Big Saint from Bologna

Went to her house and the church her stuff is in the other day.

http://translate.google.com/translate?hl=en&sl=it&u=http://it.wikipedia.org/wiki/Santa_Clelia_Barbieri&sa=X&oi=translate&resnum=3&ct=result&prev=/search%3Fq%3Dsanta%2Bclelia%2Bbologna%26hl%3Den%26sa%3DX

My Big Expensive Italian Wedding

If you are a real Italian your wedding is going to cost you big money.

I've just spent a few days looking over some of the wedding albums and movies of my cousins.

Unbelievable!

Wow! All 5 star stuff.

Big money..............

Prosciutto and Italians

Something else you've got to love if you are a real Italian.

Prosciutto is the Italian word for ham, used in English to refer to dry-cured ham. The two most common kinds being Prosciutto di Parma and Prosciutto di San Daniele.

Uses:

• Sliced prosciutto crudo in Italian cuisine is often served as an antipasto, wrapped around grissini or, especially in summer, cantaloupe or honeydew.
• It is eaten as accompaniment to cooked spring vegetables, such as asparagus or peas.
• It may be included in a simple pasta sauce made with cream, or a Tuscan dish of tagliatelle and vegetables.
• It is also used in stuffings for other meats, such as veal.
• Prosciutto may further be used in a filled bread or as a pizza topping.
• Prosciutto is often served in sandwiches, sometimes in a variation on the Caprese Salad, with basil, tomato, and fresh mozzarella. A basic sandwich served in some European cafes and bars consists of prosciutto in a croissant.

Nutella and Italians

You are not a real Italian if you do not LOVE nutella.

They have it EVERYWHERE! Even in small jam like containers for your morning breakfast(to spread on bread).

In its home country of Italy, Nutella has become a cultural and social phenomenon.

What can you do with Nutella?

Spread: Nutella is a sweet spread which lends itself to multiple uses. The traditional Italian way to eat it is spread on a slice of crusted bread ("pane e Nutella"), but it may be spread upon a variety of supports, including sandwiches, biscuits and pretzels.

Baking ingredient: It is also frequently used as a flavouring ingredient in baked sweets.

Pastry filling: In many French cities, Nutella-filled crêpes are available, often accompanied by sliced fruit such as bananas or strawberries. This practice has also spread to Quebec, and is very popular amongst French Canadians. These are also available in Italy (minus the fruit), where however Nutella-filled croissants are more popular.
Frosting: Nutella frosting is concocted by mixing in a small amount of thinning agent (commonly Amaretto or some other complementary flavoring). The topping can then be applied as any other frosting.

Chocolate Alternative: In the USA, it is used as an alternative to chocolate when making dipped strawberries, since heating and cooling nutella causes it to melt and re-harden, much like chocolate.

Pasta Pasta Pasta

Eaten EVERDAY.

Once a day.

Either for lunch or for dinner.

But must be once a day.

EVERYDAY.

My nutritionist is going to love this.

Pee and Poop

In rail transport, many passenger trains (usually medium and long-distance) have toilet facilities on board.

The traditional method of disposing human waste from trains is merely to deposit the waste onto the tracks using what is known as a Hopper Toilet. This ranges from the toilets being a hole in the floor of the train, to a full flush system (possibly with sterilization). The 'hole in the floor' system where waste is deposited on the track is still in use in many parts of the world, particularly aboard older rolling stock. The principal drawback is that it can be considered crude or unhygienic – it litters railway lines and can produce health risks if the train is passing over a public waterway. Passengers may be discouraged from flushing or using toilets while the train is at a station.[1]. Generally the problem is unavoidable, although there are solutions where toilets are automatically locked when the train pulls into a station.

Chemical retention tanks are usually present aboard newer carriages and railcars in wealthier and more densely populated parts of the world. One issue is that the tanks need to be regularly emptied, usually when being attended at a terminal station, or prolonged stop-over. If a train is required in service again within too short a period, the tanks may not get emptied. In this case, toilets may back up and cause displeasure to passengers (the traditional waste disposal methods do not have this problem). Another point of note is that carriages may have less "in service" time if fitted with chemical retention tanks.

Customized Meat

The other day while I was helping my aunt prepare dinner, I went a little overboard by customizing the meatballs. I rolled the meat in different size balls.

Shock.

I was supposed to roll all the same.

There really is just a certain way of doing things for certain foods. Especially if you want it to be perfecto.

It's pretty funny to see and so very very true.

Shocking the Italians

This is very easy to do.

1. Don't carry a cell phone. They will ask you where it is. You say you don't have one. This shocks them. They all have one and use it all the time.

2. Don't start talking about bidets. They are shocked that the majority of Canadians don't have one in their washrooms. Yuck they say. Do we shower after every time we go to the toilet?

I've started to say yes.

We even carry our own towels around.

The Three F's

Family and Food.

The two most important things for an Italian.

We won't mention the third F.

Executive Style Fast Food

Last Saturday while visting Ferrara, we stopped at this Commercial Centre that had a food court in the middle of the mall.

Now I'm thinking fast food like Canada.

Nope.

It was like nothing like I've ever seen before.

Several different shops. Each with their own food.

One had fish. One section of the counter had a large display of fresh fish. You point to what you want and they cook it for you. In front of you.

One had pasta. One section of the counter had a large display of fresh pasta. You point to what you want and they cook it for you. In front of you.

One had pizza. Figure it out.

We had an eight year old with us. She ordered pasta for her primo course. Grilled chicken and roasted potates for her second and contorno. Gelato to end the meal.

(Italians eat by having a primo, secondo and contorno (side) and then a fruit or ice cream)

I love this country!

Ferrara not Ferrari

I visited this place on Saturday.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ferrara

Drip Dry

Most of the kitchens here have these cool cabinets on top of the sink that have dish racks for shelving.

You simply wash your dishes in the sink and then place them in the cabinet.

So convenient!

Some of these kitchens have dish washers...but it really depends how big your place is. Alot of them are small and lack the space. Plus...it takes up too much energy to run a dish washer. This is another reason why many of the homes do not have a clothers dryer as well.

My relatives also prefer hanging their clothes to dry.

They smell better.

Tight Tight Security

All the windows in the homes I've seen so far.....which are mainly apartment style condo's...are boarded up during the day and night.

Day....to try and keep some of the heat out.

Night....to try and keep the robbers away.

They also have these mosquito screens for the rare occassion of when they open the windows.....Fall I'm guessing.

I've had to have the windows open a few times at night, as the room I sleep in gets so very very dark.

I'm don't like that super dark look.

I get scared.

Grocery Shopping Paradise

These large cities in Italy rock for grocery shopping!

First of all, you can scan you own entries AS YOU SHOP. You simply insert one of your credit cards or debit cards to get a scanner and this gadget tracks what you want to buy. You then go to the cashier who just takes the scanner from you and takes your payment. Cash or the card. They don't even double check what you have in your cart...unless of course they don't believe you...then they rescan or do a quick check. Love this system!

When you go to the vegetable/fruit department you must use these very thin plastic gloves to touch any of the unwrapped produce before selecting what you want. You then put your selection in a bag...weigh it and enter the product code to get this little sticker you apply on the bag that gives the price. The cashier then simply scans it or you scan it yourself. So so easy!!

The ice cream section is totally unbelieveable. I stopped counting after 60 different types you can buy. They also have these teeny tiny ice creams...smaller than our mini ones. I have a picture of me eating one......after I paid for them of course.

In one of the grocery stores I saw a VINO machine that disburses white or red wine. You simply fill up your bottles. Just like our water dispensers. I've been told that vino sucks...thought the homeless like it.

I've got to now say that our grocery stores are pretty boring.

Say NO To Coke

Coca cola that is.

None of my relatives here in Bologna drink any sort of pop!

Yes...I know...shocking.

They say it is bad for you and causes bloating.

Kids don't even ask for it when they see me walking around with a pop.

Totally amazing.

Mosquitos and Tigers

I've been told that Italy now has the Asian tiger mosquito in the country.

This mosquito has become a significant pest in many communities because it closely associates with humans (rather than living in wetlands), and typically flies and feeds in the daytime rather than at night or at dusk and dawn.

Great!

Mosquitos just love me and I'm hating it........................

I've been spraying myself with "Off" and missing spots, so of course I get bitten alot. This annoys Zio Franco so he gave me some deadly smelling spray that caused my legs to break out.

You've got to love this country!!

Fashion Craze Milano

I find myself in Milano to meet up with a few friends until the weekend.

A new city to explore! Yipeee!!!!!

High speed internet.......yippeee........

Fashion capital of the world................another yippeee...............

Factory Heaven

I kind of knew but hadn't really thought about it.........

Ducati, Lamborghini, Bugatti and the Ferrari shops are all near to where I'm staying here in Italy.

I'm not sure if any of them offer tours.

I might have to check.

I really really want an old old Fiat 500...........they are so very me!

Cute cute cute.............

Fashion Victim

I thought I was turning Italian when I saw this amazing little black dress that would be perfect for Vince's wedding in late October.

Moschino design.

50% off.

Almost did it.

Are you crazy????

At 432 Euro's....which by the way would be $650 Canadian...........no way!!!

The shoes I saw to go with it would of been amazing....only 350 Euro's.

And these are all sales prices.

Yup.

Piazzas and Palazzos

Bologna is full of these very old and huge huge buildings. Palazzos actually.

They all have these huge archways on the main floor where people can walk under. Similar to the Bay downtown Calgary....only much much larger.

The street level floors have designer stores everywhere. All labels. Not sure what are on the higher levels.

You need alot of money here to buy any clothing.

Good thing is that when it rains here noone gets wet.

I'm Sick

Went to McDonald's.

Had a big mac, fries and a diet coke.

Pressure of all the skinny people around me.

Stupid me.

Lost In Relatives

Spending time with the relatives in a language that you rarely use can be very exhausting.

What I've been up to so far:

• I've moved into Orietta's old bedroom at Zio Franco's house. Twin bed. My stuff is all over the floor. I love that. I was unable to do so for this whole trip so far due to the places I was staying at/roommate situations. I'll repeat...I love having stuff all over the floor! Yippeeee........
• Spent the day with Orietta and her two kids. Francesco (3) and little Isabella (8 months). Oreste the polizia husband came home later on in the day. I am now big Isabella. No Junior or Senior used in this situation due to issue being a sensitive one for little Isabella.
• Went to mass for Zio Mimmo who passed away one month ago. Everyone is still in a bit of a mess over that as Nonno also passed away not too long ago.
• Spent the day and night with Zia Maria and family. Sonia is a computer freak. Must run in the family ....not me obviously.

What I'll be up to in the next few days:

• Visit with Zia Eugenia......she's still in a state of shock right now over her husband.
• Visit with Analisa and GianMarco. Get to know their spouses a bit better (they speak a bit of english :) )
• Visit with Zio Ottorino and family.

Loads of family stuff....................

I'll need a nice fun break before I get myself to Southern Italy.

To Bidet or Not To Bidet

Bidets are primarily used to wash and clean the external vulva and the anus, as well as the skin near these areas. They may also be used to clean any other part of the body; they are very convenient for cleaning the feet, for example. Despite appearing similar to a toilet, it would be more accurate to compare it to the washbasin or bathtub. In fact, the bidet is used by some for a baby bath, though there are some who recommend against this. Anyone who has mobility problems and finds it difficult to get into a bathtub, or is afraid of slipping in the shower, may find a bidet an excellent solution for maintaining personal hygiene.

Users who are unfamiliar with bidets often confuse a bidet with a urinal, toilet, or even a drinking fountain. The user should use the toilet before using the bidet; its purpose is to wash afterwards. It is generally understood that the user should sit on a bidet facing the tap and nozzle to clean the genitalia, or with their back to the tap and wall to clean the anus.

Bidets are made in several different designs. They may have one tap which pours (usually warm) water into a china basin. The basin can be plugged and filled if necessary, or the water can be allowed to drain away. Other bidets have a nozzle which propels an arc of water up into the air. This jet of water is angled to easily attain the perianal and genital area. A bidet may also be a nozzle attached to an existing toilet, or a part of the toilet itself. In this case, its use is restricted to cleaning the anus and genitals. Some bidets of this type have two nozzles, the shorter one, called the family nozzle, is used for washing the area around the anus, and the longer one (bidet nozzle) is designed for women to wash their vulva. These bidets are often controlled electronically rather than with a traditional tap, and some have an element under the seat which heats up to dry the user after washing.

These bidet toilets are becoming increasingly popular in countries like India, where use of just dry toilet paper to clean the perianal area is considered dirty and unhygienic; however, the nozzle is controlled with an external tap within the reach of the hand. Traditionally, local style squatting toilets have been more common in India and are more convenient to most Indians, especially of the lower generation. But with the rise of westernization, western style pots have started becoming more common, and the most convenient way to wash the perianal area with these pots is simply to attach a bidet nozzle.

Some bidet users feel using a bidet is more hygienic than toilet paper.[citation needed] However, most people who have access to a bidet usually use both, wiping with toilet paper before washing with the bidet. Bidets are very useful for the elderly or anyone with mobility problems and for people with hemorrhoids. People usually use toilet paper or a small towel that they hung next to the bidet for drying, which is usually changed daily.

Bidets are common bathroom fixtures in some European countries (especially Greece, Italy, Spain and Portugal), some Latin American countries (especially Argentina, Uruguay, and Venezuela; there they are found in approximately 90% of households), the Middle East and some parts of Asia (particularly in Japan). Although France is the country where the word bidet originated, not every house is equipped with one, especially the smaller or cheaper flats. Residents of countries where bidets in private homes are rare may be totally unfamiliar with bidets and have no idea how to use them if they encounter them.

It is said that many American men first encountered bidets in French brothels during WWII and thought they were designed for the prostitutes to douche (inside the vagina) after sexual intercourse[citation needed]. These attitudes may be difficult for bidet manufacturers to dispel if it is taboo to discuss toilet habits and personal hygiene in public, as is the case in many societies.

In contrast, residents of countries where the bidet is found in almost every private residence, find it difficult to change their habits when they travel in countries where bidets are rare. The only alternatives to a bidet in such cases is to use the bathtub or a showerhead (if it can reach the toilet).

Bologna and Me

I had forgotten how cool my dad's side of the relatives are!

Bologna, often overlooked by travelers, has one of the best preserved historic centers in Italy, famous for it's arcaded streets.

It's a university town with a reputation as Italy's culinary center.

Bye Bye Roma

I love Roma and I'm planning to come back before I fly back to Canada.

The heat and all the tourists is what is getting to me about this city.

I think that late September or October will be a good time to be back.

I definitely could live in this city.....taking vacation in July & August just like the real Italians do!

Come On Now...Cross the Street

You have to be very brave when you cross the street here.

Signs mean nothing.

One must show confidence and just start walking to get to the other side.

If you are a wimp, you will never get anywhere.

I don't believe that any of the cars going by with all the dents and scratches were caused by people.

Polizia and Caribineri

I'm not really sure what the difference is between the two.

All I know is that Armani designed the Caribineri uniforms.

Livia just happened to mention that one day.

Everyone Loves Gelato

One cannot get enough of the many flavours of gelato they make here in beautiful Italia.

The most famous gelateria has over 140 flavours!

I had to visit it once again this morning. I picked mango and one of the baci chocolate flavours.

Gelateria Della Palma's interior decor somewhat mimics a 1950s American Soda Shop, but the Italian flair is still abundant. This café has the largest and most colourful (though that is not necessarily a good thing) selection of gelato in town. There are 20 different types of chocolate alone. With so many flavors you can't begin to try them all!

Water and Australians

The Australians often stressed that the public water taps here in Rome are always running.

You see these all over Rome, and they are great! Free water you can drink. Tourists often fill up their water bottles....and you see the homeless & gypsies bathing in it.

The Australians have a water shortage and always have to be careful of water wastage.

The drinkable water left running around Italy often drove them to a frenzy!

Yessssssss!

Priests and Nuns

You often see Priests walking around in Rome....in full dress gear. Eating an ice cream, reading the paper, taking the metro........

Today while I was walking around, I even saw a 2008 calendar that featured a hot young priest for each month!

There are also lots of nuns here. All dressed up. They seem to travel in groups.

I saw a whole group of them eating at McDonald's the other day.

Only in Roma...........

Zen Like State

The hostel I am staying at is very peaceful and quiet.

Everyone was in bed when I got home last night after midnight.

My room has 4 bunk beds... two couples, one single girl and two hot single guys. By single I mean travelling on their own.

Hostels are always a great place to meet all sorts of people.

I really haven't hung around this one too long to make any new friends.

So not me.

Toilet Safety

Coming home tonight, we stopped off at the Tiburtina bus station where we thought we would go use the pay toilets.

The metro toilets were like elevators. You put your coin (50 euro cents) in the side slot, and supposedly the narrow elevator door opens up. There is a big yellow light that goes on when the toilet is occupied.

After Zoe & I debated on who would try it out first, we decided to take a picture of this strange public pay toilet.

No way....busted by the metro police. No pictures allowed at the train station.

It's probably not allowed due to the toilets being used to transport people to outer space or somewhere else I don't want to think about.

Very very strange.

We waited to use the toilets at the Termini station.

Yes...a bit more costly (70 euro cents) but you get out alive.

Colorless Siena

I'm in Siena right now. Took the bus in with Zoe. Three hours to get here....18 euro's each way. We leave at 6 pm.

We just finished our own walking tour that we started when we got here...around noon. Four hours of walking in the heat. I'm really bagged. The heat does me in. Zoe is still wondering around looking for some church. I've seen enough.

This place is really colorless. All the houses are the same color. Faded brown. Looks like a medival town.

I like color.

Siena is a city in Tuscany, Italy. It is the capital of the province of Siena.
The historic center of Siena has been declared by UNESCO a World Heritage Site.

Melting Me

I wonder how people can survive this weather for long periods of time.

It's averaging over 35 celcius daily......and high 20's in the late evening....AND...very very humid.

I'm melting.

I need a cabana boy to cool me off!

Organic Me

I checked into my new Hostel for the next two nights.

The Beehive:

http://www.the-beehive.com/

Yoga me.......

Bologna Here I Come

Booked myself to go to Bologna on Thursday afternoon.

Three hour journey. Eurostar. Reserved seating. 42 Euro's.

Not sure how long I will be staying.

I'll head down South to the beach from there.

Seeing Yellow

More partying at the Yellow Bar last night with Zoe, Christina, Lea & her friend plus lots of American boys.

The bar stopped serving at midnight. No problem....we just went and bought more wine at some bar and brought it over until we closed the place down at 2 am.

I guess it was a good thing that we had no idea where to go on a Monday night for dancing.

The party continued on the street until about 3 am.

Zoe has a fractured finger from falling on her way home.

Christina is staying at some convent...with a midnight curfew. She missed it.

I made it home in one piece and didn't wake anyone up in my room.

A tip from a friend on bringing a flashlight with me.

La Bocca

I finally got to see La Bocca! Late yesterday. The building was closed, but I was able to see it locked up behind some gates. It was bigger than I thought! Loved it......

La Bocca della Verità (in English, "the Mouth of Truth") is a renowned image, carved from Pavonazzetto marble, of a man-like face and located in the portico of the church of Santa Maria in Cosmedin in Rome, Italy. The sculpture is thought to be part of an ancient Roman fountain, or perhaps a manhole cover, portraying one of several possible pagan gods.

The most famous characteristic of the Mouth, however, is its role as a lie detector. Starting from the Middle Ages, it was believed that if one told a lie with his hand in the mouth of the sculpture, it would be bitten off.

Posters In Roma

15 Reasons Why Beer is Better Than Women

1) A beer doesn't get jealous when you grab another beer.
2) When you go to a bar you can always pick up a beer.
3) A beer won't get upset if you come home and have beer on your breath.
4) You don't have to wine and dine a beer.
5) If you pour a beer just right you'll always get good head.
6) Hangovers go away.
7) When you are finished with a beer, the bottle is still worth 5 cents.
8) You don't have to wash a beer before it tastes good.
9) A beer always goes down easy.
10) You can share a beer with your friends.
11) Beer is always wet.
12) You always know you're the first one to pop a beer.
13) A frigid beer, is a good beer.
14) You can have more than one beer and not feel guilty.
15) You can enjoy a beer all month long.

Napping Mid Day

I love the siestas that countries like this have due to the hot hot weather in summer.

Napping is great.

Little kids sure have the best life!

Climbing Cupola's Senza Ascensore

This morning I was up bright and early trying not to wake up all the other's in the room (all beds looked full).

By 8:30 am I find myself walking up the Dome for four euro's (an activity of aprx 600 steps).

Great view of the city from the top.

San Pietro in Vaticano Basilica was also spectacular.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/St._Peter's_Basilica

I can now say I've walked where the new Pope has walked!

Notti di Cinema

Last night after drinks at the bar, Zoe & I went to the outdoor cinema in Piazza Vittorio.

For five euro's we watched the 10:45 pm showing of 'Little Miss Sunshine'.

In Italian of course. No subtitles.

It was pretty cool sitting in chairs watching the big screen where you could look up and see the sky.

Love this idea!

There was even an intermission.

Only thing I did not like was that people around you are smoking. Yuck.

Saving this yucky smell was this couple blowing soap bubbles in the air.

Pop....pop...pop........go away ugly smoke!

Funny though...they were also smoking.

Yellow Deals

Last night I met up with Lia and Zoe at the Yellow Bar.......the Yellow Hostel's bar. This is where Lia is staying with another lawyer friend of her's that came to hang out with her for the next few days from London.

I brought one of my new roommates..... Li..... young Taiwanese student living in Leon France...studying to be a fashion designer. Li speaks four languages and can live this life due to daddy (a retired doctor) supporting her.

One meets so many interesting people when travelling!

The bar had two sets of prices.....one for people staying at the hostel and the other for non-guests....almost double.

I of course paid the lower price.

Five euros for a bottle of white wine.

You've got to love that!

TV Addiction

The Italians are obsessed with having TV's everywhere!

They've just installed these super big LCD screen TV's in all the train stations around Italy.

The metro in Rome even has TV screen's on the subway trains.

Wow!

I only have one TV in my house that works.

Japanese Keyboards

I've just discovered that I'm at some other side of the train station that obviously caters to the Japanese.

My keyboard keeps changing from Italian to Japanese. Automatically.

I'll have travelled the world getting lost on all four sides of the train station.

I love Roma!

Shopping European Style

Shopping is insane in Europe this time of the year when they are getting ready to display the fall/winter lines. ALL the summer stuff goes on sale.

A super BIG sale! Up to 60% off on some things...........

I remember Monica my friend that lives in Holland telling me about some of these sales....but now I get it.

Just think.........designer labels going on sale. A super BIG sale!

Everyone goes crazy....both women & men.

Tip: Just get out of their way or you may get hurt.

Rome Train Station Rocks

You know how you often hear "....don't hang around any train or bus stations as these are shady places to be at......"

So very true in Naples....but NOT Rome!

This train station rocks!

It's huge and has loads of stores to shop in.

It also has air-conditioning.

AND.......I blend in.

I look like a true local buying a 1.5 liter of water for 35 euro cents at the supermarket, unlike all the tourists buying water from the corner store/street vendors for anywhere from 2 to 3 euro's a bottle.

That was me just a few days ago.........

Acid Anyone

I'm booked at the wild and crazy Pink Floyd Hostel for the next two nights.

This place is absolutely not what comes to mind when you stop laughing.

I had to check in at Hotel Hollywood, where the guy behind the desk then brings me to an unmarked building two doors down. I'm in the D section of this cool big building with a garden in the middle of it. Room B. 3 bunk beds with it's own shower/bathroom. It looks like the Hostel is just 3 or 4 big rooms similar to mine. No common area or any other services.

Just a place to sleep, take a shower and keep you stuff at (unlocked).

I'm only a few blocks away from the train station, and it looks like this side of the station is the Arab side. I really have no idea where the born & raised Italians are. My sense tells me that none of them have businesses or hang out near the station.

I feel like I'm in Morroco or China.

This depends on which section near the train station I'm lost at.

Eastern European Blondes

Livia our tour leader was very new to her role, but I can honestly say that she really tried to do a good job.

She needs to learn a bit more about Italy and have more information to provide everyone, but other than that I liked her.

Livia was a funny 25 year old with Italian boys on her mind..........even though she has a hot Japanese boyfriend back in Budapest!

Me And My Shadow

I'm on my own again
Left all alone where I belong
I'm on my own again
Left all alone


Yes...........and getting lost again

WITH a backpack on my back.

I'm in the internet spot cooling off with the air conditioner and updating myself on entertainment news I might of missed.

Today is going to be a brain dead day in beautiful Roma.

Stampeding Friends

I was just thinking about what I might of missed this year at the Calgary Stampede.

Maybe it's because I'm a bit hung over.

I even had to do a McDonald's run.

Yes I know.....pretty sad.

Thought of the Day

Karma is the universal principle of cause and effect. Our actions, both good and bad, come back to us in the future, helping us to learn from life’s lessons and become better people. In religions that include reincarnation, karma extends through one's present life and all past and future lives as well.

Karma is basically energy. One person throws out energy through thoughts, words and actions, and it comes back, in time, through other people. Karma is the best teacher, forcing people to face the consequences of their actions and thus improve and refine their behavior, or suffer if they do not. Even harsh karma, when faced in wisdom, can be the greatest spark for spiritual growth. The conquest of karma lies in intelligent action and unemotional response.

Musei Vaticani Fiasco

Woke up this morning after a knock on our door at 7:30 am with Katy at the door wondering why we didn't come down for breakfast.

Oh let me see.....maybe because I got in only a few hours prior?

The group was ready to go for our scheduled 8:15 am time at the Vatican Museum. Eeks.........I'm thinking there goes 24 Euro's down the drain.

Zoe & I rush to meet the group, but they had already left us behind........AND......they had the group voucher!

Lovely.

Cursing on the subway, we make our way to the spot and see this huge huge line. We got there at 8:30 am...a bit futher delayed due to Zoe not having the right length shorts, so we had to make a pit stop for her to purchase a pair from a conveniently placed booth selling appropriate 'church' clothes.

Wondering how on earth we were going to get in, we suddenly see our group standing in line waving us over. It turns out that the tickets we purchased over the internet had not gone through so we had to wait in line like everyone else that did not have pre-purchased vouchers.

We got in by 10:45 am.

I left at 12:45 pm. .

The place was amazing but I needed a nap.

Crazy Hair Doorman

Last night I met my hair twin look-a-like!

A few of us went out for dinner (yummy), and then the party continued after talking to a few locals on where the place to be on Friday night was in the neighbourhood.

I'm not sure where we went, but it was a great time. Very busy and fun place.

The doorman let me in right away even though there was a line up.

A very cool guy with great looking hair.

Italy And Me

My plans after the tour ends on Sunday morning are to stay here in Rome on my own for the week and then head over to Bologna and visit some of the relatives.

From there I will be making my way down South to visit more relatives.

Calabria and Sicily..... more great food!

I also need to stay put for most of August as this is when the country all takes vacations.

You've got to love those Italians for that. No one works. Everyone goes to the beach.

I might as well too!

Bye Bye Australians

Two more nights with all these Australians and one Hungarian leader.

I've got to say that I really enjoyed the tour and all the places I've been.

At first it seemed like there were going to be far too many locations and activities to do, however I found it to be well paced and it all worked out great for me.

My short attention span was not bored at all.

I'll be filling in my blog entries with more details and photo's once I get more energy and time.

Ciao Roma

I've always loved Rome and still do.

We got here just before lunch (2 hour train ride from Naples), and spent part of the day on a city orientation by Livia our tour leader.

Most of the group are still out and about, but I had to get myself settled into another hostel for Sunday and Monday night. I only had the Tuesday & Wednesday nights booked.

As I was unable to get the same location, I'll have to move around for the four nights I plan to stay here.

Lovely.

I just love carrying that XXXXXX backpack around!

Bye Bye Napoli

It's so true that you either love this insane city or you hate it. I loved it! Crazy people everywhere.

Our hotel was right across the train station....one of the filthest places in the city. Garbage everywhere.

Not the safest place to walk around at in the night time.

Didn't help that we had transvestites selling themselves right on our corner.

Actually, the whole place was selling themselves!

I survived and loved it.

Safe Sorrento

After us exploring the island of Capri, we decided to take another jet boat to Sorrento (12.50 Euro's).

Land of colors and fragrances, birthplace of Torquato Tasso, retreat for such artists and writers as Caruso and Wagner, who found inspiration in this splendid corner of Campania. The Sorrento Peninsula and the Amalfi Coast host an enticing pageant of blue seas, jagged coastlines, lush hills and delightful towns: Sorrento, Amalfi, Positano, Ravello, Vietri...

We all loved the place and ended up staying late to take a one hour tram ride back into Naples around 10:30 pm!

La Dolce Vita.......

Life Styles Of The Rich

Yesteday, several of us girls took a jet boat over from the Naples Marina (16 Euro's) to beautiful Capri Island.

How does one describe this amazing island?

Beautiful and for the rich.

You need a lot of cash in Capri.

Hot Nails & Feet in Naples

You've got to look good in this very crazy city full of very crazy people.

So....what does one do when you are cute me?

Go for a manicure & a pedicure. 5 and 10 euro's.

I went to a pretty cheesy place by the hotel called 'Summer Beauty'.

Good for another laugh.

Pizza, Pizza and More Pizza

I'm getting fat(ter).

Hot and Cute Opposite Sex

What is the difference? A discussion all of us girls had the other night.

Hot......... you want to XXXX now and tell everyone about it.

Cute .............you may want to XXXX.

Oh Oh.....I've been referring to myself as cute.

I might need to change that.

Hotisa.

It might work!

Odd Person Out

I seem to always be the person in a group that just doesn't totally blend in.

I believe the reason is that I'm just too honest.

I say what a lot of people think but for whatever reason just don't say outloud.

This goes for meal choices, entertainment choices, feedback etc.,

It may also be that I'm unique just like everyone else.

Il Conto Per Piacere

I hate going out with large groups of people and having just one bill that includes your food and drinks.

It never fails that once everyone puts their money in, the result is a shortage.

All the time.

Very fraustrating for a banker.

More Ruins in My Life

I just returned from spending the morning in Pompeii. 11 Euro's and you can walk all around the ruins. I elected no guide or audio-guide.

It's a miracle I got back to Naples on my own and didn't get lost in Pompeii.

Pompeii is a ruined Roman city near modern Naples in the Italian region of Campania, in the territory of the comune of Pompei. It, along with Herculaneum, was destroyed, and completely buried, during a catastrophic eruption of the volcano Mount Vesuvius spanning 2 days on 24 August 79 AD.

The volcano collapsed higher roof-lines and buried Pompeii under many meters of ash and pumice, and it was lost for nearly 1700 years before its accidental rediscovery in 1748. Since then, its excavation has provided an extraordinarily detailed insight into the life of a city at the height of the Roman Empire. Today, it is one of the most popular tourist attractions of Italy and a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pompeii

Service Charges, Cover Charges and Tipping

The concept of tipping is very foreign to Australians.

This confuses them even more when you throw in service charges or cover charges.

In Europe you pay for everything. Another foreign concept for Australians.

You should hear them go on and on about paying for the toilets.

They even go as far as searching out for children's toilets so they do not have to pay for the toilets.

It works.

Very Interesting Observation

There are lots of black people here in Naples.

Looks like they are all from the Sudan somewhere.

In Venice it was chinese people.

Italy has turned into a very multi-cultural country.

Zoe Loves To Iron

Zoe is one of the people on this tour. A crazy Australian teacher.

She has an obsession with ironing.

Her hair must be perfect. Flat iron required.

In Bled, she went and asked the lady that rented us the apartments, if she could borrow an iron to iron all our clothes that were just freshly washed.

The German owner had no idea what Zoe and Sarah were saying, so they drew an iron on a piece of paper and wrote a few German words on the paper to try and communicate what they wanted.

It worked.

Zoe had her fill of ironing all five girls clothing.

Graham's clothes went unironed.

Internet Usage in Italy

Followed by most is that you provide one piece of picture ID to use the computers.

Something to do with terrorists.

A very interesting concept in this crazy country.

I'm presently sitting in some shady place that I'm sure fronts as a money laundering place.

You've got to love those Italians.

Crazy Insane Naples

This place is insane!

Chaos everywhere.

I love it!!!

Mafia Towns and Me

We are off to Naples tomorrow for three days.

Plans are to spend day 1 in Naples, day 2 in Pompei and day 3 on the Almalfi coast....with Naples being our base.

Hopefully none of us will get shot the first day in the rough city of Naples.

I've been reading Zoe's Lonely Planet guide and it mentions that there are over 100 Mafia related deaths in that crazy city.

I wonder if that's more than the Calabrese??

Florence Markets and Me

This place is awesome for shopping.

Good thing I have a backpack......(written sarcastically).

I'm having such a tough time repacking my backpack after each fridge magnet purchase I make.

I hate not being able to shop due to lack of space.

Carrying things on my back sucks big time as well.

I need a Sherpa.

I Can't Stop Eating

I've got to stop this insanity!!!!

• Bread
• Ice Cream
• Pizza
• Bread
• Ice Cream
• Pasta
• Bread
• Ice Cream
• Pastries
• Bread
• Ice Cream

The food is FANTASTIC!

Cinque Terre Rocks

We were staying in Riomaggiore, and had the chance to walk the five towns. 8 Euro's for the park pass that gives you access to the path as well as the train to get back or continue if you can't walk it.

There were some pretty rough spots. Loads of stairs. Great views. Actually, unbelievably beautiful views of hillside homes built in the rocks. Simply amazing.

I really really liked it there.

Riomaggiore to Monterosso total of 5 hours.....9 km's.
(Riomaggiore to Manarola....20 minutes, 1 km. Mannarola to Corniglia....1 hr 10 min, 1 km. Corniglia to Vernazza...1 hr 30 min, 4 km's. Vernazza to Monterosso....2 hrs, 3 km's)

The Cinque Terre represents one of the best preserved natural and semi-natural areas of the Mediterranean. Historical and geomorphologic reasons have forbidden excessive housing development and the creation of major roadways (which instead are present inland in the Val di Vara). Human activity and especially viticulture, have contributed to create a unique landscape in which development of the typical stone walls is so extensive as to equal that of the famous Great Wall of China. All this, combined with the characteristics of a crystal clear sea, of architecturally interesting locations, of a varied and extensive network of paths (one of the most enviable in the whole Mediterranean), makes the Cinque Terre an increasingly sought after location among Italian and foreign tourists. This is not so much the result of a successful promotional campaign but rather the spontaneous recognition of the uniqueness of the place, of its beauty, of the enjoyment one gets from staying in or visiting it.

Leaning Towers and Me

This morning Celia and I took a one hour train ride into Pisa to see the Leaning Tower (10.80 Euro's return on the train).

We even had an opportunity to climb it (300 steps) for 15 Euro. They give you 30 minutes to climb up.... take pictures and then come down.

Piece of cake.

Some Albanian guy tried to pick Lia up on the train. Very funny.

Super Hot Florence

It is really really hot here in Florence.

Both in weather (over 30 celcius) and the men!

We got here yesterday mid day and went sight seeing ASAP.

I've been here a few times....but as usual.... can't remember much, so went to the spots you need to see at least once in your life:

• Galleria dell'Accademia....13 Euro's....big attraction there is the big statue David. He isn't really big at all if you know what I'm referring to.

One of the major sightseeing attractions of Florence is the Accademia Gallery which is home to a very important collection of Florentine paintings, dating from the 13th to the 18 th centuries. But, nowadays it's more famous for being the home of MichelAngelo's David which was moved here in 1873. For many visitors to Florence , this statue is the symbol of the Renaissance movement in Florence .

• Galleria degli Uffizi....10 Euro's............

This is one of the most famous museums of paintings and sculpture in the world. Its collection of Primitive and Renaissance paintings comprises several universally acclaimed masterpieces of all time, including works by Giotto, Simone Martini, Piero della Francesca, Fra Angelico, Filippo Lippi, Botticelli, Mantegna, Correggio, Leonardo da Vinci, Raphael, Michelangelo and Caravaggio. German, Dutch and Flemish masters are also well represented with important works by Dürer, Rembrandt and Rubens.The Uffizi Gallery occupies the top floor of the large building erected by Giorgio Vasari between 1560 and 1580 to house the administrative offices of the Tuscan State. The Gallery was created by Grand-duke Francesco I and subsequently enriched by various members of the Medici family, who were great collectors of paintings, sculpture and works of art. The collection was rearranged and enlarged by the Lorraine Grand-dukes, who succeeded the Medici, and finally by the Italian State.

• The Duomo.........free

Standing in Piazza San Giovanni, the religious heart of the city you'll be overwhelmed by the poly-chromed marble façade of the Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore, and its imposing dome designed by Brunnelleschi. One of the most important tourist attractions in the city, when it was completed in the 15 th century it was the largest religious building in al of Europe .
The building was dedicated to Santa Maria del Fiore ( of the flower, because the feature lily is the symbol of the city of Florence . Brunelleschi's Dome was an extraordinary feat of engineering, that culminates in Brunelleschi's lantern that is surmounted by a gilded copper ball topped by a cross. The stairs that lead to the lantern across the two vaults provide incredibly views of the city of Florence .

• And of course........Ponte Vecchio

The Ponte Vecchio is the most beautiful of the bridges that cross the River Arno as it flows through the city of Florence. It's original structure dates from Roman Times, and the sides of the bridge are lined by gold & silversmiths shops. It's a popular tourist attraction because of the views it offers from the central part of the bridge. On the Oltrarno side of the Ponte Vecchio you'll see the Medieval Mannelli Tower .

A VER BUSY DAY!!!!

Am I Really Italian

I'm starting to wonder if I'm really Italian.

• I don't dress with very expensive labels.
• I don't own a pair of $300 to $500 very expensive label sunglasses.
• I don't smoke.
• I don't drive an expensive car.
• I don't think I'm the hottest thing on the planet.
• I'm not thin.

The only thing I have in common right now is:

• I love to negotiate a deal.
• I'm loud

Very Pricey Short & Sweet

I've been keeping my entries short due to the very high cost of internet usage here in Italy.

5 Euro's an hour. That would be 7.50 Canadian.

That hurts when you have no money due to the ATM's not liking your card.

I will fill in the entries with more detail once I find a cheap spot.

The Australians are always at the beach when they get a chance.

I tried the written journal...which actually was great....but then I got bored.

Opera and Me

I've only ever been to the opera about three times in my life. Not a big fan, but one must continue to try new things.

Last night I went to the Verona Arena to see Aida. 26.50 Euro's for the unreserved stone steps.
Four acts. Two 20 minute intermissions. 9:15 pm to 12:45 am.

The Arena is outdoors and simply amazing. The opera singers do not wear microphones and everyone holds up lite candles when the show starts. Magical!!

You can bring in food and alcholic drinks to make the evening even more spectacular.

Even though I purchased a program, I still had no idea what was going on with the story line.

I must say that I prefer ballet over opera.

I Love Verona

There were far too many tourists for me in Venice....a lovely spot to visit, but 2 days is more than enough with all those crowds...plus...the locals are not that friendly. They sure have attitude with all the tourists....as well as try to rip you off every opportunity they have. Venice is over priced for everything and they also have cover charge and service charge for most restaurants. Ouch.

Verona on the other hand is fantastic! I really like the place Romeo & Juliet lived.

We stayed in a small city nearby (Desenzano) and took the 20 minute train ride in to hang out. Loads of rich people live in Verona or are visting it. The cars are amazing! I saw this unbelievable Audi.....looked like a Ferrari. Black. Nice.

Did the touristy thing by visting Juliets tomb and the home she lived in.

I really didn't know this was a true story.

I thought Shakespeare made the whole thing up.

Or maybe Verona is capitalizing on this???????

You know those Italians.

Ten Girls Travelling

Our new group after Sarah & creepy Graham left are now:

Celia, Zoe and Katie continuing....plus of course Livia our tour leader.

New to the group are:

Melanie, Bianca, Chris, Amanda and Christina.

And yes...they are all Australian....AND.......the stories continue with more boyfriend drama.

Pretty funny travelling with late 20 year old's.

Beautiful Italia

We are in Riomaggiore now, one of the small beach town resorts in Parco Nazionale Delle Cinque Terre. A very pretty spot to be staying at for a few days.

Tomorrow we are all doing the walk....Manarola, Corniglia, Vernazza and end at Monterosso al Mare. Takes all day. You walk from one village to the next....stopping in each for a drink...food...and a swim. A really rough day!

You buy a pass for 8 euros....this allows you to do the walk...and you can also take the train if you get tired.

Speaking of money, everything costs something in Europe. Need to go to the toilet? Cough of some money. Bread or water with your meal? Cough up more money. Nothing is free in Europe. And...money goes super fast.

Right now I am having a problem with the ATM's...hopefully this will be fixed so I can take out some money soon. I won't worry about it too much right now. This can cause some stress.

I'm totally stress free right now.

Gondola's in Venice

We are in Italy now. Our tour leaders favorite country to bring people.

Yesterday afternoon all five of us girls went on a gondola ride. 75 Euro's (negotiated down from 100).

Tons of tourists here.

Last night for the first part of the tour, as we are picking up five new people and both Sarah & Graham are not continuing on the tour.

We will all miss Sarah.......but not Graham.

He was creepy.

Goodbye Bled

What a great place for adventure seekers!

• Emerald River Adventure
• Canyoning
• River Tubing
• Mountain Biking
• Paragliding
• Sky diving
• Horse riding
• Kayak trips
• Hiking
• Rafting
• Quad Trips
• Rock Climbing
• Scuba Diving
• Bike Riding

Celebrating Canada Day in Bled

For only 55 Euro's, I spent the full day...8 am to 8 pm ...enjoying the sites near Bled Slovenia.

Jasna Lake-Kranjska Gora
Vrsic
Kozjak Waterfall
Soca Valley Hike

A well deserved beer and car train ride to Bohinj lake.

The only two things I did not participate in were the white water rafting and bridge jumping from a 12 metre high bridge. People love water sports!!

Will fill in more when not paying so much for internet access.

Hello Bled Slovenia

Great place!

Slovenia, officially the Republic of Slovenia , is a coastal Alpine country in southern Central Europe bordering Italy on the west, the Adriatic Sea on the southwest, Croatia on the south and east, Hungary on the northeast, and Austria on the north. The capital of Slovenia is Ljubljana.

At various points in Slovenia's history, the country has been part of the Roman Empire, the Duchy of Carantania (only modern Slovenia's northern part), the Holy Roman Empire, Austria-Hungary, the State of Slovenes, Croats and Serbs, the Kingdom of Serbs, Croats and Slovenes (renamed the Kingdom of Yugoslavia in 1929) between the World Wars, and the SFR of Yugoslavia from 1945 until gaining independence in 1991. Slovenia is a member of the European Union, the Council of Europe, NATO, and has observer status in La Francophonie.

Goodbye Budapest

Another short but sweet stop.

Highly recommended.

Hungarian Tradition

On our first night in Budapest, we all went to go see the traditional dances and songs of the country. 4,600 Hungarian Forint (aprx $28.00 Cad).

Not my cup of tea........but something you can't miss when visiting a city with so much history.