Ok, this trip report is a long one. Each post is one day, with the exception of this post which is the first two days. Also for those of you who want to print it out or read it on the go, I have made an Adobe PDF version located here.

I didnt put any of the pictures in this thread, but I have all 230+ of them in an online gallery located here.

My Second Trip of the summer of 2005 was to go to Italy with my School from Florida. My First Trip was to Redmond only a day before this trip to participate in the 2005 Imagine Cup National Finals - That trip report is located here.

May 24, 2005 � The Beginning

Panama City Beach, FL � Atlanta, GA
Kincaid/PYT Motor Coaches

Our journey began at the front of JR Arnold High School in Panama City Beach, FL where our bus (Kincaid/PYT) picked us up at 12:00pm to take us to the Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL). I had got to school around 11:15 as I wanted to make sure that I would be on time (that and I wanted to eat my Chik-Fil-A sandwich before I left) for the bus. I parked my car and left a note on my windshield that read: �In Italy � Please DO NOT Tow!�, then headed over to the front of the school to wait for the others. Slowly the other students began to show up, along with our Latin teacher and the chaperones. Shortly thereafter the bus showed up and we quickly loaded our baggage, prayed for a safe journey, and got out of there.

Today our bus driver decided to take a rather unorthodox route to get to Atlanta. Usually from Panama City, a person goes up US Hwy. 231 to Dothan, catches US 431 Phenix City/Columbus, then up the GA Hwy. 411 to Interstate 85 to Atlanta. This guy decided to take the backwoods scenic tour instead. We started off by laving Panama City Beach by going up FL Hwy. 79. We then turned on to �Middle of Nowhere County Road�. We stopped at a gas station to fill up the bus (already!) and the bus driver discovered that the bus was over heating (engine). So this meant we would head to Dothan to switch to a new bus, and then catch US Hwy. 431. We left the gas station and headed towards FL Hwy. 77 (which terminates in Panama City, btw), and turned North towards Dothan. We arrived at the charter company�s Dothan bus barn, where we waited and waited for our new driver and bus. At this point I was seriously beginning to doubt that we would be making our first flight. Finally he did show up and those of us who could lift, got all the bags under the bus in just a few minutes. We all piled back on and headed for Atlanta.

The bus ride at this point was boring. We just watched movies and I listened to some music. Finally I began to recognize my surroundings. I realized that soon we would be approaching ATL. We pulled off the Interstate and the bus driver headed towards Terminal North. Unfortunately we needed to be at Terminal South. So he kept on going around the loop (even though we could have went in on the Terminal North side), until we reached the parking ramp bus drop off point for Terminal South. We unloaded and rushed through the doors and up the escalators up into the terminal. Being the avid flyer that I am, I made sure I was the front of the line for two reasons: 1)I was in a large group � 27 people, and I didn�t want to wait to check-in, 2)The flight was full and I Wanted the possibility of an op-up.

We wound up in the Air France check-in line, which was staffed by Delta. I snaked through the line until reaching the check-in counter. The premier cabin check-in guy checked me and I inquired about an op-up, he said it was overbooked, but I would have to check at the gate. I then took my bag to the TSA X-Ray as I use a TSA lock on my bag. Afterwards I just chilled and waited for everyone else to get through the line.

The check-in for some would be the beginning of a series of unfortunate events. Two people from our group dropped their tickets and each of them picked up the other�s ticket (one was a guy, one was a girl). They were both checked in by the same person, who checked them in as the wrong person. This would lead to more problems as this person had to go back and re do everything and recheck bags, etc. Personally I do not see how this could happen after checking ID, and scanning the passport! We all gathered together and headed for the main TSA checkpoint which I thought was going to take forever (due to how many people there were in the terminal), but to my surprise there was no wait and they definitely did not look busy at all! We all cleared with no problem and boarded the train to Concourse E.

So our flight would be leaving from gate E14, which is right next to the food court. Since I did not expect to get a meal on this late night flight, me and most of the others bought food and ate before heading over to the gate area. Before boarding I noticed they were looking for volunteers to take the next flight tomorrow, I then inquired about an op-up, but they refused, and I do not think they got any volunteers. I then boarded:

Air France Flight 307
Atlanta, GA (ATL) � Paris, France (CDG)
Departure: 9:20pm Arrival: 11:55am
Aircraft: 777-200 Seat: 43J

I was assigned seat 43L, but due to my size and hatred of having a window seat with two people between you and the aisle, I traded for 43J. This proved to be a god-send as I was now able to get up and move about as needed and stretch out my legs. Our flight left Atlanta on time and soon we were up at our cruising altitude. Oddly enough at the same time, the Air France Flight Attendants came around with menus. Personally I was confused, as I didn�t think a 9:30pm flight would get dinner, but it did. I did not keep the menu but I choose the beef tortellini with spinach. Ugh! That was the worse tortellini I had ever had. There was not enough sauce and the meat was rather salty! I then picked up what looked like a promising desert. It was ok but the raspberry frosting on this brownie was definitely off.

They came by and collected our trays, and then dimmed the lights in the cabin. At the same time they asked us to put our window shades down. If you refused to comply or left your window shade just a crack open, on of the FAs with his metal rod, would lower it for you from the aisle. Personally I think that�s taking it a little too far and definitely did not help on my impression of AF. The flight continued on and I began to watch the movie �War Games� on my video screen. I was about halfway through it when I got up to the bathroom and accidentally closed out of the movie. I made it back to the rear bathroom and discovered it was rather small. Maybe it was because it was in the rear of the plane, or they just expect everyone flying AF to small. But anyways I headed back to my seat and watched �Ocean�s Twelve� before breaking out my mp3 player. Around this same time I asked for a drink from a passing flight attendant, to which he responded by pointing to the rear of the cabin and told me to get it my self. Personally I feel that the flight attendants should get a drink for a passenger, if they should ask for one, but nonetheless I went to the back and got a cup full of coke and a cup full of water. I headed back to my seat, played around with the video player for a bit before attempting to sleep. I laid there for a good amount of time, when I decided to get up and head to the rear of the aircraft. A good number of the other students were back there talking and drinking what ever was left, so I joined them for a while, before going back to my seat. Finally I was able to fall asleep. It lasted for about an hour and a half before I woke back up as the sun came up. Breakfast was served as we were over Great Britain, which consisted of a croissant and butter. We approached the European continent and crossed onto land over the Normandy Beaches. Soon we were on approach into CDG and as we flew over Paris I was fortunately on the side of the plane that the Eiffel Tower and many other famous landmarks were on.

We arrived at CDG on time and deplaned where a few of us waited and then decided to not wait on the second half of our group to get through Immigration and to get to gate on time (and have them hold it if the rest of our group wasn�t there at departure time). My group hopped on a bus that took us to Terminal 2F, where we went though Immigration (no passport stamp unfortunately), passed through security and headed to our gate. Luckily as we got there they were boarding an Alitalia flight so we were safe on time. Now however we had to hope the rest of our group made it here. And they did about 10 minutes later (they took the train?).

As we waited for our flight I got the last of my American currency exchanged and withdrew some money from an ATM. While I waited to do this, I made an observation about CDG: Everyone is smoking inside the terminal. This surprised me as in the United States most airports are smoke free or have special smoking rooms (like ATL), so others do not have to deal with the smoke or the smell. Luckily I didn�t have to deal with the smoke for long, as our flight soon began to board.

May 25, 2005 � On the road to Venice

Air France Flight 1714
Paris, France (CDG) � Milan, Italy (MXP)
Departure: 1:05pm Arrival: 2:10pm
Aircraft: A310 Seat: 19A

I was next up to hand over my boarding pass to the agent when the person in front of me managed to cause the boarding pass scanner to go haywire. This meant I had to wait for the agent to clear the scanner and get it back up and running. It only took a minute and soon I was going down the jet bridge to my waiting flight. This flight would be a short one, about the same flying time as the PFN-ATL flight back home�.just over an hour long. The Flight Attendants on this AF flight were much better than my first flight. They seemed to all be happy and ready to get us anything we needed. Quickly they passed out a half of a chicken-salad sandwich and a can of coke for the meal. The sandwich was actually half decent. As the flight continued I enjoyed looking at the Alps below and picking out the small towns down in the valleys below. This was one window seat I was glad to have.

Soon enough we were on the ground in Milan. We headed for the baggage claim where we waited for ever for our bags to come out. After our group was the only people around the baggage claim (with no bags coming out), and still missing two bags, we started to look on the other baggage claims and around ours to see if someone pulled it off and left it off. So the two with lost bags headed over to the desk to file a report and get the tracking number for their claim.

After getting that sorted out we headed to the customs with items to declare line, which was un-staffed when a man in a uniform just motioned for us to continue on into the terminal. We met our tour director out side the arrival doors and we all went into the Spizzico to get something to drink and a bite to eat. Me and a few others had euros so we didn�t have any problems paying for our purchases. Others though did not have any Euros and tried to pay with American dollars. Our teacher wanted to pay with American dollars for 12 Euros worth of snacks and the lady wanted $34! Talk about unfair exchange! Now I know that American money isn�t the currency there, but to mark it up that much is ridiculous. Even after the currency exchange fees the store would have had to pay they still would have made more than 12 Euros.

We then left the terminal and walked out to our bus which had another group (who would be on this tour with us) from a Catholic college in New Jersey. We got on and the tour director explained many things to us as we traveled down the Autostrade towards Lido di Jesolo. About half-way into our drive (approx. 2.5 hours) we stopped at an AutoGrill at one of the service plazas along the Autostrade. Everyone now had Euros or check cards and was able to stock up on food and drinks for the rest of the bus ride. We also experienced our first European bathroom and the customary tipping of the bathroom attendant (which we do not commonly do in America). However as most of us got back on this bus one of my friends decided to go take a whiz over in a corner of the parking lot. Not a smart move when the chaperones see you doing it and the two bathroom locations were closer to the bus. His reason for doing so: �I thought there wasn�t enough time to go inside���there was still plenty of time.

Anyways we continued on and encountered our first Italian traffic jam, which lasted forever. Finally it dissipated and we were and Alfonso (the bus driver), kicked it into high gear and just shortly after nightfall (8pm-ish) we arrived in Lido di Jesolo. However as we neared Lido, we passed the Venice airport which made us mad, as we could have just flown from CDG to VCE and then we wouldn�t have had to be on a bus for 5 hours. We pulled up to the Hotel Frank in Lido, and unloaded into their dining room for dinner. They served us pasta and red sauce (no meat) and potatoes (they were delicious), and what appeared to either be pork chops or chicken. After eating we unloaded and were assigned our rooms. Me, two other friends and a freshman (who we somewhat adopted for the rest of the trip), headed up stairs to our room. The room was small and had two normal beds (well normal in size, not in comfort) and a bunk bed on hanging from the wall. This room was so small there wasn�t space for a TV so it was mounted on the wall also. Our room also had a balcony which overlooked the huge 2nd floor balcony and the parking lot.

We settled in and one of my friends decided to go and check out the town. The rest of us decided to stay behind for now and while we did we noticed people on the balcony below us. It turns out below us was a group of French girls on a school trip. They were obviously drunk and were hitting on me and my other friend. They kept making offers to go down to their room, but I had to pass up on it�..it just wasn�t my thing. We talked to them for a while until their boyfriends scolded them for talking to us Americans. So we watched TV for a bit when we decided to find our other friend who went into Lido. We found him roaming the main street with a few others. We joined up with him for a bit and then we all went back. We finally went to sleep around 11 or 12 that night. I had been running off the hour and a half I got on the AF flight to Pairs. I conked out in only a few minutes.

 

May 26, 2005 � Going into Venice

So we had to get up early to ensure that we could get ready, eat breakfast and make it to the boat to take us to Venice. Only one of us decided to shower at night so that left me and my other two friends to all have to rush through the bathroom that morning. We did manage it which surprised me. I found out that I would have to wear pants that day due to St. Marks Basilica, which I did not take kindly to as I brought only one pair of pants for the Vatican as I am the type of person who wears shorts all year round. In addition to finding out that I had to wear them that day, but to enter any church I would need to wear them�.I knew I should have brought some Febreeze with me! Anyways we all headed down to breakfast which was a dinner roll from the night before and butter, OJ and Corn Flakes with warm milk. Their continental breakfast disappointed me, as I expected bagels, donuts, more cereal, cold milk, etc. I did eat it all and soon we got on the bus to the ferry station in Lido.

So our group boarded up our small ferry with another tour group from that same company. We got underway quickly towards Venice. The ride was nice as we got a good view of Venice as we came into our dock. We disembarked the boat and headed to the statue of the man on the horse, which was our meeting point for the day. Since they let us go after the guided tour to do whatever we want to do, this is where we had to meet up at the end of the day before getting on our boat. From the statue we headed to the Palazzo Ducales (Doge�s Palace), for a tour. We toured the Palace which had some spectacular rooms, the Golden Staircase, and of course the Bridge of Sighs. The Bridge of Sighs linked the Palace to the prisons and in completely enclosed except for a few small windows. We then exited the palace and entered St. Mark�s Square.

We gawked in the square for a few moments then headed for our first tour company money making scam��err�demonstration of the trip. You see while with this tour company we had to go to these demonstrations where they spent less than 5 minutes showing something and then sold us their goods, which I am sure the tour company gets a cut of. But anyways it was a glass blowing demonstration which was actually the best demonstration of them all (sadly). The guy made a glass figure then the other guy ushered us into the store and then showed us the different types of glass and their different glass items. Many people bought glass from here, I refused as I was not going to waste 50 Euros on a glass item that will never get used and might wind up getting broken during my travel�..that and I wasn�t going to give the tour company any more money.

Me and a few friends decided that it was time to leave and as we left we were handed a map of Venice. We all agreed that it was time to go find something to eat. We spent an eternity trying to find something agreeable � the Golden Arches were out of the question, even though they had a Euro Menu which would have saved us money. We eventually agreed on a nice indoor restaurant after wandering the streets of Venice. The six of us each ordered a bottle of water, and we each split a pizza with the person across from us. It was an excellent meal and the waiter soon brought us our bill. 3 Pizzas and 6 waters cost 55 Euros! That�s almost $70! Well we learned our lesson there: don�t eat at a sit down restaurant in Italy.

Afterwards two of us decided to run into McDonald�s to get a drink. I ordered a Maxi size Fanta for 2.50 Euros. I thought I would be getting a big cup that could provide me with soda all afternoon. I was wrong, as it was equivalent to a medium cup in America, and the Fanta was not the familiar orange soda that we have in America, but more like carbonated orange Juice! I did like the Fanta, but the small cup made me mad, as that cost about $3 while back home the same cup is about $1.

Afterwards we were scheduled for a gondola ride, which was neat. It took us on a few of the small canals and on the grand canal briefly. However I felt our gondola ride was too short. It only last for a bout 5 minutes and we didn�t have a singing guy either. But nonetheless you have to go on a gondola when in Venice; otherwise you miss out on one of the biggest �attractions�

Well after that me and a few others decided to make a big loop onto the other �big� island of Venice. We started out by crossing the most southern bridge across the Grand Canal then with my superior navigational skills led us along the streets towards the Rialto Bridge. About halfway through one of my friends decided that I got us lost and that he was going to lead us. He led us into a dead-end, where I then took my map back and kept on leading us towards the rialto. We reached the Rialto maybe 15-20 minutes later and decided to check out the stores that lined it. We found a cool decorative weapon shop and checked out the goods there, but didn�t buy anything. We crossed the Rialto, and were back on the �big� island. We wandered back to the square and on the way we watched one of the street vendors selling knock-offs getting busted by the Carabineri.

As we got back to the square the line to enter St. Mark�s was just too long so we just hung out in the square. We bought some corn for the pigeons and fed them, then we got to the point where we had them landing in our hands. After that we bought more corn and put some in one of my friend�s back and in his hair. The pigeons ate it up quickly. Well we were still bored at this point so we decided to buy 2 more bags of corn and have this one friend lay down on the ground. After he laid down we poured the corn all over him and just stood back and watched. Ah, what a sight it was, watching someone get almost completely covered by hungry birds. The birds just kept coming and coming, until the corn was gone. We wanted to get some more corn to continue our fun, but we all had only American coins left and the cart people wouldn�t take the coins. After that we headed back to our meeting point, the guy riding the horse statue. Well by 4pm most of us were at the statue, but some were still missing. One of the chaperones went out to find them and about 15 minutes later, the missing ones came back, but with no chaperone. At this point the tour director and the teacher were not in a good mood. Some suggested leaving the chaperone and whoever else was left to make them find their way back to Lido. Just a few minutes before our boat pulled up, the remaining people in our group found us.

The boat ride back to Lido was quiet. I think most of the people on the boat had decided to sleep. However I choose to not sleep and instead stayed up and looked out the window. At one point a boat full of soldiers went by us with guns out and everything heading towards Venice. It was probably some training thing. Soon we docked in Lido. The walked back down to the parking lot, got on the bus, and headed back to the Hotel Frank. We hung out around our room and three of us conked right out. The next thing I remember is it being almost 10pm and finding out that we missed dinner�damn�.but then since I really didn�t care, I just went back to bed. While I slept two of my friends headed out to find a supermarket to get dinner from. They came back with their goodies which woke me up. They bought some cereal that we ate for out dinner. It was some cocoa puff like cereal, but only half the puff. After that I went back to sleep and who knows what they did afterwards.

 

May 27, 2005 � Florence

As usual we got up early to eat our soon to be hated continental breakfast and loaded up the bus. As we drove away some people on our bus were giving peace signs to the French students on the 2nd floor balcony, to which they responded with the middle finger. Apparently something happened the night before, but I wouldn�t know as I was asleep. Anyways we headed back to the Autostrade, and headed towards Florence (Firenze). We went up into the mountains and we stopped at an AutoGrill service plaza which was on the side of a cliff. The view was rather spectacular. While I was there I tried something called a camogli � a grilled sandwich with ham? And Swiss cheese?.......it was great. Anyways we headed back onto the road and managed to spot three Lamborghinis or Ferraris (not quite which one it was), traveling rather fast in a line heading in our direction.

Soon we arrived in Florence and since we had arrived early, the bus driver took us to a spot that tour groups often don�t have enough time to visit. It was a park on a hill overlooking Florence with a fake statue of David in the middle. This was one of the best views I had on the entire time on the trip. The view is on the opposite side of the Arno River of where all the famous sites are. This means you get to see just about everything in Florence, and including part of the old city wall.

Well soon we had to move on to our drop off point, as the busses cannot go into the city itself. We got dropped off on the banks of the Arno River, and walked into the city. We first stopped at the front of the former Florence Parliament building, which is next to the Uffizi Gallery. We were told that this would be our meeting point later in the day. Anyways soon our tour guide found us and went off, exploring Florence.

Our First stop was at the Duomo. We were standing in front of the golden doors of the baptistery listening to the tour guide, when our first encounter with gypsies happened. Now we were warned about these people earlier in the trip but this is the first time that I saw any. They did there usual bit where they try and get money from you, but it didn�t work with us. Well except for one person, who gave her a US Quarter�..she didn�t take kindly to people giving her American money. Luckily any confrontation was avoided as we then walked into the Duomo itself. The architecture of this church was fantastic and it was huge. And if I remember correctly they used three different types of marble to give it its coloring. Anyways we went inside and to be honest I found it to be rather empty. The only things on the floor were a few rows of pews before the altar. There was also not much in the way of art either. There were some nice tapestries, a really nice painted ceiling above the altar, and some crazy 24-hour clock in the back of the church. That was practically it and soon we moved on to our next destination.

We headed to the Church of Santa Croce. This church in my opinion was much, much more interesting than the Duomo. Now this church was smaller (I think), but it was what lays inside this that makes it interesting. Inside this church lay the bodies of many famous people including: Michelangelo, Macchiavelli, Galileo, Bardi, and if I remember correctly the famous author Dante. Not only did it have the tombs of these people, but there were also many tombs located on the floor (usually cordoned off) of lesser known people. While we were here we also saw work being done on the frescos. A couple hundred years ago the frescos were painted over so that the church would attract
�less sophisticated� people. We checked out the rest of the church and then headed out to the front. Our �tour� of Florence was now over and next we moved on to another demonstration. This time we would be visiting an Italian leather factory. They talked about the process for making leather items and told us how to identify real and fake leather. Anyways it took no more than five minutes�..and then into their store to buy their goods. Some people bought some jackets, but at 300 Euros a pop, I think not. After that we were allowed to go on our own, so a few others and myself decided to find some gelato and walk around a bit. Well we went and got some gelato from a place in the Piazza Santa Croce. I had been the only person who had had gelato before coming on this trip and ever since most people got their first taste in Venice, in every city we visited everyone had to get gelato. So we sat around for a while and then just strolled through some nearby streets, looking at the all so very small (compared to American standards) cars, and talked to a lady as she left her apartment.

Soon enough we were back at the parliament building (our meeting point), and we were told that we would be walking to a restaurant nearby to get dinner. We headed over the Uffizi Center to eat at a restaurant on the third floor. As we entered it was empty (probably reserved for groups), and it looked fairly upscale. I had some high hopes that we were going to be getting fed an excellent meal. Anyways they came around and offered soda and wine to everyone if you wanted to pay for it (2.50 Euro for a can). I think almost everyone opted for the free water. Soon after the overpriced soda was offered they brought out what appeared to be a very nice green salad. I bit into it and it had the worst dressing imaginable. Almost no one ate the salad, I did however did manage to get through half of it. Next the waiter brought out our main course�..Pasta and red sauce. The noodles were pretty undercooked, but the sauce was good or at least I thought so (almost no on else ate their full bowl). I then thought that the food was done, when they brought out a pizza for everyone. It was your typical Italian pizza with just cheese and sauce, and was rather delicious, except for the fact that it didn�t seem to be very fresh.

When we finished up with dinner we walked downstairs and waited for everyone to finish up. We then quickly walked to our bus which was waiting for us where we had been dropped off at. As we boarded street vendors tried to sell us everything from prints, to sun glasses to purses�.some people bargained with them and one managed to get one of the prints for a Euro.

At this time we asked the tour director about going to Pisa on our second day in Florence. She told us that if we wanted we could pay EF Tours 35 Euros a head to go to Pisa with our bus and have a tour guide. After that no one wanted to go anymore, so she reluctantly told us that we could take the train for 8 Euros each way, but if we were not back at the bus on time we would all have to find our own way back to the hotel. The drive continued on what I assume is the equivalent of an Interstate loop around major cities in the United States. After about 30 minutes on this loop we pulled off in an area of town I wasn�t too sure of. We then pulled up to our hotel the Hotel Residence Florence. I saw the exterior of this hotel and I all of a sudden lost any hope in this hotel. The exterior was worn out, with garage doors over the windows, and had burned out parts of their sign. Add that to our surroundings (freeway next door, warehouses, a construction site across the street, and don�t let me forget on approach into an airport! Boy, did we sure get the short end of that stick. As soon as I got off the bus and made my findings public someone tried to defend the hotel by suggesting that maybe it wasn�t so bad on the inside. I refused to believe. As I walked into the lobby I almost changed my mind as the lobby was bright, nicely furnished and almost looked new. However when I reached my floor and my room I discovered that I had been indeed right�.this hotel sucked. The door to our room first of all was a rather flimsily wood that probably would have fallen apart if an 80-year old grandmother had knocked on it. Then I saw the first bedroom it had a short bed (the one I got) and a sofa bed. There was also a mini bar with some soda, but the fridge did not work! We couldn�t get the cabinet to open and the in the other room we could not keep our garage door open! At least It had a color TV. Before heading to sleep in my ever so small bed, I watched some MTV (which over there actually plays music videos, and was mostly in English) and watched the beginning of Resident Evil in Italian. After that it was lights out.

 

May 28, 2005 � It�s Only a Half an Hour Away

So that morning when I woke up I discovered on of my friends was missing from the room and figured that he was in another room. Anyways this turned out to be a good thing as it gave me and my other friend enough time to take our showers. After taking my shower I headed down to breakfast which was nothing more than a roll and butter/jam once again. Already by my third breakfast in Italy I was getting tired of this meal�.but I ate it anyways as today would be busy.

We were dropped off at the same place as the day before and were told to meet at the parliament building at 10:30 so that we could get into the Academy and see the statue of David. Me and one of my friends decided that we needed some cash, so we went in search of a bank. This was a Journey, as we walked all over the place. While trying to find the bank we stumbled across to what appeared to us a memorial service procession. There Police officers carrying two wreaths and then behind them were guys in orange and white outfits carrying a huge banner with a fleur-de-lance. We continued on and eventually found a bank, just up the road from where we started from. I used my check card to get some cash out, but the bank was closed so we had to find an exchange place to get some cash for my friend. We finally found a place which was a bit of a rip off in the exchange rate, but he desperately needed money and we had to head back to the parliament so he went ahead and got his money there.

Everyone except for one person in our group showed up to the parliament. Seeing as how we had an appointment to enter, we decided not to wait for him. Anyways we headed off to the Academy where we waited for our appointment. On our way to the Academy we encountered a protest led by a group of Socialist/Communists. They were rather quiet and following behind them were the Carabineri decked out in riot gear and had the steel cages around the windows of their jeeps. After passing that we arrived at the Academy. As we waited many street vendors that set up shop next to the appointment entrance tried to sell us everything. We all turned them down, I think. After about 10 minutes or so it was 11:00 so into the museum. We started in one of the galleries where we all spent about 30 minutes admiring the paintings. But what was around the corner was the reason why we were here, the statue of David. Everyone walked around it and stood there forever. I tried to get a picture but the volunteers were extra vigilant and I decided not to risk it. After looking at the statue of David, I sat down on some benches next to a few others in our group. Soon most of the other people in our group disappeared, off to look at other works of art and to watch a film across the hall. I stayed put for the time being when an Australian from Perth came over to the few of us remaining and we talked for awhile.

After that I decided to go ahead and watch some of the film that was playing across the hall. I think it was about how the statue of David represents a strong, white male in power, and (by the end of the movie) the statue of David had changed into a strong, black woman in power. I really don�t remember anything else about the movie other than the fact that the guy was getting drunk from the wine glass that kept on being refilled as he talked. Those of us in the theater than decided to head outside and wait for the rest of the group so we could go to Pisa. We had waited over 40 minutes when those of us that were there basically said �screw it�. You see our teacher told everyone to stay close to her so that this wouldn�t happen, and we could all make it to Pisa. After waiting we headed towards the train station expeditiously. We didn�t know when the train would leave, but we didn�t want to get there and find out we just missed it. Some of the people from New Jersey were following us but they had to keep stopping, so we left them behind (plus they needed to buy new shoes and we didn�t have time for that).

Well we got to the train station and rushed in to the ticketing area. The lines for the counter were long! Luckily for us there was an employee showing people how to use the do-it-yourself ticketing kiosk. We approached him and he helped us out and got us our tickets to Pisa. Our train was scheduled to leave in only minutes so we rushed to track one, where who did we see? The rest of the group. Boy did that sure make our teacher mad! Apparently there was mass confusion and both groups insist that the other was the fault of everything. Nonetheless we boarded and took to our seats and next thing we knew we were off into the Italian countryside. The train ride was rather uneventful, except for when we neared Pisa, we had to stop for about 5 minutes while a train in front of us switched tracks. After that it was clear until Pisa. This train ride took about an hour which was 30 minutes longer than our tour director told us!

Our teacher was still mad at this other group (they had caused a lot of stress for her before leaving Florence), and she basically wouldn�t talk to people who didn�t stick with her at the Academy. Finally though as we rode around Pisa on the city bus, each side began to thaw out and communication was established. Still to this date, who waited on who is still unsolved.

Anyways we arrived at the tower and many of us decided to get some food from the New York Grill by the entrance. It wasn�t the best pizza, but it was cheap and that�s all that mattered. After chowing down on our mini-pizzas we entered the city gates and were greeted by a perfectly constructed church and baptistery and then the not so perfectly constructed Leaning Tower of Pisa. We didn�t have much time so none of us went into the tower, but we all walked around it and some of us took the classic tourist picture that makes it look like your holding it up. We walked around some more checking out the vendors and then finally heading back to the bus stop. While we stood there a man and his family from North Carolina were waiting also, so we talked to him for a little bit. Other than that it was a quiet bus ride back to the train station.

So we all went in to buy our tickets for the train back to Florence. After everyone got their ticket we headed over to track 9 as we thought that�s were our train was. Well it wasn�t so we headed to track 6 and it did say Florence on it. Well I decided to look at the schedule when I found out our train was supposed to be on track one right now, so I look over to track 1 and sure enough a train is there. After yelling to everyone �OUR TRAIN IS ON TRACK 1, RIGHT NOW!!!!�, everyone started running for track one and oddly enough I was the fastest runner. As I ran up the stairs I noticed the train was starting to move. I kept running, shouting �STOP, STOP�, but it fell on death ears. Well except those of the two tourists that laughed as we all just missed our train. We all slowly headed back to track 6 to wait for the next train to Florence (only another 40 minutes). We did nothing really for the next 40 minutes. Most of us just sat around and looked at our pictures on our cameras. You could tell everyone was tired.

Finally our train showed up and we all climbed aboard. I noticed as I tried to find seats that the train was rather full. So one friend and I sat across from two very nice looking Italian ladies, as the rest moved to the end of the train car (where they stood for the entire hour long train ride). The train ride was really quiet, until the conductor came around checking tickets. You see in Italy when you board a train you are supposed to validate your ticket in a machine. If you do not validate your ticket and the conductor checks, then you must pay for another ticket. Well he came through the train car and checked my ticket, which was validated. He then checked the tickets of the two women in front of us, which turned out to not be validated. The three of them argued until they finally each paid up 5 Euros a piece. The conductor wrote them what looked like a ticket or a receipt and promptly put the money in his wallet (seemed like he was going to keep the money). The train ride continued on in silence mostly after that except for when my friend tried to put the window curtain over the window to block out the sun. He tried desperately to get to stay closed, while the two Italian ladies tried to keep from laughing. They eventually showed him how to keep it from blowing out the window. Soon we arrived at the main Florence train station. As we were getting off I told my friend that he should have said that the two ladies were on his ticket (which was for him and 5 others in the group). Anyways soon we were off to our meeting point again.

Well we got back to the parliament a bit early and were still wondering where one kid was. We had not seen him all day. Well about after 10 minutes of being at the parliament he strolls into our group. We asked him where he was and he explained it all to us. You that morning most the group split up to go to banks, currency exchanges, etc. Well that morning he apparently just wandered off from who he was walking with and some how wound up on one of the city busses. This bus took him all over Florence and into areas that none of us would have ever made it into. He just rode around on the busses all day exploring the not-so-touristy areas of the town. Our teacher was rather relieved to see that he was ok, but warned him that this he only had 2 �irresponsible acts� left in his life.

We all then headed off to a restaurant for our dinner. I don�t remember what it was called, but it seemed that it was cleared out for tour groups as well. Anyways we got in there and since we had to wait for food some of use began to mess around, which resulted in a �threat� from the waiter. Well soon one person continued on and the waiter took his glass away (he was taping his glass with his fork). Soon he continued on another glass and the waiter came back and told him he had three choices: �Get a job, Get a girlfriend, or Get out of here!� Well he was quiet for a bit and so me and one of my friends decided to tell the waiter that it was guy�s birthday and asked if they had free cake or something. So off my friend went to find the waiter. He quickly came back and told us that the waiter bought it and only asked to see some proof (but he never did follow up on that). So after we all ate the same pasta and red sauce we had every night, the lights went out. Soon our waiter came around, with a cake for the glass tapping kid. Well he was a sleep and was surprised to find a waiter with a piece of cake and a huge knife standing over him singing happy birthday to him. The waiter then made another one of his �threats� with the knife and gave him the cake. That waiter was one of the best I have had at any restaurant. The other waiter was quiet and kind of grumpy. When he gave took away our dishes he took one kids spoon so that he couldn�t eat the upcoming ice cream. Then when he did pass out the ice cream he skipped me! So I just took the spoon-less kid�s ice cream. Now some might see that as mean, but it was just more of a connivance for him to ask the waiter for another ice cream than me. Well after the grumpy waiter ignored him, so he asked the threatening waiter for another. He got his ice cream, but had no spoon, so instead of waiting on the waiter, he used a knife.

Soon enough we were out of there and headed to be picked up by the bus near the train station (which was rather close to the restaurant). As I saw the bus and realized how much closer this was to our meeting points in Florence, I wondered why we couldn�t have been dropped off/picked up all this time. We also took another way back to the hotel that we had not taken before. We arrived to the hotel in about 15 minutes. So now I really wondered why we have been taking the long route all these times before. Wouldn�t make sense to go on the shortest routes to save on gas (I know gas was rather expensive over there), therefore they could have kept more profit in the company? I shall never know the answer to that question. After getting the hotel I went up to the room briefly and then headed back down to the lobby. Some people went searching for the McDonalds that was supposedly nearby while me an a few others played poker. As we played poker some events unfolded. First someone came down all depressed and upset and the up setter came down to try and smooth things out. That didn�t work and soon each left by themselves. The next event was the elevator getting stuck. There was an Indian group this must have been their first night in Europe as they loaded as many people into the elevator. Well they got stuck between floors. I noticed that in Europe most elevators support much less weight than elevators than in America (this probably isn�t true in high-end properties and office buildings). They sounded rather distressed, but soon enough the maintenance guy managed to get the group out. Soon after all this I finished up with the poker game and headed up to my room where one friend and the freshman were at. My other friend though wasn�t up there as once again he was in someone else�s room again. I know at one point we tried to get him back up to our room before we locked it but he wouldn�t go up yet, so he got locked out. Pretty much after that we went to bed; it wasn�t that late maybe only 11 or midnight, but I needed sleep.

 

May 29, 2005 � Finally Leaving Florence

Today was the day we finally left Florence. I personally thought two days in Florence was too much. That second day would have been better spent in Venice or in Rome or in the Sorrento/Capri/Naples area.

We got up at the usual time of 6am as we needed to get on the road by 7:30 to head off to Assisi. Me and my one friend in the room needed to take our showers so we did and after we finished our other friend showed up at the door. He headed for the shower while the rest of us took our suitcases to the lobby and headed off to breakfast. Once again breakfast was rather spotty. I didn�t eat my whole roll � I just didn�t feel like eating another roll, and some red orange juice. It wasn�t soon after my friend who was lagging behind us came down for breakfast. He had to eat quickly as soon we were loading up on the bus.

After getting everyone on we headed for the highway for a nice Sunday drive to Assisi. On the way we stopped at yet another AutoGrill where I stocked up on more snacks and a big thing of water. After getting what I needed me and a few others stood on the edge of a low, but steep hill. Even though we knew we were not going to fall, our teacher didn�t like it to much. The reason why we stood where we did was of the better view it provided of the valley, compared to the parking lot. We took a group picture and we headed back onto the road.

We arrived in Assisi before noon. So me and my one friend (the one I had tried to find a bank with in Florence) decided that we would just wander around Assisi by ourselves. We found lot of excellent views back in some residential areas, walked around St. Francis Basilica (all levels), and just walked around some more. We found a place to eat that had hamburgers and Pepsi Twist so in we went. It was the worst hamburger I have ever eaten. I still ate it as I paid over 5 Euros for the burger and Pepsi. We continued on our exploration as we had some time before we had to be at the Basilica for a mass led by the Priest who was with the New Jersey group on our tour. Eventually we needed to find use a restroom so we headed off to find one. The only one we found was a pay one. I had no Euro coins so I tried American coins, but it didn�t work. There wasn�t anyone in there and we both had to really go so we just jumped the turnstile and took care of business. After that we walked up one street where we found a scooter with a particular bumper sticker. It was one of those �The South Will Rise Again� bumper stickers with the Confederate flag ad General Lee on it. I was surprised by it, as I never thought there would be an interest in the Confederacy over in Italy. Maybe some rebels headed to Italy after the Civil War.

It was almost time for the mass to begin so we headed over to the lower level of the Basilica and into the Chapel of Saint Catherine (I think?....its the one across from the door). Myself and almost the rest of the group sat through the mass, which ended actually rather quickly than what I would have thought. After finishing up with the mass we all headed out side until our tour director showed up to take us to the bus. We waited a not very long when Alfonso showed up to get us back down the mountain.

We arrived at the Hotel Porzuincola which is across the street from S. Maria degli Angeli. We quickly unloaded and a few of us decided to explore the area. We headed to a park over in front of the church where one of the girls tried to lead some of us guys in yoga. For me it failed miserably. While they were doing tome thing on one hand and foot, I took the opportunity and pulled out a friends arm. I thought the look on his face was funny as he fell (good thing he thought so too!). Anyways after that we messed around on the small playground for a while, until we found a newsstand with soccer balls for sale. We pooled some euros together and bought an �official� Italian soccer ball. Me messed around with it for a bit before heading back.

As we headed back we stopped and watched a first communion procession leave S. Maria degli Angeli, so we sat and watched for a bit before going back to the hotel for dinner. Dinner was slightly different tonight as we got pasta with cheap alfredo sauce. It was bad, but at least it was something different. We also got some questionable meat next. It was paper thin and could have been pork or chicken�.no one really knows what it was. Anyways after finishing that they brought out ice cream (gelato would have been better to complete the Italian experience. After the ice cream we went in search of a gelato shop, which happened to be right next to the hotel. After getting gelato I headed back up to the room, where I watched TV for a while. After about 40 minutes I went downstairs to see if anyone was doing anything. Some people had just got back from a McDonald�s so they were talking about their meal, and others were getting a soccer game together, which I went and took part of. We were playing for awhile when to guys came up and asked if they could play. Most of us said us but after a little bit we told them no (1. they didn�t know English and we didn�t know Italian and 2. one of the girls didn�t feel comfortable about it). Well we kept on playing for another 15 minutes until the only girl left decided that we should go in after noticing that the two guys kept saying something about Americans. So we packed up and headed towards the hotel. I hanged around the room and pretty much didn�t do anything else for the rest of the night, except for sleep.

 

May 30, 2005 � Scavi di Pompeii

We woke up a little earlier than usual, 5:45am. It was a good thing that I went to bed early the night before. I got into the shower second and headed down for our same boring breakfast, while we waited to load up the bus. As I looked out of a window I noticed that a supermarket had just opened up. Off I went into this subterranean food store. I picked up some snacks, a 1.5 liter of Coke and a 2 liter of water for the bus and for in Sorrento. A few other noticed the supermarket and they bought water also (its much cheaper at a supermarket than anywhere near a tourist site). We got on the bus and headed for Naples/Pompeii/Sorrento.

After a quiet drive to Naples we arrived at our next demonstration. It was a store that sold shells with pictures engraved in them. I didn�t see anyone in their �Factory� to demonstrate this to us and everything was horrendously overpriced. Personally I didn�t think I needed to spend 100 Euros on some engraved seashell. After having EF Tours try to get more money out of us, we were on our way to Pompeii. We arrived early (we had a reserved tour) so we decided to hang around the entrance to Pompeii where all the shops are. Getting hungry (it was around noon) a few of us decided to get some food from a restaurant that was cafeteria style. I thought about getting the Pizza, but I saw some lasagna and opted for that instead. I paid and went outside where I sat down and took a bite into my lasagna. It was cold! I took another bite just to be sure and it was true; it was the worst lasagna I had ever eaten in my life. Not only was it cold but something about just didn�t taste right. I stopped eating that horrendous pile of food and got me some gelato instead.

After that we headed over to the knick-knack shops by the gate. I bought a bell for my grandmother since she collects them. I saw a few neat things like the �ancient� knives and whatnot, but opted not to buy any. For some reason I went over to a necklace stand (I still do not know why) and the half-crazed lady that ran it started babbling to me. She kept asking �American? American?� and when I replied �yes�, she went on about how much she loved America and how America is her friend. Then she tried to use that speech to get me to buy her crappy necklaces! I told her I wasn�t interested, but she persisted. I couldn�t take it anymore, so I turned to my right and got away from her.

I headed over to the benches in front of the gate and waited with a few others for the tour to begin. Soon enough the rest of the group and the tour guide showed up and in we went. We walked along the outer perimeter where the city walls were before they were assimilated into the Roman Empire. We entered into the actual city through a door way leading into a courtyard. It was a rather large courtyard and was right behind the amphitheater, so it was probably part of that. Well after seeing the courtyard, we moved into the amphitheater. There wasn�t much to it except for there is a metal frame which appears to be for a stage. It wouldn�t surprise me if they still did performing arts there. We then moved through an archway and into another amphitheater. I managed to get my last picture there before my camera died on me. Well back down we went and into the actual city of Pompeii. We walked along one of the streets and took notice of several of the things the guide pointed out (kitchens, bathrooms, etc). We eventually came up on a house that had some mosaic work remaining. After filtering through that we headed into a former bath house. Even with no water it was cool and damp. Actually what surprised me most is the fact at how well this bathhouse was preserved. We stayed here and cooled off for a bit then moved on to one of the supposed most famous spots in Pompeii. It was art of some sort (either painting or mosaic, I can�t remember), but I couldn�t get a good look as everyone was crowding around it (if anyone knows what I am talking about please tell me what it is). After seeing that we walked around the streets a bit more than headed down to the exit located in the middle of the police station.

We still had some time so a few went and looked at the shops while I sat where we were going to be meeting our tour director and the bus. We waited for a good while and at this point it looked like it might rain. However it didn�t rain and the bus came shortly after. We still had to get to Sorrento which is somewhat on the other side of the Bay of Naples from Naples. The drive from Pompeii to Sorrento had a great view. We drove on a coastal road along up along a cliff. We were able to see all of Sorrento as we approached the town and saw one of the rocky beaches along under the cliffs. As we made it into Sorrento the road became a lot more winding and had straightened out as we arrived at the Hotel Albatross.

Our bus had to park up the road from the hotel so we all had to walk to the hotel as it began to rain. It wasn�t much of a storm, so we were lucky. The hotel checked all of us, and then proceeded to check in a group of college kids from Michigan. The four of us who had been rooming together this trip all headed up to our room to find a kid sized bunk bed and two twin beds. Somehow I managed to get the bottom bunk of the bunk bed�I was the biggest person in the group and I my legs ran off the end. At least it wasn�t hard as a rock like most other beds. I checked out the rest of the room and noticed that you needed to have your key in a slot in order for everything to work in the room. So we messed with that but couldn�t keep our A/C on. This was very annoying and I am thinking that the hotel does this to save money as it seemed mostly tour groups stayed at this hotel. We had a balcony in the room but it looked out to a street and a church a little ways down the road, kind wish we had a room on the other side facing the Mediterranean and the Bay of Naples.

After we all got settled in we headed down to dinner where we were presented with cokes for a drink. One person thought they were free so he ordered all us one (8 people). Well after the waiter brought us our cans of coke, he presented our table with a bill. None of us expected to have to pay. So, the rest of the table forced the guy who ordered to pay. Well that and he owed some of us some money, especially me where he owed me $5, and 2.50 Euros was a deal. He went a head and paid. I can�t really say anything about the meal, as it was the same that we had every other night. I under stand why it they fed us cheap food, but they could have at least gave us different cheap foods.

I wasn�t feeling all that great so I headed back up to the room where I opted to lie down and watch some TV. After a while the others came back up and decided to go swimming at the pool. I didn�t think that the chlorine in the water would help my cough so I opted not to go. Well after a while the TV got old so I went to explore the area nearby the hotel. There were a few markets and stores so I was able to keep busy. I stopped by the supermarket to pick up some snacks, and then just wandered around for a little bit. By this time it had gotten darker and I decided that I should probably go find a phone and check in with my dad. I went back to the hotel and asked where the nearest payphone was and was told to go down the street and turn onto a terrace. Ok so I thought terrace meant street. So I went up and down all the streets nearby. I finally decided to check out this one alley that I saw a resort on earlier. This time I walked down into the resort main area and discovered the pay phones! I tried my calling card that my dad had given me but it still wasn�t working so I just decided to use up whatever Euro coins that I had left. I got through to his cell phone quicker than expected and talked to him for a bit and was able to get the available balance in my checking account. We talked for about 8 minutes or so and the call only cost about 8 Euros which didn�t seem to be that bad of a price considering that I got a better connection than I sometimes back home!

I headed back to the hotel and discovered that I didn�t have the room key. I checked the pool but no one was there. Someone told me that they went to the beach. Great, no one told me�.the Sea actually might have helped me feel a bit better. Well I found someone else in the lobby who was wondering where everybody had disappeared to, so the two of us started to walk our way towards the beach. It was a bit confusing, but we finally made it onto the road that took us straight to the beach. As we were getting close to the beach, all of a sudden a group of our fellow travelers appeared. They were coming back from the beach and were commenting on how the water was bad and how it smelled like crap. Well maybe it was best that I hadn�t known about going down to the beach after all. We all walked back to the hotel where I was relieved to find out that I had not locked us out, but one of the others had taken our room key. We watched some German satellite TV for a bit then one by one we all were fell asleep.

 

May 31, 2005 � The Isle of Capri
It was 2:00am and all of a sudden the four of us were awake. We do not know why we all woke up at once in the middle of the night. None of us had heard anything; we all just kind of woke up. Its weird and I really can�t explain it. I think I went to the bathroom and by then everyone had fallen back to sleep so I did so as well.

We woke up for the second time 4 hours later at 6:00am. We did our routine morning shuffle, and headed down to breakfast. Breakfast was once again the usual roll. After eating we loaded all of our suitcases back on the bus (it would meet our ferry in Naples), and we headed off to our drop off point for the ferry. We were dropped off at the top of the stairs that lead down to the port. As we arrived at the port we realized that two were missing. The tour director went and got our tickets and most of us went and got some water from a nearby store. After we all got back together the two that were missing came waltzing in. Turned out they had stayed on the bus and had just planned to sit in all day. Well Alfonso, our bus driver, kicked them out, so they headed down to the port to catch us. After getting their tickets, we headed to the pier our ferry was at.

Linee Marittime Partenopee
Sorrento � Capri
Departure: 9:00am

Our ferry started on time and soon we were out in the Bay of Naples heading for the Isle of Capri. The ferry wasn�t a terribly large one, but there were still quite a few people on it. As we cruised along I took in the sites of the peninsula on the southern side of the Bay of Naples I then laid down on the bench I was on until someone else started to encroach upon my space, I then moved inside to a different bench where I was able to get some sleep. I woke up just as we were approaching the Island, so up I got and started to take pictures as we approached. I got a few shots of the port, found the rest of the group and got off the ferry. We made our made our way onto the main stretch of road in the port area, passing what is the smallest gas station (esso) that I have ever seen. We headed over to a part of the harbor where some smaller boats were. We were to take a tour around the island (more like half of it) in a boat. We all climbed in, which was a bit tight for the 40 of us. We went around the east and southern side of the island. This included the red grotto, a few others, a rock off the coast that you sail through and the first Roman port on the island (now private). After seeing these few sights we circled back to the port, and then my camera started to die again. Somehow though I was able to make my camera last the rest of the day.

Well we headed to the funicular (cable car) and headed up to the village of Capri. Right when you get to the station on the top there is a great view of the port, and of northern side of the island. After we took in that sight, we headed through the �main square� of the village where I saw a little UPS scooter. To be honest It kind of surprises me that UPS has an active business on this little island. We continued on though the village of Capri, went passed a monastery (now just a church and a library) and headed for the gardens. To be honest as we walked to the gardens it somewhat felt like an area in a zoo. It was just the vibe I got as we walked. However the gardens were not like that. The gardens had one of the best views on the Island (that I experienced). It looks down at the rock that you can sail through and a private port for some of the residents.

Our tour director than announced that there is a local restaurant that has a cheap lunch special, and if we wanted to go we needed to hurry up. So off we rushed to the �main square�. As we headed back we passed a lemon stand with lemons the size of my head! Supposedly they can grow that big over in Italy. Well arrived at the restaurant which was just off of the main square. By the time we got there we had lost half the group. It�s their loss as this restaurant actually had a half-decent lasagna. The meal also came with a drink and a desert and only cost us 10 Euros a-piece. However when we went to pay, havoc erupted. The waiter put seven of us on the same ticket, and I had no cash as I was planning on using my check card. Well we went away to try and fix it and came back and said that he couldn�t do it. When I suggested that he put 10 Euros in my card and take the rest in cash, he seemed utterly confused. I was not about to put a 70 Euro bill which would have been near $100 on my checking account (as I student I don�t have that much). Well luckily one of the other people decided to put it on one of the credit cards his parents gave him and we would all pay him back. As he pulled out his wallet I noticed he had a Delta SkyMiles American Express card and to my surprise, he instead used some local bank�s Visa card. Well I guess all of us aren�t in it for miles.

After leaving the restaurant me and one of my friends decided that we would try and find an ankle bracelet for his mom. We went into all of the stores that sold similar items, but to our surprise they did not know what we were asking for half of the time. We walked around a bit more, winding up on the avenue of overpriced stores, which had a Best Western on it (I didn�t see Best Western as a luxury brand). We turned back met up with a few others explored a bit more than headed back down to the port.

We checked out the shops in the port and got some cash from the ATM. At this point I hadn�t used the bathroom all day and I needed to go. I went in search of the toilets, which I found just down the road. I saw that it was a pay toilet so I pulled out my wallet and had only 35 Euro cents which meant that I was 15 cents short. I for once could not afford to use the bathroom! Well after getting a few coins from my laughing friends I headed back to the bathroom and handed my 50 cents over to the old lady guarding the bathroom. I finished up and left it and realized that that was one of the lousiest bathrooms on the face of the planet and definitely wasn�t worth 50 cents. I should have just found a tree.

Well I headed back to the port and sat near our boat from the island tour as we still had about 30 minutes before we had to meet at the funicular station. I just sat there and watched the people come in and the sailors take care of their boats. Even though I could do this at home, it�s just not the same when seeing it in another country (plus the boats aren�t fishing charters). Well after about 20 minutes I headed to the funicular station and met up with the others and checked out more of the shops in the port area. After about 15 minutes our tour director showed up and the rest of our group did by about 5 minutes later. We then headed over to our ferry to Naples.

SNAV Aliscafi
Capri � Naples
Departure: 2:45pm

We got on and I picked out a seat in the middle towards the front of the ferry. There was a TV up front that was playing some random Italian station. I watched out the front of the ferry as we left from Capri. About 10 minutes later I fell asleep. Being on Capri wore me out and I needed the sleep. I woke up as we were nearing the ferry terminal. I tried to find the US Naval Base, but I am either blind, or it is not actually in Naples. Well we docked and got off and went to some benches. Our bus driver was supposed to be there, but he wasn�t. Our tour director called him up and found out he was stuck in traffic. You see there was an accident in a tunnel while he was in it. Turns out that he also waited 30 minutes for the two kids he kicked off his bus. He never knew that they went with us to Capri. Boy was he mad, but also relieved at the same time according to our director. Of course who really knows? Since we had an hour before he would get there we were told we could explore. So off we went to the castle across the street. We walked around the entire castle in some parking lot and didn�t find the entrance at all. Turns out it was right next to the parking lot entrance�..boy did we feel smart. Speaking of smart, we tried to lift up one of those Smart Cars. We couldn�t lift it but it made a great picture (why did my camera have to die!). We headed back to the ferry terminal. We sat around for a bit, and were told that the bus was on its way. Also at the same time we had two people missing who had ventured into the castle. They were lucky. As the last person got on the bus we saw them walking towards us. If we had not seen them they would have had to find a way to get to Rome (tour director/company policy).

Well we got on the highway and headed for our final city, Rome. The drive wasn�t so bad and we stopped at yet another AutoGrill. This time would be our last opportunity to stock up on snacks so I bought a few things to take back home. I picked up a few packs of Hit Minis. They were only a euro a pack, and at the Publix I work at we only sell the big sized ones. Well we got back on the freeway and as we neared Rome we pulled off of the freeway. I thought we were heading to our hotel, but the tour director and the bus driver took us for a drive up on a mountain just outside of Rome. We were able to see the entire city down below off in the distance, as the sun set. Once again I wished that my camera had not died. We got back on the highway and headed for our hotel. Re exited on the Appian Way drove past the exit to FCO and continued to the town our hotel was in.

Our hotel was out there. Not to mention the hotel was at far from the road. As we pulled up the Park Hotel Villa Maria, it seemed like this would be our best hotel yet. Even though there were the garage doors on the windows, I still felt good about this hotel. We got checked in and headed up to the third floor where our room was. We only found one room though, room 344. We were confused, so we checked the floor below to see if it was down there, which it wasn�t. So we tried room 344 and surprisingly it opened up to a common area with our room 345 and room 346 off to the sides. We had gotten the best room in the hotel! We got settled in and I stayed around the hotel room as I began to cough like crazy. Somehow as everyone else managed to party in the common area, I managed to somehow fall asleep.

 

June 1, 2005 � Roma!

When I woke up at 6:00am I was actually feeling rather good. Wasn�t feeling too sick, and was ready to go after breakfast that morning. We got on the bus and made our way into the city center. It was only supposed to take an hour max, but wound up taking around 2 hours to get to our drop off point at the Coliseum. We were dropped off at the edge of where what I consider the outermost fa�ade begins. However instead of walking around that way, we walked along the side where the outer fa�ade is no longer. We found our entrance, and walked around in the inside until we got to the point where we could see into the Coliseum. We walked through am archway and there were front row of the Coliseum. We walked around on the lower level and I noticed that it felt smaller than what I had imagined from seeing on TV and from movies. It was still pretty cool. Next we climbed the stairs up the highest level you can get on. We walked around a few times, took some pictures and then moved down towards the exit. While we waited for others two of my friends decided to duke it out in a light saber battle in the Coliseum. They battled it out for a few minutes and got the attention of not only our group, but of other tourists (who started to film them also)! Soon enough the remaining group members caught up and off we went towards the Roman Forum.

As we walked into the Forum we stopped at a higher up point to take pictures of the entire area. The Forum is actually below the street level as modern day Rome is higher up compared to ancient Rome. We walked practically in straight line through the forum, until we arrived at a particular building. Our tour guide told us that the building in front of us may have been the Roman Senate and that the steps to the building may have been where Julius Caesar had been killed. We walked out of the Forum and back up onto the streets. While the guide talked about building on top of old building mostly everyone got drinks from the nearby stand. The stand did have water so I bought a bottle and it was frozen! There were no nearby water fountains to refill after drinking what water was left, so I got stuck with a 2.00 Euro block of ice. We went past the monument to Victor Emanuel, which included the tomb of the Unknown Soldier. We then crossed the street and passed Mussolini�s balcony, and then got on a bus.

The bus we were taking to the Vatican was crammed full. There was just no more room for anyone on this bus, and with the lack of A/C it was rather hot. When we finally arrived at our bus stop we got off and had to hike to the end of the line for the Vatican Museums. The line didn�t take too long and soon enough we were had gone through Vatican security, which made for country number 3 on this trip. The two light sabers had been confiscated as I had predicted, but we were not delayed by this. We picked up our headsets so we could hear our guide as we walked through the museums. We then headed up stairs and then headed to the Vatican cafeteria to get some lunch before we would begin our tour. The food in the cafeteria wound up being a little expensive but the roasted pork was quite excellent. I did wish though that I had more than the dollar coins as they take United States Dollars (except for dollar coins) or Euros. We waited a bit after eating until our guide came back to lead us on our tour.

I don�t remember really what we saw before entering the big courtyard (it was probably sculptures), but after entering back into the museum we saw a few more statues and sculptures including an original Greek one. After seeing that, we moved into a long hallway which contained the sarcophagus� of two Christian Roman emperors. Also in the long hallway were small statues, pottery, and other ceramic works. After that room I believe we entered the tapestry room. The tapestries are huge in this room, and if I remember correctly they are all of the life of Jesus. We then headed into the map room. I thought this was neat as they seemed to have Italy actually mapped rather well back when these maps were created (16th century?). After the map room we headed into a room that had been painted after the decision that Jesus� birth was a virgin birth, I believe. After that we then walked down a stairway down to the Sistine Chapel. The Sistine Chapel is pretty amazing. I think I spent about 15 minutes taking in the art. I also managed to take a picture of the art, just as the other half of the people were doing. Yeah, I know it�s not allowed, so I made sure not to use the flash (unlike some others).

The tour guide came and got us all back together and we headed out. We exited the building and headed down the alley between the Sistine Chapel and St. Peters Basilica. We went around to the front of St. Peters, passed through the door that is only opened during the Holy Year (every 25 years). We entered into the basilica and it was crowded. We made out way towards the back of the basilica. One the way we passed the line to see the catacombs and the body of Pope John Paul II. It way too long (apparently some people had been in line since very early that morning. Since we couldn�t do that, we were led over to the body of Pope John XXIII. He was put on the path to sainthood by John Paul II, so his body was put on display. It was kind of creepy as it didn�t really seem like he had been dead for as long as he has. After that we moved on to the statue of St. Peter where people rub or kiss the right foot. As I walked past it I noticed that there really wasn�t much of a right foot left. Hundreds of years of human touch have worn it down to a stub. Next we moved onto the big thing in front of the alter which contains the artifacts of St. Peter. Our tour guide explained a little bit about it, and then we walked back towards the entrance. We stopped at a piece of art that is now behind glass on our way out. I do not remember the name of it, but I do know that it is behind glass because someone tried to destroy it with a hammer in New York City back in the 60s or 70s. We then headed outside.

Just as we about to go down the stairs on the side, the Swiss Guard were changing, so we stopped and watched. After they did their thing, we walked past the Vatican Post Office (wish we could have stopped, so I could have mailed some post cards). We walked into St. Peters Square, but off to the side. We went to some fountain on the side then exited the square through the empty security checkpoints. Next we crossed the street to a gift shop. Interesting to note is the in the same building is the Embassy Philippines to the Vatican and to the Sovereign Military Order of Malta (SMOM). We went into the gift shop and stayed there for a while. I decided to go ahead and buy a few things so I picked up a Vatican coin and stamp set and a small cross (for a necklace). Also they will have any item you purchase blessed by a priest so I took them up on that offer (as did everyone who bought something). I left the gift shop, went over to the payphones and was able to check my voicemail with only 1 Euro in the phone. I also bought a Fanta from the street vendor that was kind of like lemonade.

We had to meet our bus on the other side of the city, so we decided that as we walked to the bus we would visit a few sites. We walked down the road from the St. Peters Square, down past the Canadian Embassy and into a Park along the Tiber River. We crossed the river and headed into a crowded square. There were lots of TV cameras and trucks all around a few stages in front of a church. I heard some music, so I am figuring that it was some concert. We then headed towards the Pantheon. This building is spectacular. I believe that it is the most intact Roman building left. We went inside and looked at the few statues, the altar, and the big hole in the roof. Supposedly when it rains, it never gets wet in there. After the Pantheon we went to the gelato shop right next to it. Our tour director said that it was the best gelato in Italy, but honestly it tasted no different to me than the gelato I had elsewhere. We moved next to the Trevi Fountain. I maneuvered through the crowd to get down to the front so that I could do the coin throwing tradition. I threw my American dollar coin in and went back up to the group. We then went to the Spanish Steps. As I approached the steps I was somewhat surprised at what I saw. On the building they were restoring at the tops of the steps, they had a big billboard for a cosmetics company. In my opinion it ruined the scene and my picture. But then I guess the bills do need to be paid. Before we raced up the steps to where our bus would pick us up we needed to find a bathroom. We searched forever for the bathroom. I then got the bright idea to check the Metro station, and there it was, right next to the Metro Station. After I came out of the bathroom I looked to my right. There was a new (or just really clean) Porsche Carrera 4S parked. I knew my brother would have loved to seen that car, so I took a picture of it for him. We all headed to the fountain in front of the steps and waited for two lost souls to catch up to us (we didn�t know they had run off). Once they caught up to us, we headed up the stairs. I walked up it and was at the front of the pack until someone ran past me. We then had to walk to a street where our bus could pick us up (illegally). We passed the only Burger King that I saw in Italy on the way there.

We made it to our pick up point and waited forever for the bus. It didn�t help that we were standing next to 3 huge dumpsters either. About 20 minutes later the bus showed up and we quickly filed onto the bus and sped out of there. As we headed back to the hotel, we passed the American Embassy. The bus ride back to the hotel was long. We finally made it back after the sun had set a good amount and were ushered right into the dinning room. They fed us the standard pasta and red sauce, but almost all of us could have sworn that it was the same pasta as the night before. It was another bad meal. We got some pork or chicken or who knows what covered in more red sauce with some seasonings that did not season. We headed back up to the room and by this time I was coughing it up again. I had felt fine during the day, but now I was feeling just horrible again. Unfortunately for me the �last night in Italy� party was taking place in the common area outside of my room. One of my friends came into the room and heard me coughing like crazy and told me that he would try and keep to keep the volume down. I don�t know if he really did or not as I fell asleep rather quickly (I wanted the medicine to get to work).

 

June 2, 2005 � Home

We would have a different tour director and bus driver today as our tour director stayed with the group from New Jersey (they had two got an extra two days in Rome), and so that our new tour director and bus driver could pick up a new group at the airport. We all got up at 7:00, that�s the latest we have got to stay in bed! Well the only downside is that we would have to rush down to breakfast so that we could eat before they closed up shop. Of course I probably shouldn�t have really cared; it was the same old roll we had every other breakfast. I went up to my room, got my suitcase and carry-on and headed down stairs. We went down to the parking lot lined up our bags and waited. After 20 minutes the tour director called the bus driver and he said that he was only 5 minutes away. After that I noticed some Italian Air Force jets flying in formation back and forth. After that I saw three Italian C-130s flying in formation, and then some helicopters in formation over head. Supposedly it was some sort of national holiday going on. By now 15 minutes had now passed, and there was no bus. The tour director called again and he once again said that he was only 5 minutes away. Around 10 minutes later he pulled up. It was actually good that he was late as it kept us from having to wait long at FCO.

The ride to FCO wasn�t too long as we were on the same side of town as the airport. We pulled up the terminal and unloaded where I raced down to the check-in counter (Delta is the farthest down). I got there, answered the questions from the lady at the podium and then she put security stickers on my passport and bags. From there I walked up the check-in counter. The agent spoke perfect American English, which was a great thing as I needed to check my bags to MSP so that it would follow me on my separate ATL-MSP ticket. I went through security and passport control and then headed to the train station to Concourse C. Our flight was leaving from C-20, which had an AutoGrill conveniently placed next to it. I went and got a slice of pizza and then headed back to the gate. There wasn�t much of a wait until boarding began. When Zone 6 was called, I got on the plane.

Delta Flight 77
Rome, Italy (FCO) - Atlanta, GA (ATL)
Departure: 1:20pm Arrival: 6:40pm
Aircraft: 767-300 Seat: 36B

The plane took off on time and soon we were at our cruising altitude. Our flight today would be 11 hours long, and would be longest flight yet. I didn�t know if I would survive it, but I did. As the first movie began to play (Because of Winn-Dixie), the first drink service was started. I got a coke, but did not watch the movie as I saw it on one for my flights to/from from Seattle in May. I mostly talked to the person next to me and looked out the window for a while. After a few hours dinner begun. The menu was:
Salad:
Garden Salad with Dressings

Entrees:
Please choose one of the following Entrees

Chicken Breast Medallions
Roasted Chicken on abed of Orzo with Corn and Sweet Peppers, topped with
Asparagus, Marinara Sauce and a Cheese Sauce.
Cheese Tortellini
With Mushrooms in Red Pepper Tomato Sauce, topped with Cream Sauce and a Tricolor Bell Pepper Julienne.

Bread and Butter

Cheese and Crackers

Dessert:
Chocolate Mousse Cake

Snacks:
Vegetarian Pizza topped with Mozzarella Cheese, Eggplant, Zucchini and Peppers

Cookie

I choose the Chicken Breast Medallions as the Tortellini was horrible on my Air France flight. They passed out our trays and I opened up my chicken. To my surprise, it was actually good, even if the amount of chicken was small. The Chocolate Mousse Cake was good too. In fact I could have gone for a second slice. They came around and collected our trays and I decided to break out one of the books I brought with me. I read a good way into my book when me when the next drink service came around. I ordered a glass of the coke to which the FAs told us how much sugar was in that cup of coke. I agreed that there was quite a bit in there, and we talked to the two FAs for a bit. Right before they walked away they loaded us up with a huge pile of bags of pretzels. I think we each had 5 bags. After eating our pretzels, me and my seatmate talked for a while and I eventually found out that he lived 3 houses down from me. I knew that a lot of people from school lived in my neighborhood, but I just keep finding more and more everyday it seems.

By now the second movie, In Good Company (saw it on my flight to/from Seattle in May), had just finished. I decided to read some more and listened to my MP3 player. By this time Million Dollar Baby was nearing the end. I didn�t watch this movie either. I think it was around this time we were approaching Newfoundland. We waited for the first island out our window and as we looked down we saw pretty much nothing. It wasn�t too exciting until we wound up over solid land. I tried to figure out where we were but since there was no map and I don�t know Canada very well, I had no clue. At this time the snacks were passed out. The Vegetarian Pizza wasn�t all that bad. I am not a fan of eggplant or zucchini, but I found it to be tasty. The rest of the flight wasn�t overly exciting until we neared Atlanta. The weather wasn�t cooperating in Atlanta, so we had to circle 2 times before landing. We finally made it on the ground and being towards the back of the plane I was one of the last off. Since we were a group we all waited together right before immigration. I didn�t know how long we were going to wait and seeing as a I had a flight to MSP to check in to (I was going to my Dad�s house), I said my goodbyes and took off.

The line at immigration was short, and the rest of the group had just got in line as I headed downstairs to the customs baggage claim. I stood at the baggage claim forever. As I stood there, the others from my group were coming down the escalator. I waited even longer and the rest of the group was all there now waiting too. So much for trying to get ahead. I stuck around and helped unload all of the suitcases and it just so happened to be that mine was one of the last one off for our group. I just guess that is my luck. They all stood around the baggage claim carousel, but I decided to go ahead and head for customs, so that I could beat the crowd. I said my goodbyes for a second time then headed through customs. Even through I had put down that I had items to declare (it was a small amount), they waived me through and off to the Check-In counter I went. The first time I went up to the counter the agent added my luggage to my ATL-MSP ticket, but told me I would have to check in at the gate and handed me an Itinerary card. I then decided to walk back to the customs exit and wait for a friend who had to fly to Orlando after our trip. We went over to the desk, she checked in for her flight so I asked if I could too. They did, and we went and put our bags on the belt. As we walked to the train we saw the group one more time, and did our final, final goodbyes.

Her flight was from Concourse T and mine from Concourse B, so we decided to go to the Chili�s in Concourse A. I ordered up some chips and salsa, which I pretty much ate myself. After each of us checked in with home, she left as her flight left earlier than mine. I paid the bill than headed over to Concourse B. I checked the screens at the top of the escalators which said my flight was delayed until 10:40. I looked for another flight to MSP, and there was one, but couldn�t get on it because I had checked luggage. It didn�t bother me much as I don�t have any trouble finding things to do in ATL. I walked over to my gate and called my dad and filled him in on the info. In the time my call took place the gate had changed. I went over to the new gate and it was still going to be delayed, so I went to the Relax and Recharge station to charge my PDA. After getting that charged up to about 75%, I headed to the departures screen. My flight was still delayed and now my cell phone was ringing with some phone number I had never seen before. I answered the phone which turned out to be a friend back home. I was tired and my mind was wandering so my conversation with him was a little weird. It went something like this (Me speaking in italics): �I need your address for a background check� �What is this for� �Summer camp counselor� �I�m going to be a camp counselor��since when�..I didn�t sign up for that� �No, I am going to be a camp counselor on the base� �So why do you need my address?�. After that it all made sense and I gave my friend my address, but for the first minute I had no clue what was going on!

I headed back over to my gate and just waited. Finally around 10:10 the plane was ready to board. They were selling the FC upgrades for just $75 and I was tempted to buy it, but decided my exit row by myself would be good enough. After Zone 2 had boarded, all other Zones were called and my final flight soon began. As I boarded I looked up at the gate screen and noticed that there would be less than 50 people on this flight.

Delta Flight 434
Atlanta, GA (ATL) � Minneapolis, MN (MSP)
Departure: 10:30pm Arrival: 11:33pm
Aircraft: MD-88 Seat: 24D

We took off around 10:30 and we were on the way to MSP. I stretched out, picked up my Pocket PC to watch a video. However after about 5 minutes I just couldn�t watch the video I had on it anymore, as I had watched on my flight to/from Seattle in May and on my flights to/from Italy. So I just sat there and waited for the drink service. By this time I was stretching out across both seats on my side of the plane. I wanted more space, so I eyeballed the row across from me which was empty. As I was about to get it, someone else beat me to it. Being too tired to look for another trio of empty seats (it would have not been hard), I just opted to stay put. Soon the FAs came around with the snacks and drinks. The one with the snacks was moving faster than the one with the drinks so I went ahead and started eating my sun chips. Well I sat there with my tray down, and the FA didn�t offer me a drink. In fact, she walked right past me! If I hadn�t been so tired I probably would have said something. Some time after that I fell asleep.

I woke up when we were taxiing into Concourse F at MSP. Oddly the landing didn�t wake me. The few of us that didn�t buy in upgrade into FC had to wait for that over crowded section to deplane. I then walked through Concourse F, which was closed down almost completely. I went through the TSA checkpoint and down the stairs to Baggage Claim. I spotted my Dad downstairs, as he was my ride to his house. We went over to the carousel and waited for my bag, until we heard that some of the bags made the earlier flight. We looked at the pile and found my suitcase! I could have been on that earlier flight! And I would have been here around 10:30 or so. Oh well. We walked together out to his car and loaded it up. I fought to stay awake on the 2 hour ride to his house, but failed at that attempt. We finally made it to his house around 1:30 am.

Overview
My trip to Italy was one of the best experiences I have had so far. For me, just being with my friends and exploring a different country proved to be very fun. I have gained so many memories and experiences from this. Also I now know never to go with EF Tours for anything, and that we would have been better, lining it up ourselves.

 

Wow you need a vacation after that trip.Nice report.Srange that the food in Italy was all bad.BTW Pizza is not an Italian dish but it was created by Italians in Chicago.From my own experience the worst place to eat Pizza is in Italy
Well done take care of that cough and get some rest
Thank you
Also the pictures are great ^ ^ ^

 

Great trip report, Berto! You've absolutely nailed the EF Tour! Especially the pasta and 3 micro-thin slices of white "meat"! Our bus driver in Florence said it was criminal, that for just a small amount more they could arrange for good food.

Anyway, you write well, and are very observant. Good luck in your future travels.

 

What a load of nonsense!

http://www.bbc.co.uk/dna/h2g2/A137657

http://www.dominos.com.au/great_comp...nav=21&tnav=75

 

Thank you for correcting me.Till i read the attached articles i sincerly beleived that Chicago was the origin of Pizza.BTW did you have to be rude and insulting when doing so

 

[QUOTE=SMART51]I don't consider my comment to be either rude or insulting.

 

Well heres another you might consider insulting anybody who makes as stupid a statement as to "the worst place to eat Pizza is Italy" could only be a fan of Mc Donalds.
The pizza as you might know it has been modified in (the US ) Chicago, but the basic dish is Italian and I dare say served with mush fresher ingredients and variations of different cheeses and meats you are unlikely to find in the US.
Where can you go into a restaurant and there are over 100 different pizzas on a menu as I have seen upteen times in Italy.

I suppose to each his own but this served to remind me of the Sopranos episode when on a visit to Italy and served a gourmet meal by their hosts Paulie could only indignantly say " you call that ***** food.. gimme gravy.."

mike