"Twenty years from now, you will be more disappointed by the things you didn't do than the ones you did. So throw off the bowlines. Sail away from the safe harbor. Catch the trade wind in your sails. Explore. Dream. Discover." --Mark Twain

May 17, 2007

St. Peters Basilica - Inside - The Vatican, Rome

The Colliseum in Rome - Right from Metro station exit

May 16, 2007

Florence - Statue of David

We are in the City of Florence Wednesday, 16 May 2007

Hi all, we spent the last Sunday in Rome visiting the Bourghese Museum and also caught the local flea market in town. The Borghese was an amazing place. A small villa owned by Cardinal Bourghese who collected works of art all over the world, including sculptures by Bernini. Delicate depictions of Greek myths all done in marble.

The Rome Sunday flea market was a trip! complete with Gypsys (mothers holding their babies) trying to pick tourists pockets, but the local vendors yelled them down and chased them off!!
Everything from cell phones, clothes at one euro a piece to Prada purse knockoffs being sold by native Africans. Their stands were mobile ready to run on command by cell phone when the police arrived.

We boarded the cruise ship on Monday, got settled. We've met some wonderful people on board. Our table mates are a great family from South Carolina.

... then Tuesday spent the day in Monte Carlo. The town is getting ready for the famous Monte Carlo Formula one race coming in two weeks. 6 weeks to set up, 3 weeks to take down, right in the center of this beautiful city. We cruised past the casino, and rubbed elbows with the elite. Some nice cars here! Guys in their brand new Ferraris yelling out the window to their girl friends crossing the street.

Florence is a beautiful city. We just walked here from the Accademia museum where we saw the 12 meter high statue of David by Michelangelo...wow!!

We are off now to finish our visit of Florence, and tomorrow Naples.

Catch you in a few days.