In the Tuscan Sun with Friends

During the Labor Day weekend (Sep 5-7, 2009), Jan and I drove

north to spend a wonderful weekend with our friends--the Loucks and Youngs. Thanks to Sandra's persistent research, she found us a beautiful Tuscany Villa nestled at the top ridge with a wonderful view of the valley below. Within an hour of Lucca, Pisa, and Cinque Terre, we had a variety of venues to visit. But first, we settled into the evening after a long drive. After unloading MUCH luggage, food, beer, wine and cheese (on a side note--this involved a lot of steps down to the villa), we began preparing our renowned "Low Country Bog" for dinner. Unfortunately, I could not find fresh shrimp for the dinner; nevertheless, frozen shrimp from the commissary worked perfectly. Following dinner, we settled into the main room to enjoy an evening by the fireplace to discuss our adventures for the remainder of the weekend--ventures Cinque Terre, Pisa, and Lucca.

Our first day out brought us to Cinque Terre. In northern Tuscana Region and along the eastern Mediterranean lies five cities (Cinque Terre) built on the sides of the mountain and extending down to the water. Without a major highway well above the cities, access would be nearly impossible. After parking on the highway and taking a bus to the first city, we sat at the Med's edge for a wonderful Italian lunch--with wine of course. After lunch, we boarded a connecting train to each city. We did have the option of walking an elevated path between cities but given the distance (24k round trip), we opted for the train ride. The next day took us to Pisa and Lucca. Of course, we all know about the leaning tower of Pisa. The tower is actually a bell tower built in a walled square with 2 very large cathedrals. While there, we of course took the typical picture of "holding up the tower". Besides the leaning tower (which is enough to draw tourist), I would not recommend planning a full day visit. Go, see the tower, and leave. After Pisa, we headed to the walled city of Lucca. Unfortunately, I did not research the why regarding the wall, but can only presume "protection" back in the day! Regardless, its a very unique city with a great deal of shopping opportunity for the girls. By the way, the wall is about 2 stories tall and wide enough to drive 2 cars abreast. For Jan and I, Lucca ended our trip to Tuscany as I had to return to work. The others returned to the villa and enjoyed a quite evening around the fire.

To Venice and Beyond!

Due to a scheduled conference, Jan and I took an opportunity to drive up Italy, through Austria to Germany. Our adventure began on the 22d of August. We first left Naples early Saturday morning with every intention of making our first stop in Vicenza (supposedly, a 6 hour venture!). Unbeknownst to us, the views along the way were simply amazing. This meant, we had to stop and take photos. We drove through Tuscana, better known as Tuscany to many. The rolling hills and beautiful architecture on the farm homes made the drive so much more enjoyable. In addition to the picturesque scenery, we ran into some traffic. What we thought was a 6 hour drive, turned into almost 12 hours. Upon our arrival in Vicenza, we settled for the evening rather than traveling into Venice.

After we woke Sunday morning, we jumped into the car and rushed off to Venice. Having not been to Venice, we did not know what to expect. My preconceived notions (mostly due to a lack of study) of Venice were completely incorrect. First, like everywhere else, I thought we could drive around and see the sights. Little did I know, Venice is a conglomeration of over 100 little islets connected by nearly 400 bridges and hundreds of canals. The only way around Venice is either by water or foot! So, why build a city in the middle of a lagoon? Protection! Protection from the hordes of Attila and other ruthless warriors from years past. The city was built on thousands of wood pylons driven into the ground. In the 20th century, industry began to draw from the lagoons aquifers resulting in the sinking of Venice. Since the discovery of the cause, aquifers were outlawed and the sinking of Venice has subsided--although, still prone to flooding.

OK, enough of the history lesson and more about Venice. First, its 100 plus small islands connected by bridges and canals. Completely pedestrian; the "roads" are paths that weave themselves from one piazza to another or one bridge to another. Walking in Venice is an adventure--very much like a maze. You definitely need a map! The shops and restaurants are wonderful. Most common to Venice is the crystal and costume shops. Venice is known amongst Italians for Carnival; Mardi Gras for us! Unique to Venice are its masks. You cannot turn a corner without seeing masks and costumes for sale. After a long day visiting Piazza Saint Marco (famous for the Basilica of San Marco) and the many streets of Venice, we headed back to Vicenza for the evening.

Monday morning (24th), we woke and headed north toward Austria. In less than an hour, we were in the Italian Dolomites. "Wow" and "Look at that" is all we could say. And, the best was yet to come. As the winding road continued north, we found ourselves in Austria--yes, the land of "Sound of Music". If you've seen the movie, you know the beauty of the land. Imagine, rolling green hills deep in a valley surrounded by mountains thousands of feet high or a lake hundreds of feet below you nestled at the base of its valley. And, yes this 6 hour drive turned into 12 hours as we continually stopped for photos! OH, and lunch was simply amazing. We stopped at a small Austrian Hotel and had our first "Spatzle". Its a potato noodle of sorts, but nothing I can describe. All I can say is, "I really feel bad for anyone that has not eaten Spatzle".

And finally Germany. Every time we travel, we continue to be amazed by the lifestyle of the Europeans. We spent most of our time away from downtown Stuttgart in a small town of Spindelfegin (sp). Each night, Jan and I headed downtown to one of the most beautiful cities we have yet visited. Once again, cobbled roads, tudor homes, restaurants surrounding the plazas, kids running about, lovers kissing etc. After dinner (yes, you got it right "Spatzle" in gravy, brats, sauerkraut et al), we walked about the small roads (alleys) and gazed at the wonderful architecture and homes. The weather felt like late autumn in the evening which made for a perfectly romantic evening--each night! Jan and I are truly in a dream--NEXT week, Labor day weekend with the Loucks and Youngs in Tuscany!!!!!

La Familia in Roma

It's about time that I updated the blog. At the end of July, Amanda, Wesley, and Talia joined Jan and me in Italy; Amanda from the states, and Wesley and Talia from Japan. Jan and I were very excited to have our children with us in Italy. Unfortunately, Ry is in 29 Palms, California conducting his predeployment training for Afghanistan; so he and Jamie could not join us.

As for the visit--we wasted no time with our adventure. Upon Amanda's arrival, we headed to downtown Naples to shop. Near the port is Via Toledo, a walking street full of shops. Amanda was in heaven--I was tired. Wesley and Talia arrived in Roma a few days later. Jan, Amanda, and I drove to Rome for the linkup. The airport was a challenge, but after several hours, we made contact with Wesley and Talia. After our pickup, we head downtown Roma to check at our hostel. To our surprise, we were only a block from the coliseum. Of course, we could not rest, out we went to visit the Coliseum at night!!! Followed by a cafe and beer!

The hostel was an experience with Jan!!!!! Hidden inside very large buildings--what you would think of as an office building, is a number of "hotels". On one floor is one hostel and on the next is another. Different concept than the States, but for the price, you cannot beat it!!! Well, Jan survived and we were all happy.

The next day, we toured the Coliseum, the Palentine Hill and the Roman Forum; all were simply amazing. After a long day of walking, we hoped into the Trail Blazer--by the way, is a mammoth car in comparison to European vehicles. Even the Mini Cooper is considered large here. Anyway, we drove around town and found the Vatican--what a gorgeous site. As we walked around the large piazza, we found a wonderful little cafe to rest and wet our whistle.

On Sunday, we headed to the Pantheon and the Trevi Fountain. What wonderful sites. What's even more amazing is walking through these very small Italian alleys, only to come upon a historical site nestled in an open piazza (courtyard of the sorts). In the end, we left Roma for our new home in Naples. Wes and Janice

Our Trip to Amalfi

Finally, Sunday provided us a break from all the pressures of setting up house in a foreign country.  We paid a visit to the Amalfi Coast and stayed at Hotel Onda Verde.  The hour and a half road trip took us up the narrow winding road along the Amalfi Coast.  Somewhere between Amalfi and Positano, we found Onda Verde nestled against the mountain which ended at the Mediterranean Sea.  We spent all day Sunday taking in the wonderful views, sunbathing, and sipping wine.  The pictures say it all.

 

 

 

Our First Week in Napoli!

Jan and I finally arrived after a 24+ hour trip. We started early Tuesday morning from Jacksonville to Charlotte then Norfolk. There we caught our contracted flight from Norfolk Air Station. After waiting hours in the terminal (we actually had time to rent a car and hit downtown Norfolk for dinner), we boarded at 0005 in the AM. Our first stop was Lajes (pronounced "lodges") Azores, where the aircraft experienced a flat tire (after landing!). Several hours later, we re-boarded her and made our last flight into Naples. By 9 PM (36 hours after starting), we settled in our quarters (hotel). Since, we have been extremely busy with setting up housing and communications. Jan now has a cell phone, and we wait for an air card to help with Vonage. With the air card, we will have multiple means of communications. As for housing, we traveled East of Napoli, North of Napoli, South of Napoli. Believe it or not, Jan was considering an apartment downtown, I believe we will come to the conclusion that on the base housing is right for us. On a separate and cultural note, we found that the young Italian couples like to make out in public!!!! We tried it but it just wasn't the same as a 1975 Beetle! Lastly, we hope to visit the Amalfi coast this week. Wes and Janice

Jan's a Swinger!

Saturday night marked our last gathering with the neighborhood friends. Travis and Rebecca hosted a wonderful gathering with the normal crowd ("normal" to be debated later). While finger foods were available, Travis treated all of us to the widely acclaimed "Frogmore Stew"--cooked in the "cadillac" of all cookers provided by Craig and Kathy! Also joining us was my brother and his son from Beaufort, SC who came to paint our Wilmington home. As we sat around in the backyard, we enjoyed light conversation and plenty of laughs. The highlight of the evening was not seen by the masses but only viewed by a lucky few. As you can see by the photo, Jan could not resist swinging on our host's tree swing. It did not take long for my brother to grab the rope and send Jan swinging high into the night sky. As she reached the top of each swing, she "screamed" like a baby! It was a site to see and a good closing to a great evening. Wes

Happy Independence Day

4th of July! The day the greatest nation in this world gained/declared Independence in 1776. On this day, Jan and I continue to prepare for our move to Italy. Its been a busy two weeks. First, Jan's mom had surgery which ultimately required Jan to fly home, my mom had a pace-maker implanted, we prepared the Rock Creek home for sale, cleaned the on base quarters, and I had surgery on my knee. Although busy, we found time to spend with our family--the attached pics show us enjoying Frogmore Stew with the kids, and Jan and I enjoying solitude at the Rock Creek house on the 4th. In the end, the pool is great, moms are doing well, house is under contract, and my knee is doing well. It appears as if we will make it to Italy after all. SF Wes and Janice