Finally!!!

I'm FINALLY able to get on the internet again!!! I've had more trouble with my U.K. SIM card that I care to bore you with but, suffice it to say, NEVER USE WorldSIM!!! (If you don't know what I'm talking about, chances are you never will anyway. 😤)

So, to try to catch you up a little...

ROMA: Probably the highlight of our trip! We did the Vatican (of course), taking one of their tours where they move you through at a dead run because it's HUGE and VERY hot! Brian says it's probably a really good thing that we did because I like to study *everything* and we would never have gotten through otherwise. We got there early (yeah, I know, those of you that know me are asking, "WHAT?! Debbie was early???") so we had a gelato before we went in. Not the best in Rome, but it served its purpose. 😉

We were so worn out after the Vatican that we skipped the Basilica. We were really hungry and hadn't tried the pizza yet so we found the nearest pizza place and had dinner there. It was AMAZING!!! What American companies do to pizza is criminal, just sayin'. I could't find a website for them but here's a review on TripAdvisor for them: PizzaZizza, and here's a picture of Mr. Gates in front of their little car (there are LOTS of little cars in Rome!).

Last Saturday, the day before our cruise started, we did a food tasting tour that absolutely made us want to visit Roma again! You can learn about it here: Taste of Testaccio. It's the best way to get to know Rome! If you look at the website - yes, we *did* meet all the people they show. Here's a visual representation of where we went, based on my picture locations:

Neat factoid about Roma - There is a big natural spring about 25 miles outside town that has super pure water. Rome has installed fountains all over the city that run 24 hours a day and provide clean, pure, cold water to anyone who wants it. (They tried stopping them up one time and almost blew up the city!) Our food guide showed us the trick to drinking from it so you don't look like a tourist (see picture) - you cover the spigot with your finger so the water detours to come out the little hole further up the spout (like a drinking fountain). Or, you can refill an empty water bottle.

Next up, the cruise so far. Ciao!

Greek Isles

Well, we made it to Santorini, and internet access. Weather, and cruise, have been beautiful. Don't have much time before our tour leaves so just a few quick pics. Here's Mr. Gates enjoying his first Greek beer. He says it's pretty good. 

Here we are tendering over from the ship to the dock.

And, I'll end with a question: How do you look up at the rim of a caldera and think to yourself, "Gee, that looks like a good place to live. Let's build there!"???!!!

Cruisin' Along

We leave for our cruise today so this is probably it for awhile. We will be back in Italy next Sunday and headed for England. TTFN, and Happy Father's Day to all you dads out there, whatever form that takes! Caio! 💕

When In Rome...

What's that, you ask? Where have I been? Walking, and eating, and sleeping! Our flight over was AMAZING and although we rested, we didn't sleep (despite our sleeping aids)... for about 30 hours, so I've been catching up. (I'm not able to upload pics for some reason so those will have to come later. Bummer!)

We're staying at a wonderful little B&B called The Rome Charming House. Choose room type "Double Room with Balcony and Private External Bathroom" - ours starts with picture 4 and includes all but the last one. We *love* the bathroom which is just across from our room and is exclusively ours. (The owners are cousins of one of my best friend's daughter-in-law. Confused? 😉) It's just outside the Aurelian Walls which encircle the city of Rome so we're in a wonderful residential neighborhood called Nomentano. There are lots of little green spaces and shops, cafes, and gelato shops on seemingly every block. Good thing we're doing so much walking!

I'll do a separate post on our adventures. Sure wish I could work out this picture thing... Ciao for now! 💕

Today's the Day!

Well, it's finally here and I'm SOOOO excited!!!!! We fly to Rome, Italy today (via Atlanta) arriving around 10 AM local time tomorrow. Today is our 36th wedding anniversary and I can't think of a better way to celebrate us. Thanks Mom! 😍

I don't have much time - I need to do some work on my suitcase (yes, I'm packed, it just won't all fit!) so I'll just add a few links for now in case you want to know more about where we're going.

Hugs to all and thanks so much for the support and encouragement!

ITINERARY -

• We arrive in Rome tomorrow (TH) and sail on Sunday so we'll have a few days to "do Rome". Hopefully more on that later.
• The cruise: Royal Caribbean Greek Isles Cruise
• When we return on Sunday, June 24th, we fly to Manchester, England (via Brussels) and spend the rest of our time traveling around England by BritRail to visit family and friends-who-are-like-family, returning Tue, July 10th.
• BritRail: The BritRail Map