Night In Messina

When the Captain mentioned we would arrive early in Messina we were excited.  Dinner ashore!

The day while at sea was very lazy for me.  I finished my book, lunch at O'Malley's Irish pub.  Actually Bernie and i shared the meal there.  Had a nap, and woke to the excitement of heading ashore.

We head ashore around six. 

It is always nice to stroll and explore in the evening.

The clock tower.

The Cathedral which was open so we strolled inside.

Now this is where it gets interesting.  The restaurant we chose was about 15 minute walk away.  But it doesn't open until 730 so we take ourr time.

We stroll and stop in a few shops that are still open.  It is a Monday and many restaurants are closed today. 

With time to kill we stop for a prosseco and a glass of wine.

It is now 730 so we head to the restaurant.  But the lone guy inside says not open until 8.

Oh darn!  Even their website said 730.  But when in Italy you learn to go with the flow. We are tired of killing time so we decide to walk back towards the ship and maybe find another spot.  

But most nice restaurants are closed today.  Lots of bars and pizza places but that isn't what we want.

In the end we come back on board.

We enjoy dinner at the Ocean Terrace.  Which was very good.

Last Day in Rome - St. Peter's Bascilica

Today we knew we had to get up early.  Our goal was to be out the door at 8 am.  We were 20 minutes late but we were still quite proud of ourselves.

St. Peter's Basilica opens at 7 am. Now that would of been too early but we knew we wanted to be there before it got really crowded.  A lot of Italians are on a long weekend here so we knew it could be busy.

We walked to the Vatican(30 min walk) and the queue was long but it only got longer.  We waited 40 minutes to get through security.  

Remember while in the church - dress appropriately, remove your hat, no talking on your cell phone.  If you have a knapsack you will need to check it at the coat check after security.

This is our second visit to St. Peter's.  Last time we were here we saw a lot and even visited the Necropolis. To read  more click here.

Today our goal is to just walk around and enjoy it with no guide or schedule.  Bernie wanted to come back here to see it a second time.

It was lovely, and not crazy packed.  We were able to move around freely and get up close to many pieces.  Although this time we were not able to go right up to the alter and walk around it like last time.  I am not sure if this is a permanent change or temporary.  So I am glad we got to last time.

After 20 minutes we left and we can see the line for the security has snaked all around completely and doubled back.  Glad we got here early.

We walked around for a while, got our coffee, picked up some bus tickets for tomorrow's tram then returned to the apartment.

On the walk back we heard my name being called - our friend Juan who is also sailing with us was in a taxi stopped at a light.  Too funny that our paths would cross!

It is around 11 and we relax for a bit.

We want to head out again around 1 pm, but not sure where/what to do.  We are getting hungry and since our mid day meal has been our largest since arriving we head out to get a meal.

After a great meal we wander some more.  Thankfully it hasn't rain - although we are prepared with an umbrella at all times.  

I wanted something sweet and was craving a cannoli.  We find a spot and pick up one that is called a Sicilian Cannoli.  It was good, but I couldn't even finish it.  Just so rich.

Again we wander the streets of Rome just gawking.  We pop into a few shops but neither one of us are big shoppers.  But it is fun to look.

It is very busy everywhere so finding some quieter streets is a treat.

Back at the apartment around 4 pm we take note that we have logged 20,000 steps today!  Wow.

We relax - and I even had an hour nap.  We enjoy the wine we have and talk about our game plan for tomorrow.  

Pack up, take garbage down to the street, tidy up, luggage tags, time to leave, etc.

We are catching a train from Trastevere station which is very close to us and a short tram way away.  We could walk it in about a half hour but with our bags it is just as easy to take the tram.

Our train is at 10:27 and we will arrive at Civitavecchia station around 11:15 am.  I know we could take a shuttle but for the two of us it would be way too expensive - private would be 119 e each, or shared at 69 e each.  Our train ticket plus the tram is 8 e each.

We have really enjoyed our time in Rome.  Both of us are glad we came back.  Although both of us agree that we prefer the smaller, quieter places in Italy.   We much preferred Sardinia, Lucca, Genoa than the big cities like Rome or Venice.  

Everyone needs to see Rome, see the sites here but to get a "real" experience of Italy head outside of Rome.  

I have really liked staying in Trastevere, so easy to get around and a feel of a community.

So tomorrow we board the Crown for 24 days and we are both really looking forward to it.

Travelling to Rome Equals a Bumpy Ride

After a good breakfast at the hotel, we checked out and made our way to the tube.

In the end we enjoyed the hotel.  It was basic, but met all our needs. The staff were wonderful and very attentive.  Not sure if I would go back.  Just a bit too basic and the sound of the hall way door slamming every time someone came in from the elevator did get to us after a while.

We stopped at the Pound Store (Dollar store UK style) and bought some pipe cleaners.  Well actually I was looking for anything that I could put on Bernie's new suitcase to help identify it but was having no luck with the normal type of bag tag so I bought a package of pipe cleaners.  We put a one on each of his zippers and twisted them and hey it worked.

The tube was busy.  Normal I guess for a weekday but we managed to get on and stay at the side.  Also we had no issues at all with getting to where we needed to go.  We have mastered the London Underground.

Once at London Bridge we transferred to the train and a half hour later we were at Gatwick.

I am always impress at how Europe handles security clearance.  Airports in North America could learn a thing or two from airports here.   

You scan your boarding pass at a turnstile and that lets you into security.  At security there are numerous stations at the security belt. You place all your items in the bin to be scanned and then once thru the scanner you take your bin to a table where you can reorganize yourself.  Very civilized.

Also here at Gatwick at least -- once you clear security it is a bill hall with shops, restaurants, bars, sitting area, washrooms etc.  You wait here until your flight has been assigned a gate.  Then you proceed to that gate.  There are no seats at the gates, just the gate.  Once at the gate you board the plane.  No large mass of people at the gates, no long queues to get on the plane.  Again very civilized.

Our flight to Rome was with Easyjet.  A real discount airline.  We paid 150 Canadian for our flight including our bags for both of us.  But it is a snug flight.  Not a lot of leg room.  I felt like a sardine.  Thankfully it is a short flight.

We knew Italy was experiencing a big storm and the Captain did warn us it would be a bumpy ride, and it was.

We later found out that strong winds, heavy rain has caused five deaths and lots of damage.  For us we barely were affected.

We had arranged for a shuttle with Civitavecchia cab service prior and our driver was there as soon as we exited.

Quite a bit of heavy traffic due to two accidents.  Driver says that the rains and winds have caused havoc, but it sure looks nice now.  Warm too.

We arrive at our Airbnb and are greet by Gabriella who does not speak English but we manage to communicate with signals. 

The place will work for us.  It is in Trastevere area and close to everything.  It is a basic one bedroom apartment that will work.  Just so happy to not be stuck in a small hotel room anymore.  Here is a link to our Airbnb.  Remember if you are thinking about using Airbnb, click on this link and you will save money off your first booking. 

We head out for some supper - lots to choose from in the area.

Just a block away we spot a cute spot where we are sat at a nice table and we breath in and realize yeah we are back in Italy.

We order a salad and a main entree with some sides and share it all.  It was just enough.  Of course we also got a litre of house red wine.  Definitely choose the house wine to save money.  

Oh and while I am talking about restaurants.  Take note, most areas of Italy have some added fee that will be added onto your bill.  Sometimes it says service charge, sometimes it will be a fee for bread (even if you did not order the bread).  It is usually a nominal fee.  No use arguing with them about it, just pay.  But take note that you do not normally tip here.  So we just accept that the fee is the what we would of paid as a tip.  Note this fee is probably not charged to locals.  Oh well cost of travel I say.

Of course we had to stop for some gelato on the way back home.  Also bought cereal and milk but that was not picture worthy.

Back at the apartment we crash.  Woke to a few thundershowers and some street noise and not sure where the heck I was. 

Day After the Wedding

We wake early and head outside to the beautiful courtyard for a great breakfast that is included in the stay at Mannois Albergo Diffuso.

I can't say enough about how nice the staff are here.  After so few days they welcome us by name and know what we want before we even ask for it.

The rooms are so comfortable and so charming.  Enough character from the past but with modern ammenities.  

I think the only negative is their wifi needs a stronger router as it is rather weak throughout the grounds.

If you are coming to Sardinia I can highly recommend Mannois Albergo Diffuso.  

Today is another gathering.  This time back at Laura and Franco's home.  A final meal together before everyone heads home.

Once again we are served course after course of amazing foods.  

Today a whole roasted pig is served (we did not have any but we heard it was delicious).  The pasta course was once again amazing.

I especially love the vegetable course - here they serve a plate of raw vegetables.  Usually fennel, radishes, celery, carrots, cucumbers and lettuce.  

Dessert is leftover wedding cake and cookies.

Then the liqeurs come out again.  You name it we had it.  

In the end it was a fun day, with lots of laughs and love.

It is hard to say goodbye to all these wonderful people we have just met but feel we know so well.

We will never forget our time here.  Thank you Laura and Franco for including us in this special event.

Wedding Day

We wake a little tired after such a late night.

We need to get moving.  Breakfast, shower, and dressed for the wedding.

Around 10 am people start gathering outside the hotel where Laura (the bride) is staying with her parents.

It is customary for the Groom to arrive greet the Bride and her family.

Franco with his sister and brother

Tradition is also that people greet them with a plate with rice on it, with flower petals, candy and coins.  This is then smashed in front of the couple and hoping to break in many pieces - which is suppose to bring them great luck and fortunes. 

I have video of the Mother of the Bride and the Bridesmaids doing this but will have to wait till I get home.

We all proceed to the church - a long parade of cars - beeping horns.  

The church is remote and is called Santa Maria of the Sea.  It is where seafarers would go to seek refuge and guidance and come back to give thanks for a safe journey.  Makes sense to get married here since they met at sea.

It is a beautiful ceremony - all in Italian.  Beautiful singing!  I too have video of the singing that I will post when I get home.

After the service we all throw rice as they exit the church.

We all parade down to the reception that is held at a stunning resort (that we passed when we went to the beach the other day).  Apparently Franco use to work there.

An afternoon reception starts out in the garden with appetizers and drinks.  

We make friends with some young people that are friends/relatives of Franco.  They want to practice their English.

The reception hall is HUGE and we all can find our table by an appropriate seating assignment that has Princess ships with names assigned to each ship.  

Don't look too closely as the person who did up the board was told to add Royal Princess.  They searched the web and got Princess and Royal Caribbean intertwined.  So some of the ships are acutally RCL ships.  But hey I think we are the only ones that would notice the wrong ships.  It was a cute touch.

Our table assignment is the Majestic Princess.

Now let the feast begin!  The meal lasted 3 hours.  

Antipasta to start - cheese, meats, olives, fried vegetables
Seafood - shrimp, octopus, squid, salmon
Pasta - two different kinds
Sorbet
Veggies cours
Seafood course - salmon, swordfish, squid, octopus, shrimp, and more
Potatoes
Meat course - veal and pork
Fruit course
Wedding Cake
Cookies/cakes

I am sure I am missing something.  We were full, and we did not eat many of the courses as we stuck mainly to vegetarian items - plus the cheese.  

Around 5 pm Bernie and I went for a stroll around the grounds.  The site is stunning, and would be lovely to stay at.  A bit remote though, you would definately need a car.

Around 7 pm we left to rest at the hotel, but ended up not returning for the dancing as we were just so tired.   It was a very long day and I am not sure how they managed for so long.  

Others went back for the dancing and even more food.  We heard it was great fun.

Overall it was so nice to experience an Italian wedding in Sardinia with all it's customs.  We felt very welcomed and part of the family.

First Two Days in Orosei Sardinia

I am trying to catch up with the posts about our time here in Orosei.  Of course when attending a wedding it is packed with events and I have not really had time to write.

On Friday we woke and ended up finding a small laundrymat to do our wash.  While clothes were in the machines I went for a stroll.  As I walked I heard beeping but heck I don't know anyone here, again I hear a beep.  Well later I find out both Franco and his brother in law passed me walking and they each beeped.  So already I know this is a friendly place and I am running into people I know.

It is quite warm out and we decide to go for a stroll after putting the clothes away.  

The town is not large but it is a maze of street with numerous hills in the old town.  Everything looks the same and it took us a few days to get our bearings.  

Even delivery of wood closes a small street in the old town.

We stop for gelato and then back to the hotel for a bit of rest before heading out for a welcome dinner hosted by Franco and Laura at a local restaurant called Villa Fumosa.

A huge U shaped table takes up most of the restaurant and as the guest arrive I feel like I am again in a movie.  The drinks start, the pizza starts, the laughs and toasts start.  

Even though Bernie and knew no one except the Bride and Groom we soon know a ton of people.  We are welcomed just like we are family.

The next morning we decide to venture further afield.  I really want to see the beach.

We start walking and after about 45 minutes we are at a beautiful beach.  It is hot out and there are quite a few people here considering it is October.

We do put our feet in and it cool to the touch but I am pretty sure it would be easy to get use to.

There are numerous bars/restaurants along the beach area.  Many are closed for the season but there are still a few open.

We make our way back to the hotel where we shower and change for an open house at Laura and Franco. 

It is traditional to hand out cookies and sweets to the guests. The baskets that are being used are ones that Franco's Mom made and are a treasure.

Later that evening we head to a hall to have a huge dinner served by Franco's friends/family.  The place is packed.  I am guessing around a 150 people!  And this isn't even the wedding.

The food never stops, the wine never stops, and we are full and drunk - but not too drunk.

When we get back to the hotel we quickly hear the groomsmen arrive with Franco and Laura.  Laura is staying at the same hotel we are with her parents and sisters tonight.

Tradition has it that they serenade the bride, while we pour the drinks to get them to leave.  

We went thru quite a few bottles of the traditional liqeur.  I have a lot on video of this and it really should be seen but that will have to wait until I get home as I need my computer and wifi to do it justice.

Soon the men leave and we are back in bed, resting for a very long day tomorrow.

will add more pictures and videos when I get home so check back.