Blogs from Naples, Campania, Italy, Europe - page 3

6:45 - get up, showered and packed 7:30 - breakfast and farewell to Avone & Ron, Catrina & Derek and then Sue and Paul ?? 8:00 - leave hotel to walk to Central train station 8:40 - Inter city train to Naples. Enjoyed the view of Mt Etna along the way as I was also communicating with Adele (in NZ) and Clare (in Perth) as I followed the demise of the Swans. At Messina the train went inside a ship. I got off the train and caught up with Paul & Judy and Phil & Sue as we bought an Arancini. Back on the train once we were on the mainland. Decided that this process is not as exciting as it sounds! Really enjoyed the scenic coastline along the way. The train round Mt Vesuvius- two ... read more

The ruins of Pompeii were not what I expected. I expected some rocks and rubble. The reality is there is a amazing, intricate city that was preserved in volcanic ash from the eruption of Mt. Vesuvius in 79 A.D. Pompeii had shops, theaters and homes for citizens. This was a fascinating experience. Side bar, had a dinner conversation with an American on the same tour of as Jack and I about our impressions of Pompeii. She said, "I was disappointed because I thought Pompeii would be like what I saw on the Discovery Channel."... read more

Rosamaria and Richard,whom I met about 37 years ago in Seattle, came to Naples from where they live near Bergamo to visit with me and do some sightseeing. We walked all day, except for stopping to eat--no eating on the run. As most of you know I like traveling alone, but I gotta say I loved having company today, and I felt lonely when they left.... read more

Look what just arrived!... read more

I am returning to Naples to do follow-up interviews with the elderly ladies (some only 10 years older than me) whom I interviewed last October about their experiences during WWII. I formed a close bond with several of the women and wanted to go back and visit them, thus this trip. This time, I will interview them more about their philosophy of life, perhaps asking how much their war experiences affected their views. Anyway, I'll be posting a bit on Facebook, but largely here since some of my friends don't do Facebook and others, who used to do it have quit Facebook in the light of the recent scandals. I leave my mountain home in Tonasket early morning April 17, but won't be in Naples until the evening of the 19th--big time change difference, 12 hours, ... read more