Connections and Sunsets

Sunset over the Sea as We Departed
Celebrity Constellation 
May 13, 2024

It was a vacation travel day. We transitioned from our lodging in Rome this morning to a train and then to the ship. There were more than a few moving pieces. 

First we walked the 1.4 km to the Termini train station dragging our luggage. That wasn't bad because I left enough time for us to get a pastry and coffee at one of the station shops. We needed the coffee. I think the last few days are curing me of my caffeine addiction.

Then the real fun began. I had to find which track the train to Citiavecchia, the Port for Rome, was on. Turned out to be platform 27. Then we had to thread our way through the train station, I am wholly unfamiliar with finding platforms in train stations--but we persevered and found our platform before the train arrived.

The trip to the port was over an hour and uneventful. We saw a lot of Italian countryside.  

Celebrity Constellation
Civtitavecchia, Italy
May 13, 2024

Arriving at the port we were faced with a quandary. My advance reading suggested that we could walk forom the train station to the ship. Standing there looking at the situation, and with a total of 7 cruise ships in port, out ship, Celebrity Constellation, was the furthest away and it was a long way. So now I was confronted with the decision to take a crowded bus which did not go all the way to the ship or pay an exorbitant €30 for a taxi for delivery to the ship. We were tired and chose taxi!

We made it to the ship and after standing in the processing line for over an hour because the Rome Port only had half of the security machines working, we arrived on the ship.

The ship is great and we left port shortly after 5 PM. We enjoyed our first dinner on the ship; meeting a nice couple and finding out that our staterooms are next door. 

Weird!

The only problem I am having is that I cannot get images to load into my blogging program due to crappy internet! Ugh! We pay a fortune for internet on the ship only to be confronted with trash!

Ah, well--we were sailing into the red sunset and the sea was almost flat. I have a great image that I will load later. 

Day 5 is complete and Day 6 is Florence and Pisa.

-- Bob Doan, at sea off the Italian Coast

Pickpockets, Sights, and Travel

 

Trevi Fountain
Rome, Italy
May 12, 2024

Chris was targeted twice by pickpockets and survived with no losses. We almost caught the most recent attempt in progress. 

Pickpockets are brutal in Rome. 

Fortunately, although Chris was carrying her purse, nothing valuable was inside. The purse was more of a decoy to protect where Chris was actually caring her valuables. The purse was being used as a place to hold her sunglasses and a couple other small items which were not what the pickpockets were after. 

Crowd at Trevi Fountain
Rome, Italy
MAy 12, 2024

We were on the Metro headed to Trevi Fountain when the most recent pickpocket attempt occurred.

Arriving at the fountain we were amazed at its  beauty, but it was also massively crowded. I understand why the locals believe that the tourists are robbing them of enjoying their local sights and monuments. 

From on top the Spanish Steps
Rome, Italy
May 12, 2024

We mastered the Metro and were able to get from our lodging to the area of the fountain expeditiously and inexpensively. From there we went on to the Spanish Steps.

Chris and I walked up the, I am told 135, steps to the top to enjoy the view of the city and the Piazza di Spagna. The view was beautiful, especially on the glorious weather day we experienced. 

Me at Angie's Restaurant Pizzeria
Rome, Italy
May 12, 2024

After exploring the high end hotels located near the top of the stairs we descended and looked for a place to enjoy a glass of wine and a mid-afternoon meal. We found a restaurant with a view of Spanish Square to enjoy a Mother's Day meal of authentic pasta and wine. By the time we finished our meal, the Piazza di Spagna was filled with people.

Today marks the end of our time in Rome until the very last night of our vacation. We head off to the cruise port later to board a ship for our cruise vacation. I have to admit that I am looking forward to the cruise because I don't have to ensure the logistics of getting from one place to another. For instance, this morning I have to get us from our lodging to the Termini Rail Station and then on the correct train to get to the cruise port, which is over an hour away. But wait--then I have to make sure we get off at the right stop!

 Ah, the joys of travel. 

-- Bob Doan, Rome, Italy

Ceilings

 

Ceiling
Vatican Museum, Vatican City
May 11,2024

Look up!

The ceiling above you may be interesting. 

That is what Chris and I. learned from our tour of the Vatican. The ornate ceilings adorned with works of art as something to be enjoyed. 

Ceiling Decorated with Baroque Style
Vatican Museum, Vatican City
May 11, 2024

No flat ceiling white paint was evident in the Vatican. Every ceiling, it seemed, had a story to tell. 

Why are our ceilings, by comparison, so boring? I remember when I was a senior in high school that my parents let me decorate my bedroom. I chose the colors red and black along with an aluminum foil wallpaper with a black design on it, but topped it all off by having Chris, because she was taller, paint the ceiling red! Now that was an interesting ceiling, for the time. It was too bad that I was off to college in less than a year and never returned to the room.

Seriously, I cannot compare that old country house to the Vatican, but the ceilings in the Vatican are worth looking up to admire. Important safety tip--stop walking when looking up. 

-- Bob Doan, Rome, Italy 

Survivor Tours

 

People in Line to Enter the Vatican Museums
Vatican City
8:21 AM, May 11, 2024

Chris and I played a game of survival tour today. 

Yes. For some reason, known only to me, I thought planning two three-hour tours on the same day would be a good idea. Maybe it was until, due to policy changes by the Italian government, our second tour of the day got moved up to 1:30 PM from 3 PM meaning that we had to hurry lunch and could not return to our AirBnB to freshen up before the second tour. 

The tours were both 3-hour scheduled tours, first of the morning with a 7:50 AM show time was the Vatican for Sistine Chapel and St Peter's Basilica. 

The second was a tour of the Coliseum, the Roman Forum, and Palatine Hill. Two great tours that deserved a day alone for each. I know better now!

St Peter's Basilica
Vatican City
May 11, 2024

The three-hour Vatican tour went four-hours! We learned more about the Vatican Museum, the Sistine Chapel, and St Peter's Basilica than we ever knew possible. Our tour guide was brilliant and we loved it. The big downer of the day? Crowds! OMG-the crowds of people were suffocating. 

Did I mention the crowds were suffocating? I have not been in crowds like this, ever! And it did not stop until we got off the Metro and returned to our AirBnB at the end of the day.

Did I have enough time to enjoy the Vatican museum and its collections? No!

The day started cold, in the 50s and quickly warmed into the high 70s. The skies were clear blue, as can be seen in the photos. The cold start to the morning meant we were over-dressed for most of the day. 

Swiss Guards
Vatican City
May 11, 2024

The Sistine Chapel was fabulous--well, except for the crowds. No pictures are allowed in the Sistine Chapel. I enjoyed seeing the Swiss Guards in their Medieval uniforms. Should I call them cute? It was also awe inspiring to see the place where St. Peter was crucified right behind where I took the image of the Swiss guards. 

We received an expert tour from our guide and we learned more about the painters and the sculptors commissioned by the popes than we ever thought possible. It was interesting both of the tours were insistent that we bring our passports for proof identity, but no one ever checked them. 

The Coliseum Under the Floor
Rome, Italy
May 11, 2024

Returning to the Coliseum, during the afternoon, for an inside tour was exciting.

The Coliseum is just--unimaginable. Yes, we see it in film and pictures, but to see it in person and understand the significance of the structure to the Romans and to grasp their ability to conquer technical engineering feats is remarkable.

We were fortunate to have as our guide a person who is working on her doctorate about bricks used by the Romans and who has extensively studied the Coliseum and participated in archaeological digs of Roman construction. The insights she provided during our over three-hours together were incredible. 

Chris and I on Palatine Hill
Rome, Italy
May 11, 2024

Her depth of knowledge and expertise was evident throughout the Coliseum, Palatine Hill, and the Roman Forum. I have to admit, it is pretty incredible that modern Rome has allowed so much of its valuable real estate to be preserved to enable understanding the past and the Roman Empire. 

Did we see where Julius Caesar was assassinated? Yes.

Did we see where the Vestal Virgins lived? Yes. Did we enjoy the palace of the emperors? Yes. 

Am I overloaded? Most definitely yes. 

Did I allocate enough time for these tours? No.

Were we exhausted as the day drew to a close? Yes.

Did I spend over $100 on taxis to get from one place to another during the day? Sadly, yes. 

Am I in awe of the Romans and the Catholic Church? Yes.

Am I on information overload? Yes!

At the end of the day Chris and I had walked over 14,000 steps equating to over 6 miles! This was definitely a game of survivor tour.

Can Day 4 top Day 3? I hope not. Even as I write this I am feeling the exhaustion of the day. Tomorrow is planned to be a much slower day. And Monday we transfer to our cruise for 12 days. I am looking forward to a slower pace on the cruise.

Rome. It is not a place, it is an experience.

-- Bob Doan, Rome, Italy

And the European Holiday is Off and Running

 

Chris Enjoying the Lounge
Miami, FL
May 9, 2024

I have an interesting thought? What counts as Day 1 and what is Day 2? 

ITA Airways Flight 631 at the Gate
Miami, FL
May 9, 2024

Day 1 started at 2:30 PM as we loaded into Fran and Mary's car for the too long trip to Miami International. We enjoyed time in the Turkish Airlines Lounge compliments of American Express and then loaded onto an ITA Airways A350 for the 10 hour flight across the Atlantic to Rome. 

The flight was fantastic. We received a full dinner, complete with Tuscan wine, followed by a morning continental breakfast with coffee. The movie selection left a bit to be desired, but hey, I found two movies to watch and then it was off to sleep in the Premium Economy seats. Chris said I probably have created a monster and she may never want to fly economy coach again. The service was excellent and I have to admit, the Italian cabin crew was very pleasant. ITA Airways is a definite keeper. Well, except for the baggage situation in Rome where it took over an hour for the luggage to get delivered and they never indicated which carousal it would arrive on. After being up for about 20 of the previous 24 hours I was a bit tense. We kept wandering around and Chris finally saw her luggage on the carousel. 

Chris and I Outside the Coliseum
Rome, Italy
 May 10, 2024

But hey, somewhere over the Atlantic, Day 2 began and we subsequently landed in Rome. I mean, Rome, Italy, not Rome, New York. 

I am not a huge fan of the Rome airport--but immigration and customs processing was really smooth. Maybe that is why I noticed how long the wait was for our baggage. For some reason Americans received expedited and automated processing. Way cool. 

The weather today was fantastic and pleasantly warm. We took a train to the main Rome train station, Termini and walked about 15 minutes to our AirBnB. That we managed the train stations without major catastrophes was a miracle. I had considered a taxi, but the taxi was 50 Euros and the train only cost 28 Euros. 

Ruins in a Park Near our AirBnB
Rome, Italy
May 10, 2024

Checkin to the AirBnB was smooth and we took a quick nap before heading out to explore the area. Dinner was, believe it or not, was a great place in Termini, which had a huge variety of foods, wines and of course gelato for dessert.

After dinner, I surprised Chris as we walked to the Coliseum. Yup, it is within walking distance. Not close, but definitely doable. We had explored some parks and looked around. We visited a grocery store for supplies and a bakery for breakfast--but the Coliseum, I knew, was a big thing for her. We have a tour scheduled for tomorrow, but walking down the hill to this mega attraction was really special for both of us. It really made the statement, we are in Rome! 

How much have I read about the Coliseum and how many movies have I watched where it is there? Countless.

I have also confirmed that there are palm trees in Rome!

Day 3 tomorrow is Vatican City and a tour of the Coliseum. We already have a schedule crisis as the company I have the Coliseum tour through called and moved the tour from 3 PM to 1:30 PM! Ugh. We are going to have to race from the Vatican to the Coliseum, however, since we walked over 12,000 steps today, tomorrow is a taxi day. 

We are in Rome--finally. The plan is being executed and changed. Remember, plans are made to be changed! Or is it that no plan survives first contact with the enemy? 

-- Bob Doan, Rome, Italy

Since Jan 2023

Ride Stats
Tequesta, FL
May 8, 2024

I achieved a milestone yesterday. I complete an almost 16-mile and it was the 5th day in a row that I rode my bile. Riding 5 days in a row has not happened since January 2023. In five days this week I rode almost 87 miles--I drove less than that. 

It was a great feeling as I hit the garage at the end of my ride knowing that I had completed something fairly rare, for me. I wish that I could have continued my streak to 6 days, but alas, today I must finalize preparations for our European vacation and bike riding is not in the cards. We will be departing Miami International this evening headed for Rome and almost three weeks of vacation. I like the way the Europeans say it, calling it a holiday. Part of the holiday involves a cruise and I will be going to the gym on our cruise ship to stay in shape for the upcoming GAP ride. 

Leaky Reservoir

I rode with Chris yesterday and she is doing much better. I wish she was riding the GAP with us, but she is concerned that she might not be able to keep up.

Finally in awesome news, I filed a warranty claim for the camelback leaky reservoir and it was approved. A new reservoir is coming! Yay. I will have water on my GAP ride.

-- Bob Doan, Tequesta, FL

Fixing the Fridge

 

Electronic Control Board and Panel Removed
Tequesta, FL
May 7, 2024

What to do?

The door panel on our Whirlpool refrigerator had been turning off intermittently. It was a pain. The fridge continued to cool, but we could not get water or ice when the panel was resetting. 

I decided to do some research and discovered, via YouTube, that replacing the dispenser electronic control board was not a very difficult process. I ordered a new board which came with a panel and it arrived yesterday. 

The whole process took about an hour between watching the video and installing the new board. The biggest problem that I encountered was that the ribbon connector was not long enough to insert a connector beneath it. It took a bit of doing, but I was able to finally get it all installed without breaking the cable. 

It all worked now and I am happy. And it was a lot less expensive than buying a new refrigerator.

Another project complete. 

-- Bob Doan, Tequesta, FL

Along the Ride

 

Three Deer in the Yard
Tequesta, FL
May 6, 2024

In preparation for our upcoming European adventure, most of yesterday was devoted to preparations. I managed a 16-mile ride and was surprised to see a small herd of three deer grazing in a yard. I do not often see deer when I ride, but with the summer closing in I expect to see a few more.

I also noted a tortoise along the way. 

It was a nice ride, the winds were relatively mild. Another beautiful South Florida day with plenty of sunshine. Maybe that's why it's called the Sunshine State. 

I have ridden three days in a row for the first time since January, as I look back on my riding log.Today, I am looking forward to riding four days in a row, which I have not accomplished since last August. Of course, I am about to enter a three-week hiatus as we head off to Europe for a long-planned vacation. Do retired people really go on vacation? 

-- Bob Doan, Tequesta, FL

Monday Musings - May 6, 2024

 

1. And it has arrived, the first Monday of May. Yes, the summer is almost upon us! Beware though, there are only 34 Mondays remaining in the year. 

Mustang Mach-E Puddle Light

2. Our new car, the Mustang Mach-E, has something called a puddle light. The car projects a Mustang onto the ground when we come near, but it only seems to happen during periods of darkness. It makes me smile when I see the light as I approach the car.

Lizard on a Palm
Cove Road Park, Port Salerno, FL
May 5, 2024

3. Chris and I did a 12-mile ride yesterday through a state park and to another park where people often put their kayaks into the water. It was a great ride and we saw over 10 tortoises. I had an experience with a lizard. We went eye-to-eye and he wasn't backing down. He made it clear that he owned the palm tree he was clinging upon.

4. In celebration of Cinco de Mayo, we hosted a small gathering of friends last evening. The margaritas were excellent as was the seven-layer dip Chris made. 

5. Is the daily news getting repetitive? 

6. The facts and nothing but the facts. 

What Trump Said: “I even built the embassy. And it’s a beautiful embassy for a lot less money than anybody ever thought possible.”

The Facts: Trump is talking about his decision to move the U.S. Embassy from Tel Aviv to Jerusaem, which he announced in December 2017. In early 2018, Trump claimed the U.S. would spend only $200,000 to $300,000 on the project. The embassy opened in May 2018, with the U.S. originally spending just under $400,000 on modifications to the site. But just months after the opening, Desbuild Limak, a Maryland-based firm, was awarded a $21.2 million contract from the State Department to design an extension and security enhancements—upgrades that put the embassy's cost more than $20 million over budget. (Time Magazine)

7. Today in History. In a May 6, 1994 ceremony presided over by England’s Queen Elizabeth IIand French President Francois Mitterrand, a rail tunnel under the English Channel is officially opened, connecting Britain and the European mainland for the first time since the Ice Age.

The Channel Tunnel, or “Chunnel,” connects Folkestone, England, with Coquelles, France, 31 miles away. The Chunnel cut travel time between England and France to a swift 35 minutes and eventually between London and Paris to two-and-a-half hours.

As the world’s longest undersea tunnel, the Chunnel runs under water for 23 miles, with an average depth of 150 feet below the seabed. Each day, about 30,000 people, 6,000 cars and 3,500 trucks journey through the Chunnel on passenger, shuttle and freight trains.

Analysis Trump’s criminal trial enters a pivotal week as Democrats deal with protest fallout and Speaker Johnson fights for survival again - CNN

Black voters won a big victory in Louisiana. Some White voters said it violated their ‘personal dignity’ - CNN

Bodies found in Mexico confirmed as those of missing American and Australian tourists - CNN

Sea drone warfare has arrived. The U.S. is floundering. - Reuters

Putin orders tactical nuclear weapon drills to deter the West - Reuters

How the Gaza campus protests differ from the Vietnam war era - Reuters

​​Putin is forging a new Russia: Ultraconservative, militarized and anti-West - The Washington Post

IDF urges civilians to evacuate parts of Rafah; cease-fire talks at impasse - The Washington Post

Boeing’s Big Space Test: Using Starliner to Ferry NASA Astronauts - The Wall Street Journal

The Science Behind Why the World Is Getting Wetter - The Wall Street Journal

-- Bob Doan, Tequesta, FL

Back to the Road

Happy Cinco de Mayo!

Riding a Trail
Jupiter, FL
May 4, 2024

I managed a 25.5 mile ride yesterday around Jupiter and Tequesta. It felt good to be back in the saddle and out on the road. I biked with a friend and we had a great time together. I had been concerned that after a week off I might be a bit out of shape, but I pulled it together. 

It was a very nice day for riding. I am a bit unhappy, however, because my camelback water reservoir leaks. I have contacted the manufacturer for advice. I have also tried to replace the O-ring at the point of failure, but have not found the perfect fit, yet.

Gopher Tortoise
Jupiter, FL
May 4, 2024

Along the way we saw some tortoises, which always makes the day great. We also experienced more than one suicidal squirrel. What, you ask, is a suicidal squirrel? It is a stupid animal that decides at the very last moment when there would be no way to avoid the animal to run un front of the bike. Fortunately, so far they have always survived the blind dash, but someday one might not be so lucky.

We managed an average speed of 11.1 mph, which included a couple stops for water and to chat with another biker. 

Looking forward to another couple of rides before we head off on our European holiday later this week.

-- Bob Doan, Tequesta, FL