Saturday, November 12, 2011

2011 Amalfi Coast Adventures: Ciao from Italy . . . .

Wow, what a whirlwind two days . . .

Roma! The history, the art, the energy, the architecture, the churches, the food . . . . It’s got it all and it's amazing.  After the long flight I arrived at my hotel only to be told that they lost my reservation and they don’t have any more rooms. I wasn’t happy, but they immediately found me a nearby hotel and the bellman helped with my luggage.   Then when I checked out, I discovered that the other hotel paid for my room so I all I had to pay was 2 euros for taxes. Okay, now all is forgiven. J

By the time I arrived at my hotel, it was already dark but I headed out in search for a TIM store. I had no address but I saw it while in the Taxi on the way to the hotel.  Don’t ask me how I found it, but I did.  They got me hooked up with a SIM card and I’m good to go.  They don't sell unlimited plans, so I got the maximum internet time they had to offer. Hopefully that will last me.

And how can I be in Rome and not stop by the Trevi Fountain to toss my Euro coin in it to guarantee a return back to Rome!  Plus, I remember learning that the coins collected from the fountain are used to help feed the needy. 


There was this married couple there and it was so cool because when they went to toss their coins into the fountain the entire crowd cheered them on.  I sat by the fountain eating a nice wonderful and delicious scoop of pistachio gelato!  

Next to the Fountain I found a church and influenced by Annie’s blog I went in to take a look inside and to light a couple of candles. In the corner to the right of the Alter I found the most beautiful Mary I have ever seen. She is so mesmerizing it really took my breath away looking at her. Somehow I felt so comforted by her eyes. Thanks Annie for inspiring me to appreciate the many beautiful churches in Italy. They are truly wonderful.




On the way back I stopped to take a photo of this other fountain. I noticed a lot of police presence and this motorcade came zooming in. I was told that was the President of Italy. That explains the police presence and news vans.  By now I’m getting hungry, so I stopped by this family owned pizza.  The pizza wasn’t the best I have had in Italy, but the strawberry desert was really delicious and made for it. J

I started to blog before I went to bed but I my eyes suddenly shut down and I was out!  I had set my alarm before I went to bed. I set my alarm to wake up early so I can have breakfast and do a fast blog post before heading to Termini to catch my train to Salerno. 
My alarm didn’t go off and I woke up late giving me only an hour before my train leaves. I hightailed myself out of bed, through everything in my bags and wend downstairs to check out and have them call a Taxi.

I made my train in plenty of time.  While waiting to find out what Platform number my train will depart from I met a girl who was on the same train.  We chatted the whole time but got split up due to different seat assignments on the train.  She was cool, plus she alerted me to which car I had to get on. She was worried for me and rightfully so, because I was getting on the wrong coach. 

On the train, I sat next to the most entertaining travelers from Australia.  They were a hoot. They are in Europe for 7 weeks and they are going to a lot of places. The two Italian ladies next to me didn’t speak any English but they were a hoot too! They were very busy scratching their lotto tickets and I’m sure talking about what they would do if they won.  I know that’s what I would be talking about!  He, he.

They all got off in Naples and I stayed on until Salerno. My car service was already waiting for me.  I had heard a lot about the drive through Amalfi even seen several videos and wow!  It is exactly what they say . . . hair raising sharp turns through out.  Should I still do the Vespa adventure? Probably not. J

I arrive in my apartment and it is exactly as depicted on the Summer in Italy website. It is gorgeous!  Super clean, tasteful décor, and very well furnished and equipped.  The owner helped me to bring my bags up the stairs.  The owner, Mrs. Agata is so nice. 

And from the terrace in my bedroom!  My beautiful sunset . . .


And since I can see Positano from my Terrance, I’ll be going there tomorrow. 

Thank you everyone for stopping by!   Ciaó for now.


10 comments:

  1. Kathy, what fun to read. Your hotel experience in Rome is a wonderful travel experience to relate--particularly when people bad-mouth Rome. Your apt. view is spectacular. Will be following you...

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  2. Oh how exciting. What a busy first day. I would have had a hizzy fit if my reservation was lost - but it sounds like it would out for the best. The view is beautiful from your apartment. Can't wait to hear more - get some rest and rejuvenate.

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  3. Ciao! Bummer about the hotel losing your reservation but what fabulous news that they ended up paying for your room at the hotel they sent you to. I was worried there for a minute that you were going to miss your train. Sounds like an entertaining train ride. Beautiful photo from your apartment. Enjoy!!

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  4. I confess to being shocked at how well the hotel in Rome treated you - the fact that they paid for your room is unbelievable! Your trip is clearly off to a good start - looking forward to further updates . . .

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  5. Hi Kathy, glad you're there safe and sound, and your adventure sounds like it's off to a great start. Glad the hotel did the right thing and gave you a free night. And that Madonna is very special - so glad you found her. And all I can say about that view from your apartment is Wow!

    Have a great time and thanks for sharing!

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  6. Oh gosh it all sounds so wonderful and i'm glad the hotel mixup got straightened out well. Looks so wonderful. Thinking of you.

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  7. Hi Everyone....thank you so much for your comments. Yes, the hotel made up for their mistake by comping me my room and they didn't even tell me about it. It really pays to print our your confirmation e-mails because otherwise how would I be able to say that I had the reservation. A great tip learned from ST.

    There are lots of steps up to my apartment but they this view is worth everyone climb back up. :)

    Thanks so much for all of your kind words and comments. I so much appreciate them.

    Ciao for now.

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  8. I agree with the others - good karma your way on this trip! And, you may have been one of the few to see The President of Italy as the Pres! Lovely sunset. Took my breath away.

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  9. Kathy, you accomplished a lot in your jet-lagged state.

    I look forward to future episodes.

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  10. Hi Kathy, it's wonderful to begin catching up with your blog, and what a happy ending to what could have been a hotel disaster! The view from your terrace is stunning.

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It's me Trekcapri (aka Kathy). Thanks so much for visiting and leaving a comment.