Roma Romantica

A city oozing with reverent culture, architecture and art. Without a doubt the highlight of this trip for me was the discovery of St. Peter’s Basilica.  Words alone cannot express the grandeur and magnificence of the Vatican and the world’s most outstanding place of Christian worship. The mosaic paintings high above in the domes, magnificent paintings, marble columns forever reaching for the ceilings, marble statues such as Michael Angelo’s “Pieta” kept me in awe as the constant stream of 40,000 daily pilgrims both believers and non believers filed through this hallowed sanctuary  of worship. Time constraints didn’t allow us the opportunity of visiting the Vatican Museum or the Sistine Chapel but these are a must for the next visit.

Our bus tour was a mixed blessing as it was raining but allowed us the overview of the vast array of ancient ruins, Roman Coliseum, magnificent marble fountains and the National Monument, though I would have preferred to explore by foot. Luckily the rain let up allowing us the opportunity of seeing the Trevi Fountain in all of its remarkable perseverance which was followed by a short shopping walkabout through some of the historical streets of the old city.  There is just so much to see and do. I felt somewhat cheated out of time. All the more reason to get back here to experience that which was missed and will be waiting for us upon our return.

 

 

Bienvienito Messina Sicily

We may have been to Sicily but we really haven’t been to Sicily. This island off the boot is the largest region in the country of Italy. The one opportunity to wonder was spent in the picturesque town of Taorimina. Its ancient amphitheatre/forum which was originally conceived by the Greeks and later revamped by the Romans was extremely intriguing. In Greek times it played host to actors entertaining the crowds with Greek tragedy but in Roman times, gladiators did battle with lions and tigers. Human lives were dispensable but the exotic animals were spared due to their rarity.

I’m not a shopper but I could have spent all day wondering the narrow, terraced, cobble stone streets.  The unlimited number of street cafés and wine bars will just have to wait till another day. Except for the limitless number of tourists on the prowl this was truly a jewel to be found. It was a shame to have to say “Arrivederci, Chio Bella”.

 

 

Magical Malta

As we entered the port of Vallenta on the eastern side of Malta I was struck as to how it might have felt to the Crusaders back in pre Caesar’s Rome. Stone walled fortresses surrounded the port entry and an ominous feeling of powerful resistance would have greeted any foreign transgressor wanting to invade. A trip to Medina on a hop on/hop off Double Decker was in the cards for today to experience this wonderful city which was first inhabited in early 700 BC. This fortified town had a commanding view of a large part of the island and would have been extremely difficult to overrun. Lunch was taken in a beautiful courtyard in the inner sanctum of the fortress. Back on the bus, our next hop off was in the town of Mosta, famous for its wonderful cathedral which was bombed during WW2, but the bomb failed to explode and all of the 300 parishioners who were worshipping at the time were spared. The most stressful part of the day was left for the end when we got caught in traffic, had to get off the bus and walk/RUN and only made it to the ship while they were loading the last of the remaining gang planks. Being the last ones to load it was a little too close for comfort.  I need a beer, Jennifer needs a double margarita. Despite that mishap Malta is a wonderful destination and we would love to return!

 

 

Tunisia Gladiators Unite

“Gladiators of Carthage, prepare to sail to Rome to meet your conquerors, establish your honour and earn your freedom” Yes today was spent in Tunisia, our first venture to North Africa. Our tour included a trip to Carthage and the Roman Baths, but Russell Crowe was nowhere to be seen.  One of the most interesting experiences was the “Medina” (market) in Tunis. Unique in its concept and a huge step back in time. The most aggressive vendors we have ever encountered. Just looking encourages the heaviest handed sales pitch. We did not escape unscathed. Some jewellery and some mosaics and then I put my sunglasses on so no one could look into my eyes. Intriguing sights and sounds such as the call to prayers at the mosque, women in full burka dress, cafés full of men drinking espresso and school children wanting their pictures taken were just a few of the many cultural exposés experienced. A trip to Sadi Bou Said and its blue and white theme brought me back to our travels in Greece. Narrow cobblestone streets, craft stalls and street side cafés sans alcohol as this is in fact a Muslim country where alcohol is forbidden. Fortunately those rules don’t apply onboard, so enough is enough for one day.