Today I was thrilled to meet G&K and head off on a walking tour. We had a great guide and even wandered further, shopping and exploring before making it back to the ship just before the sky opened up and pounded rain. I had bought our cell phone holders from a street guy so Kathy repaid by buying me a beautiful top.
On board we ate a late lunch, I met with Solos and brought Laurie along to dinner at Umai which was remarkable
well, that was another amazing day. I was up earlier than I intended as there was a medical emergency announcement shortly after 6 am. It did give me time to go have breakfast and that led to a sweet exchange with a woman who graduated in 1994 and thought I was close to her in age. That may have put a pep in my step as I headed off ship to meet my tour pickup. I was grateful to be on the small tour bus that the hacking, coughing, sneezing lady wasn’t.
Our guide/driver, Peter, was born and raised in Gibraltar and was a fountain of information. We started at the southernmost point of Europe to take pictures and admire Morocco’s outline in the distance.
Next was St Michael’s Cave – The Awakening It was similar to Drach Cave without the lake, and adding a light show and theatre! I would love to both perform and view in that space
The Macaques were delightful
The WWII Tunnels were awe inspiring
I headed for a wander and met up with G&K for a walk across an international airport tarmac To go to Spain for a few minutes.
We split up as they had a tour and I found myself at Lord Nelson Pub for Strongbow and Fish&Chips before heading back to work on the ship.
After working I headed to meet with the solo group before drinks and dinner. good thing I am walking enough to burn off some calories
What a glorious day! I got a bit of breakfast and a coffee in me as I was pretty tired. Headed out and was off the ship when I realized that I’d left my battery pack and wifi hub behind. After retrieving them it was off for a beautiful walk down the jetty into town
First stop was the Museo Picasso. This is his birthplace and the whole experience was peaceful and beautiful. It was very much less chaotic and overwhelming than the Barcelona exhibit. I followed an arrow to the basement to find ruins as well!
I wandered to find sustenance and had the best Sangria I have ever had and a food that translates as Smurf which is a small loaf of bread. I ordered ham, cheese and tomato and it came with the tomato on the side freshly mashed instead of ketchup. So delicious. I encouraged people who stopped to look at the menu to eat there and when I was done the young server gave me a couple suckers for ‘marketing’. Later in the day a crew member on the ship thanked me for recommendation!
I met up with Dani, the walking tour guide and we explored the cathedral, the Teatro, and the fortress.
I wandered back toward the pier, enjoyed the market, grabbed cash at an ATM and ultimately meet up with G&K for Sangria on the Oceanside
I had to work this evening again but was grateful to Joe who made sure that I came and had dinner. I was happy to hear that his lady friend, Sherry, may be joining us again in Tenerife.
It is now actually the day after this, but somehow i managed to skip Sunday. It was not overall a bad day, but it was exasperated by the fact that it was my promised day to work on a client’s files and the Internet disconnected here on the boat and every time I went down to get help the lineups were long. Eventually, I got it solved. I worked for a few hours in the night before I was afraid I would start making mistakes and I had to put it aside.
Today was remarkable. There were so many little moments that could have been dealbreaker, but turned out to be world connections, and kindnesses, and as someone else pointed out to me, good karma.
I was up very early, like very early and got some work done before getting ready and heading out. I was fortunate to run into Wendy and Bev and Leanne on my way out so that I could say goodbye properly. By then was super confused about how to get to Park Güell for the beginning of my booked excursion. I finally just went and paid €450 for the Cruise shuttle to take me near the world trade center. From there, I activated my maps and headed for the metro station. It seems very straightforward how to take the train followed by a 13 minute walk and end up where I need to be and I still had an hour to get there. I put on my big girl panties and headed down into the underground metro system to find that the ticket buying systems were only in Spanish and confusing. A couple was walking by and I shrugged and pointed at my phone about where he needs to go and put it in the machines that I was confused and they picked up on it in spite of the language difference and helped me to purchase my €365 Ticket I followed them to the turnstile and he promptly scanned his ticket to give me my One Direction on him. That was such an amazing kindness and turned out at the end of the day to be especially great when I had to rush to make a train and had a ticket already.
According to my app, I was only 13 minutes away when I came up out of the subway, but as it happens, it was basically straight uphill and when I finally got to the top, it was the back gate to the park and I was not allowed through. I was pointing the direction of walking all the way around the huge park all the way up to the observation area and then back down to where I needed to meet my group.
I was at the lookout at the top and couldn’t figure out which of the two options to take so I asked a gentleman walking by with his dog and we used to translator to finally get a suggestion of the way that I should walk. I was 100 yards or so down the path when I heard him trying to get my attention and when he did, he took my elbow and pointed me in the direction of the trail that I truly needed to get down to the group that was awaiting me. It was an amazing kindness by a stranger, and I did make it on time.
Our guide Alex was phenomenal. I must say that the guides we have through via to really do know what they are talking about. I have no complaints about that.
Park Güell was, I think beyond imagination. Every little detail was so well thought out so well designed
I observed An entertained our guide by telling him that I felt like I was in Bowser’s castle
From there, we took a bus to Sagrida Famillia which basically just blew my mind. I had known have appreciated Gaudi but now I am his biggest fan.
Once the two of us over, I put it to the gift shop and bought a magnet and a fan and then struck out for my 30 minute walk to the Picasso museum. It’s funny I didn’t enjoy it there even if many of those pictures I find depressing or underrated no, I meant overrated lol
Now I had one last mission to find the Lego store, so I walked as fast as my little legs carry me and once I got there, it was overwhelmingly busy, but I took some pictures of the cool bills and had my passport stamped. I didn’t want to buy a pen for Glynn‘s grandson, but they had none available.
From there, it was a very brisk walk to the metro station a short joint with the ticket I purchased earlier and then a fast walk to make the last shuttle before I was supposed to be on the ship. We had to clear customs in Barcelona, as if we were leaving the EU and there were some very stern looking bodyguard who couldn’t help themselves, but laugh when I asked if they would also stamp my Lego passport
I do love the souvenirs that I got today and I was super happy to connect with Kathy and make a plan to meet them for the comedian show at nine as they already had dinner plans. I saw that the solar group was meeting at six so an hour before that I was changed and down hanging out and it turned out that there was no one to coordinate the group as Adriana was busy so she asked if I wouldn’t mind. I actually had a great deal of fun and people were super impressed with my leading the group. Joe set up everyone in the chat app and then ask if I would like to join his table for dinner. It was very nice to go to the dining room with six other people and have a nice meal and then he and I hurried off to meet G&K. The comedian was funny. They were good laughs head and we went for a nightcap before heading our separate ways. Joe was a good continent of information for the upcoming ports and we will be looking at making plans together. I do feel bad for him because he made a connection with a woman Sherry, who was on the first leg of the attorney, but had to leave it Barcelona. The fun thing is he is having his three granddaughters meet him in Walt Disney World at the same time Rae-Anne I will be there so maybe we’ll get some time to hang out. It’s good to have a friend.
I am very, very tired. I have been a very, very long time and have put on a lot of miles. 
I was up early, so I managed to finish payroll and invoicing before going down to meet Wendy for our princess excursion. We shuffled off onto our bus and took an hour drive across the island to the Drach Caves. We passed where Rafael Nadal grew up and stopped at n Porto Cristo where his boat was in the harbour and his house was on the hill. The ‘Dragon’ Caves were simply extraordinary. It lived up to everything that I hoped it would be and even more. We were allowed to take pictures, etc., until a certain point when the boats would be coming out. They were incredible; a pianist, and three string players formed an orchestra that played in the darkness of this underground lake. I was very moved and thrilled to get to be in a boat and I shall let the pictures speak for themselves. I did have fun dressing as Waldo today, or Wally as I was more commonly referred to.
We stopped at a pearl factory where I purchased an inexpensive ring and matching more expensive earrings
I was dropped in town at the end of our tour and connected with my Texan Posse for a delicious lunch before exploring Palma. I tried to find the Lego store but even when it said I was there, it was nowhere to be found
Back on board, I had some friends n as Waldo and we all met on Wakeview before changing for our dinner reservation. We did take a Halloween group shot and I look forward to seeing it tomorrow
It was hard to say goodbye to Wendy earlier and then Paul and Ginger at the end of the night. We All developed a great bond
Dang internet is sketchy again. I hope this will post tonight.
I met the Wyatts for breakfast and then we headed to meet up with our tour. Christian was a guide with a lot of information and I was happy to find out on the bus were Ginger and Paul because it seems somewhat clear that the Wyatt’s were disengaged with me today. As it happens, their new friends came and met them the same as they did in our last day together, so I just split off and did my own thing. I do love these Texans that I’ve met Glynn and Kathy, Paul and Ginger are just lovely humans and I do hope to get to go there and see them in their home state someday.
We took the bus to Castelmola and the whole experience was amazing with incredible scenery and windy roads. Once there we wandered in and out of shops and I went off on my own up into the castle itself and enjoyed all of its beautiful overview of the area. I had forgotten my earrings so I did buy a new pair which are the symbol of the wagon wheels in the region. There was a penis bar here which was unusual. We did not stop for a drink.
Next, we took the lovely windy drive to Taormina. What a beautiful city. I hung with Paul and Ginger as we shopped and explored and ate and had a really great day
Once back in port we were led to a spectacular church and astronomical clock. The church has 1600 pipes for its organ
I raced to get dressed up for my Special Tuscan Meal. I was seated with Tom, Scott and Serena. They were friends who met on board and good dinner companions. We all went to O’Malleys after for a nightcap. The meal was delicious but I would not have signed up for it if I had upgraded earlier. My meals in my package have been amazing
I am very frustrated that for some reason last night’s post is in a loop and it will post out of order eventually, or I will have to redo it, but at this point, I am moving on.
I was up at a decent time and Wendy messaged me to join her for breakfast. She had a lovely spot beside the window and I had a lobster. Benny was amazing. We hung out for the morning, including going to sessions about the transition from this cruise to the next one as I learned I am actually on the back-to-back cruise and when Wendy and her crew and Ginger and Glynn get off in Barcelona, that will be the end of the first leg of the trip. When I come back to the ship after my day in Barcelona, I will be having a stamp in my passport and officially have left the EU, even though it is weird because we are still going to Seville and Tenerife that are part of the EU.
Did I mention that I actually bought a Lego Vespa on ship? It seemed like the perfect souvenir for me. I have also begun to take pictures of the crew members that have been especially kind and remember me and we hug and have relationship even if it’s surface. I will recommend them because it does matter towards their trajectory in their jobs on board.
I actually did a lot of things today, including bingo game and food with friends, got a few payroll done for back home, met Wendy for a dinner, my treat at the crown grill where we had some great deeper conversations and a man proclaiming to be a matchmaker said there was a guy at the bar that I needed to meet and it turns out it’s the same person that the bartender said several months ago I needed to meet. Unfortunately, we met tonight and he leaves the ship Saturday morning. He’s from outside of Toronto and kind of my type but I’m not sure entirely that he was interested however, I found it interesting that two different people wanted me to find my someone. After Wendy left to go to bed and I had a beverage at the bar chatting with that gentleman I decided to head to the masquerade ball where we are encouraged to wear black and while I was standing there watching one of the lovely crew members recognize me and drew me out onto the dance floor where I had a little fun and as I was heading back to the elevators to go to my room, a tall, gorgeous woman stop me rearrange my outer layer to show more push the girls up into business and said there you go. It was truly an awesome moment. It was a shame that I was just getting a little later and heading back to my room because she clearly saw something in me.
I didn’t have an alarm set yet. I still woke up early, so I texted Wendy because I knew she would be up and met her for real breakfast. I had a French toast and she had a frittata, and then we went for a bit of a tour and then sat on the Lido deck with our feet in the pool. It was nice there was hardly anyone around because it was so early in the morning. My ankle has been bothering me quite a bit from putting it through the paces. after that we went to the Princess Arena for a Life at Sea presentation by our cruise director, Cole, who is a 28 year old retired dancer from New Zealand. He showed us how the crew lives behind the scenes
For the better part of the day, I wandered around and checked things out and chatted with people and spent a portion of it in my room doing work. I then went and played in a cornhole tournament on the Lido deck and that was just fun. At 4:45 I had a 75 minute full body massage in the lotus spa. For my therapist was brilliant. She has such strong hands. Tears also very grateful for the moody bee lip balm that I gave her. my room steward said my lights on my door give him a warm feeling
I just had time to return to my cabin and change into my whites which all turned out to be way too see-through so I wore one of the dresses that I brought and met Wendy‘s girls at Spellbound. Much like a Disney World ride it is very detailed and well done. The show came with a couple of drinks, some time hanging out in the private spellbound bar and then a 20 minute comedy magician show that was really pretty good. I also ordered the smoking mirrors drink. It is modelled after the famous magic castle in Hollywood.
The last event of the evening was Luminescence, a white adventure dance party. We danced and had fun but the various perfumes and colognes started to overwhelm me. I was glad I had made time for work and play today. My alarm is set to take in the 4th game in the World Series. It is supposed to be on at 2 am
I do have heat rash on my feet, argh
We took our time for breakfast and then bought the shuttle ticket for a round trip into Old Town.
Dave, Deb and I soaked up the beauty and shopped a little as we made our way to the harbour. Once there, we waited for Madhu and Prav, enjoyed a local beer, and wandered. After a bit I broke off and let the couples explore together. It was disappointing to see the political statements about tourists like graffiti in a certain area. I enjoyed the Maritime Museum, bought myself a spinny ring with the Greek Eternity symbol, earrings with the ‘eye’, and a magnet for my cat lady.
I met up with Wendy on the afternoon deck for a nice visit as we watched the ship across the way being maintained.
Met up with my Texan friends for a visit with BMX entertainment before Paul, Ginger and I went to Crown Grill
It’s so weird. I don’t know how I even missed posting yesterday but again I have been very tired. It is exhausting to look down at my feet everywhere that I walk and ensure that I don’t twist or slip as well as all of the people that I’ve been in contact with.
Deb and Dave and I were out of the ship early and got picked up by our taxi driver Giovanni. He was with George’s taxi, which is highly rated and basically brought us two different bases all day long and then we had phoned him when we’re done and ready to pick up.
Firstly, he took us to the top of the hill to survey the surroundings. As far as we can see in all directions is Athens spread out.
He dropped us at the Acropolis and we listened to our Rick Steves app as we toured about. It was very good.
It truly is magnificent. We piled back in the car and headed out. They went that way and we went ours. We weren’t there early enough for Sunday, for the full changing of the guard but it was beautiful
The Agora, especially the museum was beautiful
The lunch drop off ff was at Egg of the Rooster. We had so much food that we could have shared one plate. It was sooooo good
The last stop was to be the archaeological museum but we were pretty burnt out so we decided to skip school and find a spot for a beverage instead
Back at the ship we hung out on the aft deck at the wave view bar where we were joined by Wendy’s posse without Wendy
The rest of the evening is a bit of a blur but it was fun
Our guide, Ilker, was fabulous,  we very much enjoyed his knowledge and passion for the area he lives. I am extremely tired and we have an early morning so I’m afraid this update is going to be shorter than even usual. The we learned a great deal about the incredible ruins of emphasis., I bought two pairs of shoes just outside those doors, we had an amazing lunch that I couldn’t eat most of it because of the peppers, but I ended up in return buying a Turkish handmade rug. Oh, and I also made that boy an emperor when I brought him his own little marbel powder ionic column.
A bonus was that not once but twice today I was mistaken for being my late 40s or early 50s. I do not believe these were disingenuous and apparently it has something to do with my whole energy and I’m going to own that with glee.
I did fulfil a dream about a beautiful Turkish double knot rug.
It is a time change again as Greece switches to daylight savings however, at the moment I have no idea what time it is really and I hope that gaining an hour will make a difference
Mamma Mia when I start to my day, I read the paper and I 1000%. I’m sure that it said at 9 o’clock go down and get your tickets for the shuttle however when I went down there at 9 o’clock I was already given number 25 and they hadn’t even called one yet. Everything was running slightly behind. This was about to be Come a big issue for me with the outside tour that I have booked. I went and talked to Thomas who’s been in charge of a lot of the games that I’ve been playing on site and he did give me a nice princess wine stopper, but more importantly, he wrote on the back of my ticket, his name and cost of the two and got me to take a selfie with this and then sent me down to the pathway to get on the next available Tender. Once I got to the side, there was basically no lineup in grabbing the cable car to the top but when I got there is when things got complicated because nobody seemed to know where my pick up spot was, and there are no street names in East towns on this island. Don’t ask me what they do about the post. I was standing on the street where they knew that buses could be and that would be a good sign when I got the message from via tour that my group had left without me so my tour is booked for 1030 and according to the people that were on board, they left at 10:20. I was standing there flabbergasted and unsure what I should do. They said the next stop was the archeological site if I could join them there stunned I walked across the street to a gentleman standing with a Mercedes fancy van taxi and I paid $40 to take the 20 to 30 minute ride out to Akrotiri.
The cabbie was very sweet and he spent a lot of time trying to convince me that everything was going to be OK including seeing don’t worry be happy and reminding me that it hadn’t rained and that I was here in Greece. I should don’t worry be happy.
Once I made it to acrotomy, I did pay the $20 injured fee and made a very quick 20 minute review around the site. I wish that I’ve had more time to spend there because it is remarkable and well preserved.
I finally connected with the bus and met two lovely ladies on the tour from Melbourne and Mary from Seattle. I don’t think they could’ve been much different nor different from me but we had this fun little relationship on women owning their power and going travelling without other.Our next stop in some pictures and then into a town whose name I’ve already forgotten it.
Our next top was for lunch and I chose a beautiful spot on the beach where I did take the time to relax and enjoy and incredible fresh crab salad and a glass of local white wine. The whole experience was surreal. I did manage to enjoy the surroundings, put my feet in the AMC and purchase an eye design which signifies boundaries for evil.
Next big stop was at a winery for a tasting where I promptly broke a glass and the wines were amazing, but not for me to bring home I learned that in Santorini, they grow the crêpes and basically read them so that they are protected from the wind and closer to the Earth for irrigation 
We had it towards Oia, bit the bus had what I think were transmission issues and we had to stop on the side of the road and wait for another bus to come and pick us up so that we wouldn’t miss the sunset
I strolled around and saw a rooftop bar. I went and sat up at the bar and was served Taliskar on ice by a beautiful Greek man. I watched the sunset although I admit that my pictures from earlier in the evening far away the ones I took then but the whole experience was beautiful.
It was then hustle back to the bus and get into Vera so we could catch our cable car. This was the one big lineup of the whole trip, but it was worth it. I had a fun ride down as a single. It was like being on a Disney lineup has pulled forward to jump in with five others, and they were lovely and fun.
When in Oia, I had a great experience with a Lo al as I purchased olive pics that I love. I also bought my first shot glass on the trip, but it is wrapped up so no picture. I did meet the people on the tram early in the morning who got my gift in the gift exchange and they were happy with it which was lovely.
Back on the ship, I quickly changed my clothes and connected with Ginger and her husband who Lord knows I can’t remember his name and I’m going to have to ask Dang. They were in the American diner, so I went to join them there and had some delicious fish and chips and good conversations and started messaging with Deb about plans for tomorrow in Kusadasi. I listen to music for a little bit in the Piazza and had a martini and now I am back in the room having checked in on work and my email and it’s time for bed. It has been a very full full day.
I am going to keep this very short because I am very tired and have a long day of excursion in Santorini tomorrow. Suffice it to say that learning of someone not being happy with me being on this cruise has led to discombobulated sleep and I need to make some adjustments. I don’t really want to talk about it because I worked hard today to let it go.
I had a nice breakfast with Wendy and a download and her sister-in-law Bev was incredibly supportive and suggested some important points
I then spent the day intermittently taking part in challenges and games as well as working in my room on client issues
I was a little bit stressed out to go to the meet and greet that was organized on Facebook, but I had brought a gift so I knew that I needed to. At first, I felt very alone and then Glynn came up to me. Happy that I was there and I went over to talk to Kathy. We had a kind of great bonding time and agreed that we would like to hang out more over this voyage and that we should go to dinner together after the captains celebration.And
I came back to the room and messaged with Rae-Anne , which was lovely as it was time
I was the lucky winner of the draw of See’s candies and more specifically, chocolate
So the Last thing I did was get dressed up for Captains celebration night
Really there was just so much going on today that I can’t begin to express how joyful it was and yet how peaceful
I really like Kathy and the I think that we could become fast friends, specially after touching briefly on politics and moving on.
Good night and I’m… done
Thank you to my UK editors , they saw that last nIght needed fixing and I was able to edit
I apologize right now, faithful readers… by the time I finish my day I am ridiculously exhausted and only hope to retain some of the details of the day
I got up and got ready and was grateful that I room serviced a pastry and some coffee, even though it was very watery
I had never exited the ship so I made sure I was early and it turned out that I was very early so I wondered the pier took some pictures, etc. before heading out to try to find my group booking
I finally wanted forward and eventually hooked up with a bunch of people looking for our tour and I was able to spot the tour guide, Francesco.
We made a few stops to enjoy the views and the headed into Sorrento where we were encouraged to eat and spend
I wish you could just hear the audio so that we would have learned the same.
I very much enjoyed capturing and Airdropping photos today
Next was on to Pompeiii. I am glad we only saw one body
Now it was time to take off from port. We were waiting for one person
I got back on ship on time to book a special dinner at the Crown Grill. I am sitting beside this lovely couple from Texas? we had a good conversation and great encouragement to come back for a princess cruise.
AI did buy beautiful tanzanite earrings that I know Jackie would love
Up early and ready quick. Had a quick coffee and snacks at the place next door and then jumped in a beautiful van/limo driven by Luka. It was raining and he was a great driver and eventually we were at the port. Although I was separated twice from Wyatt’s, I was onboard before most people. I found a spot on Deck 8 and got some urgent work done. The lovely Gracia was my person and kept the mimosas coming.
The room was finally ready after 1:30 but my suitcase didn’t show up for another 5 hours.
I met up with Wendy, met Bev and went for a walk around the ship. it is freaking spectacular.
I have already met so many fun people just by throwing out random compliments.
I also went to the single/solo travellers meeting. We played two truths and a lie and had fun getting to know each other
When the meet was done, I glanced over to see Dave and Deb. I ended up joint them for dinner in the Eclipse. It was very good. Last stop of the day was for a cocktail making meetup but I was the only one so the just made me a nice drink and I visited with the crew member from Peru.
I brought the drink up to my room and spent a food deal of time unpacking. I can say I that I have never fully unpacked before! It feels good
Once back in my room, I spent time unpacking and hanging my clothes and getting ready for tomorrow. I am very glad that I was able to find a new trip being that mine for the Amalfi Coast Sorrento in Pompeii was cancelled due to the lack of people I believe I will be happy with the one that I found, and it was a little bit cheaper and they refunded the other one in full.
I’m sure there’s things I’ve forgotten it was a spectacularly awesome day and I spent time making new friends and touching bases with the old ones. It was a perfect moment now I better get to sleep because I have to get up at six for my excursion. Off ship
I woke up way too early and decided I may as well get on with it so I ran a big payroll. 4 am, no big deal.
Once everyone was ready we headed down and met Norma our driver on the street who brought us to Vatican City, to the café we were to meet at for our tour. once the sunrise groups formed, and we put on our radio receivers having on our way. I don’t think I am playing the experience. We had an extraordinary guide once again and even laughed at her elbow up behaviour to us being batted in by others on the tour. I personally was grateful to see so many things, and ultimately walk-through the holy door. Lucky for us it is Jubilee year and the pilgrims have the first right of way, but then after that so to me.
We weren’t allowed to take pictures in the actual Sistine Chapel. It was gobsmacking
I enjoyed walking through the holy door which is open because of pilgrims. We enjoyed a nice bevie break before i headed off to the DaVinci Experience ,
Once I was done, I headed to meet D &D where they had connected with Norma to get the Cc and ID back.
I caught up with ‘em and we went off to buy Feb a new hairdryer. next, I had to quickly catch a cab the Piramide Metro station for our tour. I met some nice people, including Nancy from Toronto, and we went to see first the aquaducts, and then the underground catacombs followed by the Appian Way.
This was a really great tour. I drank too much but enjoyed meeting the couple from Denmark who were celebrating their 25th anniversary. I bought them dessert and we had a nice bond
I am sorry for the lack of details but I have been up for a VERY long time
I finally slept! it felt so nice to awake to the light. Dave & Deb had already gone exploring so I got ready and headed to meet them near The Pantheon. I dressed appropriately for the church setting and strolled my way to the Piazza as I listened to Rick Steve’s best of Rome. They mentioned a favourite spot near the Pantheon and they weren’t wrong. It was peaceful and the surrounding places spanned the centuries of architecture. Along the way I took some shots of little interesting things including the cat sanctuary
I found a cute little café and stunned the employees by ordering a double shot added to an Americano. That, along with a pistachio cannoli was my favourite breakfast so far
I heard from Dave and Deb and joined them for a Mimosa before getting in line for our entry
While waiting in line I spoke with some lovely ladies from England and then began listening to the Rick Steve’s presentation. A point that really stuck out to me was about the portico. Each column is 40’ tall, 15’ around and came from Egypt! As promised, the inside was spectacular
Dave mimicked the tour operators and led the was to find what promised to be an outstanding roof top bar. It was in the oldest hotel in Rome and what a lovely spot!!
We headed off intending to find a light lunch. We did, it was delicious and I should not have eaten that much!
Now we were running out of time so Dave headed off to drop our stuff at the apartment and meet us at the cooking class meeting spot. What a fabulous time was had! We made fettuccine and ravioli and gelato
I took lots of pictures and airdropped them so everyone had their own. I enjoyed meeting Sue from Minnesota. The food was amazing but I was toooo full!
We wandered back towards home, took wrong turns, got separated etc. I love big crowded cities at night. Deb and I bought makeup. I have never had such a fancy mascara. Earlier in the day I had bought a fancy calendar of the sites of Rome and a gift for Rae . I even wandered into a mass!
Once back we did a combined load of laundry and rack hung it to dry. Tomorrow will be an early day. We are going to the Sistine Chapel!
OK, I’m so tired that this is the third time I’m doing this because I keep nodding off and hitting the daily close instead of publish button so I am very sorry but I’m just about to post a whole raft of pictures after telling you that we started off the day with an incredible tour through devour tours. Fabrizio is a published person who knows everything m, he was incredible. His voice was great and we had earbuds and we walked around and listened to him telling us for three hours about the Colosseum, Palantine Hill, and the Forum”.
Next, we walk together towards Trevi fountain and found a small restaurant and had some food and blueberry mimosas before working our way up to the fountain that was very crowded
At this point, I think the people were getting to us so we decide to split up and I kept walking to find a new bag because my zipper had broken and get to the Lego store to have my passport signed
As it turns out, it is right near the place that we will be going tomorrow, but that’s fine. I got what I wanted and then we made our way back to where the grandmother is and grandpa would be.
I made it home with a shit ton of steps and got changed before taking a short nappy. Deb and Dave arrived home and they got ready and then we wandered down through just the fair until we found a lovely sidewalk restaurant and enjoying incredibly good service and exquisite food and wine.
triumphgal 