I T A L Y (Roma, Salerno, Amalfie Coast, Naples, Pompei, Mt. Vesuvius, Florence, Pisa, Cinque Terra Fishing Villages - Vernazza, Tuscany, Venezia, Milan etc.)
7/21/14: We flew from SFO to Newark NJ to Rome via United
On arrival, we took a taxi to Relais Giulia Hotel a few blocks to Vatican City, Roma.
Walked to St. Peter's Basilica and attended mass there; Sunday is free and we visited the tomb of St. Peter. Pope Francis said the Angelus at 12p and stood at the window where all could see him, he said the Angelus and blessed everyone. He is so busy, it's not easy to see him personally!
Visited the Trevi Fountain (tossing a few coins over our left shoulders with our right hand for good luck) and saw the Spanish Steps.
Had tea at the famous Babington's Tea Room; took a taxi to The Colosseum and a bus to La Scala Santa Church (a historical attraction). St. Helena, Constantine's mother brought the steps that Jesus walked on back from Jerusalem which Jesus ascended on to appear before Pilate; pilgrims are allowed to step on it and you have to crawl on your knees; there are 28 steps and a separate prayer is said for each step. I did do the steps on my knees.
La Scala Church - Rome
Prayers on each step
St. Francis saying the Angelus at Noon when we arrived in Roma!
The Vatican & St. Peter's Basilica, Vatican City; went to mass too & seen St. Peter's tomb
Spanish Steps - Roma
Sistine Chapel - revelations of our world
Spanish Steps - Rome
The Colloseum - Rome
Visited the Borghese Gallery and saw the impressive art; also visited the Callixtusia of underground burials which were eery. In the evening we had our 25th anniversary vows renewed at the church in Rome which was beautiful by a priest from San Francisco and dinner thereafter.
Took the speed train from Rome to Salerno which was fast; we stayed at a B&B which was previously a Monastery; took a taxi to see the Amalfi towns/villages which was wonderful to see the scenic beauty of Italy. I drank some Lemoncello at Ravello. Ate the best pizza from Naples;
The next day we decided to see Pompei and Mt. Vesuvius (recommend seeing the movie first); it was sad and we took the Hummer tours to the top of Mt. Vesuvius and a short hike.
Pompei, Naples - Italy
Ravello, Amalfi Coast
Took the speed train from Salerno to Florence (I met an interesting fashion stylist on that trip); walked around Florence to see the Duomo and piazza area; visited the amazing Uffizi Gallery and Statue of David at the Academia by Michelangelo; took a tour on a cycle to see Florence, then had a wonderful meal of vegetable soup with bread in it which was yummy; also purchased beautiful leather bags.
Took the train to Cinque Terra, Vernazza stayed there for a few nights enjoying all the villages by boat; visited the church, duomo; swam in the beautiful water at Monterosso and Vernazza; ate but fish; ate the best pesto pasta in Marola. The Italian Riviera is amazing.
Took the train to Pisa and then a bus to Siena. Amazing views of sunflower fields as we drove in the bus; stayed in Tuscany and enjoyed our short stay;
Took a bus back to Florence and the speed train to Venice for a few days; Loved the gondola ride in a city with no cars just walking or taking a water taxi. Visited the Grand Hotel, Dodge's Palace, and shopping and put our locks near the bridge where we stayed for our 25th-anniversary renewal.
TookI took the speed train to Milan; shopped at all the important designers I know, saw the Last Supper and the Pieta,ch was unbelievable, and took the Red Bus to see Milan then took Lufthansa back home via Newark N.J.
The Red Purse Story:
In Venice, I fell in love with Paloma Picasso's purse. It was expensive, and I said it was a want (I'm always frugal), so for my birthday present Daniel gave me a big box and I opened it to find a small cloth purse, nothing fancy and I said thank you and left all the papers in it, and threw the box in the garbage bin; he said "did you look to see if there is anything else in the box" as he was waiting for my response; yes, low and behold I found the beautiful little red purse at the bottom of the box - totally surprised and thankful. He called Venice and purchased it for me without me knowing, and they sent it to him in Cali - sweetest gesture - love it so much!
The Duomo of Milan, on a rainy day below
My fave duomo in Italy - a spectacular Gothic Cathedral and third largest church in the world; 15 marble spires, etc.
