Ciao Monterotondo

Internet on high seas is not good so pictures will follow when I return home, plus all updates on our travels.

Monterotondo  

Monterotondo is a sleeper community of Rome. Many commute to and from twice a day to work, either by Train or Bus or Car or Motorbike. It seems most prefer motorbike and car and the roads even in this small town are congested twice a day. Pardon me, it is actually more. Once in the morning and then around 1:00, they return for lunch and then return  to work around 4, and then of course coming home in the evening around 7. In other words very congested. Quite different from our first visit when we first got married. It was quiet, no traffic and no congestion.

Visiting our cousins here in Monterotondo is an event we always look forward to. They are infrequent visits, yet, when we get together again,  we continue as though no time has passed. We ignore the passage of time and distance and hug each other as old friends do with tears flowing and smiles. From morning to evening, we enjoy tidbits of life we share and miss. We share our lives as though they are intertwined, and in fact they are woven together.  Unfortunately time goes by ever so fast and when we realize this, we frown, for shortly we shall part company once again with half smiles and many tears, and embraces we wish not to end, ever.

Dear cousins, no words, no smile, no tear is adequate enough to describe how we feel. We see our children grow and in fact have grown into their own lives . We have such pride for our children and our close relationship.  We share more than a love of kinship, more than a friendship, more than a relationship.  Our love for each other has no boundaries. We would sacrifice so much for one another without hesitation. It is a rare kind of love we share. One that will never disappear but will grow and be nourished by our life experiences, and by our childrens’ life experiences.

We leave you our love to continue and grow. Forever in our hearts.       

My brother and Demetra arrived a day prior to depart for the cruise and we said we would all go out to dinner. We had previously negotiated a contract where we would take entire family out, and it would be our treat. It had to be a contract, legally binding or else there was no way we could accomplish this feat.

 Michella arranged all of it. She strategically made a reservations at MOMO’s a local popular spot with Romans , not a place tourist would find easily. An huge old villa formally a Hospital for Mentally Ill I think I am not quite sure. Three floors of dining very stylish and can tell by the patrons, it is an “IN” spot. Men an women dressed to the hilt. Fashion galore around us for sure. Amazes me, that these people do not perspire.  Dressed in long sleeve attire and some with jackets or sweaters. It is at least in the mid 90’s F inside with not a hint of a breeze. We sat beside a window and I assure you, there wasn’t.  There is no air conditioning nor circulating fans , just menus and napkins to fan yourself.  My brother and myself had to excuse ourselves to go to the “baino” at least a couple times to throw some cool water on our faces to revive ourselves from heat stroke. Meanwhile patrons ate drank and were not bothered by the extreme heat. Rosemary’s line, some will recognize it; “don’t think about it.”  Thankyou dear wife.

 Jeanfranco and Elvira insist to drive us to Citivechio to catch our Cruise Ship. Rosemary final goodbye to her aunt is a fountain of tears. She has Alzheimers and greeted Rosemary daily as if for the first time she saw her since her visit when she was 18. This time it is a little different for when she greeted her and Rosemary said farewell, her aunt commented,  “it is the  last time I will see you”, hence the tears. It is an emotional parting.

We must get on the road before 1:00 pm or else it will be jammed with people going home for their lunch. Everything closes 1 til 4. Fortunately traffic is light and we near the port and see a mountain of a ship ahead, Celebrity. It is huge all 14 floors of her. A floating hotel. Our cousins want to see Frank, Eugenia, Silvia and Max before they board and happily they are there. They look so tired and hot , fresh from the overseas flight and bus ride from the airport. They have already registered and lines are growing. We must leave our beloved cousins now. As we walk toward the entrance and lineups to register, they turn  their heads to watch us and half smiles and nods see us disappear into the crowd.

It is great to see our friends and family that have joined us for our cruise holiday. Frank, Eugenia, Silvia and Max, plus Joe and Vassa , Frank and Demetria, and Diane and Mario.  Once inside and settled we agree to meet for a bite then let them rest up for a  late dinner. Rosemary and I are now unpacking and her cell phone rings. Jeanfranco and Elvira are in a Bar in Citivechio having a coffee and had to call to tell us they miss us already. 

Do you you ever have a time you invite guests over for a dinner or function and then watch the clock and wonder when the evening will end? In this case, when we were together we spent morning to evening together and wondered where the time went.

Ciao Bella Monterotondo.

From Sicily With Love

The people here (Taormina, Sicily) were so stupendous and friendly, and it was difficult to say goodbye. Rosemary was working and I was alone to have breakfast and lunches.  I became known as "il Calabrese" (the Calabrese), a term of endearment, believe me because the staff became like family. Toto (Salvatore), how is your appetite this morning Signor Calabrese?  My broken Italian, or more precisely, my broken Calabrese dialect was learned not from books or school but through necessity to be able to communicate with my beloved Grandmother, Bless her Soul. Ciao, Bella Sicilia, Beloved Country, I hope to return one day.

Catania Airport (Sicily) to Verona and then pick up a rental car and drive to Lago di Como. There is no adequate way to describe the chaos at the rental place within Verona Airport. Un macello. Thank God and the inventor of the Garmin GPS. Without it a leisurely 2 hour drive would have been surely an all day macello. (disaster)

Again words escape me, to describe to you the beauty of Northern Italy and the Lago di Como area. Hopefully the few pics I post will speak for me.

view from our room

ferry transport

Bellagio

Rosemary is so happy

our rental

The Hotel is excellent , but not like Sicily, here they are very proper and friendly and in Sicily they will give you a great big hug and kiss on both cheeks. The room had a great view of the Lake. The weather however was not with us, cloudy rain and misty.  Arrived and leisurely look around immediate area and local town nearby and light dinner. Un po umido, the locals would say to one another. Rosemary and I had short sleeve attire on and the locals had sweaters under their coats.

Plan of action: take in what we can in just couple days and make best of it. Drive the shoreline and visit the many small towns, ancient towns, and then a day trip and ferry ride to Bellagio, one of the most beautiful to visit when in this region. Beautiful names of towns reminiscent of the Romeo and Juliet era.
Names such as Cernobbio, Moltrasio (where we are) Tremezzo and Bellagio to mention a few. The small winding roads barely fit one car with some homes built over the roads. These places represented a classic part of history and rich in culture and customs.

What to do when it rains and you are on holiday?  ....anyone? ....anyone?   Shop would be the correct answer, actually there is no other.  I thought the quaint boutiques in the small towns were very nice and would have sufficed. How wrong I was. Rosemary inquired at desk, where would you go to shop? Smiling, the young girl says, Switzerland of course.  "Foxtown Factory Outlet Mall", about 20 minutes from border. I was then aware how close we were to the border. "250 shops, a lovely place" Rosemary's eyes were the widest I have seen them. I think she might have wet her pants. The border crossing is easy, passports in hand the young man looks inside and says, "Purpose of visit?"  Rosemary replies instantly "Shopping"  Smiles, "Pass and Buona Journatta" The valuable Garmin agains comes through for us guiding me through many turning circles and delivers me to the main entrance. Hmmm, hours are 11-7, we are an hour early. Impatiently Rosemary waits and each time she checks her watch, taps it to make time go faster.

So this is Foxtown Factory Outlet?  Let me list a few outlets, Gucci, Fendi, Ferrari, Ralph Loren, Valentino, Prada, Ferragamo, Versace, Yves Saint Laurant. Get the overall picture? There was a small crowd gathering and waiting to begin their shopping experience. I felt out of place. A Reebok t-shirt all wrinkles, Costco Jeans, baggy, and Sketcher sneakers. While waiting, Rosemary maps out on the brochure the most efficient way to shop the three floors in fantasy land. My term of endearment for this place. The people working here, mostly young, were great, and quite friendly and spoke several languages. I wonder if a sale of a $1000 Euro purse from Gucci or a $750 Euro for a pair of sandals from Prada made them giggle.

Let me take a minute and tell you, many and I mean this, many already had a few bags they were carrying. Rosemary's single purchase made her quite happy. A top, very attractive sporty type from a reasonable outlet.  The sales girl was from Taormina, and was as friendly and warm as the ones we had just left from there. I suggested another purchase, a beige top. Nooooooo says she,  "Colore non e buono per la signora"  Rosemary agrees and I am silent and put in my place.

Rosemary is just content at looking and perhaps handling a purse or few pairs of shoes. She is smiling and that is all I care for. I will buy you this purse if you like? She smiles and shows me price. I swallowed my tongue. She thanks me for bringing her here and spending this time with her in fantasy land. I say, not a problem, how many get to come to Switzerland to shop?

Mid afternoon and we head back. Crossing the border again a bit of traffic but it is moving. Three lanes merging into one. Side note:  everywhere you go in Italy, the paint indicating the lane separation is invisible and just a decoration. The beauty of this is, no one gets angry, not a one. You must not stop or hesitate, for if you do, you will be left behind. You merge, inch your way almost to a collision but the fellow will let you in, as you will let the next in. Amazing isn't it?. If it was the Don Valley Parkway you would be on the 6:00 news as victim to a beating. Here in Europe there is a comradery of sort amongst drivers, at least the ones not driving a big Mercedes or BMW or Land Rover.

The long winding roads in Lago di Como are similar to the ones in the Almafi Coast. Instead of cliffs there are ancient homes with doorways and arches that jump out at you at every turn, and there are many. Every one a challenge, every one a surprise. Be attentive, do not leave your arm hanging out the window, nor the passenger. Yes it is that close. It is not unusual to feel the brush of a car mirror as it passes, if you are on foot.  Many, many parked cars have damaged mirrors, and best to fold them in when parked.

At This Moment

Sunday June 3rd.


Sunrise was beautiful, and as the sun rose above the sea, how thankful I was to this glorius sight God created and thankful to be alive to enjoy it.

Sunrise

One of a series of steps, 75 in all to our room and back

Resorts are basically the same worldwide, but this part of paradise is so enjoyable because we get to enjoy it at this moment. At least I do. Rosemary is already off to her duties. Let me take a moment to inform those who may be jealous of her job  of organizing such events is glamorous and exciting. Far from it. She works three times as hard here then at home and for those who know Rosemary she works very hard. There is a team here but Rosemary is ultimately responsible. Gone early and returns late, exhausted. Try to please the number of people that are here; it is an impossibility. Yet everyone knows Rosemary and she makes them feel special and individual.

Early morning is preferably the time for breakfast for me. The resort beginning to come alive. "buongiorno come possiamo essere del servire a void"  ..."Caffe e Latte".  mmmm,,,,,,coffee and hot milk and "cornetti" I sit off to the sitting area next to the precisely organized tables with fresh linen. It is under the shade of older pine trees well over 200 years old.

Super views no matter where you look.

Always impeccably arranged.

fruita

As I sit sip coffee and enjoy the atmosphere and surroundings, above me, not too far is a majestic looking black pidgeon. Asked the young girl what is the Italian word for 'pidgeon'?   she smiles and says 'pidgeon' Why does this bird look majestic? It is perched nobely with its long black  neck so straight and looking perfectly coiffered. Its heritage may be as old or older than the pine trees we are both sharing. We make eye contact and I wonder what is on its mind.  Looking around, I accidentally spill a few crumbs on the terrace. Instantly she dives down and accepts the offerings.  Gasps and cringe to myself as I observe this noble bird. She has one good foot and a stump instead of another. Nobely she limps and takes her crumbs and very quickly returns to her perch.I sigh and look up and ask myself, how did this happen to you oh M'Lady of the Pine Tree? In the land know for vendetta, was this punishment? Was this a payback for infringing on another birds territory? Was it on purpose to persuade you not to seek vengeance for some act apon your family? Sighs...who can say? You sit their so majestically and look content with what you have and what you can get. Another accidental spillage of crumbs, this time larger pieces. (the staff frowns on such charity)
A nearby gekko scurries about and helps itself to one piece.  It appears the local animal inhabitants are well trained in commando type maneuvers. Get in fast and get out fast.


As more guest begin to arrive for breakfast and more staff now, they pass by in Sicilian (translated by me, best I can) " Look at what those nice pidgeons have left for us on the terrace"  Quickly and efficiently, and quite sternly the Manager, who by the way is impeccably dressed in a suit and looks like he has fallen out of a fashion magazine, instructs his staff, "Quickly, quietly  and immediately clean this" A scurry of staff that are quicker than the gekko i had seen.  At his time I nonchalantly look around my immediate surroundings for tell tale crumbs, for  I fear I may soon be limping as my majestic pidgeon. None to be seen and as a commando I move to retreat quickly to my room, draw the blinds, double lock the door and put do not disturb on the door and sit quietly from my perch.

"When in Rome........"

If i had posted this the day of, or day after i arrived at Villa Sant'Andrea it would had given you the wrong impression and I am so glad I waited to post.

Friends, relatives, countrymen,  lend me your ears, I have come here to .........ohh...wrong speech.

I am in European mode now. "When in Rome,,do as the Romans do."

Suffice to say it is a marvelous journey, stupendous, and once in a life time experience, to be remembered for the beautiful memories and not the negative ones, and of course I never ever, ever dwell on the negative, as my friends know all too well.  As my nose starts to grow to record length i am experiencing a Pinocchio Moment.

"What have you learned Dorothy?" I have learned, besides, there is no place but home, i have learned to listen more and be more patient. Two virtues hugely underestimated. For whatever you feel is going wrong or what seems to be going against your expectations, there is always, always "it could have been worse".

Having said that I only have one comment, "you get what you pay for".

Where the Journals of the "Year of Len " originate from. The terrace outside our room.  

Air travel has never been a favourite of mine. My recommendation to use Air Transat is only for its pricing, and not for its roomy seats and especially the Club Seats. Suffice to say, you get what you pay for. Seats that have only one recline position almost straight up and a bit more leg room and not more in seat room. Staff are friendly and accommodating, but behind every smile is the implied and silent (you got what you paid for) As i found out after, and as luck would have it, we rode on one of the last older planes that has not undergone a retro fit for overnite travel and entertainment. How lucky we are. It could have been worse.

"When in Rome"

Entrance to Lobby of Villa Sant'Andrea. Notice the fig tree on left, sighs,  no  fruit.

A Lovely side street  of  Taormina.

Be European and do not think nor act as a tourist. Don't walk scared down a narrow
street where two tiny cars barely fit and the side mirrors of the passing cars brush near your clothes. Butt in front of a line and smile and scusa. Be aggressive yet polite and respectful.

Apon arriving at Rome airport we line up at Passport Check and Security. Busy,  as many planes are now coming in now. I get into wrong line that appears to be moving and for good reason. It is for Italian passport holders and I think for Libyians. Anyways, realizing my mistake we are about to head to the back of line of others waiting. I turn to the girl behind the booth, smile and wave our Canadian Passports to her. She smiles and waves me to the booth, stamps our Passports and we are now in European mode.

If you act a tourist, you shall be treated as tourist. For example. Land In Rome International and we must now find the Alitalia desk for our flight to Catania Sicily. Lucky us, it is in another Terminal. Approximately 300 meters down and to the left.  Translation: the first half mile down that way.  We arrive at the desk and one girl and one customer. Wonderful.  We are lugging three bags with us by the way. Another girl shows and sits there and ignores us. A native Italian woman arrives with her husband and says in Italian, "she is free....go for goodness sake, you tourist".  The translation is somewhat different, but it is correct by my view. Happily she arranges our tickets and we give her our bags. No, you are early for bags and must return in one hour to check bags at another counter.

Rome is huge huge airport and quite busy with many terminals, the good thing is, it has excellent food. The bad thing is, we have to lug three bags for another hour.

Funiva Cable Way.  Funicular to  Town of Taormina.

Excellent restaurant.

Another view of garden.

One of the many views in the garden.

The original owners builders of Villa Sant'Andrea

VIew from Balcony.

Add caption

View from our  Balcony.

"Year of Len"

This is a very significant year, for me. It is a milestone to be sure, my 60th year commences and according to the chinese calendar; The Year of the Rabbit (me), hence "Year of Len"

This is of course not about me, but my life and that which affects my life. I therefore dedicate these writings and ramblings to the women of my life who have shaped my very existence.  First, Rosemary, my love and my life and my wife of 36 years. Second, my first born Michelle and thirdly Jacqueline, the baby, both girls have many characteristics of their parents; poor girls. They share my love equally.

I started this as a journal for our trip we planned to celebrate my milestone event, and will post as we go from place to place. During the course of this  discourse you will learn of many phobias I have and some will share and some will roll their eyes.

Before I left for Sicily this is the card given to be for my birthday from the girls and their husbands, Danny and David.

Yes, I am the one in the middle, or could be any one of the three. 

Travel

Because Rosemary has an event in Sicily we decided to take advantage and plan our holiday to coincide. 

Now the phobias start, when i say we plan our trip it is really Rosemary that planned the trip, because first thing I thought of, was the plane ride, the wait and confusion, the crowds, the delays, the cramp quarters, and proximity of the lavatory. This is Rosemary's view: the hotels, the beach, the food, the sights and sounds so exciting and the time to unwind and relax..... pfffft ........silly notions.

Our itinery is first Taormina, Sicily  and then to Lake Como and then Rome to catch cruise ship. Rosemary thinks George Clooney is waiting to greet her in Lake Como. 

I am currently writing this from Villa Sant'Andrea, Taormina Mare.

The last picture shows a very nice bird that greeted me outside on our terrace, the first morning after what seemed like an eternity of travel. Such an eager greeter and so early in the morning too. Shortly after this shot i had to retrieve the camera from the garden below.  I missed.

This is the first part of my post and shall endeavour  to post more pics and my ongoing insights and observations on world travel, or what is better know as "The world according to Len"