Final Thoughts and Tips on Rome..

February 11, 2024February 3, 2024 / youngretireeneedsalife / Leave a comment

Always ask a policeman/woman for directions, they all know a little bit of English.

Google maps can be challenging. Try a map as back up.

Ask millennials for directions and help. They are accommodating.

Keep several one euro coins in your pocket for the bathrooms.

Burger King and McDonald’s are familiar and understanding to foreigners/tourists. Learn the order kiosk by discreetly looking over someone’s shoulders to find the appropriate language menu.

Try the Say Hi or Google translate app. Some are Italians are amenable to this.

If Italians get frustrated, and start yelling at you raising their hands, just walk away. Don’t engage.

Take a tour, it may be more expensive but it’s easier.

I have been warned of pickpockets in Rome Vatican area. Beware and protect yourself. Sellers can be aggressive. Protect yourself, conceal wallets, and keep a photocopy of your passport in the hotel.

When I asked for a cup of hot chocolate I got just that, liquid chocolate. Unsure of the calories, but food is different in Rome. Go with the flow.

Make sure you have oodles of cell data on your phone when visiting. EU countries are not like America where we have cell data in city subways, and streets.. Try hotels, electronic stores, McDonald’s, Starbucks. To use less data only turn on Data Roaming when using then shut off immediately after usage. This will save beaucoup bucks..

Bring sunscreen despite the time of year when you visit. Also sunglasses, several pairs because they break.

Need mini chargers and electronic devices to hook into EU outlets. I bring a half dozen of devices as you never know what kind of outlet you will need. Check out Amazon and read all the fine print. Buy several types. Practice putting them together prior to the trip.

Put arch sports in your sneakers and make sure you watch your step on the stony streets and sidewalks. Getting healthcare assistance on the road is a real challenge, however pharmacies abound, and are helpful.

Recommend taking 1000 mg of vitamin C every day on the trip. Also don’t forget a kit of things you might need should you get sick for headaches, body aches and G.I. upset, band-aids. If on prescriptions bring extra pills.

Always know where your passport and cellphone are. Bring charged chargers with you always. I pack 3, and carry 2 on daily excursions. These are your lifelines.

Well, that said, enjoy your trip and plan ahead.

Special thanks to Frederika in D’Este, Tivoli, who helped enormously, and Mara, of I Love Rome on the Pompeii trip. We need those little angels along the way.

Last comment, layer clothing, and remember to…

WEAR A SMILE !!!

Last Night in Rome

February 10, 2024February 3, 2024 / youngretireeneedsalife / 1 Comment

After a long 12 hour day returned from Pompeii at 7:30 pm. As it was Sunday my restaurant resources were limited. All had told me to try spagetti carbonara before I left Rome. Asked at the local sandwich shop and low and behold he agreed to make me the dish. He went to his apartment above the sandwich shop returning with this amazing dish!

Here’s the name of his restaurant in the Piazza di Porta Maggiore area.

And last but not least my chef!

And while not a beer drinker did come to enjoy this brew..

As they say, when in Rome do as the Romans do!

Pompeii

February 9, 2024February 3, 2024 / youngretireeneedsalife / Leave a comment

Drum roll… This is the last tic on my bucket list! And as I write this I am struck with a horrific lung infection post visit. I always said once I go to Pompeii I can die, and this just may be the case, but in the meantime let’s get this written..

Entering the grounds of Pompeii through the gladiators area it is difficult to imagine how 50 feet of volcanic ash surrounded you and how this was removed to expose these ruins. I am told there are untold numbers of videos portraying the excavation, and I defer to utube for that information.

Gladiator Housing where the gladiators lived and worked.

A replica of a door to their living space.

The Stadium

The stands where 5000 were seated.

The Seminoles began Pompeii in the 6th century B.C., producing wine and olive oil. However, there were long wars with Rome and the Romans finally destroyed the City with Pompeii reconstructed as Roman. It was at this time the gladiator stadiums and theaters were constructed. According to 18th century excavation there was 22000 residents in 66 acres at the time of the volcanic destruction which was 10/24-25 79 A.D.

Mosaics, and frescoes abound in Pompeii with their vibrant colors present. Here are pictures of a thermal bath area.

A Typical Home of the Era.

The exterior and interior of a typical home. Amazing how the exterior markings remain.

Some mummified bodies from the volcanic disaster. 1013 bodies were discovered with the cause of death asphyxiation. Because there was no oxygen the volcanic ash preserved the bodies.

Brothel - As Pompeii was a seafaring port there were brothels to accommodate the sailors from their long trips at sea.

The interior of the brothel had many small rooms with sexual pictures.

And they even had a toilet in the brothel..

Across the street was a bakery…

The Forum Area - Pompei was divided into streets and avenues. It was known for political propaganda. The City was all about life with marketplaces and restaurants. There are many areas were holes are seen to cook food, similiar to a McDonald’s type operation.

What a thrilling visit and will end with one last flooring depicting Alexandria the Great..

A must see!

Cameo Factory Pompeii

February 8, 2024February 3, 2024 / youngretireeneedsalife / Leave a comment

As a new nurse in my early 20’s I took care of a woman who had cameos which her then boyfriend, later husband, brought back from his WWII tour of duty. They were lovely, and I became hooked on cameos since, always wanting to visit this factory. As the years, and decades, went on never did I think I’d visit. Was shocked to find this was part of the tour.

Here are some of the snipits from the video tour.

Tools of the trade. Cameos are fragile made from shells, and apprentice cameo makers take 7 years to learn their trade.

The shell is shaped.

After much cleansing and refining of the shell an image is etched on the shell.

Further etching, then the image is “baked in,” and colored. A bit lost in translation, sorry..

Here’s what I purchased.

Rome to Naples and Beyond

February 7, 2024February 3, 2024 / youngretireeneedsalife / Leave a comment

After locating the spot to meet the group, (was at the wrong church location, thankfully the police steered me right), I hopped on the Grayline, I love Rome Tour with the delightful Mara and Luigi.

Italy certainly has some beautiful sunrises…

On the way to Pompeii we passed the Royal Palace of Caserta modeled after Versailles, (however, much larger), and a former residence of Italian royalty. It is the largest royal palace in the world, constructed in 1752, and known for its extensive gardens. It is open year round, except Tuesdays, and became a UNESCO site in 1997. The castle even appeared in a Star Wars episode.

Naples

The meaning of Naples is New City, and that it is. During WWII, 22,000 buildings were destroyed, and through Marshall Plan monies were received to rebuild the city. It currently is a wealthy manufacturing community of 1.5 million with its infrastructure built into centuries old Greek and Roman walls. During WWII the fiesty Naples people forced the German soldiers out of Naples. Elegant and beautiful apartments now rest akin to the ocean views.

Naples was always known as a great shipping arena with Greeks and Romans faring for its ports throughout the ages. Influences of their visits and tenure can be seen throughout the City.

An Ancient Fort with much lore and fantasy attached to it.

A Monument to the WWII Soldiers next to the American Consulate.

And a few more relics of Naples architecture and we’ll close with another coastal scene.

Any guesses on what this is? Times up! The Naples Immigration Building..

Here’s the coastline once again..

Hadrian’s Villa or Villa Adriana

February 6, 2024February 2, 2024 / youngretireeneedsalife / Leave a comment

This retreat from Rome was developed for Emperor Hadrian during the second and third decades of the 2nd century AD. It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site of 297 acres comprising the ruins and archaeological remains of a large villa complex built around AD 120 by Roman Emperor Hadrian near Tivoli outside Rome. It was considered an “ideal city” but left to neglect for many centuries after Hadrian’s death in 138 A.D. The site was eventually rediscovered in 1461 and went through a series of ownerships. Note the Emperor’s bust to the left.

The complex held areas for soldiers, manufacturing, warm steam baths, theatrical performances, as well as gladiator events.

There also was an interesting area to watch the reconstruction of the artifacts.

To reach the complex purchase two bus tickets at the tobacco shop in Tivoli Center. The bus stop is in front of the children’s park. Buses arrive frequently. There is much walking on uneven ground here.

The olive tree groves are spectacular with some at least 500 years old.

View from the train on the return trip to Rome.

Tivoli- Villa D’Este

February 5, 2024February 1, 2024 / youngretireeneedsalife / Leave a comment

Sunrise from the train to Tivoli

What a beautiful town Tivoli is! It was the summer resort of Emperor Augustus. Villa d’este is known for its terraced hillside Italian Renaissance garden and fountains. But first after departing the train let’s take a walk through the streets.

Streets are narrow and steep, watch your step!

There is much signage which leads you to D’Este. Once there visit the old church next to the entrance then begin your tour.

The Frescoes – have never seen such beautiful frescoes. Here is a sampling..

Now, on to the Gardens..

Here were some of the most beautiful Roman gardens I have ever seen..

To see and appreciate all the art work and gardens anticipate at least a two hour visit.

Enjoy!

Tivoli Castle

February 5, 2024February 2, 2024 / youngretireeneedsalife / Leave a comment

As I walked to the bus for Hadrian’s Villa I past Tivoli Castle. This tour was free, and gave insight into the area. Was unaware the Jesuits began in this town. The Castle dates back to the 4th century and in the last 100 years a dump on the property unearthed a gladiator stadium. Go figure.

They also had some ceremonial garb indigenous to the area which was of particular interest.

Below is the Castle kitchen. Take time to review the videos regarding history of Tivoli, quite informative.

A Late Afternoon Walk

February 4, 2024February 1, 2024 / youngretireeneedsalife / Leave a comment

After the Vatican visit returned to the area around Rome Termini Station only to rediscover the Santa Maria Maggiore Basilica. It is the most important sanctuary to the Blessed Mother in the Western World. The Basilica was built after the Blessed Mother appeared in a dream to the then Pope requesting its construction. Let’s take a peek..

From here to the Coliseum where 80,000 patrons could be seated for gladiator events. The area continues to be under construction and renovation, however, in the evening it sparkles.

Then walking back to the hotel came across this restaurant. Perhaps gov ron should return to his roots and apply.

Always thinking of the right move for you ronnie baby!

Then return to the hotel after a long, mistaken google maps walking adventure..

Bracciano, Italy to Rome and the Vatican

February 3, 2024February 1, 2024 / youngretireeneedsalife / Leave a comment

Bracciano is a beautiful small town with only a castle to visit. Also, had a cellular data misadventure as my wonderful Mint service transitioned from international plan to mint wallet. In this change I needed wifi to convert and Italian access to wifi is challenging, and most especially I found in Bracciano.

That said…

Bracciano sits on a beautiful volcanic lake, and the castle while lovely, only took a half hour to visit for 10 euros. The Castle is from the 15th century and was a military as well as civilian residence. Was surprised to find frescos in the Castle.