Day 6

Kopur, Slovenia

We didn't spend much time here as there wasn't much to do.  We regret not having signed up for a tour.  Here are some photos:

There were a group of children in the square, watching a magic show and drawing self portraits.

The most gorgeous park bench.

Grafitti mural.

Kopur is a very green city, so you saw lots of gardens.  It was also a very clean city.

Jelly fish everywhere.  And people were swimming in the water. 

Corfu, Greece

I've completely lost track of time, but I do know that this vacation, at least for me is just over half way over.

We signed up for an excursion today that would take us horseback riding and to the beach.  Since we didn’t get to Greece until 11, we were able to sleep in a bit.  

The bus set off at 11:30 and we made our way up the mountains to the town of Sidari.  Our first stop was the Canal d’amour, or the tunnel of love.  Our tour guide told us if we swam in the water there, we would find a husband or wife soon.  Neither of us got in the water, but would have to just cool off if we had time to.  This truly is one of the most stunning places I’ve been in all my travels.  From there we went horseback riding which is an amazing way to see Greece. My horse’s name was Apollo, John’s was Melenia but he kept calling her Melania. Her main was the color of Donald's hair.  We were even able to see Albania in the distance.  Our tour guide Nat did an amazing job.  He originally was from Pakistan but moved here to marry a Greek woman.  He kept calling me “my lovely” which you know I loved. 

These next few are from the Tunnel of Love

There are many small hotels at the Tunnel of Love. 

Here is my horse, Apollo. An Arabian male who is Nat's favorite horse.  He was also the fastest of the group.

Getting geared up

Weirdness in the bathroom where our horseback riding excursion began and ended.

After our ride we had an hour before getting on the bus. Everything around us was tourist shops, so we decided to grab a bite and a glass of wine. Formula One was on live, so that was very exciting for me.  It was great being able to watch it a. in a restaurant and b. with other people.

Nat stopped by the restaurant to say goodbye.

Overall, Greece was amazing. Definitely a place I would go back to and feel that I could spend the entire 2 weeks there.

Last days in Italy

I've been thinking about my last post about Rome for the last few days, with a bad feeling in my stomach, thinking that I may have called it a dump.  I did go back and check and Rome, I owe you a huge apology. On the tail end of our trip we stayed near the Vatican and it was a completely different experience.  No beggars, no con artists, much less touristy, despite the Vatican being steps away.  It was just a really nice city, with great food and very nice people.  We did see a lady with so many plastic grocery bags around her feet she was 6 inches off the ground. I'm sorry I didn't snap a picture.

On a side note.  If you are one of those people that say they've had a bad experience in a foreign country and that the people were rude to you. YOU ARE DOING IT WRONG.  At least learn hello, goodbye, thank you, where is the pooper in the language of the country you are in.  Never assume someone knows English. Ask them in their native tongue.  That is why they treat you poorly.  And in my opinion?  You deserve it.  Another tip, if there is a language gap, screaming at the person you are trying to communicate with will not make them understand English.  I've seen many American tourists do this over the years and it drives me nuts.

So, back to the Vatican.  John and I got off the cruise and taxied to our next hotel to meet up with Amy and Neil.  We got there earlier than them so we wondering around a bit.  Had the most amazing pizza; I am so sorry we didn't go back again.  Once we met up with Amy and Neil they were hungry so we sat down for lunch.   We felt a bit like we were being held captive, but they kept brining out dessert, limenchello, so we were grateful and took what they gave us.  By the time we got to the Vatican it was too late to get a ticket to go inside, so we walked around Vatican City. From there we just kept wondering around the city and finally got to where the natives live, which is generally my favorite part of traveling.  We capped the evening off with gelato, went back to the hotel, cleaned up and went to bed.

We did spend a lot of time speculating on where inside Vatican City the Pope lives, but weren't able to figure it out.  Wikipedia says:

"Francis chose not to live in the official papal residence in the Apostolic Palace, but to remain in the Vatican guest house, in a suite in which he can receive visitors and hold meetings. He is the first pope since Pope Pius X to live outside the papal apartments."

The Pope of the people for sure.  And no we didn't see him.  Here are some pictures for you to enjoy!

 We got stuck in a rainstorm.  We decided to have flat Dawn join in the fun.

 The love locks from Paris have made their way to Rome.

 Some pics didn't come out great as it was dark.

 More locks.

 We noticed these wall fountains all over Rome. People actually drink out of them, or fill a water bottle.  None of us were will to take the risk, except for flat Dawn.

 The next few are at the Vatican.

 We don't know if these are saints or prior popes around the walls near the Vatican.

 John thinks the Pope lives where the 2 black curtained windows are.

 The Vatican is behind me in this picture.

 I know I've seen this grafitti sticker elsewhere in Europe, but I still can't find the origin of it.  It has a Shepard Fairey/OBEY vibe to it.  If anyone knows more about it, I'd love the info.  Here is a great essay by Shepard Fairey on sticker art.

 Ah Pupka, the nickname my Sister had since a kid that was shortened to Poop many years ago. Michele, you were representing in Rome.

The lovely welcome letter from my last hotel in Rome.

 The rest are pictures of the view from my hotel room.

What I will miss about Rome?  The bidets.  After watching a youtube video on how to use, I actually enjoyed them.  The weather. It was fantastic.  The gelato.  Strawberry was my jam and it never disappointed.  I missed the art scene there, so I hope to come back some day and do that.