View from the top of St. Peters after hiking up all those stairs - it was worth it to get shots like this

Forum ruins view

View of the Coliseum

me and building

That big white building celebrating Italy and stuff - I didn't pay attention even though I toured it

Spanish Steps

Threw a coin int he Trevi fountain so that means I must be going back - can't wait to take Linda

Me and that little old building called the Parthenon

Gotta have a Gelato and then have someone take your pc with it to prove you really had one in Rome

Just a few thousand people and me

me with pope in the background in white under tarp - hard to see in this pic - who goes to Rome and sees the pope ? me !!

Ceiling of Sistine Chapel and Michaelangelos Masterpiece

Alone at sunrise having breakfast on deck

Day 6 Roma
Wow – wow – wow
I’ve found my new favorite city
This town is totally me and what I like in a city – lots of everything. The history and culture is the perfect fit to make it an extraordinary city.

I cancelled my structured tour with the ship ($239 US) and went on my own risking screwing things up and not seeing anything. The ship lecturer helped me a bit and I went with it. To make the most of the day I wanted to be ready. I was up at 5AM and had breakfast outside as we entered port. I was the first one off the ship at 6:45AM. At Civitavechia (the Rome port) is not close to anything at and this time in the morning, there is no one around yet. So I put my runners on and ran for 25 minutes to the train station. Just like home I caught the 7:38 train for a 55 minute rush hour ride into the city and jumped out at San Pietro station. Only cost 8 euro return. Found my way to the Vatican after another 15 minute hike and got in line for the Vatican museum to enter the Sistine Chapel. Was in by 9:15 and cruised through the museum area. So much to see but in a rush so spent only about 30 minutes checking things out before heading into the chapel to see Michaelangelos masterpiece. No video or pictures allowed but that didn’t stop me, I was very creative by holding the camera at my waist pointing up and just hoped it would work and it kind of did. I was more impressed than I expected to be with the whole Chapel and museum. I could see why people could spend a day there.

I was out by 10AM and off to St.Peter’s Basilica. Whoa – there was like over 100,000 people out there – the big man himself was on his way – Pope Benedict. So I weaseled my way around, I have a knack of getting through crowds with my rock concert experience and I got as close as a non invited person could get. Watched some latin mass prayer and snapped some shots and headed on out to my next place since St. Peters was closed until 1PM.

I loved walking around the shops and restaurants of Piazza Navorra and threw a coin in the Trevi Fountain and walked the Spanish steps and ate a Gelato which was delicious. She used a spatula to make my cone, not an ice cream scoop. Loved it. Walked the main roads and side streets. Every time I turned a corner there was something else to see that put you in awe. I went to the Pantheon which is 2000 years old and saw the forum ruins and coliseum and walked to the top of the tomb of the unknown soldier building – big white massive thing. I saw so much stuff but without a guide and proper book, I just took pics and will learn what I saw later.

I then hiked back to the Vatican – long way from the Coliseum by foot but made it there and was surprised to see a huge line up for St. Peters. Well the time was around 3PM and didn’t have time to wait in a line. I tried to go in the exit but that didn’t work so I did what anyone would do that was in a rush, I budded in. I was in the Basilica in no time and made the decision to see the dome rather than the tombs where the popes are. Another line up for the dome – sigh. To get to the top of the dome you have to walk up about 500 steps at least. I was exhausted already, the temperature was about 80 outside so I was beat. But this was my one chance so I ran (jog fast) up all the steps and ran out of water half way up. The view was spectacular from up top and was thrilled that I did it. Took a bunch of pics, ran down, checked out inside the Basilica area under the dome and then grabbed an Italian pizza sandwich thingy and headed for the train. Caught the train and was at the port by 6PM. Called Linda and mom with an update and met up with dad who just hung around the boat and did a load of laundry for us. I skipped out on the fancy dinner as I was beat and just had some pasta and chicken and banana ice cream. Dad wasn’t impressed that I got on the boat 45 minutes before departure but he calmed down afterwards. I had him worried I would miss the boat. Saw a good violinist show and drinking a few beers now.

Loved Rome, women very classy, drivers very scary, atmosphere very upscale.

Looking forward to Monte Carlo and the French Riviera tomorrow.

One of our best friend father passed away this week and I’m sad that I won’t be at the service. Elisabeth, thinking of you.

Day 4 – Malta
Had no idea what to expect when I heard we were going to Malta. What is Malta. Well now I know and it’s a great place to visit. It’s 17 miles long and 9 miles wide at its widest. This little island in the middle of no where in the sea. It is a strategic point though between Italy and Africa. A good middle ground to fight a war from. The clocks changed an hour back but they forgot to change their wake up clock system so we woke up at 6AM instead of 7AM. I had gone to bed at 2AM so I started out exhausted. Once outside though an I saw the view, I was pumped.

Coming into Malta is unbelievable. There are massive walls around Valletta, the capital as we came into port. These walls were built in the 16th century to keep the Turks out. The area was built by the Knights of St. John. We took a tour of Valletta and St. Johns Cathedral. We loved it. The architecture and general feel of the area was so cool. All the buildings were jammed side by side in the whole city. Didn’t see a patch of grass even. Many of the building have been reconstructed from the heavy bombing the city incurred during WWII.

We left Valletta and went for a 20 minute ride to Mdina. This town also has a big wall around it and fancy church with a large dome. It’s wall was built in the 9th century. Only 268 people live in Mdina. It was hot though in Malta – probably in the low 90’s. We did a lot of walking around and Dad did awesome. He kept up with the tour and was a real trooper. After the 4.5 hour tour, dad went back to the ship and I went back to Valletta on my own where I walked and walked for 2.5 hours straight exploring everything off the beaten track. Unfortunately, many of the shops were closed. They take a nap between 1-4pm and close up shop. Not big capitalists. Didn’t seem like there was a lot of money in Valletta – very simple life all packed in together. The streets were very narrow and several were walking only streets within the walls.

Walked back to the boat down steep stairs from the top and hung out at the pool as we left harbour.

Dinner was delicious again – no steak this time, it was offered but opted for the turkey and mashed potatoes and dressing. Dessert included chocolate mousse in a chocolate cup with a side of rocky road ice cream. Yummm.

The show in the lounge was an ex broadway singer. She was OK. The night before was a Las Vegas revue type with lots of dancing. No rock shows scheduled I don’t think. I tried to update my blog last night but sat down at 11PM and fell asleep typing so went to bed and got 7.5 hours sleep for a change.

Day 5 - At Sea
This morning is another sunny day – we went through the Strait of Messina where the toe part of the Italy boot meets Sicily. We’re now coming up to the Stromboli volcano. I think we’re going to boat around it. Looks impressive from the front top deck where I am now. Massive mountain just coming out of the sea.

I’m back – checked out the active volcano – it spew some smoke while we circled it – very cool. There was a ferry dropping off people to this mountain in the sea. Why would anyone live at the bottom of an active volcano – makes no sense – I’m sure we’ll read about them one day.

Went to the pool – it was an Arctic Monkeys-Buckcherry (these are music groups) kind of afternoon. Played BINGO – we lost – played in a blackjack tourney – we lost – played the 25 cent slots – we lost – played the dollar slots – we lost. Sigh.

Dinner was over the top once again – thai soup and a massive beef Wellington which was one of the most delicious tenderest meats I’ve had. Didn’t lick my plate but sure wanted to. Polished of a snickers pie afterwards. The show was a pino player doing the classics from the years before Elvis.

The boat has a funny interpretation of high speed – takes me 6 minutes just to see my email screen and what I have let alone reply. At 50 cents a minute, they sure get you. Think back to the old dialup days of 28K modems.

Going to bed now – it’s 11:30 – big day in Rome tomorrow. I’m on my own and winging it. Plan is to take a train to Rome and then find my way to the Vatican and go from there. Should be quite an exciting day and then try make it back to the train to get back to the ship before they leave without me. Dads a nervous wreck thinking I’m going to miss the boat.

Boats rocking quite a bit - feeling a little woozy

Been away from home for a week now - time flies - Linda alone with the kids - she probably needs a break by now. Hey bros, you reading this ?

Next update - after Rome -weather has turned a bit and won't be hot and sunny - hopefully no rain.

Dad and I leaving Malta

Found a coke slurpee in Malta !!!

Dad and I in Mdina

me in Mdina

Another view of malta

Very narrow streets - no big North American cars here

St. Johns Cathedral Malta

breakfast outside as we enter Malta

Malta

Coming into Malta

Malta

Formal night - looking sharp for the 90 year olds

Hanging at the pool and catching some warm sun

Dad at the slots dressed up

Sunday
This is the life
Slept in til 9:30 – played in a little golf putting thingy and then had a great lunch consisting of Thai, ribs, and corn fritters followed by ice cream and brownies. Only on holidays could you get away with this. Spoke with the travel expert on the ship for an hour while there was a line behind me. He explained how I can do Rome on my own and get away from the structured tour. The tour was going to be $239 and 11 hours. With the speed of the geriatrics, I am opting for taking the train in myself and then cabbing around staring with the Vatican. I guess the risk is that I miss my train on the way back or run into a problem and miss my boat. I hope that doesn’t happen. I just want to get a better feel for Rome than from the view of a bus.

Went to pool and caught some rays and listened to some Rob Zombie. Rock music or anything later than 1970 isn’t very popular so I needed my fix. I figure the average age is about 75. I thought I was the youngest but some folks brought there kids so maybe I’m 3rd youngest. It’s midnight and I’m the only one in the bar with my Coronas listening and chatting with the Piano man from Germany.

It was formal night so we got all spiffied up and had another fantastic meal. Food is a big thing on cruises. I had my fourth steak in as many days – prawns, French onion soup, a filet mignon with a lobster tail and a few glasses of chardonnay – then a hot fudge sundae to top it off. Not suffering here and enjoying every minute. I looked at the Gym on board though, looked like too much work right now so I went to the bar instead. Lost another $20 on the slots – checked out the nightclub but not my scene tonight.
Tomorrow should be fun – going to Malta

In Ephesus

The 2000 year old library in ephesus

Beautiful water - the blues are gorgeous

Enjoying an authentic Mediterrean plate

Dad and I at the Olympic Stadium

Turkey is not the holy land after all - they just tease you - there are no slurpees - walked 2 miles for this !!

Friday May 26, 2006
Since we expected to have luggage problems, we were concerned about a tour – we hired a taxi driver to take us and actually had him for 5 hours and took him for lunch even. Saw the Acropolis and dad made it up and down – couldn’t believe how well he did. Saw the museum there and then the Olympic Stadium and the temple of Zeus, and some other stuff too. Had the best prawns ever at lunch with some special fish like a snapper. Greek beer.

Our luggage arrives – an hour before the boat left we got our luggage. So happy about that – we can finally relax and enjoy ourselves now. Stayed up late drank Coronas.

Saturday May 27, 2006
Woke up in Kusadasi Turkey – what a great view as we entered the port. Water color was a beautiful turquoise the surrounding city was very interesting to look at. Talk about jamming a million apartments into one area. No big high rises but the whole city is based on 5-6 story apartments side by side. I don’t think I saw any grass in the city. Had a great breakfast buffet and got off the boat easily and on our tour bus. Drove to Ephesus which has 2000 yr old ruins and a stop at the Virgin Mary’s house where she spent her last days.

Weather was hot – like 95F hot. I think that’s around 32C. Checked out the ruins for a few hours and took a ton of pics and then came back to the boat to drop my dad off as he was exhausted after the tour. I decided to roam the streets on my own. They have a huge marketplace – mostly jewelry, Turkish delight, Turkish rugs, leather. Very aggressive but polite sales people. Too much for me though so started to walk away from there and into the city where the turks hang out. I was on my own but felt safe. I though I found the Holy land in Kusadasi (see photo) – but they didn’t have any slurpees. I then ventured to a restaurant to have a true Mediterranean lunch. The boys at work would be impressed. I had the beef and the rice and potatoes and salad and bread and a Turkish beer and it was all great.

I then went off to the beach and put my feet in the Aegean Sea. As I was doing this, some freaky 8 year old started chasing me around and was trying to push me in the water. I would tell him to please stop and he wouldn’t. Id didn’t know what to do as I didn’t want to offend anyone but then had to yell at him to “go away” which he thankfully did.

Went back to the markets and bought 2 shirts – and Armani and some polo team shirt.20 euros total. They wouldn’t sell knock offs here – duh – they also were selling Mission Impossible III for $10 Euros but I didn’t need it. They come out on DVD early here.

Had another great meal – I sure am eating well – steak 3 days in a row and it get better every meal. Tonight was Mediterranean style. Could have cut my NY with a fork – it melted in your mouth.

I think I’m happy I lost my 21.5 lbs before the trip as I’m on my way back right now but hopefully with all the walking I’m doing, it’s won’t be as bad. Saw a show – comedian/singer – very funny and good. We both enjoyed it. Went to the Casino for the first time and I lost my $40 in about 6 minutes. Maybe tomorrow night will bring luck.

Up too late right now – need to go to bed – fading fast.- pictures aren't uploading - connection way too slow. sigh.

Friday May 26, 2006 - Athens, Greece
Since we expected to have luggage problems, we were concerned about a tour – we hired a taxi driver to take us and actually had him for 5 hours and took him for lunch even. Saw the Acropolis and dad made it up and down – couldn’t believe how well he did. Saw the museum there and then the Olympic Stadium and the temple of Zeus, and some other stuff too. Had the best prawns ever at lunch with some special fish like a snapper. Greek beer.

Our luggage arrived – an hour before the boat left we got our luggage. So happy about that – we can finally relax and enjoy ourselves now. Stayed up late drank Coronas.

Saturday May 27, 2006 - Kusadasi, Turkey
Woke up in Kusadasi Turkey – what a great view as we entered the port. Water color was a beautiful turquoise the surrounding city was very interesting to look at. Talk about jamming a million apartments into one area. No big high rises but the whole city is based on 5-6 story apartments side by side. I don’t think I saw any grass in the city. Had a great breakfast buffet and got off the boat easily and on our tour bus. Drove to Ephesus which has 2000 yr old ruins and a stop at the Virgin Mary’s house where she spent her last days.

Weather was hot – like 95F hot. I think that’s around 32C. Checked out the ruins for a few hours and took a ton of pics and then came back to the boat to drop my dad off as he was exhausted after the tour. I decided to roam the streets on my own. They have a huge marketplace – mostly jewelry, Turkish delight, Turkish rugs, leather. Very aggressive but polite sales people. Too much for me though so started to walk away from there and into the city where the turks hang out. I was on my own but felt safe. I though I found the Holy land in Kusadasi (see photo) – but they didn’t have any slurpees. I then ventured to a restaurant to have a true Mediterranean lunch. The boys at work would be impressed. I had the beef and the rice and potatoes and salad and bread and a Turkish beer and it was all great.

I then went off to the beach and put my feet in the Aegean Sea. As I was doing this, some freaky 8 year old started chasing me around and was trying to push me in the water. I would tell him to please stop and he wouldn’t. Id didn’t know what to do as I didn’t want to offend anyone but then had to yell at him to “go away” which he thankfully did.

Went back to the markets and bought 2 shirts – and Armani and some polo team shirt.20 euros total. They wouldn’t sell knock offs here – duh – they also were selling Mission Impossible III for $10 Euros but I didn’t need it. They come out on DVD early here.

Had another great meal – I sure am eating well – steak 3 days in a row and it get better every meal. Tonight was Mediterranean style. Could have cut my NY with a fork – it melted in your mouth.

I think I’m happy I lost my 21.5 lbs before the trip as I’m on my way back right now but hopefully with all the walking I’m doing, it’s won’t be as bad. Saw a show – comedian/singer – very funny and good. We both enjoyed it. Went to the Casino for the first time and I lost my $40 in about 6 minutes. Maybe tomorrow night will bring luck.

Up too late right now – need to go to bed – fading fast.

Thursday 6:10am PST
Now been up for 26 hours and looking out my plane window at spectacular views of islands and resort areas and cities along the Mediterranean as we make out way to Athens.

It hasn’t been fun though – Vancouver to Toronto worked great. We switched planes to fly to Montreal and they said they were on schedule which was a relief. Then the captain said there was mechanical problems but would be fixed in a few minutes. We left the gate and went out to the middle of not where at Pearson Airport and then Captain said the mechanical problems still weren’t fixed and a crew was coming out to work on the plane. Well 2 hours later of sitting there on the tarmac, they bring us to the Infield Terminal not even close to the main terminal. They were getting a new plane and moving everyone to that one. Well we already missed our Munich connector flight so we didn’t want to go to Montreal still with no where to go.

We then hooked up with a Rome flight leaving in 15 minutes so we scooted there and caught an 8 hour flight to Rome. Luggage was still going to Montreal though and as I write this, have no idea where it’s going to be which is causing us both stress as we will be on our cruise ship in less than 24 hours.

Flight was fine – we hit Rome and dad gets a wheelchair and cart to get him around from terminal to Terminal. I then try figure out what will happen to our bags. Wished I could have shopped there during our 3 hours – some cool shops – oh well. No luck finding anyone to help and Air Canada has no presence so we just wasted time trying to get help. Did get a Birra Moretti Beer and a Panini so had a taste of Rome.

Get on out Alitalia flight to Athens and I sit in the back so I get good view and can take pics. Then the dreaded (I’m sorry, we’re having mechanical difficulties) comes over the air. Then it comes on again 15 minutes later saying they’re still having problems !! Uh Oh, Déjà vu all over again. We within an hour of sitting there, it finally took off and the flight was fine. No good pics though like the ones I could have got going to Rome. The showed Tom and jerry on the movie screen.

We land, tell our sorry story to the baggage people and catch a cab to our Hotel. Hotel is great, has a pool on the roof which has a great view of the Acropolis. Went for dinner to a beach harbor place. Wow – the best atmosphere I could imagine. Great Calamari and Souvlaki and I once again stepped away from the American beer and had a few Amstels. Our cabbie hooked on to us like my kids to licorice. We didn’t even pay him to get there, he said he would be back at 10pm to pick us which he was. Then he took us on a night tour around the Acropolis all lit up. I was totally impressed how magnificent the Acropolis really was. 400BC !! Look forward to seeing in person close tomorrow.

We are hoping the bags miraculously appear in the morning, if not, we go and spend $1000 shopping. I don’t know how far that will get the 2 of us for the whole trip. Too bad we have to even worry about this.
As I finish this, time has lapsed and it’s 2AM which is 4PM PST which means I’ve been up 36 hours now and still going strong. I’m a little dodgy smelling though wearing the same clothes this whole time. Hoping for a great rest.

Friday morning now. Phoned airline first thing and they said our bags are on their way via Olympic Air and should arrive at 11:00AM. We’re off to the Acropolis and some other sights now hoping to rlax a bit and hoping we don’t have to go on a shopping spree this afternoon buying clothes.

Bad Day - As Danial Powters current hit goes – you had a bad day

What’s was bad about it ? I returned my fancy video camera I got for the trip and now don’t have to worry about the $1200 potential exposure of losing it. That wasn’t bad. I went to the mall and bought 4 pairs of pants for the trip, all of which didn’t work, that wasn’t bad. I was reading the kids their good night story before bed as I wouldn’t have this opportunity for 3 weeks and enjoying it. I had a lot to do last night but kids first, packing 2nd, work third. Then the night turned bad.

As I read, I hear screaming and crashing going on downstairs – some bad happened. The 3 of us fly out of bed to see what’s up with Linda and as we get to the bottom of the stairs, we are engulfed in smoke. Linda has run outside into the yard and is screaming on the front lawn – Ok, this doesn’t look good. Linda can’t explain or talk as she is so distraught and I have no idea of what’s going on. The whole downstairs area and my office/garage is just covered in thick smoke – very scary and confusing what to do. Breathing is very difficult.

It turns out our fire extinguisher blew off and the smoke was a fine yellow powder which was spreading everywhere. I had thoughts of mount st. Helens as the dust settled and started to leave a think layer of yellow on everything we could see. My computers, my clothes for the trip, my bags, my desk and papers – we’re talking everything. Linda and I didn’t talk much during the 3 hour clean up as we were both stunned as to what happened. I was already a bit anxious trying to get through my busy evening let alone an extra 3 hour cleanup.

We cleaned and cleaned and vacuumed and Linda did washes and washes but we got through it.

So I think we figured out what happened. I’ve got this long piece of wood which stretches across my office/garage – 12 feet. It fell to the floor and Linda was 15 feet away when it fell. It landed on top of the fire extinguisher handle and set off the extinguisher. Linda dropped everything she had in her hands and ran to it and it was spraying everywhere and she managed to get it out to our front yard which turning into a cloud of dust as well. So an unfortunate series of events led to my bad evening.

I’m on the train now on the way to work and very happy that I’m all set for my trip now. I can’t believe I get on a plane tomorrow for our trip to Athens. It’s 92 degrees in Athens. Wow. I’m going to be there Thursday and see the Acropolis. !!

Ron and Stew's Excellent European Adventure
Just 3 more sleeps until we go on our fantastic journey around the Mediterrean and Europe.

Fly for 24 hours (17 hours flying but there's transportation and boarding 4 different planes in there) to Athens Greece. Stay at a Hotel there and board the ms Rotterdam cruise ship Friday.

On to Kusadasi Turkey and then island of Malta on Monday. Rome is Wednesday and Monte Carlo is Thursday. Friday is Marseile France and Saturday is Barcelona Spain.

Monday we head to Cadiz Spain and Tuesday we drop anchor in Lisbon Portugal. After a few days at sea again, we hit Paris on Friday and London on Saturday. Have a sleep over in London and fly home Sunday.

Now that's a whirlwind trip !!! I'm so lucky to be doing this with my dad.

I hope my laptop and camera and video camera all work out well. I hope to update my blog whenever I can with what's going on.

Linda Away
Linda took off with Carter on the bus to see her bro in Kelowna for the weekend. Haley and I are spending some time together bonding. I took her to future shop and McDonalds playland like every good dad does with their kids. I was expecting a more relaxing weekend but I'm so anxious about my trip and everything I have still to do, I'm a bag of stress. I've never been away for this long before and I've never had to take 25 hours to get to my destination by plane. What the heck am I going to do ? especially since my laptop only has a 2 hour charge.

Seattle for Mothers Day
Our annual trip to Seattle for Mothers Day was another great success. With the Dollar doing so well against the US - it's great. Linda shopped and shopped and we went to store to store. I usually took the kids while she ran around the mall. I took them to the Lego store and spent almost an hour in there. I even love that. I've been in enough toy departments that I'm done now. no more please.

The zoo was good - we didn't see a lot of animals in our 5 hours there but had fun. We did a lot of playing around and looking at bugs that the big animals weren't as important. Spent a good ahlf hour at the elephants area just watching them. That was good.




























Carter couldn't wait to see the Komodo Dragon exhibit - impressive creatures
















I was up at 9:00am checking out Frys Electronics - almost spent a fortune there but started to shake at the thought of spending a bunhc of money I didn't have and then just left my cart and got the heck out. What a great store for guys. The home depot of electronics, gadgets, computers.

Stayed at a Doubletree Hilton we got through Priceline for $51 a night - great deal as we had a big room with 2 Queen beds. Priceline comes through again for us. Cheapest deal anyone else got was $99 there.

Stopped by Johns trailer on the way home. Weather was great. We played a bunch of sports for money and I kicked butt !! Bocci - I was unstoppable - Golfshoes ? I ruled, Trac ball - dominated. John parted with his new sun glasses in order to get out of paying me cash - I love it.

The border was a breeze - picked up MGD and Bacardi as usual - half price - can't beat that.