Blogs from Italy, Europe - page 3

Cesta přes oceán se tentokrát uskuteční s přestupem v Římě. Zastávka v Římě je dvacetihodinová, takže jsem si zamluvil pokoj. Hotel jsem vybíral s ohledem na Suverénní řád Maltézských rytířů. Ten je z pohledu mezinárodního práva svrchovaným nestátním subjektem bez vlastního území. To mu však nezakazuje vydávat poštovní známky. A má navázané diplomatické styky s různými zeměmi, včetně České republiky. Kdo mě zná dobře, ví, že hotel je hned za rohem od pošty Maltézského řádu. Naštěstí do ČR řád díky vztahům poštu doručuje. Takže plán byl skvělý, ale znáte to. Člověk míní a Pánbůh mění. Týden před odletem jsem nešťastně upadl na kovový vozík a hned jsou zuby pryč, spodní dáseň orvaná a rozsekané koleno. Naštěstí mě na Karlově náměstí v nemocnici dali do kupy, zašili, co bylo třeba, a poslali na obvod. Zubařka mi zuby ... read more

We overnighted at Siracuse and woke up to much warmer weather, although it would be soon be getting cold and windy for Leonie and I as we had opted to go up Mt Etna. The 90 min bus drive was well worth the trip - we were rewarded with amazing views and a walk around one of Etna's many craters - from some angles were could easily be on a different planet. It is hard to believe that people still leave on the volcano. With only 1 day in Sicily we did not have enough time to explore the island, but it was nice to be back in warmer weather - might even go for a swim!!!... read more

Today we travelled from Milan to Genoa to join our new home for the next 21 days - MSC Opera. The train ride was a little hectic - with a police check before getting onto the platform - somehow we all made it through and the actual train ride went without a hitch. At Genoa - the station was chaotic, with 4 cruise ships in port there was people everywhere. Leonie and I decided to grab a cab and go straight to the port - so glad we did as we were able to get dropped off directly in front of our ship and were onthe liner and having lunch by 12. Not too much happening today as 2,500 people board the vessels, just looking around trying to find our way around. Had dinner and went ... read more

Today we left Verona and headed to one of the world's fashion capitals Milan. Another train ride for 30 of use - but much easier to navigate this time ( thankfully). No stairs between the platform and carriage helped. All on no issues, that was until about 1o of our suitcase decided to go walkie's by them selves down the carriage. We manage to retrieve them all and set them down on their sides do they could run away again. Once we got to Milan we head out for a spot of lunch, I then head back to the room as was still feeling under the weather. Leonie had a little explore by herself. Should be back on par by tomorrow for so high end shopping in Milan!!!... read more

Again, our dear friends at online travel website, Savoteur have graced us with yet another list. These are places they want us to visit but only once. But I do agree with them on some choices. Las Vegas Well, I am somewhat biased, since we have dear friends who live there. We spend little to no time on the Strip or Downtown. In previous years, we met my Mom and many family members in December to celebrate her birthday. And we always stayed downtown. Disney World I agree, once is enough. But if you have young kids or grandkids, you are on the hook for another visit. Venice Once was too much, smelly, dirty, quite expensive, overrated. But the people were nice. It might be the worst place I have ever visited! Athens I could not ... read more