Saturday, March 7, 2009
In Seattle
I would like to say that of all the trips I have been on, this trip has been off to the best start ever. No late people from Anchorage, no missing baggage, smooth check in and a flawless stream through security. This is welcome ease from a chaperone perspective. Everyone received their keys to the comfort in and bed check was without incident. This morning we all had breakfast as our begin the final leg to Rome. Today, the real travel of our adventure begins. We are going to be in 4 travel groups. Some to Amsterdam, some to Frankfurt while others go to London later. We will be one big group again in Rome tomorrow. The first bus of travelers just left for the 1 mile drive to Sea-Tac and most of us will be leaving in an hour to check in and take our flight. Will our luck continue? Stay tuned!!
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Okay Scott, what is going on?? We are dying to hear (or see)!
ReplyDeleteJust got a call from Page. Today they went to the Coluseum and Forum (PM). They also went to the Vatican and St. Peter's (AM). They were up at 5:45 and on the bus by 7:30. She said it took 2 hours to get into Rome! They were on their own only for lunch ---- she couldn't remember what she ate! Dinner was in a restaurant as a group ---- they were served pasta, "some kind of chicken and greens" and some cake. It was good. She is really tired! She said they walked a lot. Tomorrow is the Trevi Fountain, Pantheon and Villa Borhgese (Sp?). So far, it sounds fun, but tiring. They have sampled gelato and Page loved it. I am wondering whether Scott will have time or energy to post much. He is probably awfully busy!
ReplyDeletethanks mellomom-It sounds great. I know they get tired, but they can sleep on the plane in a few days!!!
ReplyDeleteThanks mellomom. Perhaps other parents who hear from their kids can relay how they're spending their days? Maybe Scott is having difficulties with Italian computers, or just having too much fun, which we can understand.
ReplyDeleteJust off another phone call from Page ----- she is having a blast! I am jealous ---- of her and of Sophiesmama and Pam! Here's the latest from Page: they got up and on the road a bit later this morning than yesterday. In the AM they did a walking tour of Rome hitting the Trevi fountain, Pantheon and the Spanish steps. Free time over lunch and time to buy souvenirs; Page was able to buy hoodies with the Italian flag on them, etc. In the afternoon they went to the Villa Borghese where she saw lots of statues, paintings "the norm!" They had the "BEST DINNER YET" at a restaurant which was lasagna with incredible sauce, pork and a fruit cup for dessert. Tomorrow they head for Sorrento and Capri. Page also said they would see the Amalfi Coast (South of Sorrento). She said she was, and sounded, VERY tired. Said they really walked fast and long ---- her feet were cramping while we talked, but she was clearly enjoying her roommates, activities and trip as a whole. Oh, yes ---today was a "two gelato day!" Looking forward to tomorrow!
ReplyDeleteTip for converting the time: we are 9 hours behind Rome. An easy way to figure it is take the time here (12 Noon) and subtract 3 hours (9 AM), then "throw" that time ahead (make it 9 PM) for Rome. So, 4 PM here would be (subtract 3 hours and "throw" the answer forward) 1 AM in Rome. Until Page's next call . . .
Thanks again mellowmom. I'm not in Rome, but I wish I were. I found a clock window with Rome time that I keep on my computer's desktop: http://www.timeanddate.com/worldclock/fullscreen.html?n=215
ReplyDeleteThanks again. I'm sure they are have a grand time. If I were her, I would eat gelato every chance I got. They just don't make it here like they do in Italy.
ReplyDeleteThanks for the updates. It's wonderful to hear all of the fun the kids are having. This is a terrific way for us to enjoy the trip as well. Erika promised she'd email, but nothing yet...
ReplyDeleteStacy LeNorman (Erika's mom)
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ReplyDeleteThank you mellomom for the updates. I'm so glad to hear that they are having a good time. If Sarah calls or emails I will post any information she might have about the trip. I can't wait to hear her stories and see the photographs.
ReplyDeleteMarch 11, 2009 ----- Page called again. It was 8:00 PM in Sorrento and they were just about to go off to dinner from the hotel. They drove about 2.5 hours this morning from Rome to Napoli then boarded a ferry to Capri. The ferry ride was windy and choppy and fairly long. Capri was incredibly beautiful! They visited both Anacapri and Capri with a handsome (but old --- 40) guide named Roberto who was well known to everyone on the island! They had lunch on their own again and time to shop before boarding the ferry back to Sorrento. The ferry dock is near the center of town so they got to see that before driving about a half hour north to the hotel. Tomorrow they go to Pompeii! Page said they would have only one night in the hotel at Sorrento so I am thinking tomorrow night they will be on the ferry to Greece and I'm not sure she will be able to call. If she does, I'll continue the blog. Ciao for now!
ReplyDeletethanks again for the update. Maybe on the ferry, scott can catch up with the blog.
ReplyDeleteMarch 12, 2009; Noon AKT but 9:00 PM in Italy/Greece. I have not yet heard from Page, so am thinking I was right and they are on the ferry where calls aren't happening. I DO plan to check her Ekit Account as soon as I get home after work to make sure she has plenty of money in it with which to make calls. Will provide info as it comes in. Later -----
ReplyDeleteThanks mellomom. Maybe Page could find Sophie, who's in her group, & give her some tips about calling home! As far as I know, she has all the minutes left in her Ekit account.
ReplyDeleteSame with Sarah Tetzlaff. She has the card but hasn't called. I have a feeling she isn't sure how to use it. If Page knows her and could give her some direction that would be great. Thank you!
ReplyDeleteMarch 13, 2009 ---- I will definitely tell Page to relay the messages to Sophie and Sarah to PHONE HOME! I am impressed with the ekit phone card. I just viewed Page's account and calls (9 to 11 minutes or so) cost her less than $2 on the Rome economy number. The call from Delphi this morning (yay!!!) cost just over $6. I also was able to go into her account, see each call she made (to friends as well as Mom). So-----she should be able to assist the other girls as long as they know their account #s and pins. Since she has already called today, though, she may not call tonight ---- It might be noon our time tomorrow before I can get the message to her. OK: The call today came in at about 6:45 AKT which was 3:45 this afternoon in Delphi. They were, indeed on the ferry last night and unable to call. Page said most of yesterday was spent enroute. They did do Pompeii first ---saw the writhing dog and cringing human caught for all time as the firestorm rained down (ok ---- my words). They bussed from there to Brindisi and boarded the ferry about 5:30 or 6:00 last night. They stopped along the way to buy goodies at an AutoGrill (Italian restaurant on the freeway) She didn't remember what she'd had for breakfast, or where (tired). Page said the ferry was kind of like a cruise ship, but more for "truckers" -----? Probably refering to all the vehicles making the trip, too. I think she said the Ferry Line was Endeavor. You can try looking it up on line and may be able to get an idea of what the ship was like. She said some of the cabins were pretty nice, but she ended up in a lower end one, with bunk beds. She slept fine, did not mention rough seas, etc. The ferry docked in Delphi at about 10:00 AM. It was sunny and about 60 degrees she thought. She said they ate on the ferry and the food was good. More later ------
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