Monday, January 24, 2005

Rome :: lunedì, 24 & martedì, 25

(transcribed from written travel journal)

US AIrways Ticket

I begin my travels in Baltimore at BWI. My flight to Philly is at 3.05p (EST) on Monday the 24th, and at the depths of the airport I find Gate 45; but it felt like gate 454,421,600 from the distance I had to walk to get there. An earlier flight to Philly, which had been delayed, accommodated us and I arrived at Philly International Airport around 3.30-45pm. The Philly Airport is also quite large and required a shuttle to take us from the different terminals, but I found my way thanks to a very nice girl at the information desk. So off I go on the shuttle to Terminal A.

US Airways Ticket

My flight leaves at 6pm and they begin boarding at around 5.15p. Everything was going smoothly until we board the plane and are waiting for take off. First it was a delay due to “20 or so connecting passengers,” then another delay because the cargo (our luggage) hadn’t been loaded on the plane… probably because they had to load the plane twice due to the connecting passengers. I suppose that’s understandable. We being to push back and we taxi to the ‘de-icing pad’ where they hose the entire plane down in a fluid which I assume not only get rid of any snow and ice which have accumulated since we’ve been waiting, but also keeps it from accumulating any in flight. Well, after we had been waiting for these 20 or so connecting passengers, the line for the de-icing pad had grown and the Captain did not want to waste fuel waiting in line. So we taxi back to the gate and refuel while waiting for the line to die down. After which, they discover a water leak near the flight-deck and cabin. By this time it’s about 9pm, 3 hours after we should be been in the air on our way to Italy. Myself and numerous other passengers aren’t too happy; no one was saying much… at least that I could understand (quite a few passengers were foreign) but from the tone in their voice, they were not too pleased with US Airways. After the water leak had been remedied, we taxi to the de-icing pad… again… and they de-ice the plane. Another 1/2 hour later, and 4 hours late, we were on our way to Italy.

The plane ride was not bad at all. I was lucky to have an empty seat next to me which I could spread out on and not be so confined. The food, although not expected to be the best, was pretty bad. I would eat it if only given no other choice and I was on my death bed. The miniature bottle of red wine helped a lot though. :) They normally charge $5/€5 for them (which they announced) but they flight attendant didn’t charge me. Lush Luck I suppose. :-P Following the torturous entree, I felt the effects of the Benadryl I took earlier and began to slip into a comfortable doze. Not after watching Sex & the City on the in-flight entertainment though. :-D I woke to the most beautiful view of a sunrise over clear skies; mainly clear because we were above every cloud in the world. The sky was every color of the rainbow and became brighter and brighter as we flew on. I wish I had gotten a picture of it. Soon again, I felt drowsy and realized that the Benadryl wasn’t finished in it’s task. Another quick nap and I awoke to the flight attendant lowering the shade to the window, and I wondered why they would do such a thing… until after I raised the shade nearly blinding myself from the brilliant sun, I realized they didn’t want a plane full of sightless passengers who had been sleep deprived due to the magnificent star. I close my shade and resorted to yet another slumber, then breakfast/snack and a GQ Magazine. By then they had raised the cabin lighting and announced our decent. 20 minutes and I’d be in ROME!

I would have never fathomed that I would be flying across the Atlantic, alone, at 21. 8 hours and 20 minutes after departing, I arrived at

My Passport

Rome Leonardo da Vinci Fiumicino (FCO) around 1pm (7pm EST) on Tuesday the 25th. After getting off the plane my first concern was to call the only person I knew in the country… Jason. I tried calling a few times after sending a text message but I couldn’t get through. I realized that I hadn’t gotten through Immigration/Customs yet either. Several lines with several different purposes caught me off guard but I found one that said “All Passengers” so I just

Fiumicino Immigration

went through that one. Jason called while I as in line telling me to go to the train station because he was not at the airport but in some other place that started with a ‘T.’ Seeing as I had just gotten to the country and didn’t even have my luggage, I didn’t know what to do and taking directions that I wouldn’t remember probably wouldn’t be the best idea. I would just call Jason back as soon as I gotten through Customs and had picked up my luggage. So I trotted though the Fiumicino airport with a grin like no other…. I was in Italy!

After waiting around the carousel as many a people do everyday around the world, I had my baggage and had exchanged my USD for Euro (€).

Euro Bill and Change

I began to walk to the train station and tried calling Jason. My Cingular company phone did not have service and I figured that I would just have to use the line I activated with the international capabilities. After several attempts with that and getting a woman screaming at me in Italian, I figured that the dialing standards were different when you were actually in the country. I sent Jason a text message asking him to call me which he promptly did.

The airport is directly connected to the train station and after getting

Leonardo Express Ticket

information from Jason and the guy at the information desk, I found a shop which sold tickets, biglietteria in Italian, and told Jason that the train left at 14.07 for Roma Termini. Apparently it had taken longer than I thought to get my bags and a train ticket because the train was about to leave. I got flustered and ran to the train, active phone call and luggage in hand. I didn’t know what track to tell Jason that I was on, but I would be there shortly.

I sat on the train, praying that I was going the right direction. Looking over my ticket, I noticed several references about “validating” the ticket before departure. Apparently, not only do you have to purchase the ticket, you have to get it validated at an automated kiosk when you leave. The ticket, which cost €9,50, expires 90 minutes from validation. They normally check your ticket, but I was lucky I guess and they didn’t. I just saved myself €9,50; I’ll be able to use the same ticket Monday on my way back to the airport from Roma Termini.

About 15-30 minutes later, I arrived at Roma Termini. Toting my luggage down the platform, I hear a familiar voice call my name. As the two men who were walking in front of me moved off to the side, there was Jason, my guide for the week. My already brilliant smile’s limits were pushed further as I almost leapt into his arms. I was so excited to see him again and to be in ROME!!!.

With him, Jason had brought his friend DJ, another Navy boy who had been stationed in Italy for over a year & a half. I was very glad to meet someone new right away as I seemed to have grown mostly out of my introverted shell of shyness.

From Roma Termini… Jason, DJ, & I went to the hotel that Jason had

The Flower Garden Hotel

gotten in Rome: The Flower Garden Hotel on Via del Viminale; cheap yet comfortable and very accessible to all of Rome. We quickly dropped off our stuff and joined DJ back in the lobby to head to the Basilica di San Pietro, the most famous church in Christendom. “The spiritual capital of the Roman Catholic faith and the focus of the Papal Vatican State. Testament to the genius of Michelangelo, architect and sculptor.” Walking to the Basilica you enter through the Piazza San Pietro, a large colonnade which is impressively grandiose. 284 columns and 140 statues greet you as you walk up to the Basilica, no words can really ever describe the magnificence; the detail and scale of every piece of art is something to be appreciated and admired. I believe that most of my journey through Italy will be awe-inspiring and overwhelming. The size of this Basilica and Piazza alone made the trip worth it.

DJ had run off while we were in the Basilica to see if the Vatican Grottoes (the crypt) was open. Apparently only sections of certain monuments and sites are open during certain times. DJ came back with a giddy grin which meant that the Grottoes was open. A short descend down some stairs and we were under the Basilica and in the Grottoes “which are lines with tombs of emperors and popes.” The tombs of these emperors and popes were very beautiful; the marble used to decorate and adorn the dead was quite elaborate.

Cupola Lift Ticket

We emerged outside and paid for a ride up a lift which led to stairs… my curiosity was shared by Jason as we immediately began to run up the steps… 330 steps later, we came to see the mosaics at the height of the dome. As if our curiosity hadn’t been satisfied yet, Jason and I find more steps to climb and find ourselves ascending a very narrow spiral staircase and upon reaching the top of the lantern with the most amazing view of Rome.

From the Basilica… Jason, DJ, & I retrieved our bags from the not-so-speedy attendant and left walking back through the Piazza. Becoming increasingly hungry, we begin looking for a place to eat. DJ suggested a place that I believe he said his lieutenant recommended. So we begin to travel the (MANY) streets of Rome and come upon the restaurant… closed. Disappointed that he could not share the restaurant’s good food, JD suggested we go to The Pink Panther. Seemingly familiar to Jason, I agreed and we began our trek to the second choice of locale. As we walked to The Pink Panther, we passed the Piazza di Spagna (Spanish Steps). The steps are quite often a meeting place and is very popular. Walking further south we also passed the Fontana di Trevi (Trevi Fountain), the most photographed fountain in Rome.

We got to the restaurant and inquire as to whether or not they are open. The waiter welcomed us into the desolate dining room. As Jason explained to me, Italians usually do not eat dinner ’til about 8.30 or 9, so most restaurants are not ready ’til at least 8pm. I think we arrived around 7.15 or so, but as the night progressed on, the place became a bit more lively. Our waiter was quite musical throughout his shift and was very patient with us Americans.

First and foremost, I had to have a glass of wine. €16 later, we had a bottle served. They definitely took advantage of us by promptly bringing a nice wine instead of the table wine or, as we say, the house wine (AKA, the cheap stuff). It was a good wine though. :)

After two glasses of wine, and an excellent first meal in Italia, we decided to head out. As we walked out of the restaurant, it had begun to rain. I expected snow showers from the weather forecasts, but then again, when are they ever trustworthy? The three of us took the metro back to Roma Termini to say goodbye to DJ as he was leaving to head back to wherever in Italy he resides… Naples I assumed. From there, Jason and I walked to the hotel from the train station. It had stopped raining and I began to see a familiar venue as this was the same way we walked when I first arrived and went to the hotel.

I was up most of the night, only grasping a few moments of sleep around 8am. Maybe it was the wine, the cell phone ringing in the next room, or the sounds of slumber (putting it mildly) of the friend who I shared a room with; but I know it was in part because my mind was reeling of the day’s travels and conversations.

Wednesday, January 26, 2005

Rome :: mercoledì, 26

(transcribed from written travel journal)

Another day in Rome!!! We got up pretty early to get ready to go see the Colosseo (the Rome Coliseum). As we were walking along, myself

Coloseeo Ticket

unaware as to how far we had to go, we turned onto Via Degli Annibaldi; and at the top of the hill, I get my first glimpse of the Colosseo. I had to stop and take a moment… as well as some pictures. Such a large monument and testament to history in the middle of such a beautiful city. We got there at about 10.30am and I couldn’t help but marvel at how, everyday, the people of Rome who work, eat, sleep, even walk their dog, just are making their way through the city, turn down a street and BAM, there it is. We made our way to the entrance and I became increasingly overwhelmed at it’s magnitude. Inside the Colosseo, an amphitheatre where gladiators fought to the death with wild beasts, I marveled at the enormosity… breathtaking, absolutely breathtaking.

From the Colesseo we walked out and I bought a plaster model of the Colesseo. Jason bartered for me and I got it for €10 instead of the €20 he was tryin’ to sell it at. From there we went to head to the Foro Romano and on the way we passed the Arco di Constantino, the arch next to the Colesseo. There were several arches that we passed around the Foro… Arco de Tito was the other significant one.

Other Foro Romano Sites:

Casa dei Vestalli (House of the Vestal Virgins)

Tempio di Giulio Cesare (Grave of Cesare)

Tempio di Saturno

From the Foro we went to the Palazzo dei Conservatori; which is part of the

Musei Capitolini Ticket

Musei Capitolini, the “home to one of Rome’s richest collection of sculptures, mosaics, frescoes, and paintings.” One of the more famous pieces is the big foot. :) Jason also wanted to see the exhibit of M.C. Escher they had on display. We thought it had ended but they extended it through March. The name was familiar to me but I couldn’t quite put my finger on it until I saw the exhibit. M.C. Escher did a lot of work with perspective and how things are seen, as Jason explained. I now put the name to the art and can now appreciate it properly. After the M.C. Escher exhibit, we went to the bar in the Musei for lunch and had a quick bite.

Next we headed to the Monumento a Vittorio Emmanuelle II. There isn’t any information in my travel guide about it, but what we read from the information and what little I found online, it is a monument dedicated to the first king of the united Italy. One thing that I do remember and found quite interesting was that along the top of the monument are 17 or so statues of women and each of them have a different item which represent an aspect of Italy. Also, another part of the monument explains a lot of how we get symbols for medicine, or words for geometry and such.

Following the Monumento a Vittorio Emmanuelle II, we went to the Pantheon, Italy’s best-preserved building from antiquity. It used to be a Pagan temple, but was turned to a Christian church.

Gelateria Receipt

I had my first taste of Gelato which is simply divine. I had strawberry, of

Castel Sant’Angelo Ticket

course, which is ‘fragola’ in Italian. Yum! From the parlor we trotted to the Castel Sant’Angelo. As soon as I saw it, my first thought was of how much fun this would be for David to run around in. A fortress dating back to 135 AD which guarded the Vatican; also used for a prison.

After the Castel Sant’Angelo, Jason and I headed to see if we could visit the Capella Sistina (Sistine Chapel) inside the Vatican Museum but we were not quite sure where it was. We had stumbled across some museum inside the Basilica which is very close to the Vatican so we thought that may be it, but it wasn’t. We decided to take a look anyway; it ended up being the Museo Storico Artistico Tesoro

Museo Storico Artistico Tesoro Ticket

where inside were the most beautiful crosses and jewels, most of which were given as gifts to kings and such. Since we were leaving for Florence tomorrow, Jason and I decided to get up early to see the Capella Sistina in the Vatican Museum. We both were pretty tired and agreed a nap was in order; so we began to head back to the hotel.

On our way we walked through the Villa Burghese, a nearby park. We walked a road which kept winding up but eventually came to the top of a hill and I got a beautiful view of Rome at night.

We hopped on the metro back to the hotel (mainly because we didn’t want to walk) and took a nap. Jason woke me up and we went to have dinner near the Colosseo. I thought there were just good restaurants near the Colosseo, but what Jason meant was to have dinner next to the Colosseo. I got a few pictures of the grand monument at night and we had dinner at a nice place which sat next to the amphitheatre. Very romantic I must say.

After dinner, Jason and I went around the corner to a bar, and had a beer; which I must add, was very good. We could see that the Foro was lit up and decided to go walk through, but when we got to the entrance they had closed that gate. Slightly disappointed, we walked back to one of the main roads to get a taxi back to the hotel.

When we got there, the guy at the front desk gave us a note from Jason’s friend Giovanni letting us know that he was working and to stop by to visit. Since he worked next door, we headed over to say hello. A pretty nice guy all around. Jason was telling him what we had done and I showed him some of the pictures I had taken so far. We mentioned our dinner near the Colosseo and that the it was lit up. Giovanni explained why the illuminate it; mostly for significant reasons, but one that struck me was to do with capital punishment. He explained that if a prisoner/criminal was sentenced to death and reprieved from it, they would light up the Colosseo. Giovanni said that Italy is against capital punishment so they are happy when a life is spared… just don’t let ‘em go to Texas. HAHA. Giovanni thinks that recently they have illuminated the Colosseo is for the tsunami victims and their families, which makes sense. After our visit with Giovanni, Jason and I went back to the hotel to get ready for bed.

I bought postcards today at the Colosseo and will write them on the train to Florence tomorrow. We decided to take the EuroStar* train since it will get us there faster and we will have more time to see the Sistine Chapel. It costs a little more, but if it gives me more time to see Italy, I’m all for it!

I tried withdrawing money from my Savings account that I have with Tower Federal, but the ATM said that my transaction was invalid and to contact my back about international withdraws. Stupid bank… I don’t understand why it wouldn’t let me withdrawal money… it has the stupid Cirus logo on it. Oh well, I’ll just have to make due. I should have plenty to last me. :)

Tomorrow, Capella Sistina… then to FLORENCE!

Thursday, January 27, 2005

Rome → Florence :: giovedì, 27

(transcribed from written travel journal)

Musei Vatica Ticket

Jason and I got up at about 7.30am to embark on anther day in Italy. We hastily made our way via a metro bus to the Vatican Museum to see the Capella Sistina (the Sistine Chapel). All I can say is wow! I wish I could have snuck a picture or two. It was so beautiful and I hope to see it again someday. Especially the famous “Creation of Adam” and “Separation of Light and Dark.”

We headed back to the hotel to get our things and head to the

Rome Metro Pass

train station. As I’m tryin’ to roll my luggage, I discover that the wheels are broken… NOT GOOD. I was able to switch to the smaller of the two to roll everything, and as we get to the train station… those wheels broke as well!!! Needless to say, I was not happy. Disappointed with my Target purchase, I understood why it was called “luggage.” Inside the station, I waited with my bags while Jason bought the ticket to Firenze, Florence. We find the train we need and look at the ticket to see what

Railway ticket from Rome to Florence

car we were in… #12… at the end of the train… what luck. As I thought things couldn’t get worse, the train was getting ready to leave, so we had to run! This is the second time now that I’ve had to run for a train… but now with no wheels on my luggage. Thankfully I found a luggage trolley and raced Jason to the train (I won ;-)). An hour and a half later, thanks to the quick EuroStar*, we arrived at Firenze, Florence. I only got to write three postcards on the train before I fell asleep. Sorry guys! Upon arrival,

Soggiorno Michelangelo

I figured out how to dial to the states… I called mom and checked my voicemail. We caught a taxi to the hotel: Soggiorno Michelangelo on Via Fra’ Bartolommeo. As soon as we got there we dropped off our bags and headed to the Duomo and Museo dell’ Opera del Duomo.

First we went into the Battistero of the Opera di Santa Maria del Fiore, which was right next to the Duomo. Inside were magnificent views of a high chapel and beautiful mosaic ceilings. Mostly bare inside since almost all of the art has been moved to the museum. I got a beautiful picture of the grand mosaic ceiling. Jason said there was a crypt in this place too and we went down to see it, but it cost too much to see a bunch of dead guys. When we

Opera Cupola

came back up to the surface, we saw people paying for another portion of the Battistero so we went over to investigate. I initially thought it was a charge for confessionals but it wasn’t. This was €6 and let us get to climb the 400+ steps (with no lift) to the Cupola. Jason and I thought, why not, and raced up the stairs… all 400-something of them. Again experiencing the very narrow stairs only to be rewarded with a brilliant view of Florence. I took Jason’s picture for him and we headed back down the 400+ steps.

Following our intense workout, we took a look inside the Duomo and then proceeded to get some gellato. I tried their rum & rainsens… let’s just say, I liked the rum. O:-) Jason had made reservations at the Cappelle Medicee and so we headed to that around 2p. We searched around for a while and finally found it.

Capelle Medicee

Inside I admired numerous sculptures and alters. I snuck a picture of the ceiling of the The Church of San Lorenzo inside the Chapel. Quite beautiful I must say.

We then went to the museo for the

Opera Museo

Opera which contains Michelangelo’s last work Pietà and Ghiberti’s Gates of Paradise which are made of 10 relief panels of biblical subjects, among much of the art from the Opera. After we left the museo, Jason and I headed over to the marketplace nearby where everyone wants to sell you everything at twice the price it’s worth. Jason got a scarf for himself and his sister; the one he picked, I was going to get and they didn’t have another of the same color.

Next is probably one of the best experiences I’ve had in Italy so far; right up there with the Colosseo. Jason and I went to the

Galleria Dell’ Accademia

Galleria Dell’ Accademia (the Academic Gallery) which is part of the art school established in 1784. The wide gallery leads to the statue of Michelangelo’s David, the most famous sculpture in the world. I cannot describe it, you have to see this once in your life and since they were VERY strict about no photographs, I couldn’t get any… or did I? O:-) I was able to sneak a few… what a beautiful sculpture.

On our way from the Academic Gallery, we headed towards Ponte Vecchio. The most famous bridge in Florence and also the oldest, this structure with three stone arches replaced a wooden bridge which had crossed the Arno River at this spot since Roman times. As we walked across the bridge we were warmed by the massive amounts of gold displayed under bright lights. It was VERY cold and windy today! BRRRRR!

Friday, January 28, 2005

Florence :: venerdì, 28

(transcribed from written travel journal)

Post Office Ticket

Slept in a little later than expected but managed to get up and get ready to go to the Galleria delgi Uffizi. I had forgotten that I still needed to mail my postcards, so Jason and I looked around for a post office. Jason told me that the post office is where people pay their bills, so it gets quite busy… definitely felt like the damn MVA. You have to get a ticket and wait til they call the number, what a comfort to have knowing they face the same hell we do. I didn’t want to waste time sitting in a post office to get a few stamps, but it didn’t take too long. Thankfully, Jason was with me because the lady didn’t speak any english. Hopefully my postcards will get home ok… even though I know I will be back in the states before they are.

Galleria degli Uffizi

Jason and I headed to the Galleria degli Uffizi and took on it’s 45 rooms of artwork.You definitely need a few hours, if not a full day, to go through the whole thing to really appreciate each piece of art. Many of these paintings and pieces are graphic in their depiction of biblical times and such. There were a few pieces which really touched me, I wish I had written down the name of the paintings. Very beautiful. Among the hundreds of pieces, Sandro Filipepi, called il Botticelli, The Birth of Venus was one of my favorities.

Museo di Storia Della Scienza

Next was the Museo di Storia Della Scienza (the Science Museum). Inside were rooms filled with telescopes, globes, instruments for measuring the stars, time keeping tools, and various other scientific tools. Some that I found very interesting were:
-Orologio Dei Pianeti (1510) Lorenzo della Volpaia
-Appareccho per Studiare Gli Urti Elastici Ed Anelastici
-Venus orrery

After the Science Museum, Jason and I headed to Pisa. When we got there, it was just getting dark and most of the merchants who line the streets leading to the tower were closed, but we think that’s because it was SOOOO COLD! Unfortunately the tower was also closed and we couldn’t go up, but I did get a few good pictures… and not of me holding it up… so cliché. We read about the tower on the boards that had posted and promptly left as it was getting quite windy.

We took a 2nd class regular train back to Florence around 6.30; it

Railway ticket from Pisa to Florence

had only taken us about an hour to get there but on the way back we got off on the wrong stop and had to wait for the next train. Once back near the Duomo, we looked for dinner. Jason and I were in the mood for a pizzaria and found a nice restaurant called “Yellow Bar.”

Yellow Bar Receipt

Dinner was fabulous! The best pizza is in Florence and is absolutely delicious… SOOOO much better than any I’ve ever had (and probably will ever have) in my life! The wine was a bit overpirced though so we only had a glass each. For dessert we had some pinapple with ice cream and at the last bite, jason discoved that it had nuts in the ice cream and since he is allergic to almonds… he needed to make sure it wasn’t. The waitress found out but Jason and I had some doubt in her answer since it didn’t seem she understood “almonds.” We decided to be cautious and leave right away to get him back to the hotel. Thankfully Jason didn’t have any reaction because after getting directions to the Duomo we ended up walking pretty far in the wrong direction. We must have turned down the wrong street or something, but we were a good 30 minutes walking distance away from the hotel. We realize this and stood looking for a taxi, but it looked like taxis don’t travel much around the part of Florence we were in. It was pretty cold and only getting colder, my entire body was aching from the week’s worth of walking we had done; and what made it worse was after stepping in a dog’s unpleasantness and going to wipe it off… when I look up, Jason is gone.

Map of Florence

My immediate reaction was to call out his name, but I wasn’t sure what part of town I was in and that may not be such a good idea. Maybe I just couldn’t see him, so I looked harder, not moving just in case he came back. I became quite worried and decided to walk to the bus stop we were just at and there he was… looking at a larger map of the area. I was scared shitless for a minute. A good 30 minutes later, and with direction from a guy in a coffee bar, we got back tot he hotel. I was so cold and needed to take a shower to warm up. I really hope Naples is warmer than this.

Saturday, January 29, 2005

Florence → Naples :: sabato, 29

(transcribed from written travel journal)

We got up around 8 and went back to the marketplace and I got my scarf. I didn’t get a model of the tower of Pisa, but that’s ok. I think Jason said he’d get me one and send it to me. We went back to the hotel to

Railway ticket from Florence to Naples

pick up our things and caught a bus to the train station (Firenze, Florence). We bought tickets to Napoli (Naples) and just as I was hating the manufacturers of my luggage, my luck seemed to turn around. When I went to grab the ticket from the machine, I grabbed two. The second was a ticket to Rome from Florence for two people. I was so excited because I could use this ticket to trade in for a ticket from Naples to Rome when I left Monday. Now I had two tickets paid for. :) We took the EuroStar* again because it was the train leaving around 10.45a. Thankfully it only took about three hours to get to Naples and I slept most of the way.

When we got to Napoli Centrale, it was raining. After getting off the train we headed to the metro to go to

Napoli Metro Pass

Bagnoli (the closest stop to the base where Jason parked his car). I waited with the luggage (in the rain) while he got his car. He took me to his house where we met up with DJ and his friend Troy. I was amazed at how beautiful Jason’s house was… I wish I had that here in the states… but I’m sure our economy would jack up the price to MUCH MUCH more than what Jason was paying for it. DJ took a shower while we waiting and then we all headed to the shops on “Via Toledo.” I didn’t really see anything I liked but I was feelin’ a lil depressed… not sure why. :-\ We only spend a short while in the crowded streets ’til it was time to head to Reuben’s for a birthday party with a lot of Jason’s friends. I was excited to meet the people who have had the pleasure of spending time with Jason since August. DJ drove from the metro and it wasn’t long before we were walking into Reuben’s beautiful home. I met a ton of new people, of who I hope to never forget… in particular: Giovanni (another one), Anna, Gestano, Karl, and Fabio. I am so thankful to have met such good people. I clicked right away with Giovanni and we ended up talking for the rest of the evening, myself learning a lot. He gave me a ring of his, which was perfect since I was looking to buy one sometime in Italy. I know I will cherish it and it will not only service as a reminder of a great new friendship, but of lessons learned. Everyone was starting to talk about going to the club and I was excited to go. Giovanni drove me there and I had a blast! Great music, and plenty of drinks! ;-) Jason had gone back home and maybe I should have too, but I am glad that I went out and had the experience. Coming back from the club, Giovanni showed me around a little, including where he lives and a wonderful spot on top of a hill where you get a great view of Naples at night.

It was getting pretty late and Giovanni took me back to Jason’s where he was already asleep.

Sunday, January 30, 2005

Naples :: domenica, 30

(transcribed from written travel journal)

I slept restlessly as I found from my aching back the next morning. DJ woke me up and was watching some movies while I fell in and out of sleep. Jason came down and joined us and after a lil while I decided to take a shower. Jason, DJ, and Troy decided to go out to lunch, but I couldn’t. My stomach was pretty upset, so I stayed and slept on the couch some more.

The guys got back about an hour or two later and I woke up to watch a few more movies with them. Giovanni came by and we headed out to dinner at a Chinese restaurant. We met Anna there and had a wonderful time. It was great to see her again. DJ and Troy had to get going so we left to go back to Jason’s and I said goodbye to Anna and DJ. Giovanni drove Jason and I back to Jason’s and I said g’bye to Giovanni, thanking him for everything.

Jason and I watched CAMP. I’ve never heard of it but it was pretty good, especially two of the songs towards the end. I’m definitely going to look for it as soon as I get back. The night ended quietly. I leave for home tomorrow.

Monday, January 31, 2005

Naples → Rome → Home Naples :: lunedì, 31

(transcribed from written travel journal)

Jason woke me up at about 6.15a and we head to Napoli Centrale. I trade in my ticket and am scheduled to leave the station at 7.30a.

Railway ticket from Naples to Rome (take 1)

I said goodbye reluctantly and watched him step off the train. He sent me a few text messages about switching seats once the train was on it’s way if I didn’t want to sit next to the guy who’s seat was next to mine.

I got to the airport with just enough time to get to the counter to be told that they were not allowing any more check-ins. I had 30 minutes before the flight left, but they were not allowing me to check my luggage or board. I even asked to have my bags follow me the following day. They said no, and directed me over to the ticketing counter to have everything explained. The attendant said that check-in must be 45 minutes prior to boarding time… 15 minutes!!! I missed the flight by 15 minutes because the train from Termini to the airport first was late, then changed tracks, then changed trains! I couldn’t believe it, I was near tears. The attendant said she could book me on the next flight and I thought it wouldn’t be so bad… I’d just arrive home later that night; but it was worse… the next flight out wasn’t until tomorrow. Same itinerary, but 24 hours later. I had no choice… she issued me new tickets and sent me on my way.

I tried calling Jason but I didn’t get through; I still hadn’t figured out how to dial international numbers while in the country. I sent him a text asking him to call me but he couldn’t get through either… through a text message conversation, I explained what happened and he offered that I either lock up my bags and the airport and chill until tomorrow, or head back to Naples where he’d pick me up and we could try again tomorrow.

Railway ticket from Rome to Naples

I said I’d head back, and spent another €12 to get back to Napoli Centrale and took the metro back to Bagnoli so he wouldn’t have to drive to the station. My phone was dying so I had to turn it off ’til I got to the metro so I found figure out where to go. I got to Bagnoli (which I was pretty proud of myself for not getting lost) and met Jason. He took me back to his place after making a joke: “well if you wanted to stay…”. It made me feel better. We watched a movie until he needed to go to the base to exchange some shoes and get food; and I figured I’d go with him.

After that trip, Jason introduced me to his landlords… very sweet people. Giovanni invited us over to meet his niece so Jason and I headed over and also met up with Gaetano who had to leave but invited us over for dinner at his place later. We hadn’t eaten so we accepted and headed over after Giovanni’s family had left. I rode with Giovanni and we talked some more about everything. I am very glad to have made such a good friend. :)

Dinner at Gaetano’s was great and Gaetano is such a sweet guy. After dinner we hung out for a little and Jason checked his e-mail. We left Gaetano’s and headed back to Jason’s where I said g’bye to Giovanni (again). I got some of my things to take a shower and went to bed… my back started hurting and I hoped to ignore it long enough to fall asleep.

Tuesday, February 1, 2005

Naples → Rome → Home :: martedì, 1

(transcribed from written travel journal)

Railway ticket from Naples to Rome (take 2)

Waking up around 4.45a this time, and getting an early train from Naples, Jason said his goodbye again. This train was only a ‘regular 2nd class’ train so it would make stops along the way, but it was the next train out and was to arrive at Termini at 8.11a. I had fallen asleep at one of the stops hoping to rid myself from the chance of jet-lag; but when I awoke, the stop we were at, looked uneasily familiar. We hadn’t moved. I wasn’t sure how long I was asleep, but everyone was still on the train and I was getting worried… I can’t miss my flight again. We finally got going, and I arrive at Termini with just enough time to catch the last train to the airport without missing my 45 minute check-in window. Thankfully I made it and was able to stop and purchase some limoncello for home.

Fiumicino Departure & US Immigration Stamps

Most of the flight home I wrote in my journal, reflecting on the week, and going through ticket stubs from the museums. I didn’t get too much sleep. I arrived in Philly an hour earlier and had some time to get a bite to eat, charge my phone, and respond to text messages and voicemails which had accumulated since I left. The minute I touched down in Philly I longed for Italy and the new friends I had made… I was home and on the other side of the world now. The flight from Philly to BWI was uneventful and mom picked me up. It was nice to see her again, I’ve missed going out shopping and such. I can’t wait to show her the pictures from the trip!