Reset search
Italy
  • Susan friesen

Italy

A 28-day adventure by Susan Read more
FollowInsightsInsightsCalendarCalendarShareShareBucket list
Newest first
  • Trip start
    September 3, 2024
  • Susan friesenItalyTraveler
    Cavour plaza
    MiVa1RavioliCarbonara1

    Roma welcomes us!

    September 4, 2024 in Italy ⋅ ☀️ 24 °C

    Arrived in Rome early this morning Actually 4:30 am NS time . No Sleep ! I’m so glad we booked a driver to pick us up and take us to the hotel . Our room was ready for us so we didn’t have to wait till 3 pm to check in . Enjoyed a long nap so needed . After our nap and a shower almost felt human again . Walked around our hood appreciating the lovely architecture. Was recommended a local restaurant. MiVa delicious homemade pasta.
    Now we rest hoping to catch up on lost sleep . So much to see Tomorrow!    Read more

  • Susan friesenItalyTraveler
    Half horse/half fishWater clockView from aboveColosseum epic amphitheater

    Roaming around Roma

    September 5, 2024 in Italy ⋅ 🌙 25 °C

    Visited the Borghese gardens 88 hectares of park land. Spectacular. We used the hop on hop off bus, which greatly helped with reducing steps .to 18,803 today. Saw many wonderful ancient sites . Our favorite was the colosseum.Read more

  • Susan friesenItalyTraveler
    Fast trains
    Happy travelerWell stocked bar !Wonderful pool & surrounding area

    Moving Day !

    September 6, 2024 in Italy ⋅ 🌙 26 °C

    I always find travel days stressful especially when we are not use to the train system. So there we were in the main terminal in Rome & approached by an older gentleman wearing a red shirt which made me think he had something to due with the rail line (Walmart greeter) . Asked if he could help us and basically just took us to the entrance of the platforms .I might add we would have found this very easily but I was beginning to thank him for his kindness.
    Out came his HAND ! Asking for $5 euros. So much for kindness lol I was willing to give a euro . However Chuck insisted we give him the $5 …feeling scammed! Lesson learned!!
    Both Chuck & I love the train . Really enjoyed the very fast ride from Rome to Naples.
    Now from Naples to Sorrento the regional train …slower very crowed no air con ,but we were entertained by a man playing a violin till the first stop he could exit with money he collected after his playing .
    Our room at the majestic palace is enormous for Europe. Very pleased this will due us just fine for the next 6 days . Spent the afternoon enjoying the lovely pool .    Read more

  • Susan friesenItalyTraveler
    111

    Discovering Sorrento.

    September 7, 2024 in Italy ⋅ 🌙 28 °C

    We ...ok I. enjoyed Wandering through the side streets off the main square in Sorrento.perusing shops on our way down to the beach area . Much to our delight, the ocean was warm. So there we were swimming with Mt Vesuvius in the background . Best 1,30 euro spent all day was the bus that took us UP from the beach. Shared a delicious carbonara for lunch .Read more

  • Susan friesenItalyTraveler
    La Marinella beach club
    Glorious cliffsOlive branchShelter swim areaItalian stud want a be!!

    Beach day Italian way!

    September 8, 2024 in Italy ⋅ ☀️ 28 °C

    So we left our hotel in search of a public beach . What we found was a very upscale, lbeach club. We decided to splurge. So we ended up with comfy sunbeds & great facilities. Chuck & I still wondering why 3 full-length mirrors situated around the beach club .
    The water was so warm . There was a swimming area that was sheltered from the open ocean, which was calm and great for swimming
    To end a spectacular day we went to our roof top bar for A drink so elegant ..
    A full Day of splurging !    Read more

  • Susan friesenItalyTraveler
    Antonio our driver ...AtraniLovers Arch ..kiss while passing under & legend has it you will stay together forever!Stairs with no endLunch with a view

    Breathtaking views ,Heart stopping Drive

    September 10, 2024 in Italy ⋅ ☀️ 23 °C

    Today was our tour of Positano ,Amalfi & Ravello. Breathtaking views incredibly beautiful. The drive there I wasn’t too bad on the way home home I just wanted the curves to stop . It was nice to get back to some what straight road.
    We took a boat ride along the Amalfi coast . Hillside towns and mountains touching the sea ..very beautiful. Pasted by
    Had lunch in Ravello …pasta of course ! Again magnificent views !
    Such a wonder day ! After visiting that area very happy we chose to stay in Sorrento.    Read more

  • Susan friesenItalyTraveler
    Porta Marina
    The BasilicaCrosswalkBench's outside a prominent business man house . His success was noted by numbers of bench'sOriginal floor in a house .Welcome mat in front of one of the homes

    Pompeii

    September 11, 2024 in Italy ⋅ ☀️ 24 °C

    Visited Pompeii today so much more than I expected . We joined a guided tour and we were so glad we did . The tour guide gave us so much valuable info .
    The eruption happened around noon they say august 24 , 79 AD but not verified .
    The folks of Pompeii were smothered by ash ,many layers of ash.
    Pompeii had 800 homes and 600 stores ….
    The city was ruled by 2 mayors so they could keep each other accountable. Maybe we could learn from history.
    The houses all had the same design what made a difference was the size of the house and how each home was decorated. Things haven’t changed so much ..The master bedroom’s consisted of a single bed there were 2 master bedrooms . The gardens were made to replicate the original gardens by the evacuation of roots of trees & shrubs .
    Pompeii is massive . We did a 2 hour tour but barely touch it so much more to see and learn about .
    We came back to enjoy a lovely swim in our pool after the heat of the day the swim was so wonderfully refreshing.
    Had a delicious meal at a quaint little restaurant Caprese salad & steak ..    Read more

  • Susan friesenItalyTraveler
    Step up from the regional train
    Best ride of the 3 trains todayEnjoying the rideIn front of Bari train stationWelcome gift !

    Travel day …3 trains to Bari!

    September 12, 2024 in Italy ⋅ ⛅ 24 °C

    We started off on the cattle car regional over crowded train then gradually progressed up from there to a more comfortable ride ..left at 10:30 am and arrived in Bari exactly as scheduled at 5:14 pm ..Bari welcomed us with a thunderstorm and a downpour .
    So far what I have seen of Bari I like . Stately old buildings beautiful water fountains just a really nice feel to the city . Looking forward to discovering the city tomorrow.
    Here till Saturday morning then we check in for our cruise .    Read more

  • Susan friesenItalyTraveler
    Fisherman
    Boys playing their Italian card game BestiaPasta lady ...homemade pasta

    Best day in Bari !

    September 13, 2024 in Italy ⋅ 🌬 20 °C

    Today we headed out to see the sights of Bari . I was impressed with the beauty of this city. I really enjoyed walking the streets of the old city. There were many folks living and doing life on the streets ..amazing loved it ! Hanging out the clothes wash day & even came upon the ole boys playing there card game Bestia.
    Bari is lovely ! Much less expensive than Sorrento area and a whole lot less tourist . I was glad to have visited and would recommend Bari .
    We will be boarding MSC ship tomorrow and another adventure begins .    Read more

  • Susan friesenItalyTraveler
    Fountain in the main square
    Birthday boyA thorn between the bushesThe tree growing in the restaurant so uniqueMany fresh fish markets in town

    Cruising into katakolon Greece

    September 17, 2024 in Greece ⋅ ☀️ 21 °C

    Arrived at the port of Katakolon Greece this morning. Toured the town of Pyrgos. Love the cultural here . It’s Chucks 66 birthday day ,how awesome to celebrate in Greece.
    I found the people welcoming and fare with their prices of there products .Enjoyed the many shops in the town .
    We were back on the ship early enough to spend time on deck catching some rays and enjoy a swim.
    Tonight was white night on board ! Sea of white ..    Read more

  • Susan friesenItalyTraveler

    Heraklion Greece …Cretes Capital

    September 18, 2024 in Greece ⋅ ☁️ 24 °C

    Visited Heraklion Greece today.
    We started at an olive oil farm . So they have a special hand held rake they use to shake the olives from the tree onto netting . Once on the nets they packed and taken to the farm where a machine separates branches leaves from olives n process of cleansing then a gentle crushing begins ,then to high speed rotating machine that separates oil from the paste ..the waste which is seeds is used for compost also they burn it in there homes like wood pellets .olive oil is extracted n storage in stainless vats to protect from light and temperature control. At the end of the tour we had a fabulous tasting .
    We also visited the Knossos palace which was destroyed 3 times .Twice by earthquakes and one by fire. The ruins are massive . The palace was built with such complexity that none of those who entered could find the way out …Not so today so many people
    We passed Spilla Venetian Aqueduct which supplied water to the city from the mountains from 17 century until early 20 th century.
    Then we traveled to old walled city and ventured into the market . Unfortunately for me only 20 minutes of power shopping , Chuck was very happy with this . I could still be shopping lovely little markets ,so much to see .    Read more

  • Susan friesenItalyTraveler
    Eternal flame
    Public toiletsNike Angel goddess of VictoryBrothel1

    Ancient city of Ephesus .

    September 19, 2024 in Turkey ⋅ ☀️ 24 °C

    Today we explored Ephesus with our guide Erim. So much info and really brought the ruins to life for us . We heard the story of how Ephesus was found. Androclos was frying a fish and fish flopped out of the pan to nearby bushes . A spark ignited the bush and a wild boar ran out . This Androclos recalled what an oracle had told when you see wild boar n fish build your settlement. He did and called it Ephesus .
    The sacred flame in Ephesus was lit to advise sailors ok to come ashore in if was burning if it was out meant the city was dealing malaria or under attack .The flame was watched by virgins from high society families.
    Near the entrance to the city was the brothel . It was 2 stories high. House of pleasure.as it was commonly referred to . On the marble side walk was a carving a heart a foot (left) a lady and a money purse …if you have enough money to fill this hole and if your foot was at least that big a woman’s love could be purchased
    Tiberius Julius Aquila Polemaeanus commissioned to have the library built in his fathers honour. Celsus the father is buried in a crypt beneath the library.
    The Library facade stands 2 stories tall .Has four columns with female statues representing wisdom knowledge intelligence & excellence. It housed over 12000 scrolls. Unlike our libraries you would just read the scrolls in the library .
    The public toilets were just that very public . Everyone sat together. In front of you ran clean water after you finished you dipped your sponge in the clean water washed your self and then pass the sponge on to the next person.    Read more

  • Susan friesenItalyTraveler

    Istanbul

    September 20, 2024 in Turkey ⋅ ☁️ 24 °C

    A city of approximately 20 million people . It’s huge it’s electrifying! I can only say on our tour we only had a very small sampling of what this city has to offer . We began our tour with Hagia Sophia was a Christian church that was converted to a mosque in 1453 . We learned that Friday is there Holy day . Also discovered that Chuck couldn’t wear shorts as his legs could cause a women temptation he needed to cover those legs . I had to have my head covered plus my Bermuda shorts not long enough capris not long enough ..it was cute !! No it was very hot in these suits we had to purchase .
    Then we saw the Hippodrome ( main square)once the hub of the public life . There’s a granite obelisk. We also saw a fountain that was donated by Germany . We visited the Blue mosque named so after the 20,000 turquoise ceramic tiles & numerous stained glass windows creating a blue-hued atmosphere. Again we had to cover up !! Pics say it all !
    We then headed to the grand bazaar consists of 61 streets over 4000 shops . It’s regarded as one of the first shopping malls of the world . It’s was bizarre ! Many people ! We were on a street mostly Turkish delight gold & hand bags few rugs .
    It was an eventful day ! I would return to turkey so much more to see !    Read more

  • Susan friesenItalyTraveler
    1
    1

    Corfu Greece

    September 22, 2024 in Italy ⋅ ☁️ 23 °C

    Here we are in our last port before we disembark Corfu. So we were met by who we thought was the tour guide but turn out be the driver ..excellent driver but shared no knowledge of the area. Quiet a disappointment.
    First stop which was 30 minutes out of town was the holy monastery of the Virgin Mary Kassopitra. Small open courtyard. Lovely views . Very peaceful. We arrived just as they were closing for lunch so had an hour to spare . Chuck & I had brought our swimsuits so we opt for a quick dip at this gorgeous beach .
    After our tour we headed up the mountain. You have heard stair way to heaven I’m sure this was highway to heaven just when we thought we reached the top around yet another curve. The pictures do not capture the height we were . We ended up at a cafe that had a glass elevator taking us yet again higher I don’t recall seeing birds ! We had some lovely tapas took many pics then returned to the old town of Corfu ! It’s was charming very clean for an old town . Corfu would be an island I would definitely like to see more of.    Read more

  • Susan friesenItalyTraveler

    Travel day! Now in Ischai italy

    September 23, 2024 in Italy ⋅ ☁️ 23 °C

    So we began our day 8:35 am we left the ship to stand with literally with hundreds of folks trying to secure a cab . No one cued up for this event it was stand your ground and secure a cab . We were waiting over an hour when I saw my opportunity well so did a Italian lady I prevailed wouldn’t back done we won the cab ! We met our Italian/ Ontario friends at the train station and enjoyed relaxing cappuccino with them .we discovered on the same train yet we need to change trains ..after looking at the the ticket I discovered we only had 6 minutes between trains . Well our train enroute to Caserta had a few minute delay now 4 minutes..Once in the station we had to check which platform and run as quickly with all our bags ..so pleased arrived only to have the door closed & would not open ! BYE ! I was happy to see we weren’t the only ones left in this predicament 7 others ..it appeared next train SHOULD be going to Naples . On board we went destination not exactly sure ! Eureka we pulled into Naples ! Time to catch a cab and head to the ferry terminal. The driving was insane ,we made it . Then it was off to find the place to purchase tickets..not a problem got the tickets and then needed to find out boat …no signs followed some others running once to gang plank they assured me yes ferry to Ischai! As you can well imagine this was the last straw of the day for Chuck informed me now when we travel abroad we do it simpler ..he said he dosnt like to see me so stressed ..part of travel . We did it we are here . However not sure what folks are saying quiet island ..ummmm seemed pretty busy to me .Read more

  • Susan friesenItalyTraveler
    Our Villa
    Thermal pool

    Ischai Relaxing day Nighttime fiesta !

    September 24, 2024 in Italy ⋅ ☀️ 23 °C

    Quite afternoon spent enjoying our thermal pool. Reading and much needed rest .
    We heard that there was to be a fiesta in the main square . We had no idea what it was about or reason for it . Quickly discovered it was celebrating the king opening of the harbour of Ischia it use to be a large lake and the king ordered it to be opened to . Period costumes live music & spaghetti. Amazing ballon flying over the harbour with music . Later incredible fireworks .yes it was a fiesta Italian style !Read more

  • Susan friesenItalyTraveler

    Castle Argon

    September 25, 2024 in Italy ⋅ ⛅ 23 °C

    Today we visited the Aragon Castle of Ischia …

    So I will begin by saying we thought we were on highway to heaven,on Sunday in Corfu well this castle was definitely the stairway to heaven ..just when we thought it can’t go any higher it did go on & on all up hill ! You could hear both Chuck & I saying this was the best 12 euros we spent ! Along with this isn’t a place for faint of heart . Truly a massive structure built in 474 BC lots of history ..hosted families ,convents & 13 church’s once the danger of pirates was over around 1750.. folks moved to the island of Ischai .1809 the English besieged held by the French shelled it almost destroying it . In 1823 Ferdinand king of Naples expelled the last 30 inhabitants and transformed the castle into a prison for lifers. In 1851 the castle became a political prison in 1860 with the arrival of Garibadi in Naples the political prision was suppressed & Ischai became part of Italy
    As we were leaving it appeared we might be in a labyrinth. Signs saying exit but none appeared . At one point the so called exit took us UP again …it was at this point Chuck suggested we might just have to scale the wall !    Read more

  • Susan friesenItalyTraveler

    Negombo thermal spa

    September 26, 2024 in Italy ⋅ ☀️ 24 °C

    Day trips that your picked up at your hotel and taken to your destination..such a luxury. Our day starts by getting on a very over crowded bus going to an unknown destination bus stop ..the best clue was look for the huge mushroom rock in the ocean …I might add we never did see the mushroom rock in the ocean . We did however make it to the destination if only by the seat of our pants ..and the fact others were going to same place ..such uncertainty is not so comfortable these days .
    So we arrived at Negombo thermal spa, An absolutely amazing place to spend one’s day.Thermal spas many different pools located though out the property offering different and unique experiences..it was a wonderful day . After trying the many different pools guess where I returned to as my absolute favourite…The Beach !    Read more

  • Susan friesenItalyTraveler

    Naples

    September 27, 2024 in Italy ⋅ 🌙 23 °C

    Today we left the island of Ischai and went to Naples . We were told its a third world city in a first world country.A city of over 3.8 million people. The birth place of Pizza !
    It’s very eclectic. A lot of street performers. Too much Graffiti . Lots of sirens & honking.
    Folks driving wrong way .Mopeds everywhere especially where they shouldn’t be..
    We just took a stroll though our hood came upon the oldest church in Naples .San Lorenzo Maggiore . We took a tour of an underground ancient Greco -Roman market bakery wine shop and laundry discovered directly beneath the Church.    Read more

  • Susan friesenItalyTraveler
    2

    Naples Archeological Museum & more !

    September 28, 2024 in Italy ⋅ ☁️ 23 °C

    We started off going early to the archeological museum. In all fairness neither Chuck or I are big fans of museums,however we were both very impressed and truly enjoyed our time there . I’m a lover of statues and water fountains. I was over joyed to see so many beautiful statues . After seeing Pompeii it was great to see many of the artifacts they discovered which were on display at the museum.
    The afternoon was spent enjoying the hop on hop off around the city . Some very beautiful areas of the city & thankfully no graffiti. We happened about what I thought was a wedding but NO a photo shoot ! It has being a good day !    Read more

  • Susan friesenItalyTraveler
    Loved the lanterns
    Best cannoli I tasted !Creamed coffee..my favouriteTonight's dinnerView from our room

    Its time to say Goodbye!

    September 29, 2024 in Italy ⋅ 🌙 20 °C

    Today we left Naples and made our way to Rome then on to our hotel just Kms from the airport . We leave tomorrow @10:00 am . What a vacation this has being . Loved so much of this trip so many beautiful places we visited . The highlights one that comes to mind is the fiesta we experienced in Ischai . So memorable. So many beautiful places we saw . Things I learned..I over cook pasta ! I know how to maneuver the train system. I did really well today only 5 minutes between trains today and we made it ..very pleased ! The Italians are amazing drivers . I still can’t believe we didn’t witness any accidents . Mass confusion but they make it work . Unbelievably today in Naples we saw a boy maybe 10 riding a motorcycle in all the traffic I was horrified!
    From ruins to spas we experienced a lot . Italy is it’s being wonderful ..
    Thank you for sharing your amazing country ..
    Time to say Goodbye.    Read more

    Trip end
    September 30, 2024
  • 2025© FindPenguins
  • Home
  • About us
  • Group Tracking
  • Press
  • Terms
  • Privacy Policy & Cookies
  • Help Center
  • Legal notice