NOVEMBER NEWS

November 7, 2011

Having left Simple Abundance in the care of our friends and marina personnel, our return trip to Canada for our grandson's 1st birthday took us to Rome.
Our day started at 7 am when Giuseppe ( marina staff) drove us to the bus station, showed us where to buy our bus tickets and morning expresso.  The 2 hour bus ride to Catania airport showcased a variety of Sicilian landscapes; rugged, hilly, baron areas along with hillsides covered with lush green vegetation.  The olive harvest was in full swing and we could see the large nets spread out beneath the trees with people perched on ladders using only hands or small rakes for collection.  Lemon and orange orchards are scattered through-out and of course the many vineyards made for a very charming trip.
The 1 hour flight to the Leonardo da Vinci aeroporto di Roma was uneventful.  Our bags arrived quickly; the Alitalia bus took us directly into the city within walking distance of of hotel.  With all  travel connections finally behind us we arrived at the Hotel Continental and checked in.  Most of Rome's hotels are conveniently located approximately 1km from the Roma Termini (central train station).

At this point all we wanted was a nice tall glass of Italian beer and a little antipasta so the tratorria next door looked very inviting.  Having filled our tummies we now needed a nap before proceeding to investigate any other places.

The picture on the left is the hotel elevator that barely  fits 2 people.

The following morning we bought 2 city tour bus tickets, valid for 3 days; hop on/ hop off senario.  Last stop, everybody off was St. Peter's Square.  The amount of other tourists was staggering.  Later, a waiter in our favorite restaurant told us that October was actually the most busy month of the year.  WHO KNEW!!!!!!!!!  The crowds in fact are so hugh that people recommend to carry your backpack in the front to avoid being pick pocketed.









The Swiss Guard in their smart? colorful uniform have existed since the 15th century and serve as pontifical and cerimonial body gurads in Vatican City.

Trevi Fountain

Loved Rome, the architechure, the impressive buildings, my personal favorite was?? sorry couldn't find the name.  The Trevi Fountain was a total disappoinment.  So many people in a really small area; we didn't even see any water.  You wouldn't believe the crowds.

So you can image that parking is always hit and miss; you just take the any spot that presents itself no matter the size.

 We had an incredible time, but of course loved coming home to family.  The celebration of our grandson's 1st birthday was enough of an excuse.

I'm bias, he's the cutest!!!!!!!!

The birthday party was a big success.  Ryland had his share of B'day cake and his favorite meal, spagetti.  With tons of pics, the day will not be forgotton.