Bratislava

 Well I’m here. I decided to take the metro to the train station. It went well. I arrived way too early but I didn’t want to take a chance on missing my train. The train was delayed. 

What frustrates me is that they don’t announce the platform until about 10-15 minutes in advance. Then you have to rush to get there, figure what carriage you’re in, etc. But it all worked out and I’m sure learning as I go. No pictures today. I was focused on the trip.

Shawn (to be continued) 

Last day in Prague 3

 I’ve found that food and beer is very reasonable when you’re outside the tourist areas. It is considerably less than at home. Looking in the stores clothing is about the same price as home and they have pretty much the same stores as we have plus a lot of others I’ve seen in London.

I’ve really enjoyed my time in Prague 𯇨𯇿 Tomorrow I’m off to a new city and country.

Bratislava, Sep 30, 

Shawn (to be continued) 

Last day in Prague 2

 
I visited with an older gentleman from Hamilton who travels the world taking pictures of old trains and a couple from Pittsburgh who had just arrived and were struggling with jet lag.

I also forgot to mention the beautiful countryside. It is a mixture of rolling hills, trees, cultivated land and small mountains. There is a lot of canola. The girl on the train said they still call it rape here. She said it’s grown all over the EU because of the subsidies for a biofuel. 

Shawn (to be continued) 

Last day in Prague

 Today was spent mainly wandering around the historic district. 12.4 km worth. I really took my time and tried to walk down every side street I came across. You have to really look while you’re walking. Beyond an open doorway can be a cute little courtyard cafe or restaurant. I picked up a couple little souvenirs and a Czech bohemian granite necklace in the shape of a four leaf clover. It made me think of a mixture of Czech and Irish. :)

I meant to say yesterday: No means yes lol.
Shawn (to be continued) 

Last Day In Rome, Italy

 Today we visited the Borghese Museum. It is a private collection of statues and paintings but almost as beautiful as the Vatican Museum. We couldn't take pictures so you'll have to take my word for it. It did have a beautiful park surrounding it!!

Then we got on the Hop-On-Hop-Off bus for a ride around Rome. It was wonderful to see everything one last time. We did get a close-up of the Colosseum so those photos are attached.

Then one last meal in Rome! And one last gelato (no photo attached).

Ciao Roma!

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Last Day In Rome, Italy

 

As we came down the other side of the hill, we saw Rome's Pyramid!! It was built many centuries ago as a tomb for a very rich man. It became part of the city wall; you'll see the towers and gate in the pictures.

One more day in Rome then we have to go home. I have come to love Rome as much as I love Paris.

Mamma Mia!! We have to go home tomorrow!! Good news - Bad news!! It will be very good to get home and sleep in our own bed!!! But we have enjoyed our travels so much that we will miss all of the adventure!!

(to be continued) 

Rome, Italy, Vatican City

 We then walked around the Vatican City wall to the Saint Peter's Basilica. That is also an amazing view; and overwhelming!! We didn't go inside because there was a very long line and we were tired. We had spent 3 hours in the Vatican Museums and Sistine Chapel.

In the late afternoon, Luca took us on a walking tour of the Aventine Hill area. This is one of the seven hills that Rome is built on. At the base of the hill is the Circus, used for horse racing in the Roman times. At the top of the hill we had another beautiful view of the city.

(to be continued) 

Rome, Italy, Vatican Museums

 Today was the Vatican Museums and the Sistine Chapel!!! It was wonderful!! Not many people were there and we took our time just taking in all the beautiful works of art. Of course there is no way to see everything; it is just too huge. The pictures will show you a selection of things we saw - statuary, ceiling paintings, and the Pope's carriages and cars.

The Sistine Chapel was the highlight! We were able to find seats along the wall and spent an hour looking up at the beauty. We had audio-phones that tried to explain the painting to us, but it is just so overwhelming, it was hard to take it all in.

(to be continued) 

Rome, Italy, Day 2 Vittorio Emanuele II Monument

 After lunch, we walk to the Vittorio Emanuele II Monument. It is monument built in honor of the first king of a unified Italy located in Rome in 1885; so it is relatively new!! It is fondly called "the wedding cake". It is so elaborately designed that it is hard to describe and even take pictures of. 

Behind the wedding cake is a wonderful view of the ruins of the Forum, government buildings of ancient Rome and the Colosseum.

(to be continued) 

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