Roam, Italy

September 29, 2014

 

The Empire Strikes Back

     Today was another travel day. The further south we went from Assisi, and the closer to Rome, the more commercial and industrial it got. We saw several solar farms.

     Agriculturally, the fields got a little bigger. We even saw our first combine today. It looked like an old one, but it was cutting some kind of grass. 

     Dry corn is still the crop we see the most. I assume it is used for feed. With all the cured pork meats they eat over here, somewhere, there has to be a hog operation the size of Rhode Island. So far, luckily, it has been down wind. 

     Rome. We got in and got settled around 1:00pm. After a hearty lunch, we decided to walk (as long as it took) to the Coliseum. Man, yet ANOTHER fixer upper. Some of these Italians don’t seem to have much pride of ownership. It appeared that at one time, it was a perfectly usable and serviceable stadium. Since Caesar lost his lease, it seems to have fallen into disrepair. The guide said something about “Barbarians.” Not sure what he meant. Maybe they were a futball (that’s Italian for soccer) team or something. A portion of the structure is shrouded in scaffolding and plastic. As big as this building is, my best guess is that they are affixing advertising panels to the sides. Probably promoting smoking sigs. Gack. 

     Speaking of lunch, the food has been great over here. I have some bad news and some good news. The bad news: I probably have gained 10 pounds - primarily eating a carbohydrate, gelato and birra (that’s Italian for barley pop) diet. The good news: I've probably gained five of those pounds in my calves. I can’t remember ever walking so much as we have over here. And, it is rarely on a flat surface. Always on steps, ramps, cobblestones, uneven pavers, large rocks or chunks of marble. But ALWAYS uphill! Every night our dogs are barking. 

     Each day we set out to see something new following a course of action brewed by Marilyn, Bobbie and Marty. They always have a great plan. My job is to get us BACK to the hotel. It helps to be aware of recognizable landmarks and reference points. My favorite is the sun. Not only is it useful for telling day from night, it’s consistency for showing up is impressive! My approach is pretty old school but we’ve never been TOTALLY lost... maybe just in mild disagreement as to where to go next. 

 

 

September 30, 2014

 

Rome At Ten Feet

     First full day in Rome. We decided to give our feet and knees a break and get on one of the double decker tour buses to explore the city. They had an audio component that covered points of interest along the way. Between attractions, they played the same classical music that I remember from the Bugs Bunny cartoons of my youth. Weird connection. We traveled the route twice. First loop, we listened to the typical tourist narrative, and took pictures. The second loop, Bobbie and Marilyn scouted shops while Marty and I looked for birra (beer) signs. Upon getting off the bus, we both had our orders. We were all dedicated to our missions. Marty and I pulled the old panzer maneuver and attacked an Irish pub that had the theme from “Top Gun” blaring. The gals apparently encountered nothing that absolutely had to be taken prisoner. The assault on the local economy is grueling and ongoing. Dawn may bring new opportunities. 

     While on the bus, there was the occasional ambulance trying to get through the dense traffic. No doubt headed to rescue some poor bloke whose feet WERE ACTUALLY killing him. Hope they made it in time.

     Rome appears to be a pretty clean city with wider streets and sidewalks. It is much easier to navigate around here vs single file as in Florence. The traffic is crazy, with pedestrians crossing any time their resolve dictates. Traffic lights just appear the be placeholder suggestions. Somehow, everyone seems to carry on.

     I will NEVER complain about Spokane traffic again. Compared to the larger cities over here, our fair city has NO traffic - even during “rush hour.”

     Several of Rome’s newer buildings (less than a thousand years old) have been cleaned and primped. And many more are shrouded in scaffolding and plastic and appear to be under

renovation as well. If this trend continues, it will always be a spectacular city to visit. 

     So much history here, especially when to think about the fact that construction of the coliseum was started just 39 years after the death of Christ. Earthquakes, wars, and conquests have taken their toll. Parts of present day Rome are built on the ruins of prior empires. There seems to be a push to archeologically excavate and preserve specific layers that are buried beneath the city. A monumental job! 

     Tonight the traveling group had a farewell dinner. This particular tour ends tomorrow morning and most folks will be heading for their home ports. It has been fun traveling with this group. We all have gotten along nicely.

     Tomorrow morning we visit the Vatican. I left a voice message on Pope Frank’s cell. I told him to be looking for us in the crowd. We would be the ones waving. 

 

 

October 1, 2014

 

Italian Sunset

     Today was Vatican City day. We arrived on time for our 9:45 tour start. Today being a Wednesday, tour routines were somewhat varied due to Pope Frank’s appearance in St. Peter’s Square. Yes, the big guy was IN THE HOUSE! Our tour was deep into the galleries when he addressed the 20,000 plus waiting outside. 

     This place has some serious art. We saw an original Van Gogh that had been donated in recent years. It was one of only three paintings that he did that contained religious subject matter. Its estimated value: €75,000,000 or about $100 million US. I assume the Vatican is self-insured? Anybody know?

     Our guide said that one would need 4 years and 10 months (@ 60 seconds per piece) to see the entire Vatican collection. The gallery viewings are over two miles long. My feet were screaming after walking/standing on marble for 4 hours and 10 minutes! 

     The Sistine Chapel was impressive for its frescos. St. Peter’s Basilica is beyond comprehension in scale, ornateness and detail. I don’t know how one would estimate the number of man hours in building the grandest church on earth. I’m not sure that math has been invented yet.

     Tonight is our last night in Italy. The food has been wonderful - especially the pizza. Very thin, crisp crust and served as one big pie - no precut slices. You just have at it! Marilyn has done well with her celiac/gluten-free requirement. Most places have had very good substitutes. Speaking of food - one oddity over here is that the locals order a glass of wine and a bowl of potato chips. We see it everywhere. 

 

Random Sightings: 

     Buskers in the piazzas – In Portovenere, a gentleman was playing an amplified clarinet and belting out old Glen Miller and Benny Goodman classics. In Assisi, a young man was playing “Oh Suzanna” on a harmonica. In bars or restaurants we always heard American music being played. Lots of MTV. I guess Pavarotti can’t appeal to all the masses. 

     Lawns – We saw ONE. It was in front of St. Francis’ Basilica in Assisi. Apparently a marble front yard is virtually maintenance free. Makes sense. 

 

Memorable Firsts:

     Train Ride - these trains get up and go! Why is the USA so far behind with mass transit? Maybe all our towns need to be a little closer so it appears more of the population is benefitting. Or, tax fuels enough so that it pencils out. Something needs to be done. 

     AutoGrills - these are full service buffets/convenience stores/fuel stations with large restrooms that often span over the top of the freeway. (Accessible from both sides of roadway.) You can get anything from a candy bar, sandwich, barren of beef, pizza, chicken, espresso drinks, gifts, frisbees, Disney toys, flash lights, flares, and on and on. Cross a Granny’s Buffet with a General Store and you get the picture. VERY handy facilities along the freeways. 

     Anchovies – Tried the marinated version... should have gone the fried route.

     Grappa – This is an Italian brandy. Marty and Marilyn seem to like it. I suspect it’s best use is cleaning your lawn mower’s carburetor in the spring. One jigger grappa, three jiggers fresh gasoline, prime, yank rope and mow away! D-O-N-E.

     Moretti Beer – Very good Italian lager brand. Remember, those barley and hop farmers gotta eat too - both abroad AND at home. 

    It’s time to bid this fascinating country farewell. We appreciate the Italian hospitality and invite each and everyone to visit America - just don't expect too much from our rail system.

     Or an ash tray.