Day 9 - Wrap Up Italy - Germany here we come again

Aaron took this photo the other day

Waiting for our ride to the Airport thought I would provide a wrap up from Italy. If you recall part of the reason I'm doing this is for my World Geography class. I wanted them to see how different other places in the world can be. The various blogs have already shown a few differences here in Roma. So let me share a few photos with captions to with a few more. 

Your looking at the outlet both in Germany and Italy. When you travel need to bring an adaptor.

Your looking at the hair dryer plug that fits in the outlet above


Buildings have remnants of the old. Here is old wood showing in a bathroom.

Bathroom actual has steps and a curl ceiling. Also notice how narrow the room is.

You can see the steps down and terrarium in the background

Yes your counting correctly. The white bars above provide heat - I think a towel dryer 

There's the map for our bus route. It's also shows the various MANY streets we walked the past few days.

Other items:

• There are no closets in most homes. The reason for this is the government taxes you for each room of the house. Use Wardrobes instead.
• Sinks tend to be smaller and rarely are there two sinks in a kitchen.
• Almost every showers have a detachable shower head.
• You can put salt in your dishwasher to help the dishes dry.
• Now some stores back in America do this but here most always charge for bags to carry out your items.
• Parking is a premium much like in New York City. Few parking garages so finding a parking spot is a challenge. From what I'm told this is the case in most cities in both Germany and Italy.
• Most folks know about the difference in measurement but it takes some getting use to when your fingering how far you have to walk and what the temperature is outside.

We have received permission to check-out at 11:00 when our ride is here. The cost from the apartment to the hotel is 65,00 Euro's. I'm sure it will be another adventure cruising the streets of Roma. I'll do a follow up these evening. 

On board heading to Germany

Addition

     After posting the above blog we headed out for breakfast. We simply walked out of the court yard turned left and the very next building we discovered a small snack shop that had been closed the previous days. Each getting some type of sandwich we discuss what we would do for the 30 minutes between checking out and getting picked up. Our decision was made simple after tasting the sandwich. We decided to come back to the snack shop and wait out the 30 minutes.  So after getting our bags we returned and Aaron and I got another sandwich. Aaron got what Sara had gotten earlier and I got what Aaron ordered during the first round. 

Snack Shop

Snack Shop

     The van arrived and off to the airport. This driver took us on country road instead of downtown. Once at the airport we checked the bags and through security. Like the past security checks Pam had her bag checked. She must have one of those looks. While her bag was being checked I stepped around the corner to put my computer back in the bag and shoes on. Pam was still holding my belt while they checked her bag. Then I realized I couldn't find my phone. Searching all my pockets I still couldn't find the phone. I yell back at Pam to see if she had picked it up with my belt. When she said no, I continued the search. Aaron went back to the security line and asked the guard if they had found a phone. About that time I looked in my computer bag where I had put my computer and there I found the phone. In the craziness of going through the line I put the phone in with my computer. 

Flight Path

     From there we simply sat and waited for the plane to arrive. With these cheap flights there is no order of boarding, so folks start to line up about an hour before boarding. We got in line and waited. Once the plane landed they started to check our papers and we headed outside to wait. From there we walked to the plane and boarded. Took about an hour and 50 minutes to land in Germany.
    From Frankfurt-Hahn, Germany to Aaron and Sara's home was another hour and 15 minutes. Sara and Aaron prepared dinner, a little Friends on DVD and then off to bed. 

Ad on Plane

Day 8 - The Day After Christmas

Vatican

Sara & Pam with new Friends

     This day started extremely early. At 1:30 a.m. I was up making sure my NFL Game Pass was working so I could watch the Chiefs host the Broncos. I played on Facebook until 2:30 a.m. and then it was kickoff time. Sitting in bed, lights off and ear pieces in I watched the Chiefs destroy the Broncos. Several times through out the game Pam rolled over to ask me the score. Finally a little after 6 a.m. the game was over and back to sleep I went. Few hours later (8:30) we were all up and getting ready for our last full day in Rome. 
     Ok, we left a little before 10 a.m., it's now 7.6 miles later and 3:45 pm. For those who know about my knees the shots are NOT WORKING! We left the apartment and headed for the Vatican on foot. We discussed spending 80.00 Euro's but decided to save the money and walk. Before I go any further with the days events I need to correct a mistake I've been making since arriving in Germany. For those of you who been to Europe you may have caught it. For others, they don't write Euro's with decimal points. They use a comma. So we saved 40,00 Euro today by walking. 
     While I'm correcting things let's call Rome what the Italians call it, Roma. Many of the signs, t-shirts, sweat shirts, etc. have Roma on them. So, walking the streets of Roma is very interesting. There are no real street signs. Roads do not go north or south, east or west. They go all directions. The major streets are 4 lane with space for cars to park on the side. But there doesn't seem to be that many major streets. Most streets we walked are very narrow. In some cases one car and you have to walk up against the wall to avoid it. Other streets have room for one car to park on a side and a second car to squeeze by. 

Pope Upper Top Right
For video click here

     Aaron using his GPS on his phone navigated us to the Vatican. Now, there were a few times I felt we went in circles and definitely there were times we did not take the most direct route. But we arrived at the Vatican before noon. The place was hopping with people everywhere. We even had to stand in a long line to get close to the Vatican. Then we heard the Pope was giving mass at noon. We just got in and stood behind the last barriers. At first we thought he would appear in the main window but soon cheers could be heard and to our right at the top of the building was the Pope. On two large screens you could see a close up. We stayed for the whole mass and you may notice I'm learning how to use the Pano on my computer.

Beefy Burger

     From there we headed out stopping at Hard Rock Cafe of the Vatican only to learn it's a Rock Shop and no Cafe. Aaron said the number one place on his list of places to eat was close by. So off we went and soon found the Meat Market. Small joint and they placed us in a side room. For the first time we were looking at meat for lunch. Everyone ordered a different type hamburger. Pam got the American and to her surprise it was two large patties. The only problem was Sara ordered her burger well done and it came raw. Sent it back but we were able to eat all of our meal and Pam had cut her's in half and gave it to Sara. So, Pam canceled the Sara's order with the waiter. He later came out with another burger in a bag and told us it was free to take home. This was after Pam made it clear we wanted to cancel Sara's order. When the check came they still had charged us for the burger. First had discussion with waiter, then the manager came over but he could not speak English. Another person showed up to translate. They kept saying that the 2nd burger was free but we had to pay for the first. Not happy, the manager picked up the free burger and took it back and reduced our check by 13,00 Euro's.

Gelato Store of 150 Favors

Daily Gelato Intake

One of many hills
Notice the street lined in stone

     Now it was time for Gelato. However, we needed to find a special Gelato one that had 150 favors. You can almost find a Gelato store in every block but we wanted the 150 store. Took a bit but found the store. Aaron, Sara and Pam got Gelato but they learned they had to pay first before they could order. Soon we were on our way home. 

     They say Roma is built on 7 hills. It felt like we found all 7 today. Up hills and usually take a turn and up even more. Then there is the down hill climb. There are cross walks and we've learned to just step out into the road to force traffic to stop. Otherwise, they just keep on coming.

Evening Menu

Sara & Aaron

     Everyone is now on the big bed resting. Most likely we will head out one more time to get dinner and then pack on Day 9. Our plane leaves at 230 and we need to be there at least two hours early. Can't afford to miss this plane because the next back to Germany is in another 7 days. 

CLICK Here for day's photos. You should be able to tell that I was walking more then taking photos today.

Late Addition

Video clip

Fettuccine Bolognese

After watching the last episodes of Designated Survivor we crossed the street for our last Italian meal. The place was full of atmosphere. Pam decided she wasn't hungry but when we walked in they had fried cut potatoes on the grill. So that's what she ordered only to get french fries. Aaron ordered Ravioli De Marco, Sara a mushroom pizza and I ordered fettuccine bolognese. The place was rocking and had a special deal on chicken and pork steak. I took a video on the way out to show you how they had already grilled the food before arrival. 

Raviolo De Marco

Restaurant

     Pam did a little shopping before returning to the room and started the packeting. We leave at 11:30 a.m. but check out is at 10:00. Been trying to get hold of the folks to see if we can have a late check out but so far no luck. 



     

Day 7 - Christmas Day Part 3

Fancy Setting

    Yes, this is part 3. Thought I was done for today but with the evening experience thought I would share. Last night as we walked to our apartment we spoke with a young man outside of a restaurant about whether they were open Christmas Day. He said sure he works all the time. I gave him a hard time and told him his boss needs to give him some time off.  Well we thought it would be nice to go back there tonight for our Christmas evening meal. 

Fettuccine Sea Food

Risotto

     Walking up to the table one would think this is a fancy place. We sit down and they give us these plastic covered menu with numbers on them. Pam orders her second pizza, Sara ordered Ravioli with minced meat, Aaron ordered Fettuccine with sea food and I ordered Risotto with sea food. Well let's say we struck out for Christmas Dinner. Sara's was ok and Pam's pizza turned out ok. My Risotto was good but for sea food all I found was shells of crab and one large shrimp head (no tail). Aaron's food tasted sandy at spots. He tried and finished most but was not happy with the meal.  So we decided to see if we could find a sandwich place so Aaron could have something else. Along the way we checked out couple of spots but most of the places were closed by now. We ended up going back to our favorite restaurant so far, Benso for "Take Away".  You don't get "carry out" here in Italy or Germany, you get "take away". Aaron ordered what I had the other night and Sara got her a salad. 

Gelato

Glass of ice

     While they waited, Pam and I headed up to a sandwich shop/Gelato. Pam ordered hers and asked about getting a cone. The gentlemen said, "no-no, go sit." After repeating that several times we agreed and sat down. Along the way I picked out a Sprite which he took from me and repeated again, "sit, sit". Shortly he showed up with two very nice bowls of ice cream and for the first time since we started this trip a glass of ice! Again, if you have never traveled in Europe they don't serve ice with your drinks. I have seen one person with a bowl of ice on his table as we walked by spooning his ice into his glass. I assumed he must of ordered it on the side. 

Sara & Aaron 2nd Christmas Dinner 

     About the time we were ready to leave and pay Aaron and Sara showed up outside. Pam and I encouraged them to come inside. Sara loves gelato so we told them both to pick something out. Sara asked for a cone and the gentlemen actually reached for a cone when we said, no, get them what you got us. So we sat down and waited for their two dishes of gelato to show up. When they did we sat and visited. During our discussion we talked about the Halloween decorations on the wall and the Caribbean music being played on their sound system. When done they all headed out of the door and I went to pay. Let me just say, don't buy Gelato late on Christmas Day. Total cost 71.00 Euro's. Each dish of Gelato was 13.00 Euro's. I had a Sprite and had grabbed one to take back to the apartment each costing 5.00 Euro's and a big bottle of water 9.00 Euro's. I said wait and Pam who was near by said "NO WAY". But I did the math and paid the bill. 
     This was the second time we felt over charged for what we purchased. We had a great lunch yesterday but the cost for four of us was 110 Euro's. Understand most meals are 10 to 15 Euro's a person so it's common to spent 50 to 60 Euro's a meal but 110 was a little high even though we got few added items.
     Now, we are back in the apartment for the evening. All sitting on the big bed watching "Designated Survivor" on Netflix. Our television hasn't worked since day one so between my computer and Pam's iPad we've watch a few Netflix shows.
     Not sure what we will do Monday. Think we've seen everything we wanted to see so only time will tell. 

Day 7 - Christmas Day Part 2

Stairs to Heaven (or Hell)

Spaghetti Bolognese

We just got back from our walk starting at around 9 a.m. It's now just about 3 p.m. We walked over 6 miles. Lucky I'm doing this blog for my World Geography class otherwise you be reading some naughty Italian words right now. OH MY GOD! Understand that's not 6 miles of flat land. That's up and down hills. That's climbing 124 steps at once (thanks Aaron). Then turning around climbing down only to climb up another hill with smaller steps stretched out over a little distances. 

Today turned out to be shopping day. I can't tell you what we purchased because some of the family are reading and don't want to ruin t

he surprise. I will say I was able to get an item purchased for Pam that was 45 Euro's down to 38.00. Not the best but then there is Pam's purchase of 15 Euro's from 27 Euro's. The only difference was she made the street vendor very upset in the process.

After Stairs of Heaven we did this

Speaking of street vendors. If you come to Rome be prepared to be stopped about every 25 feet asking if you want to buy a selfie stick, battery charger for your phone, scarves (from India) and various other items. Then there is walking past restraunts and having the person outside try to convince you to step inside for a meal. 

View from the Top of Stairs of Heaven

Places we saw today included: Pantheon, Stairway to Heaven, Palatine Hill,  Imperial Forum, Alter of the Father Land, Piazza Campidoglio,  and Palazzo Chigi. We ate in the court yard area around the Pantheon. Wasn't our best meal and for Sara I think it was the worse. From there we stopped at a store with FREE Tasting. You'll just have to guess what was free to taste. I will say we walked out with three bottles for home. From there we stopped and watch a number of street artists. Several who used spray cans to paint landscaping and two who painted names with colorful images. Then about 2 pm it was like someone said "Lunch" because all the artist packed up and quit for the day. 

Sara Backpack

From there we started our walk back. I felt sorry for Sara, the last few days Aaron carried the backpack so today Sara declared she would do it. There were couple of differences. One we weren't getting off and on a bus and two we did a lot more shopping. I'm sure Aaron will give her a back rub tonight when we settle in. 

We are now resting but still have Christmas dinner out yet. For the pictures of today click here (this another Google Doc folder shared with the public - I will continue to add photos from Christmas Day here.)

Day 7 - Dec. 25th Part 1

We want to wish everyone a Merry Christmas. Here in Rome the temperature today will be approaching 57 degrees so no snow for Santa to land his sled. Watching the weather back home we hope everyone is safe from the storms.


After returning to our apartment Christmas Eve Aaron and Sara decided to walk to the Colosseum to see it at night. We had hoped to take a tour at night but they only do the night tours in the caves below in the summer. Pam and I stayed in the room and gave our legs a little break. Once they returned we headed out for supper but this time we went just next door. There was an American couple just finishing up their meal and after we started ours another American couple arrived who turned out to be from Florida. The lady who owned the place was hosting a family meal with a huge table sitting. About the time we left the family started to arrive and was the fist time we saw first hand the Italian greeting of kissing both cheeks. 

Pam playing with her food
sending smoke signals

Speaking of first, I forgot to mention yesterday on our bus ride back to our last stop we had just completed a round about and a police car (Polizia) had been coming down a side street towards the round about. Just as ww passed "BANG". When we turned around we saw the Polizia car and another had hit almost head on. No one appeared hurt but it was the first crash we've seen since arriving in Italy. This is amazing that we've only seen one the way people drive. 

After dinner we all returned to our apartment. Sara  crashed and soon after so did Pam. Aaron and I watched NFL football on the computer. I had gotten 5 free days to NFL Game Pass to watch the Chiefs tonight or should I say Monday morning at 2:30 a.m. Aaron called it quits at 10 and after Miami kicked their winning field goal in overtime I headed off to bed. 

Day 6 - Christmas Eve Part Two

Inside the Colosseum

After posting the last post we headed out up to the bus stop. Just as we walked up the bus arrived so we were off to the Colosseum. Like before I took a lot of photos. So I created a folder on Google Drive of just the Colosseum photos (click here). It's amazing to think about how the Romans packed the Colosseum to watch the games. We read a number of signs telling the story. For example, Pam was thinking we would see a wide open center. Instead as the photos show you see a maze of walls. What's missing is the wooded floor that has long disappeared. 

You had to be in good shape to walk the steps of the Colosseum. Not only are there a lot of them but the steps are very big. Almost a step and half for each step. Have to be honest and say my knees struggled a little today. It wasn't the going up so much but the coming down. We stopped off at the gift shop on the way out and Pam picked up a few gifts. 

Outside we checked on horse buggy rides but at 150 Euros, we decided to pass. Instead we walked across these large stepping stones and worked our way up the hill so we could take some additional photos. I'm sure you will notice in the Colosseum photo folder there are a few photos.

We then hopped on the bus and took a short ride to the Spanish steps. It was lunch time and Aaron wanted to pick the place to eat. The first couple of places he rejected because they offered hamburgers and cheese burgers. Then we headed down a small street. (One thing about Rome even the small streets have a lot to offer). Stopping and looking at a menu with a dozen different languages, Aaron decided this would be our stop. Turned out to be another good meal. The place was called Ristorante Pizzeria but to be honest I think a lot of them are called this. We were escorted to our seats by one gentlemen and then another came to wait on us. Very friendly and could speak English. After our order he convinced Sara to take a sampling of the house wine. The glass was pretty much full when he presented it to her. Both Aaron and Sara enjoyed the wine. We order Bruschetta and what we got was 4 large slices of Bruschetta but also a large tray of fresh mozzarella cheese, smoked ham and Prosciutto. Yes, we were pretty full when the main course arrived.  After lunch we headed up the hill to the Spanish Steps. Found ourselves at the top of the steps already. But it wouldn't be any fun unless we took on the challenge. So down the 136 steps we went. At the bottom took a few photos. Sara and Pam were given flowers by someone trying to sell the flowers. Sara was sharp enough to know that she needed to give it back or pay for it. But Pam decided to make some lady happy by giving her the flower. The only problem was the man wanted his flower back or his money. Pam said "I told you no I didn't want the flower. When you gave me the flower you said Merry Christmas so I thought you gave me the flower". Needless to say, the man was upset and chewed Pam out as he walked away. First there was Cancun where she got thrown out of a store trying to talk down the price and now at the bottom of the great Spanish Steps she's chewed out by another. Stand back folks - she's all mine. 
We of course had to go up the steps after walking around at the bottom for a bit. At the top Sara and Aaron went the extra few steps to the very top. From there we headed back to the bus, made a stop at a gift shop and yours truly had to do some bargaining. What was marked 41 Euro's cost me 25. Sure there were better deals but the guy was fun to deal with. From there onto the bus where we found ourselves stuck for what they said was a 15 minute break that turned into 30. I think a couple of them were Christmas shopping. Got back to our stop and decided to explore. Found a clothing store where we did a little shopping and got me another hat. From there we just walked a bit and found ourselves back to the room. Well I stayed in the room, the other three went to get Gelato. We did check with the near by eating establishments and they are all open Christmas Day. So, we plan on walking and exploring Christmas Day. Hope everyone has a safe and fun Christmas Eve. According to Aaron we have walked over 13 miles the past two days. Then again the food we are eating I think equals out all the exercise. Believe it or not we still have supper ahead. For those who haven't seen my Facebook - I tend to post food when I make road trips. That's why your seeing so many food photos. 
Last item for today - I'm trying to upload photos to various Google Drive folders. But the uploading is slow. I have a ton more photos to add and may not get them done until we return to the states the way things are going. I also have videos but no way will I try to upload them now.