We left the hotel at 7:15 AM. Metro to Termini.

Then we headed down the coast to Naples. We had an entire train car to ourselves. Most slept, I watched for California. Good thing too, they were all over!

I started feeling sad. Such a great trip, I hate for it to end.

Then we could see the sea! The Mediterranean on one side Mount Vesuvius on the other.

Our train was late getting into Naples. Because of this, we had to take a later connecting train on the Circumvesuvius. This got us to Pompeii later and pushed everything back.

Had to plan as we went. Our tour was supposed to last about 2 hours. Another 30 minutes back to Naples. Then I wanted to take everyone out for pizza. Plus we had to catch our train back to Rome. Since we started our tour one hour late, it wasn’t looking good for pizza. This also pushed out lunch time back late. Hot sun, hungry people. Not a good mix.

The weather was gorgeous. It was hot, but perfect blue skies. There was a little cloud (maybe smoke) just over the volcano. The last time I was here, it was a cold rainy day in March. This was much better!

The tour was good. I’d never used the guide before, he was okay. Certainly no Luca or Paolo. But, he knew what he was talking about.

I spoke with the teachers about our dilemma. Either get some boring food at the station and make our train, or try to switch to a later train and eat pizza. We all agreed that Napoli pizza was the way to go.

Once we got back to Naples, I ran off the train to the ticket counter. Since we had reservations, I was a little concerned about being able to switch. Our train was scheduled to leave in 30 minutes. I was willing to pay for an upgrade, or a reservation change. Whatever it took to get pizza. But, there was no problem. The guy switched our tickets and we now had new reservations, and an hour and a half for pizza.

Pizza was invented in Napoli and there are two dueling pizzerias that have been at it since about 1928. I’ve read that they are the best. One serves just two kinds, one with cheese, one without. The other has more options. We opted for options.

In Rome, cars stop when you cross. They may act like they are not going to stop, but they do. Even if it’s an illegal crossing, jaywalk style, they’ll stop. Never tried, but I bet if someone tried to cross a highway, the cars would stop and think nothing of it. Naples is different. Even a legal crossing at a red light with cops all around is risky. Cars do not stop, in fact, I think they try to run people over. So, our hike to the pizzeria was an adventure. I warned everyone to watch their pockets and be brave when crossing streets. And it worked, no one was robbed or run over.

We walked a few blocks (about 10 minutes) to the pizzeria. I’d never been, so I had a little trouble finding the street. We walked up, and they were closed. Great. All that build up of the best pizza ever and it was closed. Luckily, the older of the two pizzerias was open. So we walked across the street.

It was packed. They had maybe 10 tables. We had a group of 15. But, they said the wait was only 10 minutes. Not too bad. We still had about an hour before our train left.

Ten minutes passed ‘ten more minutes’… ‘ten more minutes’… finally they seated us at 4:00 PM (train departs at 4:30 PM, add in a ten minute walk. Pushing it!

But we were starving. So we sat. And waited. Shift change!

At 4:10, they took our orders. Food on the table by 4:15. Food gone by 4:20. And a quick run to the station.

We got to the train at 4:29, and it was delayed! We could have made it too!

Well, it was an adventure.

The train arrived and we boarded. We had two reserved cabins, plus three extra seats. The first cabin was occupied. Locked with the curtains drawn. I yanked open the door and attempted to kick out two kids. They didn’t care what I had to say, so Mr. Crisanti came in and got them out.

The other reserved cabin was also occupied. They did not care that we had reserved seats. They said they were there because their cabin had no air conditioning. They did not care what I had to say, what Ms. Freeman had to say or what Mr. Crisanti had to say. They were not moving.

Tracked down the conductor and he booted them out. They listened to him!

We all settled in to our 2.5 hour train ride.

There are several types of trains in Italy (Europe)…
The EuroStar is the super fancy high speed train. Nice dining car. Windows do not open. Great air conditioning. Comfy reclining seats. Even laptop power ports.

Then there are the trains with windows that open. Some have air conditioning, some do not. The seats do not recline. The trains are slower and grittier. Typically a more interesting group of people than the EuroStar.

My favorite type of trains, though, are the ones with private compartments. Doors that close and a curtain for added privacy. The windows open, and they have air conditioning too. I’ve always loved these trains. But, I’m usually alone or with one other person. This time was perfect. There are six seats in each cabin, and we had them all. Another great thing about these private cabins, the seats fold all the way down, making a flat bed. So, we closed the door and curtain, slid down the seats and took a relaxing 2.5 hour nap. Ah, Italia.

Tonight we were on our own for dinner. When I have young people, I always offer to take them to the Hard Rock Cafe one evening. This was that evening. I was not surprised when diner for 8, turned into dinner for 15. Everyone wanted to go and I even invited an Atlanta seminarian, Josh Allen, to join us.

Burgers and salads and rock n’ roll all around.

From here we started our night walk through Rome. Spanish Steps, Trevi Fountain, Pantheon – GELATO – Piazza Navona, Saint Peter’s Square. Bed.

This morning went to Saint Peter’s for Mass. But, first, a few of us went to Confession.

We wanted to go to the Latin Mass (Latin group and all) but there was a special French Mass in the usual Latin time slot. Oh well.

A long Mass in another language often leads to this:

After Mass we all headed outside to see the Holy Father.

Then we had an afternoon of free time. The Latin group went looking for old stuff, the art history group went looking for art. I enjoyed a few hours of down time.

We met back up at the Pantheon and did a quick tour of the nearby churches. Santa Maria sopra Minerva, Gesu, Sant’Ignazio, and San Luigi. And my favorite church/building of all, the Pantheon.

In Santa Maria sopra Minerva, we had some quiet time to rest. It was a hot Roman day and everyone had been out walking for hours. It was nice to find a quiet church to just relax. A few of us hung out with Saint Catherine and Jesus.

Then to Piazza Navona to kill some time before dinner at Orso’80.

Orso’80 is another of my fav restaurants. I order the mixed antipasti. They bring out about 15 different appetizers, family style. Always fun.

One of my favorite appetizers is the prosciutto e melone. Ham and cantaloupe. Sounds strange, but oh so good.

Then back to the hotel.

One person needed a calling card (at 11:00 PM) so I went on the search. I am a full service guide, you know. It took about 45 minutes, but I finally found a place open at almost midnight on a Sunday. I bought the card and took it to her room. Then I passed out. Long day, super early morning tomorrow.

We had an early start today. Our train left Florence at 9:18 AM. That meant we had to be at the station by 8:30 AM. So, taxi from the hotel by 8:00 AM. Breakfast at 7:15 AM. Up by 6:00 AM.

Late last night we noticed they were filming right outside the hotel. Still not sure if it was Twilight, but we all went down and strolled around the set until they kicked us off. I did stay back with one person and watch them film a random scene with someone crossing the street. They shot if four times and still did not have the proper lighting, so we decided it was time to go to bed.

The train ride was nice. EuroStar. Dining car. Super fast and smooth.

We were in Rome by 11:00 AM. Since this was a small group of teens, and our hotel was right on the line, we took the Metro from the station. It’s so much cheaper than a private bus and way more exciting. A private bus is about €200. Metro for 15 people, €15. I use the Metro on all my trips, but never with luggage. I was not concerned with this group.

Most of the rooms at the Alimandi were ready and we were all hungry. I made some lunch suggestions and then took the boys to my friend, Marco’s restaurant. We had sandwiches. Mmmm.

Then it was back to the hotel to freshen up. I was staying at the owner’s (Paolo Alimandi) apartment, and he was not ready for me. So, I left all my luggage in someone else’s room. I really wanted a quick nap, but that would have been weird.

When we met in lobby, I found out one girl had gotten sick. Strange but I take a lot of trains and it’s only on the EuroStar that people seem to get sick. Maybe it’s the gentle swaying. It’s much smoother than the other trains. Who knows?

So, back to the Metro and off to the Colosseum.

We met our guide, Paolo, from Eternal City Tours. I’ve been using him for years and each time, I learn something new. He’s always a huge hit. An American living in Rome studying at one of the Pontifical Universities. His thing is the Philosopher’s Guide to Rome. Super Catholic too!

I came to Rome several times a year for six years before I ever went inside the Colosseum. I’d strolled through the Forum, but it just wasn’t my thing. Now, visiting the Ancient City is one of my highlights. And this time, traveling with a Latin group, made it even better.

For the first time since I’ve been visiting Rome, Caesar’s house was open to the public. Frescos that are 1000’s years old look as if they were done yesterday. It was amazing.

After the Ancient City tour, it was back on the Metro to the hotel. We all changed into dinner attire and headed to Bastioni’s. This is always my first stop in Rome. I love the family who runs the place, Emilio (the chef) and his kids Andrew and Christina are awesome. And the food is great too!

Tonight we had the usual, Penne alla Bastioni. The house specialty of penne pasta with an orange and tomato sauce. So strange and so good. Great conversation at the adult table about temperaments.

After dinner we went for quantity over quality, Old Bridge. Quality is pretty good too, but not compared to Vivoli’s or GROM. With our gelato, we strolled over the Saint Peter’s Square and enjoyed the full moon and perfect weather.

Just another evening the Eternal City.

Just a few days in and I have to say I’m totally in love with this group. So much fun. Perfect compliment to my personality.

Today we started with free time. Then met our guide for a tour of the city and the Uffizi.

I’ve used Florentia for years. I always get Simone and he’s awesome! So I was disappointed to hear he was in China with his family. So selfish of me!

So today, we got Dr. Luca. And as much as I love Simone, I may be requesting Luca from now on. He was amazing and hilarious. Picture an older gentleman wearing a linen liesure suit. More animated than a Pixar movie. Some of the kids got video of him raising the roof in the Baptistry. Awesome.

He did a little dance to explain a painting. Awesome.

He would say ‘just 5 more minutes, then 3 more’. The best part, he was totally serious.

We split up for a bit. He said “meet here at 4:45, 15 until 5:00, that’s 15 minutes before 5:00, 3/4 after 4:00″. Classic.

After the tour I headed out to another solo dinner. Again 14 of my closest tagged along. With this group, I preferred it. I love them all. Three of us adults sat together and talked adult things. Nice break from teen chat.

A Luca recommended gelateria and off to bed.

Early train to Roma!