Travels with Terry

Rome to Venice via Florence

ty-lin — Wed, 16 Nov 2011 18:27:00 GMT

We have had an absolute wonderful time. Arriving in Rome last Sunday feeling rested and ready to go - we left the Rome airport on bus for the train station - to get the fast train to Florence. To our dismay - when we arrived at the train station one piece of luggage was "lost". Which means - unlikely to be seen again. Luckily, sort of, it was the one piece of luggage we needed least - though it held some rather good clothes - since it was the luggage that kept our formal wear for the formal/dress nights on the cruise, and a spare pare of walking shoes for me - and I am not sure what else yet. We must push though - although it did put me in a bit of a tale spin for a short time dropping my spirits a bit. Seems like it gives us good opportunity to do some shopping - but at the price of things - and our need to stay thrifty by shopping at Goodwill - we are doubtful we will come across shopping opportunities that gives us that kind of thriftiness. (Unless of course Prada or Gucci have outlet stores - with emphasis on outlet).

We have enjoyed the window shopping both in Florence and Venice but have not found anything that we feel we should snap up for the cruise - so we will settle ourselves to no formal night(s) on cruise unless the miracle of located luggage occurs - however we then need to take time to try and find the but bus terminal that houses lost and found luggage in Rome AND make it to our ship on time all the while departing from Venice early enough on Friday. (sounds to me like luggage is lost - and one of my favorite dresses and Terry's fav jacket are no more in our wardrobes.)

Nuff on that - Travels with Terry through Florence and Venice have been an experience in its self. Terry's energy level is truly amazing. Amanda noted to me via text message that he is an older version of Lars - that is the truth for sure. When I am ready to drop at the end of the day - Terry just wants to keep wondering the wonderful streets and alleys - especially here in Venice. I had to put a stop to it tonight - cause I am exhausted after spending several hours in Doges Palace at St Marks. What an experience - the architecture, history and grandeur of it has left me a bit mind numbed - which I hope has not diminished my memory of sitting in St Marks Cathedral at the moment the turned the lights on to highlight the domes and art work. Exiting the Cathedral we were greeted with the calming effect of the setting sun along the canal.

Our accommodations through out this trip have been splendid. We truly thank God for His care and attention to us since we made no pre-planning but have found ourselves in small B&B's, country farm houses, Florentine and Venetian palaces (at least in our minds). Pics cannot do any of this justice - as do my word here - just have to take my word for it - we are feeling like we are traveling in style - while Terrys (and my) need to be frugal and economical wise is satisfied.

And then there is the food - no fancy dinner out yet - save that for the cruise, less a couple dress up nights - but we have savored terrific breads, tasty cheeses, greasy fish & chips and tonight pizza & calzones (while strolling through the streets and alleys I might add).

So, I must close now - tired and in need of satisfying my need to be prepared for tomorrow, and still check to be sure our timetable on Friday will get us to the ship on time.

Sorry - no pics - no time to download - will have to do another time.

Photos: England

ty-lin — Fri, 11 Nov 2011 21:04:00 GMT

Meanders

Better late than never......

ty-lin — Fri, 11 Nov 2011 20:44:00 GMT

I know! I know! Here I was going to be a good blogger and have failed terribly. But am going to take a few moments to try and give a quick synopsis of where we have been, where we are and where we expect to be going.

The last four days has founds us navigating along tiny narrow country roads skimming aged stone homes, narrow ally ways and cobble stoned roads. We have come across impressive abbys of old, 1300-1400) and stood in awe of the manicured lawns that have highlighted the aged walls and architecture of the old abby. And yes - we have seen the thatched roof cottages, old stables with large white horses standing calmly but curiously in their stable. We stopped for tea at a lovely stream side tea room and sat in the car a couple evenings eating fish & chips.

The days have been short, with night falling fast at about 4pm. Since our body clocks are still trying to acclimate we have lost daylight time by sleeping in too late.

Terry is driving like a local - loving the round-abouts - and doing a wonderful job staying on the left side of the road.

Today we are on the west cost heading probably to Salisbury with hopefully a visit to Bath. We have been through Thirsk and the Moors and Dales which is James Herriott territory. We actually got to stand at the front of his vet surgery office and meandered along some of the roadways and through the towns that he based many of his stories. Terry has revisited many of the stories in his mind as he tried to reconcile what he imagined with what actually is. An interesting place to go with Terry. :)

It's all part of the package.....

ty-lin — Tue, 1 Nov 2011 09:16:00 GMT

Of course traveling with Terry means the unexpected! Or is it the expected? :) Terry left for Georgia yesterday. Yes, the state of Georgia USA. And yes, he went to pick up a car to drive back west. Now, our flight to London leaves Sunday from Seattle. All going well he should make it home Friday or Saturday - leaving us just a bit of time to make final wrap up before we leave. I told him, I would take that plane alone if he is not home in time - so at least the incentive is there for this not to turn into one of those 3 week(ers) on the road. At least - he has a driving companion this time to share the driving. (Thank you Jared!)

I think it is time for me to re-read Travels with Charley (John Steinbeck) to see how my travel companion fares to Mr. Steinbecks. :)