We continue to Live The Dream...
2013 C2C Adventure. Mediterranean to Adriatic Sea.
The Isle of Malta and 3 key Classic Art cities in Italy; Rome, Florence & Venice.
For each day’s blog, I have omitted using a comments section. Past experience showed a lack of respect by non-invited viewers to add non-family friendly ads and comments. For those getting to the site from my e-mail, send me a note if you have something to share (-:
This year's trip, Malta - Keystone To Mediterranean History. Details @ Road Scholar #3215 http://www.roadscholar.org/n/program/3215
And to Italy. Italian Classics; Rome Florence & Venice Details @ Road Scholar #18206 http://www.roadscholar.org//n/program/18206
A link for last year’s adventure blog is here: 2012 GIMP Adventure – Galapagos Islands & Machu Picchu http://2012-gimp-adventure.blogspot.com/
To simplify my work on this blog, will limit the blog to 3 photos each day – a triptych story. Can 3 photos tell a story? You be the judge.
A link will also be added for more photos taken that day. Probably no more than 20. For a 28 day trip – just over 22,000 snapshots. So, what you will see is around 1%.
Each page will also include a few links that I feel will add to what we learned. As Road Scholar touts – Adventures in Lifelong Learning.
An alternate web link to simplify your journey with us, use this one for mobile devices:
http://2013-c2c-adventure.blogspot.com/?m=1
Here is Wiki link for each location. These links surprised many who wondred, why didn’t I read this before going.
Malta http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Malta
Rome http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rome
Florence http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Florence
Venice http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Venice
Photo 1. Is the book series by Enid Blyton that got me interested in making my life an “adventure.”
Photo 2. Shows our house as we wonder – what will change over the month we are away?
Photo 3. My “home” is also the city of Detroit which has been in the news too much showing “ruin porn.” Yes, there are ruins here. Let’s compare it to the things we will see spanning more than 4,000 years.
Day 1: Enroute To Malta with the letter A
You are probably reading this because sometime in your life you learned to read by using phonics. Before that though, learned about the Alphabet. You know, that A-B-C stuff early in your life. So what does this have to do with this adventure? A lot. It all started thousands of years ago, by some folks known as Phoenicians.
Where did they come from? The Levant area, where Lebanon and Syria are these days.
The Phoenicians were known as great sailors. To be a good sailor, you need great boats. At some time in the past, they were the best. Sailing to many places others had never be able to do, except maybe by land after a long overland trek.
Those Phoenicians, crafty folks. Great business folks of their time. Of course, I am getting ahead of our adventure. Actually, two adventures. First, two weeks in Malta. Then a short break until starting another two week tour of Italy to cities known for their art classics; Rome, Florence (Firenze), and Venice (Venezia).
If interested in more information about the Phoenicians, check this link out:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Phoenician_alphabet
The “story” goes, as I heard it, the Phoenicians wanted to control the waterways from the Mediterranean through the Adriatic Seas. Malta, a small island happens to be strategically located between Europe and Africa which leads to the Atlantic Ocean. But, that’s another story.
My intent is to try to use the “Alphabet” the best I can to guide each day of the tours.
Today, we start at the beginning, with the letter; A. Seems like best I can remember, we associated the letter A with word and object – apple. Since we have gone way beyond that and more appropriately, am thinking; architecture and archeology. More so – A for anticipation. What will we see? Do? Eat? Meet?
Or... A for Art? How about Artemisia Gentileschi (July 8, 1593 – c. 1656) was an Italian Baroque painter, today considered one of the most accomplished painters in the generation after Caravaggio. In an era when female painters were not easily accepted by the artistic community or patrons, she was the first female painter to become a member of the Accademia di Arte del Disegno in Florence.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Artemisia_Gentileschi
To help out, I’ll paraphrase some of the material provided by Road Scholar.
“The tale of 7,000 years of human history is told in the honey-colored limestone of Malta, fashioned into architecture dating from prehistory through the Bronze Age and into Roman, medieval, Norman, Baroque and British colonial times. Examine World Heritage monuments, the world's oldest free-standing buildings, palaces of noblemen and knights, and modern war rooms on a journey from incredible past to vibrant present. Lingering echoes of the days of British occupation keep this delightful destination comfortably foreign but easy to navigate, with signs and newspapers in English. The abundant use of Malta as a location for the filming of major motion pictures also make many parts of it seem somehow familiar. Myths and legends of the distant past rise from the pavements to enhance a full course of lectures by various experts in their fields.”
“Lectures address the Maltese language, the cultures of Malta’s prehistory and the sophisticated temples they constructed in almost complete isolation. Learn about the painter Caravaggio and his captivity in Malta, the island’s strategic role in World War II, its religious landscape and the Maltese economy. Historians put the British colonization of Malta into perspective with that of other colonies and you visit the capital city of Valletta to learn the history of this baroque jewel, including the Hospitalier Order of St. John that transformed Malta into its impregnable headquarters, the siege of 1565 and the lifestyles of ordinary folk during the time of the knights. Ferry to the island of Gozo to visit the oldest freestanding buildings on earth and the walled hilltop citadel. A curator takes you into the underground Hal-Saflieni Hypogeum, a world wonder reopened to the public after a decade of preservation initiatives.”
Photo 1. I look at my watch. The taxi to take us to the airport is 2 minutes late. Maybe I need to check...? Worry? Worry? Worry?
Photo 2. A minute later, the cab shows up – all is OK? Maybe?
Photo 3. Our driver is from Africa. He has friends who have migrated to the area of Malta and Italy. He prefers the US though having found a job a bit faster to support his family. (-:
Click below for today's online photo album.
https://picasaweb.google.com/magwheel44/2013C2CDay1of28
An alternate web link to simplify your journey with us, use this one for mobile devices:
http://2013-c2c-adventure.blogspot.com/?m=1
Brought to us by the letter; B Could be for Book, Brochures and the Boy scout motto; be prepared.
Being prepared meant leaving enough room in the luggage to bring back the many books and paper goods I would pick up. Plan was this trip; leave about 1/3 bag space for what would get “accumulated.” Ended up with over a dozen books and things that was almost a foot high.
B, could also be for – BFF - Best Friends Forever. In this case, was true for our 2 guides; Jossette and Vivian, native Maltese. Who knows, we might gain some extra friends we will meet along the way. This first tour group was 39 people. A mix of married and singles. Add to that, the desk clerks and restaurant staff that also would share stories with us. Was lucky enough to remember most names after only a few days.
From the Road Scholar Malta guide book:
Day 2: Welcome to Malta! Meet your companions and leaders.
Look for program staff holding the Road Scholar sign in the arrivals hall at the airport. Transfer to the hotel will take about 20 minutes. Check in and settle into rooms at Hotel Victoria in Sliema. Later we get together for a "Welcome" gathering and distribution of materials, general information about the hotel facilities and procedures, answers to any immediate questions. NOTE: Itineraries are subject to variation for local conditions not always known far in advance. All indicated features will be included, but may be re-ordered.
Afternoon:
Hotel Dining Room. Buffet menu consists of multiple choices for starter, main course and dessert. Procedures will be more fully explained on site. The food in Malta is mostly continental with a British character. There is also Italian influence resulting in a variety of pasta dishes, and fresh seafood prepared in Mediterranean fashion -- with lemon, for example, or with tomato, garlic, capers. Beef, chicken, veal and the local specialty - rabbit, are generally served in sauces, with potato and vegetables on the side. Be sure to try the crusty Maltese bread and a soft goat cheese from Gozo.
Hotel Victoria info:
http://www.victoriahotel.com/
Map:
https://maps.google.com/maps?client=safari&q=Hotel+Victoria+sliema+map&oe=UTF-8&ie=UTF-8&ei=ujueUrfpE8eSyAHJzICADA&ved=0CAoQ_AUoAg
B is for “best” flight ever. A smooth ride to both Frankfurt and Malta. When you are in the air for 8+ hours, you don’t want anything “broken” (-:
Photo 1. When you are above the clouds, you don’t know if you are above land or water.
Photo 2. Frankfurt airport very nice. Free newspapers and magazines. Some even written in English.
Photo 3. Just like promised in our Road Scholar material, Jossette is at airport to guide us to awaiting ride to hotel (-:
Click below for today's online photo album.
https://picasaweb.google.com/magwheel44/2013C2CDay2of28
Letter C is for Codfish. Since the Mediterranean Sea is all around us, fresh, plentiful seafood will be enjoyed.
Breakfast: Hotel Dining Room. We fill our arranged tables and our own coffee from a dispenser. Since tea is preferred, coffee will only be available at breakfast. A breakfast buffet usually included both cooked (eggs, sausage, bacon) and cold items such as yogurt, cereal, breads, cold-cuts, cheese. We never left hungry.
Morning meeting in the hotel lecture room. Road Scholars tour group met staff and introduced each other. Also went over any late changes or questions regarding the program. Then transferred by motor coach to Valletta for "Malta Experience" audio/visual presentation that organizes the many layers of Malta's history in a polished format. Although the schedule is modified from what was originally in the guide book we received at home, we do “touch all the bases” during the tour. A home run just like in baseball.
Malta Experience info:
http://www.themaltaexperience.com/?page_id=18
We continue our ride around the island getting oriented to how small the size is. The Republic of Malta is an archipelago of 4 islands; Malta, Gozo, Comino, Cominotto. Total land mass just around 100 square miles.
We stop for lunch at small restaurant to share a local favorite – fenkata – rabbit. Yummy. Tastes like chicken?
After lunch, off to the city of Attard with the San Anton Palace. The city name reminded me of a person I worked with, Joe Attard. For that matter, most of my life, made many Maltese friends. Some at an early age in the 1950s while in elementary school. At that time, many Europeans displaced by WWII, were trying to find a “new life,” In Attard, we visit the presidential palace and garden. Strange thing – don’t notice any security guards or military around to protect the prez, who at times was a woman.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/San_Anton_Palace
The gardens has a great variety of plants to include many palm trees. The mild weather in the winter is nice. Was told though the summer may be hot and dry.
Next tour stop is city of Mosta. Known mainly for church, that received a bomb through the roof in WWII. Fortunately, the bomb was a dud and people inside were not injured.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rotunda_of_Mosta
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mosta
We return to the hotel for another presentation. This time on the Maltese language – yesterday and today. Covering the islands 7,000 year history, there have been many. Although there is an increased interest to teach the Maltese language in school, most people speak English. The Maltese language is a Semitic language which has varieties any many parts of the world.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Semitic_languages
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/History_of_Malta
The letter C also stands for; Contraptions, Cabs and Cruising craft.
Photo 1. This is a tour “hearing aid” referred to as the “whisper.” An important device to keep us connected via an earpiece to our guide who might be too far away to hear through environmental sounds. Or, be used where a loud voice of presenter might be a distraction or prohibited in tour facilities. This is a great tool!
Photo 2. Shows an old motor coach. A big step above the pony carts that were used for a few decades after WWII. A time when most infrastructure for food, fuel and utilities were scarce.
Photo 3. I’m pointing to my cruising craft. A yacht that seems to go on forever (-:
Click below for today's online photo album.
https://picasaweb.google.com/magwheel44/2013C2CDay3of28
Letter D is for Delight and Discovery. So much to see and learn. Since time is limited at each place we visit, I take “many” photos to use for reference and research when I return.
Morning Lecture: Prehistoric Cultures of Malta - Even though this miniature island has made various other significant contributions to world heritage, there is no doubt that nothing rivals its megalithic temples. Built in the period 3600 - 2500 B.C. by a small community enjoying an extraordinary cultural efflorescence in almost complete isolation, these buildings constitute architectural feats of the highest order. They show an internal evolution in form (from the simple to the more complex,) size of stone blocks used (from small to gigantic,) and in the artistic furnishings with increasingly greater refinement and sophistication. We then board the coach to visit several sites of Neolithic (New Stone Age) Temple monuments – Tarxien & Hagar Qim.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Megalithic_Temples_of_Malta
http://www.greatbuildings.com/buildings/Temple_at_Tarxien_Malta.html
http://www.greatbuildings.com/cgi-bin/gbg.cgi/Temple_at_Tarxien_Malta.html/35.869243/14.512097/18
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ħaġar_Qim
Notice how the heritage site is/was in the middle of the city. This one was found when farmer mentioned finding many stones that when removed, showed a building below the farm surface.
We learn about the “sleeping lady” from lecturer; Mr. J Magro Monti. He shows us a small life-size replica he got when a boy around age of 9. He said, this started his “passion” for archeology. Our experience on this tour, and the prior 4 Road Scholar tours, truly validates the slogan – Learning Through Adventure. We haven’t had a lecturer, or guide, who didn’t show their passion for the topic they shared. How great for us!
http://archaeology.about.com/od/neolithic/ss/malta_temples_8.htm
Lunch at a casual area restaurant. Great seafood. Then had a chance to hold an owl what had been trained to fly to a person who had a special leather glove to attract the bird - 2 kewl!
Free time in the area of the restaurant at Wied Zurrieq near the Blue Grotto to enjoy natural scenery. We will board 8-passenger motored boats to view geological layering of limestone that is so important to Malta's 6,000 year history of building.
http://www.tripadvisor.com/LocationPhotoDirectLink-g1438795-d313274-i28849390-Blue_Grotto_Il_Hnejja-Zurrieq_Island_of_Malta.html
Return to hotel for lecture on Knight of the Order of St. John and the Great Siege.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Siege_of_Malta_(1565)
http://www.reformationsa.org/index.php/history/118-the-great-siege-of-malta
Had dinner on our own at local British style sports pub. Whew another “delightful day.”
Photo 1. Is Mr. J Magro Monti during our Morning Lecture: Prehistoric Cultures of Malta
Photo 2. Shows Mr. Monti pointing to tiny Malta islands compared to Isle of Sicily which is part of Italian Republic
Photo 3. The Neolithic “Sleeping Lady” replica statue (-:
Click below for today's online photo album.
https://picasaweb.google.com/magwheel44/2013C2CDay4of28
F is for fun. We are having much of it.
The first part of the morning field trip is to visit Marsaxlokk Fishing & Craft Village. We could see the boats in the bay, but fishermen were scarce. After reading the first article below, found that they fish late at night, then transfer the catch to local markets in Valetta before the restaurants open. Nice place for photos of which there are many on the second link.
http://www.101malta.com/en/home/articles/195/marsaxlokk-fish-market.htm
http://www.tripadvisor.co.uk/ShowUserReviews-g190323-d546185-r125715465-Marsaxlokk_Bay-Marsaxlokk_Island_of_Malta.html
The morning is with staggered departure times for visits to the Hypogeum. Since our tour group has 39 people, we go as 4 separate groups of 10. I am with the first part of our group. Only 80 visitors a day are allowed to prevent issues with carbon dioxide and foot traffic from deteriorating what remains of the 5,000+ year old structure. For me, a highlight I that I looked forward to for many years. I had heard a recording made in the acoustic chambers some 20+ years ago, by Jennifer Berezan. The sound was eerily haunting.
http://creation-designs.com/gracemillennium/winter00/html/berezan.htm
Linda, the head of the OSF group that coordinates the tour for Road Scholar was along make prep for a future seminar involving an acoustical investigation symposium. “Sounds” interesting – no pun intended.
http://www.otsf.org/conference.htm
After 10 years of conservation initiatives in cooperation with UNESCO, the underground Hal-Saflieni Hypogeum reopened to the public in late 2000. Entrance to this eighth world wonder of the Maltese Temple Period is restricted to ten persons per hour and must be pre-arranged. In small groups, Road Scholar participants will transfer by mini-van to visit this prehistoric site, guided by a museum curator, and return to hotel. Walkway with railing provided. Steps required to enter and exit underground chambers. I imagine a bit claustrophobic to some. There were many restrictions to enter. No photo equipment. I was lucky enough to come across website of a doctor from US that was able to provide some support during the improvements for visitor use.
From the outside, looks like a business building in a residential neighborhood. Once inside, you walk down a stairway and the thrill begins. Here is a link with some photos made during the period prior to reopening to visitors.
http://www.jimdiamondmd.com/MaltaTemples.htm
Il Gabbana bistro bar café. This place got to be one of our favoraites because of both food and location to the water. The “beach” has no sand, only the sndstone surface that makes walking on seem odd. Maybe because so many have decided to capture elements of their “true love” with names and initials in the easily carved surface.
http://www.maltacovered.com/place/il-gabbana/?doing_wp_cron=1386122793.8076729774475097656250
We return after lunch for Lecture: The Maltese Economy: Its Strengths and Vulnerability - The interaction of geographical and economic conditions, production, spatial distribution and wealth consumption of Malta as a small state in the central Mediterranean, will be viewed particularly in relation to its strengths and vulnerability as an island.
We have a snack break, then another lecture: The Three Monotheistic Religions of the Mediterranean - An overview of the socio-religious context of the Middle East and Mediterranean region with regard to the great faiths of the people of the book: Judaism, Christianity, Islam. Return by coach to the city of Valletta and visit the Grand Master's Palace. On-site Lecture: The Hospitaller Order of St. John and the Siege of 1565 - The advent of the Order in Malta led to a radical transformation in the role of the island from an ill-defended barren island to the impregnable headquarters of the crusading order. Their initial establishment was in the port of Birgu in the "Three Cities" area, headquarters of the Siege of 1565, after which the city was named Vittoriosa (The victorious.)
http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/globalconnections/mideast/themes/religion/
Do you know the way to...?
Photo 1. Just follow the signs I hear.
Photo 2. Maybe the next round-about should get me in the right direction.
Photo 3. Finally, we arrive @ Marsaxlokk Fishing Village (-:
Click below for today's online photo album.
https://picasaweb.google.com/magwheel44/2013C2CDay6of28
G is for Gozo, Ggantija, Gigantic
Early departure by motorcoach and along the scenic northern coast of the island to the ferry pier for crossing to the smaller sister island of Gozo. Greener and more rural that Malta, Gozo has a charming character all its own. 20-minute crossing by ferry with passenger lounge and deck seating we will pass the tiny island of Comino. Gozo field trip visit includes Ggantija Temples, acknowledged to be the oldest freestanding buildings on earth. Thought to be over 6,000 years old.
Even though Gozo island much smaller than Malta island, much to experience.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ġgantija
http://www.sacred-destinations.com/malta/ggantija-temples
http://aboutmalta.com/gozo/swift.html
http://www.aboutmalta.com/gozo/gozoplaces.html
Lunch at a Xlendi area restaurant, Zafiro, on Gozo. Great seafood. Awesome view from the porch area to the turquoise blue bay water. Carol says we need to come back and spend a few weeks “unwinding” at the Hotel San Andrea. Wonderful idea!
http://www.hotelsanandrea.com/zafiro-restaurant/
Continued field trip to the walled hilltop citadel where in early times, the local farmers used to retreat for protection from pirate slavers and a chance to sleep safely. Also excursion to the Dwejra area of fossilized shell and natural formations. Returned to Malta and hotel in the late afternoon.
Since dinner on our own, back to our favorite beachside restaurant, Il Gabbana. No rush by the staff to vacate the primo location table. Time to enjoy the view and a glass of wine. Beautiful soft, warm breeze coming off the water. Many stars sparkling in the night sky (-:
Photo 1. Some in our group take notes to remember important points of each place. I just try to take many (too many?) photos to help my memory.
Photo 2. Shows a poster in a chapel we visited. Yes we are truly thankful for this experience.
Photo 3. The view from Zafiro restaurant and Hotel San Andrea. Who wouldn’t want to enjoy this again? (-:
Click below for today's online photo album.
https://picasaweb.google.com/magwheel44/2013C2CDay7of28
Today’s episode is brought by the letter I – Interesting Island Information
The morning is free to pursue personal interests, with staggered departure times for visits to the Hypogeum. Since we were one of the first 10 person groups to visit the Hypogeum, we start the day by attending Sunday mass at the local Roman Catholic church - Stella Maris - Our Lady Star of the Sea. Although the liturgy and songs are in the Maltese language, we are able to follow all since the books provided in the pews are in both languages.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Stella_Maris_Church
Carol & I then go for a walk by the harbor. We get to see boats from large to very small. We spend some time watching men operate small remote control speedboats. Oh, ”those boys and their toys!” Although those model boats might be about a foot long, others anchored nearby are well over 100 feet long.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Grand_Harbour
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sliema
Lunch is back at the Hotel Victoria. As in the past, the buffet is awesome. Today, I eat, better said, overindulge in a great variety of seafood specialties: many kinds of fish, shrimp, clams, crab and finish with a taste of a “few” different desserts. Yummy!
The afternoon is filled with lectures by Mr. Zammit Marmara. The first topic is Malta Under the British.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/History_of_Malta
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Malta–United_Kingdom_relations
After a snack break, the next lecture is Malta’s Strategic Role In World War II.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Siege_of_Malta_(World_War_II)
Again, we wander the area for dinner on our own. Back to Il Gabbana bistro bar café on the water.
Photo 1. There are BIG boats,
Photo 2. Small boats, and
Photo 3. Little boats (-:
Click below for today's online photo album.
https://picasaweb.google.com/magwheel44/2013C2CDay9of28
Today, the letter J takes us to the Inquisitor’s Palace. Yes, that ”Inquisition,” when a handful of people were both Judge & Jury.
We start the day with a lecture by Mr. Lawrence Ancilleri, a retired Maltese history teacher. His focus will be the Cottonera Experience. Composed of the three adjacent cities of Cospicua (aka Bormla), Vittoriosa, (aka Birgu) location of the Inquisitor’s Palace and Senglea (aka L'Isla), they are collectively also known as the Three Cities.
http://wikitravel.org/en/Cottonera
After the lecture, we board the bus to visit the area and view the various rooms of the Inquisitor’s Palace.
http://www.malta.com/en/attraction/culture/museum/malta-inquisitor-s-palace
http://heritagemalta.org/index.php/museums-sites/
We have lunch at a harbor-side restaurant. For a special treat, we board boats, called Dghajsa. Look a bit like a gondola we will sample when visiting Venice Italy in a few weeks. Unlike the gondola being paddled, this one has a brief time the “captain" paddles us away from dockside and then fires up the gasoline engine, since we will be spending about an hour traveling around the harbor area to view various sites, like the many fortresses.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Luzzu
http://www.maltesewatertaxis.com/home/
While traveling around the harbor, my eye was attracted by a LARGE beautiful sailing ship – the Seacloud II. A 3-mast, 350 foot long ship launched in 2001. The styling of ship and cabins are of an earlier age. Think 1930s with beautiful wood and brass fittings.
http://www.seacloud.com/en/the-yachts/sea-cloud-2/
Wow, we find out too, we will be playing bocci. Most of us are expecting the Italian version so many are familiar with. No, the Maltese have a variant that we wonder how the game has changed from what we might have had a chance to play. Instead of bocci balls, we toss around what feels and looks like a can of soup.
Bocci Malta Part 2 played at Thalassalejn Bocci Klabb St Paul's Bay
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vvBxQTeRL8M
http://malta.cc/traditional-maltese-games/playing-bocci-in-malta/
Photo 1. Mr. Ancilleri drawing a map of the area we will be visiting.
Photo 2. A sign at the entrance of the Inquisitor’s Palace.
Photo 3. A display show the 500 year history of the building that has had many uses after the most infamous one )-:
Click below for today's online photo album.
https://picasaweb.google.com/magwheel44/2013C2CDay10of28
Today is K-day for Knights, Kings and Caravaggio. I know, Caravaggio’s name starts with letter C, but he was a Knight of St John. His painting techniques and short life provide quite an interesting story.
Our morning lecture by Mr. Charles Dalli will cover the time the Baroque period painter spent in Malta.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Beheading_of_Saint_John_the_Baptist_(Caravaggio)
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Caravaggio
We then travel by bus to the Lascaris War Rooms and World War II museum. A secret area carved into mountain stone for use in war planning. Truly a feat of ingenuity and engineering.
http://www.lascariswarrooms.com/
http://vassallohistory.wordpress.com/lascaris-war-rooms/
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Malta_Story
We return to Hotel Victoria and have lunch. The remainder of the afternoon is free of scheduled activities. This is our last chance to “wander” the streets. How we truly enjoyed the experience. Malta, a place so small on a map, but so BIG with hospitality of the people and their 6,000 year history.
This evening, we enjoyed a special type dinner. Each of us are “paired” with a local Maltese person to share a meal and stories. I felt so lucky to sit between a husband and wife, who were celebrating their 53rd wedding anniversary. I told them Carol & I were there to celebrate our 48th in such a wonderful place. When I was asked what I knew about Malta? The answer wasn’t difficult. I told them I was raised in a very ethnically mixed neighborhood. In the 1950s we had many people who were leaving Italy and Malta for a “new life,” as Europe was being rebuilt from the damage of World War II. I had school friends who were from Malta. Their surnames were like Mifsud and Azzopardi. The woman looked at me with surprise saying before marriage, she was a Mifsud. She is now married to an Azzopardi. What a story.
We will miss these friendly people and tasty food. Per recommendations from many US based Maltese friends, sampled variations of a favorite sandwich - Ħobż biż-żejt, where the bread is rubbed with tomatoes or tomato paste, drizzled with olive oil and filled with a choice or mix of fish (tuna, sardines, the catch of the day) olives, capers & onion. To appropriately “wash down” this specialty, had a local beer, Cisk lager.
http://www.malta.com/en/dining/maltese-specialities/hobz-biz-zejt-recipe
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Simonds_Farsons_Cisk
Photo 1. A portrait of Michelangelo Merisi or Amerighi da Caravaggio.
Photo 2. Caravaggio seemed to have trouble follow him wherever he went.
Photo 3. Malta Story is a World War II movie with Sir Alec Guinness
Click below for today's online photo album.
https://picasaweb.google.com/magwheel44/2013C2CDay11of28
L is for Leaving, Listening & Looking. Today Carol & I “Leave” for our next tour – Italy. Before getting into the cab that will take us to the airport, “Listen” to the sounds of Malta. It is rather quiet this early in the morning. Am sure once we get to Rome, will find it much louder – day & night. We get in our last “Looks” while we watch a beautiful sunrise on the way to the airport.
Although our next tour doesn’t start for a few days, thought we might get to Rome early to get a better, longer look at some things we already notice on the tour itinerary.
Our travel through the Rome airport turns into another adventure. We get directed to the wrong baggage pick-up area. We are told to exit through the door ahead of us and turn right. Once past the door, which will not let us back in, find we have taken a “shortcut.” We skipped the customs check altogether. Again, after some additional help, do find where to get our luggage. Get “special permission” to re-enter the customs area and get our luggage.
The next adventure is getting a cab to take us to the Hotel Diana. As we follow the signs which direct us to where to get a cab, find we are getting many offers of “special rate.” Only 75 Euros – about $90 US for a 20 minute ride. As we just about finish the gauntlet of many cabbies trying to snag some unsuspecting tourist – us, we agree to an offer of “only” 50 Euro.
http://www.hoteldianaroma.com/en/default.html
Our cab driver converses with us totally in English. While driving us to the hotel, claims to take us on a short guided tour of some of the key places to make sure we visit while we are here. We do get to our hotel. Tell our story about the rate to the desk staff who say we should have taken a white color cab which is the “official” cab. The rate would have only been 45 Euros. We were happy to get to the hotel and after checking in set about “learning the neighborhood.”
We first do a 1 block round walk, then decide it is time for lunch. Stop at a local deli for a sandwich and cold drink. Fully fortified, now try expanding our area of familiarity. On this walk, we locate the Termini train station that we will be using when we leave Rome for Florence. Being curious, I convince Carol that we should “investigate” the inside and see how difficult it might have been to take the train from the airport. After seeing so many people going helter-skelter, decided the cab ride was less taxing on the nerves.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Roma_Termini_railway_station
http://www.raileurope.com/europe-travel-guide/italy/rome/train-station/termini-train-station.html
We continue to walk and observe all we can until we can tell it is getting near dusk and time to fill the personal fuel tank. We pick a café just around the corner form the hotel and enjoy watching people walk by as we eat Pizza Margherita. We find the Gran Caffe del Passeggero may become a regular stop (-:
http://www.grancaffedelpasseggero.it/gellry/
http://www.grancaffedelpasseggero.it/welcome-in-fish-restaurant-rome-termini/
We talk about having 4 days on our own, before meeting with another new group of Road Scholar travelers.
Photo 1. Leaving Sliema Malta early morning.
Photo 2. Entrance to Malta Airport.
Photo 3. Open air book sellers near Hotel Diana. (-:
Click below for today's online photo album.
https://picasaweb.google.com/magwheel44/2013C2CDay12of28
Midway is the letter M. Could be for Michelangelo, Medici & Monograph. Famous people and fabulous stories of single focus.
The official start of the next Road Scholar Tour - Program #18206 - Italian Classics: Rome, Florence, Venice is - Saturday, Nov. 2 through Friday, Nov. 15. In our few “extra” days we added, can explore Rome on our own with no timetable to meet.
#18206 Overview
Experience the beauty of three historic capitals of Classical, Medieval and Renaissance as local experts lead you on a journey through some of Italy’s greatest cities. Follow the path of legendary artists, scientists and philosophers from the classical remnants of Rome to the preserved treasures of Florence and Venice.
Highlights
• Trace Roman history through the ages as we visit the Colosseum, the Pantheon, Borghese & Vatican Museums.
• Journey to Florence and Venice via a high speed EuroStar train, reaching speeds of over 120 mph.
• View the Michelangelo’s David — a Renaissance period masterpiece in Florence.
• Ride in a gondola through the canals of Venice, after visiting the Doge’s Palace in St. Mark’s Square.
Before we follow the schedule set for us, will focus on a few special places in Rome that are either not covered at all, or, in enough detail to suit my, oops, “our” interests. (-:
Stop #1 is the Palazzo Massimo – The National Roman Museum or Palazzo Massimo alle Terme
During my research, prior to coming to Rome, found this online: This nineteenth-century palace in Neo-Renaissance style, close to the Termini Train Station, houses one of the world's most important collections of Classical art. On the four floors of the museum, sculptures, frescoes and mosaics, coins and jewels document the evolution of the Roman artistic culture from the late Republican age through Late Antiquity (2nd c. BCE - 5th c. CE) along an exhibition path in which Ancient Roman history, myths and everyday life live anew.
After seeing so many websites listing this as a “must see.” decided – why not start here, since it is just around the corner from Hotel Diana? Seven hours later – at closing time – agreed – a MUST see. (-:
http://archeoroma.beniculturali.it/en/museums/national-roman-museum-palazzo-massimo-alle-terme
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/National_Museum_of_Rome
We found that with our 10 Euro entry fee, it was good for 3 other locations and could be used over a 3 day period. Great idea, but... so much more yet to “sample.”
Of the over thousands of items we viewed, the The Boxer At Rest, a larger than life-size statue is an item of focus. The hands had a wrapping of leather, with metal parts, to inflict maximum injury. The blows could only be to the head area, not the body. As I closely studied the entire statue, could see the scars of many prior boxing events. The Boxer seems to look me directly in the eyes when viewing him from his right side. His lips are pursed as almost saying – “You talkin’ to me?” Sort of like Robert De Niro in the 1973 movie – Taxi Driver.
http://www.revealedrome.com/2011/03/rome-best-archaeological-museum-palazzo-massimo-termini.html
http://www.metmuseum.org/about-the-museum/now-at-the-met/features/2013/the-boxer
The second from the top of my list is: The Frescoes from the Villa of Livia. The room makes you feel like you are outdoors at what might be the best time of the year. Flowers are blooming. Trees have fruit. Birds are on the wing. Bugs are buzzing. You can almost hear them if you listen closely.
http://guideofrome.blogspot.com/2013/01/colors-from-past.html
I am adding a variety of internet links to give a chance to experience, even of only online, how others have interpreted their visit. This link, just above, was interesting from the perspective of who did it and why? A Rome tour guide. The places she covers are some we will visit. Of course, many we did not have enough time to see - for now (-:
So whether you have gone to Rome, or may never have the chance, but do have the interest – this site is helpful. “If” you go far enough through the older posts, will find reference to the “female pope.” Was there “only” one? What does “The DaVinci Code” reveal? Another story – fact or fiction?
http://guideofrome.blogspot.com/
Whew. Let me call this the “end of the day.” For me, I have to “distill” the 1,800 photos I took today to the 20 or so I will add to the album link below. Hope you are enjoying my view of the adventure. Better yet, let's celebrate Carol's birthday and Halloween. Was surprised to find many shops in both Malta, and now Rome, that are displaying Halloween items, just like in the USA.
Photo 1. The Boxer
Photo 2. What more can I say?
Photo 3. “You talkin’ to me?” (-:
Click below for today's online photo album.
https://picasaweb.google.com/magwheel44/2013C2CDay13of28
Nature & Nurture are brought to us by the letter N.
Even when we think of art and artists, what has the greatest influence - Nature or Nurture? For me, the simple answer – it depends. Both have influences, but I think after seeing what is being exhibited as art, see that so much has evolved from the cave “paintings” from thousands of years back. Was it because the genes improved? Talent can only get you so far – thus the phrase; 1% inspiration – 99% perspiration. Without work – nothing gets done. Go figure (-:
http://www.nytimes.com/books/first/h/harris-nurture.html
We start the day with breakfast at the hotel rooftop garden buffet. We are “guided" to an open table by a courteous young man – that means anybody under age 35. Find out Ali had lived his early life in Afghanistan. He mentions his family had originally come from an area farther East – in the orient. As a traveler, I am interested in hearing more about his background.
On prior trips to Hungary and Turkey, found the people who eventually became the predominant people of those countries, also originally came from “The Orient” - The East, wherever that is.
For us, East will be much closer. We go East of the hotel, yet West of the Tiber River where we will find the Forum, Colloseum, and many more of what are considered “must see” items. I agree. Seeing a photo or painting of a place is most times no match to – you had to be there to appreciate... whatever.
First stop though is much closer – investigate the area we briefly visited yesterday near the train terminal. We were told to stop into Santa Maria degli Angeli e dei Martiri – Saint Mary of the Angels and Martyrs - Basilica.
http://www.santamariadegliangeliroma.it/index.htm?lingua=INGLESE&cambialingua=SI
The clip below will allow you to take a 360 degree virtual reality view of the church. Hold down the mouse button once you have the cursor in the center of the picture. Moving the mouse either left or right will allow you to “spin” around the room. Apple QuickTime software is required. A link for free download is on the main basilica page above. Note the pink marble columns used by the the architect – Michelangelo Buonarroti. He had repurposed the building that had been use as Roman Thermal Baths of Diocletian many centuries before.
http://www.santamariadegliangeliroma.it/dettagliofotosing.html?chiave=2929&lingua=ITALIANO&ramo_home=Home&codice_url=index_clip
From the church, we go East, cross the roadway to Fontana delle Naiadi in Piazza della Repubblica - The Fountain of the Naiads- water nymphs
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Piazza_della_Repubblica,_Rome
We then pass through the center of the two large arched buildings which take us directly to Via Nazionale. A wide boulevard that about 1/2 mile eastward will direct us to a key area of ancient ruins. This includes the Roman Forum and Colosseum. We spend the remainder of the day just looking and enjoying all that we can. We review our map location from time to time to try to expand our travel boundaries. Always new fantastic things to see.
http://archeoroma.beniculturali.it/en
Trevi Fountain http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Trevi_Fountain
Piazza Navona http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Piazza_Navona
Pantheon http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pantheon,_Rome
Pantheon Plaza http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Piazza_della_Rotonda
The list could go on, but will cover these in upcoming visits when with the tour group. It is so nice to just stop and watch all going on. With the sense of a homing pigeon, we find our way back to the hotel area and have dinner at the same café we were at a night before. The food is tasty. The ambiance fabulous.
Jan. 13, 2014 add - As I was getting information to a friend who is planning a trip to Rome, came across this post - the-pantheon-or-home-sweet-rome
http://anikia.wordpress.com/2011/10/02/the-pantheon-or-home-sweet-rome/#more-166
I like this persons sense of humor. She always has a "friend" join her on trip - wherever (-:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/22711575@N08
Tomorrow, more adventures.
Photo 1. Outside Santa Maria degli Angeli e dei Martiri – Saint Mary of the Angels and Martyrs - Basilica
Photo 2. Inside Santa Maria degli Angeli e dei Martiri – Saint Mary of the Angels and Martyrs - Basilica
Photo 3. Dragging ourselves back to the hotel with full bellies and tired feet (-:
Click below for today's online photo album.
https://picasaweb.google.com/magwheel44/2013C2CDay14of28
