Enjoyed the Italian scenery of the train ride to Fracasti. Remains of medieval walls litter the agricultural fields. Was surprised to see many prickly pear trees along the route. These are mainly in Arizona.
The ride was a quick 30 minutes from Rome with the train station at the foot of the town.
Saint Padre Pio was a parish priest in the town. There is a park near the train station with his statute. Also, pictures of the church where he was the priest.
Carnival preparation was in full gear in Fracasti. Looked like a good time.
After that explored a few stores, sat on a park bench, and even managed to find a $/ variety store. Also found a wonderful home goods store but suitcase limitations prevailed, and I held myself back.
The Dollar/Variety Store
In the city park there was a water theater. Frascati is renowned for its wine, in particular white wine.
There were many small cafes and restaurants throughout the City as well as a museum, however, due to time constraints I did not partake..
The weather was a balmy 50, and the sun shone brightly, am hopeful this is an indication of what is to come?
Arrived at the Hotel Donatello at 1030 after a prompt 825 plane arrival. The property was older, and the area iffy, however, having stayed in cheapie hotels, and hostels throughout the world I was okay with this. I know how to handle myself, and still pray though no longer have any religious affiliation. And after all, a room is only for sleep. However, later I learned several other Gate 1’ers abandoned the place, and found other accommodations. That said, the room was clean with helpful and pleasant staff. The entire trip was $600 for 5 days in Rome including flight so I was grateful.
Gate 1 runs sales on many of their adventures, and this independent excursion was a last minute deal. Love Gate 1, and get no remuneration from this endorsement. The add-on’s were transport back and forth to the hotel, ($80), and a 12 hour trek to Pompeii, ($159), which included lunch and tickets to the site with tour guide. Less than $1000 total for a solo.
While I thought I had brought all the correct electrical cords, I realized I had not. After an hour deciphering electric cords, (as the EU is on a different current system with challenging wall outlets), I further realized I had lost my cellphone cord during plane departure. Was referred to the local store across the street, and the merchant assisted. While he wanted cash, he took the card. Throughout my journeys worldwide find more and more merchants refusing cards due to their costs, so obtain currency in the airport or ATMs. Getting $150 EU was pricey so watched my spending throughout the trek. Check with your local bank as some cancel ATM conversion charges. I found this quite by accident as TD Bank does this. Also, the hotel provided a continental breakfast, and having a second croissant at lunch, (saved from breakfast), is sufficient when traveling. Who wants to stop to eat with so little time, and so much to see?
Once charger concerns were resolved was on my way to Frascati. Since I have been to Rome several times I found suggestions from Rick Steves as to where to journey. He recommended three towns a short train ride from Rome – Frascati, Tivoli, and Bracciano.
Rome Termini Train Station
Used Trainline to purchase tickets ahead of time, however won’t do this again despite the recommendations. It is just as easy to get them at the machine the day of, or from the nasty train station attendants. Realized I had booked the trip during a full moon, or something was wrong with these people and many other Italians. Asked someone about this and they said – that’s the way they are. Enlist a millenial when needing help. They always came through. Maybe I reminded them of their grandma? Another idea,,, try the Say Hi AP, and let me know how it goes. They never let me get that far but luckily other patrons took pity on me and helped when they noticed mistreatment. After all their economy is largely based on tourism, and we are funding the Ukranian War which I mentioned to someone who got really nasty. Europeans follow American news closer than most Americans, and perhaps they are upset that we may not continue funding the Ukraine War…? Joe will get it done!
Termini Station had a Mall, and shall we say a wide array of foods… $10 was the cost for a bowl of soup.
The trains are easy, clean, cheap, and efficient. Make sure you install their APs. Buy sufficient cell phone data for the trek as nowhere in Rome do they have wifi connections, unlike in the States. And Google Maps is a travesty in Italy. Took many half hour walks when later I found I was only moments from my destination. Get a map for back up.
My hotel was near the Rome Termini Station and there are several stations throughout Rome. When in doubt ask a police man or woman for directions or assist. Never saw so many female police officers. All know a little English. When in the train station do not ask security staff for directions or assist. They wear jackets plastered with Security on them. They are rude and if you ask for help it’s ugly.
As an aside, toilettes cost one euro. The toilets in the train station are very modern, and I couldn’t figure how to put the money in the slot. Had to slide in after a paying customer as I was in dire straights. I can’t imagine what a family of 4 pays on a daily basis. There are free toilettes, as they call them, at Lidl Grocery store, McDonald’s, and the Rome Airport where I snapped this picture. You can also pay by using your phone. But regardless still pricey, so plan ahead. See how lucky we are in America? Free toilets! Next time a trumper rages that the US is in decline, remind them of this.
✈️✈️✈️✈️✈️✈️✈️✈️✈️ On this the last tic of my bucket list I saw the world 🌎 in a different view with almost childlike awe. Leaving from St. Augustine the trek down 95 was pure perfection with only one misstep where I took a wrong turn. At the Orlando Airport TSA was quick, and no need for extra inspection. And to consider this will be my last greetings from Mayor Buddy Dyer, almost made me sad, (not really). Observing the planes from the gate windows were spectacular.
🛬🛬🛬🛬🛬
The quick flight to JFK was another smooth endeavor, and Rome awaits. The Alps really look like this but sadly my pic didn’t so used canned.
Arrived home from Italy at 1:30 am. I have a routine of unpacking despite how late the return from the journey. I know, I’m annoying. It almost killed me last night, but fait accompli. Hate to look at those bags in the morning.
Returned from Italy with a horrific cold, and the 10 hour flight was grueling. Found many angels along the way so made it through.
Both traveling to and from Rome the plane had problems prior to departure. This added an extra hour on the tarmac but defer to Delta’s judgment. Also was grateful to have a 2 seat section on the return trip so I could rest and somewhat lie down. I had to run to the connecting plane out of Atlanta, and while the door had closed my tears somehow made the door open. They were still putting bags on the plane.
On the way to Rome was seated next to an obese woman. I love fat people, but the airlines are going to have to find a way with this situation considering the airline seat size. I felt suffocated, and have a letter to Ed, the president of Delta in the pipeline. It makes one not want to fly.
The trek back from Orlando went swiftly with few on the roads. The weather cooperated throughout the journey with spring like temps. The sites were amazing and food, well we do it great in America, but many claim it is outstanding. I tend to bring my own snacks, limit restaurant couture (?wrong word, but I like it), saves time, money, and being ogled at as a solo traveler.
Am grateful my bucket list is completed and while I’d love to see the Frank Lloyd Wright homes of Japan, is it out of my price range, so will get the videos. Japan is horrific to travel to it’s like NYC on amphetamines, then there is the language.
80,000 fit in the Coliseum. Quite magnificent at night. Still under construction, but beautiful.
Old Wall around the City of Rome
And as an aside, I kept up with my politics while away. 83.3 is all I have to say! And many of my predictions came through.
As I return from the EU I wonder what kind of America I will return to. With viv gone, I am relieved, and am sure ron will be next, if not gone already, (I write this on 1/19). ron has already laid off campaign staff, and is in South Carolina if only to fall flat once again. he will surely return to florida angry, and vengeful, to do more damage. Perhaps he will stir the pot more with Disney, a beloved company, and the greatest employer of the state? Or, will he ban more books, fire public servants who are doing their jobs, (if only he’d fire that incompetent state surgeon general, a scary man, Calif was relieved when he was gone). Or, will he change the curriculum of the education department further to ensure this state has the worst education for children in the country?. Or, will he persecute LGBTQ children further?
Far be it for ron to do anything to change lives for the better. His agenda mirrors the path of our former president. Those who follow him are puppets, concerned about their jobs, and loosing power. florida’s big box churches continue this brain washing, and their schools ensure generational damage. Parking lots are filled to capacity each Sunday with parishoners mesmerized by charismatic preachers with their inclusionary messages of hate. The cycle continues. Sad, no sick.
Wouldn’t it be something if this governor changed his focus, and worked for citizens true concerns such as insurance, climate change, and education needs?. In the last 18 months I have changed car insurance three times as the rates soar, and home insurance is even more exorbitant.
And this man is a Yale and Harvard graduate. Did he not attend classes?
Then we have tr, a pathetic character who has gone off the rails taking 50% of the country with him. As president we knew nothing of his financial transactions, or even his health, and now we do. I recall visiting DC when he was in office walking past his hotel. Each car, or limo, held license plates from a foreign land, and one which was not a favorite son of the US, but donald was.
So, in completion of this tragic tale, which unfortunately is true, let us vote out these bad actors in November.
I have purchased a cabin in Upstate New York should this fodder be read as I am assured as small a peon as I am would face repercussions in florida.
Saw a recent interview with nicki haley. she was asked about the E. Jean Carroll case where tr continues to defame this woman despite the fact he was already found guilty of rape. nicki stated she didn’t follow the case, and she is not a lawyer. she then brought up Joe Biden’s impeachment. After that I was done with this b-tch.
Time for nicki to fly away.
As a woman I have been through the usual ugly situations with men, and for another woman to not call him out on this disgusted me. You think her people would have canned statements for these types of questions to cover her a–. Then I recalled how she handled the Civil War question which also was another disgusting performance.
Maybe we should just let the donald ride it out because I truly think Americans don’t want 4 more years of this angst with this idiot.
The polls are wrong.
tr is digging his own grave, and taking the republican party with him.
Hallelujah for that as maybe our country will start moving forward again without that dead weight!
In this stage of syphilis mental disorders begin, as does skin lesions. Recently, sores on the palms of tr’s hands were discovered. These lesions are definitive, especially the pattern and location. And from the off the wall speeches you have to admit he’s not mentally “right.”
In one of his latest rants he began with banks and how he was going to de-bank them, then ended discussing his mother in law’s funereal stating she was a fine woman. During his Iowa visit pre-voting he screamed at the voters to vote for him then die as they could have their funereal after voting. The man is unhinged, and wish I was creative enough to make up this stuff.
However, I will give it a try…
Roger Stone trying to get Eric Stallwell or Jerry Nadler killed – oh wait that’s a reality.
Jared Kushner got 2 billion from a Saudi Prince – another truth.
tr receiving $7.8 million income from foreign adversaries staying at his properties- another truth.
Recently received this message from Alaskan Airline CEO regarding the plane door that fell off during a flight. 20% of their fleet has been grounded, and they are unsure when their entire fleet will be back in the air. Interesting how it only took one bolt off a door to cause this incident. In another life I knew a plane mechanic who said they unscrew and rescrew every bolt on the plane daily. Think someone forgot to rescrew this one. However, the sincerity of this CEO, and the accountability/quality assurance measures he espoused has made me confident to fly again?.
Think President Joe needs to get on the air ways and do the same. What should he say? I have a few ideas, so take a read..
Hey, folks, Joe, here. Need your help, we have a guy who has lost his nuts and bolts, but wants to take America for a ride. He even wants to implement a recession. We’ll be loosing more than a door, if you vote for him, we’ll loose our entire way of life. So put a plug in it, and vote for me. While I’m 81, I’ve been around 50 years in government, and won’t steer you wrong. I’ve got all my nuts and bolts, unlike that other guy who can’t recall what state he is in, and that’s because of the state he’s in.. 91 counts, a convicted rapist, loosing his business to fraud, you know the list..
Come on and go ridin’ with Biden, I won’t steer you wrong.
Final Note.. Did you know that only 14% of Iowa voted in the latest caucus? Maybe all the republicans will stay home on November 5th. Should we send an email to them and tell them the election is the 6th?
For a little levity… what I do to get a non-copyrighted picture..
The new Sam Spade series with Clive Owen looks great, he did Bogie proud. Since I am a Europhil, (and currently there), I get my fixes from these series when off continent. I secretly watch all the rom coms set in the EU on Netflix, and during the Christmas season there are a wealth of them. While I could write the script, the visions of European castles and streets, enlighten and intrigue me. As I fast forward through the kisses/sex scenes to get to the grandeur of the silly characters dating sites I am totally absorbed and thoughts of my trips to Italy, France, Germany, the Netherlands.. abound. And please don’t tell my daughter I watch these awful things as I’ll never live it down. OR .. worse yet she’ll send me all the updates on rom-coms to torture me..
That said I am unable to see Sam Spade as it is on ACORN? and AMC+. Who can afford all these sites? I “share” Netflix and Parmount Plus with my daughter and in exchange receive HBO/Max from her. I simply can’t live without the Gilded Age – finally Larry and Marion kissed in the last episode so I no longer need to watch. That script I could have written as well, but will continue to watch if only for the decor and costumes.
Astor House Newport, RI Owner of Oracle to use for his art museum in 2025.
How did I go down this path??? Back to the cost of all these streaming services with so much to watch, and so little time..
Who ever heard of ACORN? and how much is that one?, and can I afford not to see Sam Spade? All these questions, no easy answers. But one good thing the plummeting Paramount Plus Stock is to be bought by Warner Brothers, in April, if not earlier, so perhaps many of the other streaming services will take the hint.
Only last question: ”Wonder what the cost for that will be?”
Well, you only live once and then there’s Europe……
Leaving for Italy this morning. Pompeii is the last item on my Bucket List. Guess the world needs to increase in size in order for me to travel again, and we know that ain’t gonna happen. Unless.. we have a volcano that decides to produce something intriguing. I did love Mount Etna in Sicily – if you have a chance – GO. It was beautiful and fascinating.. Try the honey, and bring back the volcanic ash for your plants. They will love you for it.
This last trip I will be visiting Pompeii. It has always beguiled, betwixted, and mesmerized me. Love all those synonyms for fascination… Will be sharing the photos and trip info upon my return. Haven’t decided where else to visit in Italy but may for once simply walk the streets of Rome, or perhaps check out Bracciano, or Tivoli. Wherever trainline, the Italian railroad, will take me. And for $2.99 a trip can’t go wrong. It is stated these towns are quieter and authentic Italian, but in January believe much of Italy will be quiet.
Will write some craziness to keep my 10 followers interested prior to departure. Trying to stay away from politics as much as I can, but it is difficult as this is such fodder.
Young Retiree Needs a Life 