Pearl Travel

Sardinia

Yesterday we were at the island of Sardinia.  Really a very beautiful island but we were personally disappointed in the shore excursion we took spent more time standing around than on the actual excursion.  It did not seem worthy of an Oceania type shore excursion and we did complete a complaint form regarding it.   On the plus side the weather yesterday was fantastic and when we came back to the ship we were able to spend some time in the hot tub!  It was over 70 degrees here – who would have thought it in November.  Last night we had dinner at Paulo’ one of the specialty restaurants (no additional cost) and had a superb meal.  Definitely fine dining at its best.  Today we are at La Spezia – Joe and I are taking it easy but most of the rest of the group are off exploring Cinque Terre by train and foot on their own.  After yesterday’s wonderful weather today it is cloudy overcast and foggy – we will see how the day develops perhaps it will burn off.  I continue to be impressed with this line and their excellent treatment of passengers.  Ta Ta for now more tomorrow

Bon Voyage

Today we left Rome and made our way to board the lovely Oceania Ship Insignia.  This is definitely an above average ship with personal attention to detail by all the crew.  We will be spoiled for the next 10 days as we cruise the Western Mediterranean.  Our cabin is a well appointed verandah cabin on deck 7 about the same size as the cabin on the Disney cruise ship.  The ship is beautifully decorated in a style of quiet elegance.   The port for Rome is Civitavecchia and it is truly a large commercial port located about an hour and a half from the city.  I would never recommend anyone sailing from here to not take a few extra days and spend some time in the eternal city.  Now we set sail in about a half an hour and we are off to toast our sail away.

Rome

Today we leave Rome and head for our cruise but I want to recap our Roman adventure.  The SCAVI tour we took the other day was a wonderful experience in the old burial places under St Peters. it is amazing the excavating that has been done there.  This tour takes several months to arrange and is done by appointment only.  Our tour yesterday took us to the “golden staircase”  the steps that Jesus climbed to Pontius Pilate they were brought here by St. Helen.  You climb them on your knees saying a prayer at each step.  It is posted only way up is on you knees.  We also saw a bit of Rome life today as there was a protest march about the fans getting “carded”  at soccer matches.  The fans object to that and were marching at several of the sights we were visiting. 

We are going to church this morning and then off to the cruise ship and so ends our Roman Adventure but not Italy as we have several ports of call still.

Rome

Another great evening and day in Rome.  Weather has been just fantastic last night after dinner we sat on the roof terrace sipping assorted beverages and chatting until quite late very relaxing.  Today a full tour of Rome with guides Monica and Laura.  Several hours in the Vatican Museum, Sistine Chapel and St. Peters then drives to various spots.  One of the best stops was to view the forum from the top of the “capotoline hill”.  just fascinating to see the ancient ruins some from BC.  A stroll around Piazza Navorna ended our tour.  We are off for dinner tonight and then on to the cruise ship tomorrow.  I think we are already for some cruise time – our feet hurt.  Lots of walking.

Buon Giorno

Good day from Roma Italy.  We arrived yesterday morning in wonderful Rome.  We were picked up at he airport and had about a 40 minute ride into the city and our hotel.  Our rooms of course were not ready  so we left our luggage and everybody went off on their own adventures to explore the city.  Some of us met and had lunch at an outdoor cafe and then back to the hotel for some much needed nap time.  This is probably the best way to adjust to the time difference.   As I type this is is shortly after 9AM here but only 3AM the morning in Cleveland.  Last night we had sightseeing tour of Rome to see the fountains and buildings etc bathed in light and then a wonderful dinner at Roberto’s.     A leisurely stroll saw us back at our hotel about 11PM and in for the night.  A wonderful day to start our trip. 

Today we are off to the Vatican to have a Scavi tour of the ruins and catacombs under the Vatican.  This is a tour not available to everybody so we are looking forward to this experience.

Have a great day as <i am sure we will.