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<\/a><\/a><\/a>05 MAY 2015, 01:41 PM – In the air<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Heading towards JFK. Robin is in the seat in front of me and Curtis is behind me. I am sitting next to a young man who wants to sleep but is fidgeting. The pilot said 2h 13m in air.<\/p>\n\n\n
<\/a>05 MAY 2015, 03:51 PM – JFK Airport<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Sucked! We had an hour but had to walk forever in 90 degree heat to get on the Dante Express (a bus with no AC, and seemingly the heater control stuck on max), then walk outside to another building THEN get in a line that was in the edge of the earth for security. It did move fast, but the hour that we had from landing to take off was wasted walking. Now, sitting on our plane to Paris waiting to push off.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
06 MAY 2015, 12:12 AM – Paris Airport<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
We have about an hour before our last flight into Venice. The flight here was very nice although I think my chair was broken on the foot rest. The tv was good with lots of things to watch, and they served dinner and breakfast. We all slept very little but we did get some rest.<\/p>\n\n\n
<\/a>06 MAY 2015, 04:53 AM – We’re in Venice!<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
We rented a private water taxi (speed boat) and got to the hotel around 10 am. Then headed out on a water bus to Rialto. Stopped in Piazza San Marco for lunch. After lunch, as we were heading to Rialto, we stopped for the long awaited gondola ride. No strike like last time! Then finally back to the hotel, shower and rest.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
After a great nap, we headed out to have dinner at the Three Gruff Sisters (Trattoria Ai Cugnai), where we ate all those years ago. The sisters have been retired for over 6 years, but the name remains the same and the food… Amazing!!! Heading to San Marco to see the sunset (which we missed) but there was the Pegasus in a boat. And then San Marco at dusk.<\/p>\n\n\n
<\/a>Next morning I overslept until 8:15 and we quickly got ready to meet Robin for breakfast. We went back upstairs to pack and check out. Before hopping the waterbus, we did a little shopping. We then headed off to Rialto Market, Robin was in heaven. Then we browsed the Rialto Bridge shops and headed to see the San Marco church and Doge’s Palace.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The palace was an interesting place to see where the Senate came to decide the fate of things. We walked over the bridge of sighs, properly named for prisoners heading to their cells. It was the last view of Venice before being thrown in jail. We decided to stop for a light lunch and a coffee at Cafe Florian. Legend says it’s the first place coffee was served in Europe. After the church, we bought some souvenirs, grabbed our luggage and hopped a train to Rome.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
<\/a><\/a><\/a><\/a><\/a><\/a><\/a><\/a><\/a><\/a><\/a><\/a><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n07 MAY 2015, 04:32 PM – Rome, baby!<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
We made it! Checked in around 10:00 pm and went straight to dinner. Tomorrow is ancient Rome with our private tour guide (Drivers Guide Service). 9am, Ivano, our tour guide, and he is amazing. He is taking us to places most people don’t go. He took us to a local cafe for espresso. His family has history in Rome so he speaks personally about different places. Lunch was at a local restaurant, a beautiful vineyard, Ivano has “friends ” there. Afterwards we explored the Catacombs and drove by the Coliseum. Then back to the hotel for a quick rest and change then off to the Vatican.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The Vatican was not as crowded as last time (it also wasn’t a free Sunday), but St. Peters was closed and we did not get to see it again. If we have time, we will go. Robin insisted on a taxi to take us to Trevi Fountain, but sadly, it was under construction. Coins were thrown nonetheless. Then off to Spanish Steps where we sat on the steps. Dinner and bed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
<\/a><\/a><\/a><\/a><\/a><\/a><\/a><\/a><\/a><\/a><\/a><\/a><\/a>09 MAY 2015, 08:29 AM – Ostia Antica, Colosseum<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
This morning we went to see the ruins at Ostia Antica, a port for Rome. What an amazing place. Much like Pompeii there are still many things that you can see and imagine the way of life. We saw the marketplace, where merchants would come to trade. Mosaic tiles in front of each booth, so even illiterates would know where to go. A pub, with the menu still on the wall. Apartments, houses, palaces and a whore house (we think), across from the baths. Capitolium (Capitol Hill) and Forum and even an amphitheater where concerts are still held. Lunch at a local place in Ostia then to the Colosseum.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Our tour of the Colosseum took us where the “public” was not allowed. It took us to the main floor, which is now finished, unlike last time when it was scaffolding. It took us to the underground and it took us almost to the very top. What an amazing place, design and all around fabulous stadium. It was a good day in history! Tonight, we enjoyed drinks on the roof top of the hotel.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
<\/a><\/a><\/a><\/a><\/a><\/a><\/a><\/a><\/a><\/a><\/a>10 MAY 2015, 09:01 AM – Angels and Demons<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
We decided that Pompeii was just too hard after yesterday and we thought Ostia Antica would be very similar, so, we changed our plans. We decided to follow the “Path of Illumination” that Robert Langdon followed in Angels and Demons (Dan Brown) and find the four “Alters of Science”. It’s been an easy day, no hurry, no schedule, just enjoying our last day in Rome. We decided to explore Castel Sant’Angelo as the final destination of our Angel and Demons tour.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
<\/a><\/a><\/a><\/a><\/a><\/a><\/a><\/a>11 MAY 2015, 12:30 AM – Going home<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
It’s 6:30 am Rome time. I have been up for an hour so I took my shower and packed. Waking Curtis up soon and our taxi will be here at 7:30 am to take us to the airport. Arrivederci Italy. Thanks for the great memories. The hotel’s (Radisson Blu) car service took us to the airport where we caught our first flight to Paris. Paris to Detroit, where they had thunderstorms and the airport had been shut down. We circled several times and then was told to land. Got through customs easily and headed to our last gate. Back on Florida soil, our car service was waiting to take us home. What a great trip and wonderful memories.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
I have to thank everyone at home who made it possible for us because of the horses and cats. Erin Baxter, Windy Matthews, Stacey Kinard, Avery Baxter, Robert Matthews, Nora Baxter and Buddy Matthews. Without these amazing people, this trip would not have been possible. I am attaching some interesting photos I took along the way that did not make it into the daily journal. I have enjoyed sharing my trip, I hope you have enjoyed the experience too.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
<\/a><\/a><\/a><\/a><\/a>in one!<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n
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