual free tickets!! Next time, I would chose to live in the countryside rather than the city.
Saturday we saw lots of activity going on in the park across the street. Barricades were put up and two lines of tents were going up. I couldn't find any info on what was happening - there were no posters around. The Rome "Run for the Cure" was on, but the roads weren't blocked and not a hint of pink to be seen. Bill went out in the morning an brought back a pamphlet. It was a Catholic celebration of the diversity of it's congregations. Sunday, after lunch, and before the rain arrived, we could see the people arriving and the sound of music being broadcast, so we decided to stroll over and see what was happening.
There were something like 40 pavilions from different countries, large and small, from all around the world - African, South American, Indian, Chinese, New Zealand, the Maldives, Ukraine, Philippines, Indonesia, Poland, Moldova, to name just a few. People were dressed in their National Costumes, and showing products, flags and other icons of their particular country. Some countries had musicians performing. A stage was set up where singers, dancers and other artists were performing. Then there were the food booths - about 30 different stations were set up where you could purchase a typical meal from the country of your choosing. We missed the boat here - I would really have liked to have tried some of the African food items. The Ethiopian booth seemed to be really popular. Everything looked really good regardless of which country it was from. I wish I could smell better, because I'm sure the aroma was delicious - all those different spices and flavours mixing - YUM.....YUM!!
Here's a little of what we saw.
Some of the many pavilion tents
The performing stage on the steps of the church
People gathering in front of the food tents
Ancient Bolivian native costume
What we think of as a typical Bolivian costume today
I am really having mixed feelings about it. I want to get home to visit friends and family, but at the same time I will really miss being here. Life has been comfortable and effortless. I a am not sure if we will ever be back, there are so many other places to be, but I would do it in a heart beat, all things being right. We have won at least two prizes on the Lotto Max while gone - I sure hope it was more than just our usual free tickets!! Next time, I would chose to live in the countryside rather than the city.
Saturday we saw lots of activity going on in the park across the street. Barricades were put up and two lines of tents were going up. I couldn't find any info on what was happening - there were no posters around. The Rome "Run for the Cure" was on, but the roads weren't blocked and not a hint of pink to be seen. Bill went out in the morning an brought back a pamphlet. It was a Catholic celebration of the diversity of it's congregations. Sunday, after lunch, and before the rain arrived, we could see the people arriving and the sound of music being broadcast, so we decided to stroll over and see what was happening.
There were something like 40 pavilions from different countries, large and small, from all around the world - African, South American, Indian, Chinese, New Zealand, the Maldives, Ukraine, Philippines, Indonesia, Poland, Moldova, to name just a few. People were dressed in their National Costumes, and showing products, flags and other icons of their particular country. Some countries had musicians performing. A stage was set up where singers, dancers and other artists were performing. Then there were the food booths - about 30 different stations were set up where you could purchase a typical meal from the country of your choosing. We missed the boat here - I would really have liked to have tried some of the African food items. The Ethiopian booth seemed to be really popular. Everything looked really good regardless of which country it was from. I wish I could smell better, because I'm sure the aroma was delicious - all those different spices and flavours mixing - YUM.....YUM!!
Here's a little of what we saw.
Some of the many pavilion tents
The performing stage on the steps of the church
The most popular Bolivian costumed person - I wonder why??? Not only men were lining
up to get pictures taken with her - Not sure how traditional this costume is!
A lady from Ghana
It was all very colorful and full of great music - about three the rain came along, but people stayed, umbrellas went up, and we beat a retreat to the refuge of our apartment
Friday, May 18, 2012
They shoot horses don't they?
Yesterday we experienced something neither of us had ever experienced before. My husband choose a nice piece of meat for our supper. It was lovely, dark, fine grained and lean looking. When I looked to see what kind of cut it was and how much per kilo, I noticed the word "equino", my first clue as to what kind of meat it is/was - horse. I have to admit that I was a bit squeamish about eating it, but "when in Rome" - this is part of the reason I like to travel - experiencing new and different things.
I had known that horse meat was not uncommon to be found in Europe. It can even be found in Canada. I don't know if it is still there, but in Vancouver there used to be a butcher shop on Hastings street that I used to pass that advertised horse meat. One of my brother in laws says he thinks they ate it on the East coast during World War II.
Anyways, we cooked it and had it for last night's supper. It was very delicious. We cooked it to a medium temperature. It was soft, fine grained, somewhat sweet tasting, not unsimilar to bison, which we frequently buy in Campbell River. The squeamish feeling never did leave me though - I guess I just can't get over Daisy and Dixie our work horses when I was a kid, being served up for supper. Don't know why, because I don't have the same issues with the cows or chickens that we also raised. The mind is a strange and powerful thing!
We have been pretty quiet lately, not doing much but just wandering around the neighbourhoods around us, soaking up what we will soon be leaving. Bill did get energetic a couple of days ago, and went on a walk-about on his own. He was gone for about 4 hours and tracking his various stops it looks like he did about 15kms. Wish I could do that much. I find the hills here really get to me, I start huffing and puffing with even a steady incline, requiring all too frequent rest stops, that make it not so enjoyable.
Our trip is quickly coming to an end. One week left in Rome, four days in Frankfurt and then we will be back in BC.
I had known that horse meat was not uncommon to be found in Europe. It can even be found in Canada. I don't know if it is still there, but in Vancouver there used to be a butcher shop on Hastings street that I used to pass that advertised horse meat. One of my brother in laws says he thinks they ate it on the East coast during World War II.
Anyways, we cooked it and had it for last night's supper. It was very delicious. We cooked it to a medium temperature. It was soft, fine grained, somewhat sweet tasting, not unsimilar to bison, which we frequently buy in Campbell River. The squeamish feeling never did leave me though - I guess I just can't get over Daisy and Dixie our work horses when I was a kid, being served up for supper. Don't know why, because I don't have the same issues with the cows or chickens that we also raised. The mind is a strange and powerful thing!
We have been pretty quiet lately, not doing much but just wandering around the neighbourhoods around us, soaking up what we will soon be leaving. Bill did get energetic a couple of days ago, and went on a walk-about on his own. He was gone for about 4 hours and tracking his various stops it looks like he did about 15kms. Wish I could do that much. I find the hills here really get to me, I start huffing and puffing with even a steady incline, requiring all too frequent rest stops, that make it not so enjoyable.
Our trip is quickly coming to an end. One week left in Rome, four days in Frankfurt and then we will be back in BC.
Another potential porch light candidate
Saturday, May 12, 2012
DNA tests reveal Our Mad Dog and Englishman genes
Today the temperature was 28 degrees and what were we doing at the 3:30 in the afternoon at the hottest point of the day? Standing in a long line, cement and stone surface reflecting the heat, no shade in site - waiting to get into St Peter's! Always suspected there was some mad dog in us!!
Only two pictures today.
Only two pictures today.
I am not sure which Saint this is, but what I was more interested in was the background.
This looks like it is a cloth banner or tapestry................
.........but in reality, when you see it up close, it is made up of small pieces of rock - a mosaic- the purple/wine colored rock is porphyry, a relatively rare and extremely hard stone, chosen specifically by royalty because of it's color - Purple was the color of royalty. All of the porphyry came from a single quarry in the Eastern Desert of Egypt. Knowledge of it's location was lost from about the 5th century until the early 1800's when the quarry was once again found.
A Day at the Museum - the Sequel
Well, can you stand some more pictures from the Vatican Museums???
Here goes...........
These guys look like they are trying to push off the sarcophagus lid that was once there
A Jewish marker
Possibly for a child, by a parent
He looks rather annoyed about something
A family sarcophagus
Trying to pound some sense into him??
Circular ramp going up 3 floors in the Vatican Museum
If you made it this far ......Congratulations,
you made it to the end of the tour!!!
Here goes...........
A ceiling panel
Portions of a fresco removed from a 14th century church that was demolished
14th century tapestries
Now the pictures..........
Showing the detail of how some of these statues are made
Various icons from different countries
this one is made up of tiny little pictures
A Russian Icon
Are you still enjoying yourself !!!
Now a few old stones
wonder if the owner of this was a whaler?
this one must have been a sheep farmer
Two philosophers deep in thought
Is he chewing his fingernails???
An African hunter, maybe?
These mosaics remind me of some of our Native West Coast masks
If you made it this far ......Congratulations,
you made it to the end of the tour!!!
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