Morning: It was a relatively short flight from Frankfurt Germany to Naples Italy airport. While approaching the city of Naples, already had a view of the infamous Mount Vesuvius. Although we did not plan on visiting the volcano, did have plans to see what happened to the cities of Pompeii and Herculaneum after an eruption.
Lunch: Lunch at the hotel.
Afternoon: Orientation Walk of Sorrento with tour coordinator, Jan Mollo.
Dinner: Dinner at the hotel.
We were greeted by our driver, Genaro, as we exited the baggage area. Next, met some fellow “Scholars” who were going to be part of my tour “helpers,” over the next 13 days. I say helpers, because although Carol & I are taking our first Road Scholar “RS” guided tour, found out that most of our group had experienced many RS tours. Dick Quinn introduced himself and his wife, Bonnie. They live in Lincoln Nebraska. Another couple, Vi and Emmett Thompson currently live in Auburn, Alabama. Later, we learn that they were joining with another couple; Marge and Bill Leuschner, from Southport North Carolina. Bill and Emmett were instructors at the forestry program at Virginia Tech. Marge also said they had a Michigan connection. Early in Bill’s training, had attended University of Michigan in Ann Arbor. Their first born, a son, made his appearance while there.
A fifth tour member, Patti Womer from California, was also awaiting a ride to our hotel. She was going to meet up with some other friends who were going to be part of our “adventure team." This group had made other RS trips in the past. Patti was quick to say that we should plan on the RS Greek Island Antiquity tour. I won’t go into detail for all of our tour group, but wanted to make sure for those who are reading this, and have not had a group tour experience — wonder, what will it be like?
For me, hearing all the favorable things about RS, and the other tours, took away any apprehension we had about what to expect. Get up early. Stay up late. Eat a lot of good food. And learn more than you were expecting.
During our half hour or so drive to Sorrento we saw much of the beautiful country. I was impressed by the number of garden plots we saw in the city and along the way. I would learn that all cities we visited had a small market nearby with locally produced food. The view down – sometimes hundreds of feet – to the Tyrrhenian Sea were fabulously blue. Just like in the pictures I saw and would be taking photos of.
Carol & I did a bit of “due diligence” prior to the tour. I must admit, Carol did more than me. As you look at the various tour books; Fodor's, Lonely Planet or Rick Steve's Travel, wonder how close would our timing; weather, season, whatever, or location make for our experience? Can honestly say – no matter how many books you review, or travel programs you view – gotta say, you have to “be there” to really experience the cuisine, culture and personal curiosity of each locale.
The Hotel Caesar Augusto looked just like a photos. A good sign.
http://www.hotelcesareaugusto.com/
First, we get some lunch at the hotel – very tasty Italian meats, cheeses and vegetables to keep us full until dinner. We then join Jan Mollo, our tour coordinator, who will take us for a 90 minute or so walk around the “neighborhood” in Sorrento. The sights and smells from markets, bakeries and restaurants are very appealing. We also get to meet the 30 or so members of this trip group. After a few days, I know who most are, and a little about their background. I am glad we came. So much to learn from all of them.
Today's photos https://picasaweb.google.com/magwheel44/P3Day2Of25
A fifth tour member, Patti Womer from California, was also awaiting a ride to our hotel. She was going to meet up with some other friends who were going to be part of our “adventure team." This group had made other RS trips in the past. Patti was quick to say that we should plan on the RS Greek Island Antiquity tour. I won’t go into detail for all of our tour group, but wanted to make sure for those who are reading this, and have not had a group tour experience — wonder, what will it be like?
For me, hearing all the favorable things about RS, and the other tours, took away any apprehension we had about what to expect. Get up early. Stay up late. Eat a lot of good food. And learn more than you were expecting.
During our half hour or so drive to Sorrento we saw much of the beautiful country. I was impressed by the number of garden plots we saw in the city and along the way. I would learn that all cities we visited had a small market nearby with locally produced food. The view down – sometimes hundreds of feet – to the Tyrrhenian Sea were fabulously blue. Just like in the pictures I saw and would be taking photos of.
Carol & I did a bit of “due diligence” prior to the tour. I must admit, Carol did more than me. As you look at the various tour books; Fodor's, Lonely Planet or Rick Steve's Travel, wonder how close would our timing; weather, season, whatever, or location make for our experience? Can honestly say – no matter how many books you review, or travel programs you view – gotta say, you have to “be there” to really experience the cuisine, culture and personal curiosity of each locale.
The Hotel Caesar Augusto looked just like a photos. A good sign.
http://www.hotelcesareaugusto.com/
First, we get some lunch at the hotel – very tasty Italian meats, cheeses and vegetables to keep us full until dinner. We then join Jan Mollo, our tour coordinator, who will take us for a 90 minute or so walk around the “neighborhood” in Sorrento. The sights and smells from markets, bakeries and restaurants are very appealing. We also get to meet the 30 or so members of this trip group. After a few days, I know who most are, and a little about their background. I am glad we came. So much to learn from all of them.
Today's photos https://picasaweb.google.com/magwheel44/P3Day2Of25
See Day 3 @ http://pizza-and-popes-2011.blogspot.com/2011/11/p3-day-3-of-25-wednesday-september-21.html
Enjoy each day is it were... the best! Marion & Carol
To improve “your viewing pleasure,” here are some special features:
1. post highlights – some links I added to each page to improve navigation to special topics or things.
2. yellow guy – my favorite when on Google map. Click and hold him and drag to street location. Look to see if blue line or dots show. Release mouse button on blue.
3. location drop – I dropped on cross street near hotel. Fine tuning may be required.
4. blue lines – sometimes a little move can provide interesting camera views.
5. under cross street – This one show green dot under “yellow man” on the street intersection. We are under the main street.
6. on cross street - This one show green dot under “yellow man” on the right of street intersection. We are on the main street.
7. rotate view – Using these buttons allows us to change the view thru rotation or zoom in or out.
8. view photos – Here we have a chance to view photos from others who posted the details on Google Panaramio photo site. Happy travels :-)
Enjoy each day is it were... the best! Marion & Carol
