_{Adventures in Italy -1999}

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On August 26th I went to Italy for Vacation.  The following pages journals my trip.  I hope you enjoy it.

8-27-1999 - 8-28-1999

My friend Ken and I departed on United Airlines flight 934 to London where we transferred to British Airways to Rome.  After what seemed to be days of flying, we arrived in Rome and checked into the President Hotel located just a few blocks from the Colosseum and the ancient Roman Forum.   

We immediately started to notice the differences from USA.  Elevators were very small, fitting two or three people at the most.  The beds in the hotel rooms were small and the tubs very narrow.   If you think I am complaining, I am not!  I was in Italy and on vacation.  As long as there was a hot shower and a place to sleep, I was OK.  All of the accommodations were nice and what they lacked in space they made up for in character.  

Upon arriving, we were greeted by our tour guide, Jackie.  She wanted to be called Grandma.  Despite the long trip, and the need for sleep, there was no time for resting.  We were immediately introduced to other members of the tour and then given an introduction to Italy followed by our first authentic Italian dinner.

Ken and I started to get to know the other people on the tour and despite the fatigue and jet lag, it was just too much knowing that the Colosseum was just down the street to make it an early night.  After dinner we set out to explore the Colosseum and the forum before finally turning in.

8-29-1999

The Tour Group set out early the next morning to tour Rome.  The first stop was the Fontana di Trevi (Trevi Fountain).  Built in 1762 the design centers around Neptune lead by a pair or Tritons.  Legend has it that throwing a coin into the fountain insures you will return to Rome.  A second coin ensures you will fall in love in Rome and a third means you will be married  in Rome.  The movie "Three Coins and and Fountain" is based on the legend.  

That is my friend Ken throwing coins into the fountain with his favorite shirt with "duh" printed on the front.  In retrospect, there is irony in that shirt.  Although three days in Rome is a little short but after all the money the tour group threw into that fountain, you would think that at least one person would have fallen in love with a Roman.  

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Created By Jim Gaidula

This page was last updated on 04/28/05.