micetrail

Hanging around Taormina and enjoying the sites, sounds, sun and serenity.  We had a bit of an excursion getting here via Messina. Thinking we could take a short cut off the autostrada it became apparent that a 2 hour trip would take 16 hours (according to google maps). Decided it was better to get back on the autostrada and not try to drive over Mt Etna.  We have a lovely view of the Sea in our little Airbnb. The waves are soothing and I just had a delicious meal of crostini with anchovies and cheese and seafood ravioli. Some folks living on Malta and sitting next to me said it’s the best meal they’ve had since Capri!  La de da. 

As a point of advice in visiting the town of Taormina from the shoreline is to take the cable car and to NOT 🚦drive if you can help it. The streets are narrow and they have these humongous buses traveling up and down the winding roads up the hill. The Greek Theatre is definitely something to see and the town of Taormina is lovely. 

Further up is Castlemore with its Norman ruin. Not much to see except the town and the views of Etna. Definitely DO NOT drive up here if possible. Crazy.  I didn’t want to wait for the city bus going up so paid a taxi 15 euros to head on up. Managed to take a city bus down for 1.90 euros…the way to go if you have the time. 

Heading out for some cannoli and coffee with sis now. 

It’s amazing what one can organize in a couple of days. My travel partner had to bow out 4 days before we were to head for Italy. Although traveling solo is totally fine, it’s better if planned that way. I scrambled to see which of my buds might be able to turnaround on such short notice and to my utter amazement roped in my sis who was just returning from Costa Rica. If there’s a will there’s a way.

We flew into Rome, took the train into the Central Station (definitely the way to go). If you’re not sure of your schedule, just buy them there. Follow the yellow train signs for about a 5-10 minute walk in the terminal to the station.  No need to punch your ticket anymore at any kiosk. 

From the Central Station, which is a bit of a madhouse, it’s easy to purchase tickets to Naples where we were headed. Seems a train every 20 minutes. In Naples we headed to an Airbnb and made our first mistake by taking the metro. It’s as if your heading for the bowels of the earth as you escalate down about 4 levels. It seemed even deeper than Moscow’s metro. It’s quite cheap however….1 euro. You can skip the tourist ticket office if you have a couple of euros and an idea where you are going.  There are machines at the entrance to the particular lines. Our mistake was is we headed the wrong direction when we exited the metro causing us quite a walk with bags etc.  And we were not completely aware of the six flights of stairs at our destination.  

Definitely don’t miss the Napoli Archaeology Museum. We enjoyed it more thoroughly after our visit to Ercolana and Pompeii. 

The next day we headed to Herculaneum and Pompei. We did the touring in that order and we’re definitely happy with that decision. “Herky” was quiet, smaller and much more intimate. Also fewer tourists. Pompei had a lot of areas closed due to a major renovation they are doing. It looks to never be completed. 

Now in Palermo heading out for a food tour. 

Richardson Bay – almost home

Heading up the Valley in the San Joaquin Amtrak from Bakersfield. So far so good. Of course we haven’t left the station yet.  Train travel isn’t bad and is definitely a money saver. Wifi is provided and power at every seat. If you have the time and bring along your own food (which seems de riguer these days for any travel) it certainly beats coach seats on planes. Plenty of legroom, no middle seats, and huge Windows to watch the world go by.   (Still haven’t left the station yet – oh well) 

 

It is said that if you plan to be a traveler you “need” to make the actual traveling part of the adventure.  Well, honestly, I’m trying really, really hard. Every flight where a short connection is required is on time…and every flight where one has plenty of time seems to be always delayed. OK, how do you put a positive spin on that?

Well, I had the opportunity to walk from gate A20 to Z20 thereby getting to see the entire Frankfurt airport. (OK, it doesn’t go through the entire alphabet). I had the opportunity to order a mocha at a little coffee bar opposite the gate for an exchange rate of about 2 to 1 when it should be 2 to 1.75. Then I had to add my own cocoa. See how adventurous??

I also get the opportunity of sitting in a middle seat for a 11 hour flight. Should be great. Maybe I’ll be able to strike up some fabulous conversations with my seat partners. Or maybe slobber on them as my head lolls side to side in a state of torpor. 

  
OK, I did get to see Budapest, which I love, and sites in Romania including Dracula’s castle, and a medieval village in Bulgaria, some fantastic horsemanship (poor deaf horses),

 
Also Istanbul was great and never gets old and I was able to enjoy an authentic Turkish Hamman (bath). Then there was divine Capadoccia with the cave churches, balloons over the landscape, whirling dervishes and more.  

 
And then the crazy trip to Iran via an Iranian train and buses…Tehran, Isfahan, Shiraz (unfortunately no wine), divine Persepolis, and Yazd…known to be one of the oldest cities in the world. Also “home” to Zorastorarians. 

Well that helps!  No more complaining!  I’m a lucky girl and plan to keep on traveling. 

Stay tuned. 

Well I’m on my way back from our train through Eastern Europe and Persia (as the locals like to call it). Seems they don’t really buy in to calling themselves Iranian.  Highlights of the trip were Istanbul and Topkapi 

Capadoccia with the early cave churches where the persecuted fled and the idea of ascetics and monks began.  Whirling Dervishes provided some entertainment and put on jeans and t-shirts after when they headed for home.  

Persepolis was definitely a highlight. Not to be missed if you’re heading to Iran. Hot as hell though. 

Sitting here in Vienna after missing my connection by 3 minutes. Never, never, never listen to someone else as to what gate your flight is leaving from. Always check yourself and make sure the flight number and destination are correct for the gate. Don’t rush off as I did on a fellow passenger’s suggestion. They were just trying to help but because I didn’t check myself I’m sitting here posting this warning.  

 

The Golden Eagle just arrived in Brasov and we’re on our way to Dracula’s Castle. The train is lovely with the compartments not as tiny as anticipated. Food has been great…fresh bread, veggies and desserts. We’re about 40 people on the train. With half being a group of Aussies. They take over the bar car in the evening singing and carrying on. Very few inhibitions.

We’re still undecided about the Iran portion of the trip and they’re working frantically to get it set. Guess we’ll see.

Hotel in Budapest

Sitting at the airport waiting for my flight via Frankfurt. Lots of issues in Budapest with the migrant situation.   The tour plans via GeoEx and the Golden Eagle keep changing with the situation in southeast Turkey. It seems they’ve closed the tracks beyond Lake Van.  I keep getting various reports of sending a train from Moscow and having us fly from Istanbul to Eastern Iran but the “bogies” may not be the right size. So now what?  Perhaps flying us around Iran?  Plans are being adjusted by the hour. Glad I didn’t try to arrange this myself.  Andrew is currently enjoying himself already after his hairaising journey yesterday. Mechanical issues, flight delayed 2 hours but managed to make up 1 hour in flight in time for his connection. I have to say I’m glad I wasn’t with him. Not sure I could take the pressure.   Here’s where I meet up with him.