Sorry if any of you missed the post from yesterday but I didn't do one.
We were scheduled to go to Capri but there was an unseasonal rain storm that lasted all day. So instead of boring you with yet another day in Sorrento shopping and eating I decided to take the day off.
Looking at the weather last night it showed that the day would be great for a trip to Capri and we were cutting it close on the last day. We decided that we would leave out at 1pm to catch the first bus to Sorrento and then catch the boat to Capri.
This morning we got up and dressed and went to see Carmelita and pay our bill (since our driver will be here at 315 am for our ride to the airport). I told her of our plans to go to Capri and she said that it was too late to go and that the last boat was at 10:15 am. I was so disappointed! She then said that she would call someone to find out for sure. To our delight we could still go.
OK I know you hear this from me before but even with the overcast day Capri was the most beautiful place I've ever seen! To get there we first had to take the bus and walk down the 130 steps and short walk to the Bay of Naples. This place was breath taking. We waited for what we thought would be a small boat and instead a boat that looked more like the spirit of Philadelphia shows up as the ferry to Capri.
The trip was 25 minutes and we sat inside the boat with a window seat. When we stepped off the boat in Capri we just stood there for a minute taking it in. Next we had to stop to get Landry something to eat. She had spaghetti pomodoro and I had a cappuccino and Rob had a hot chocolate(thanks Lisa for the recommendation the hot chocolate was the best). We then did a little shopping and Landry found some steps that she couldn't resist going up; we in for a surprise.
The steps took us about 3 miles up to Anacapri which is a township above Capri. So a three mile hike that had Landry crying to turn around, Rob sweating and me using my umbrella as a cane,was worth it. The place was gorgeous and with all the high end stores it had me singing "I wanna be a billionaire" to myself.
The last ferry was leaving at 520pm so like the old saying says "what goes up must come down" so 3 miles back down to Capri (not as bad as going up), back on the ferry short walk back to the 130 steps (this time up and really bad) and back to Sorrento for the last time to catch the bus. Back in Meta we got a pizza from our favorite bar (Gildo's) and sweets from Bar Romano and back here to try to fit all of the stuff we bought into the same bags that we came with, eat pizza and prepare for our long journey home. This was one of the best days ever. See you all tomorrow (really). Ciao
Wednesday, October 27, 2010
Monday, October 25, 2010
One thing down
Today we were able to get one thing done on our list and that was to go to Tasso for dinner.
The day started off late of course with us going to the bus stop and to our delight Marco was driving by and gave us a ride. It's really funny how now that we've been here for a couple of weeks people are starting to open up to us and talk.
Today we learned that Marco is originally from Naples (which he thinks is bad) and he has a wife of 8 years and two daughters 7 and 5. On the way to the city we talked about homeschooling, he was surprised it was legal; he told us about the riots in Naples happening because of the needed new location for a second city dump. He dropped us off at the town center and we walked for a while and did a little shopping. We stopped for a snack because the restaurant didn't open until 630. Then it was time for dinner.
The place is upscale and the menu is heavy on fish. Landry ordered the crispy calamari (which she thought would be fried) and Rob ordered grilled scampi prawns and fish and we ordered some barbecued vegetables to share and Ravioli. The food was good but I still think the food from the bar or the Monnalisa was better and cheaper. It was pouring down raining today and a lot of the shops were closed. So tomorrow we have an early start with our trip to Capri so good night all.
The day started off late of course with us going to the bus stop and to our delight Marco was driving by and gave us a ride. It's really funny how now that we've been here for a couple of weeks people are starting to open up to us and talk.
Today we learned that Marco is originally from Naples (which he thinks is bad) and he has a wife of 8 years and two daughters 7 and 5. On the way to the city we talked about homeschooling, he was surprised it was legal; he told us about the riots in Naples happening because of the needed new location for a second city dump. He dropped us off at the town center and we walked for a while and did a little shopping. We stopped for a snack because the restaurant didn't open until 630. Then it was time for dinner.
The place is upscale and the menu is heavy on fish. Landry ordered the crispy calamari (which she thought would be fried) and Rob ordered grilled scampi prawns and fish and we ordered some barbecued vegetables to share and Ravioli. The food was good but I still think the food from the bar or the Monnalisa was better and cheaper. It was pouring down raining today and a lot of the shops were closed. So tomorrow we have an early start with our trip to Capri so good night all.
Sunday, October 24, 2010
Just Chill
Today was a chill day at the Dashields'. I recovered from my spill and Rob and Landry took care of me bringing me food and water to bed and made sure I had everything I needed. I spent most of the day in bed trying to get online to say Hi to you guys, Hi! and looking at the list of all the things we wanted to do on this trip to make sure we get it all done since we only have three days left:( The list isn't that long as a matter of fact it only has three things left and they are:
1) go to Capri
2) go to the park and
3) have dinner at the restaurant Tasso which is the one that Marco recommended and that's it.
Wow! I can't believe we are almost at the end of this trip. it's kind of bitter sweet. I will miss this place and can't wait to come back in 10 years (all of you are welcomed to come) but I also miss home. I miss my mom,and pop-pop and all of you and I miss my bed. The bed here is two twin beds pushed together with pillows that have lost all their fluff.
So the agenda for the rest of the week is as follows: tomorrow go to Sorrento and visit the park and eat at the restaurant and look for some shoes and a belt for me. Tuesday we will spend the day in Capri (we were supposed to do it tomorrow but we forgot to get tickets and the store is closed today) and then Wednesday pack and prepare to come home. I will do my best to take as many pictures as possible in Capri I hear it's more beautiful then Almafi (this I have to see). Well I hope you all are having a great Sunday and I will write again tomorrow. Ciao
1) go to Capri
2) go to the park and
3) have dinner at the restaurant Tasso which is the one that Marco recommended and that's it.
Wow! I can't believe we are almost at the end of this trip. it's kind of bitter sweet. I will miss this place and can't wait to come back in 10 years (all of you are welcomed to come) but I also miss home. I miss my mom,and pop-pop and all of you and I miss my bed. The bed here is two twin beds pushed together with pillows that have lost all their fluff.
So the agenda for the rest of the week is as follows: tomorrow go to Sorrento and visit the park and eat at the restaurant and look for some shoes and a belt for me. Tuesday we will spend the day in Capri (we were supposed to do it tomorrow but we forgot to get tickets and the store is closed today) and then Wednesday pack and prepare to come home. I will do my best to take as many pictures as possible in Capri I hear it's more beautiful then Almafi (this I have to see). Well I hope you all are having a great Sunday and I will write again tomorrow. Ciao
Saturday, October 23, 2010
OUCH!!!!!!
Today started out like all the others, us waking up late and getting our day started at about 5 pm.
We took the bus to Sorrento and did the last of our shopping for all of our friends and a little for ourselves. Then we stopped for dinner at a restaurant that the owner stands outside and welcomes people in. For the past four nights we have walked by so tonight was the night to finally test it out.
Landry had Pasta with Algio and Olio (garlic and oil), I had vegetarian lasagne and Rob wanted to compare the pasta and smoked salmon with the restaurant from a few nights before (not as good according to him). Rob and I split a liter of house wine and Landry had a coke (i don't know what she's going to do when we get home and it's back to water only). Dinner was very good and I will always put pesto in my veggie lasagne for now on.
After dinner we walked to the get gelato and waited for our bus to come. We got off the bus at Bar Romano and Landry got some breakfast bars and Rob some pastries (remember tomorrow is the "Lord's Day").
Landry was tired and to keep her siked for the poopy hill I decided to run with her, all cute in my skirt and leather jacket and Lauren's leopard scarf and leather boots. Right in the middle of running the hill I am feeling good and if she keeps running so will I..then it happens, I fall, not on my butt, but on my knees and right hand. Rob and Landry run to my rescue and I jump up as quick as I can before any anyone sees. I check myself for damages and my hand and my left knee are bleeding and my right knee is scraped (lauren this is all your fault because I had to wear your scarf today!).
We make it back to the apartment and Rob and Landry help clean me up and put me in bed bandaged up with a glass of Presecco as a pain killer. Rob told me that I fell "Cool" and none of my clothes were damanged and I left a little bit of my soul in Sorrento. So off I go to rest and prepare for the aching I will feel tomorrow when the drinks wear off. Caio.
P.S. there are some pictures of us today at the apartment and the restaurant and the people at Bar Romano on flickr. good night all
We took the bus to Sorrento and did the last of our shopping for all of our friends and a little for ourselves. Then we stopped for dinner at a restaurant that the owner stands outside and welcomes people in. For the past four nights we have walked by so tonight was the night to finally test it out.
Landry had Pasta with Algio and Olio (garlic and oil), I had vegetarian lasagne and Rob wanted to compare the pasta and smoked salmon with the restaurant from a few nights before (not as good according to him). Rob and I split a liter of house wine and Landry had a coke (i don't know what she's going to do when we get home and it's back to water only). Dinner was very good and I will always put pesto in my veggie lasagne for now on.
After dinner we walked to the get gelato and waited for our bus to come. We got off the bus at Bar Romano and Landry got some breakfast bars and Rob some pastries (remember tomorrow is the "Lord's Day").
Landry was tired and to keep her siked for the poopy hill I decided to run with her, all cute in my skirt and leather jacket and Lauren's leopard scarf and leather boots. Right in the middle of running the hill I am feeling good and if she keeps running so will I..then it happens, I fall, not on my butt, but on my knees and right hand. Rob and Landry run to my rescue and I jump up as quick as I can before any anyone sees. I check myself for damages and my hand and my left knee are bleeding and my right knee is scraped (lauren this is all your fault because I had to wear your scarf today!).
We make it back to the apartment and Rob and Landry help clean me up and put me in bed bandaged up with a glass of Presecco as a pain killer. Rob told me that I fell "Cool" and none of my clothes were damanged and I left a little bit of my soul in Sorrento. So off I go to rest and prepare for the aching I will feel tomorrow when the drinks wear off. Caio.
P.S. there are some pictures of us today at the apartment and the restaurant and the people at Bar Romano on flickr. good night all
Friday, October 22, 2010
Finally the farm
Today was mostly a chill day for us, waking up late having breakfast, taking a nap and finally getting up and dressed at 6 to go out to get gelato and get some things from the market.
On our way down poopy hill (as Landry likes to call it because of the piles of dog poop) we saw that the lights were on at the farm that we tried to have dinner at last week but got rained out. We decided to go and see if we could have dinner there tonight or if it was only Saturday. Well to our delight it was open for dinner and after an hour it would be open for dancing.
We sat down for dinner and watched as the over 50 crowd started to come in to wait for the dancing to start. The farmer offered us Antipasto, Gnocchi, Spaghetti and a Carni or Meat course. We settled on just pasta, Landry and I had spaghetti and Rob had the Gnocchi. For drinks Landry had Coke and Rob and I split a bottle of the farmer's homemade wine (delicious!).
Since we were the only ones there to eat the natives were staring at us and finally, Luigi came over to talk to us. With his limited English and our limited Italian we discovered that Luigi was a former shepherd who had three children two girls and one boy. When the last baby was born his wife got sick and was in a wheelchair for 10 years not able to walk or talk and then she died. After her death he was a cook in many places and never married again but did have a girlfriend who was with him to dance. He was also the singer there and dedicated a song to his new friend Rob and gave us a copy of his CD.
What a great night sitting on a farm in Meta watching the natives dance and have a good time while we ate pasta and drank homemade wine. This is real Italy.
On our way down poopy hill (as Landry likes to call it because of the piles of dog poop) we saw that the lights were on at the farm that we tried to have dinner at last week but got rained out. We decided to go and see if we could have dinner there tonight or if it was only Saturday. Well to our delight it was open for dinner and after an hour it would be open for dancing.
We sat down for dinner and watched as the over 50 crowd started to come in to wait for the dancing to start. The farmer offered us Antipasto, Gnocchi, Spaghetti and a Carni or Meat course. We settled on just pasta, Landry and I had spaghetti and Rob had the Gnocchi. For drinks Landry had Coke and Rob and I split a bottle of the farmer's homemade wine (delicious!).
Since we were the only ones there to eat the natives were staring at us and finally, Luigi came over to talk to us. With his limited English and our limited Italian we discovered that Luigi was a former shepherd who had three children two girls and one boy. When the last baby was born his wife got sick and was in a wheelchair for 10 years not able to walk or talk and then she died. After her death he was a cook in many places and never married again but did have a girlfriend who was with him to dance. He was also the singer there and dedicated a song to his new friend Rob and gave us a copy of his CD.
What a great night sitting on a farm in Meta watching the natives dance and have a good time while we ate pasta and drank homemade wine. This is real Italy.
Thursday, October 21, 2010
What a day
Just like clock work today at 10am Marco was here to take us to Positano, Almafi and Rovella on the Almafi coast. We took the "Momma Mia or OMG" road as it's called by the people who drive it and today we found out why.
This road was so curvy that it put Lincoln drive to shame. The ride took about an hour and it got so bad at one point that Landry threw up in Rob's hand, but before we get to those details let's talk about Positano.
This place was so beautiful it was located about 15 kilo from Almafi and has a great view of the vertical city, mountains as well as a few small islands. Rob and Landry went to a small shop to get sweets (one of the causes of the throw up incident) and we walked thru all the shops and went to the beach for a while.
Next back in the car to visit Rovella however on the way Landry got sick so we stopped at Almafi first to get the car aired out (I think Marco was about to lose his breakfast) and get her grounded and fed. Almafi is the largest city on the coast and although beautiful it was very expensive and too touristy for me. Next we moved on to Rovella.
Rovella is a really nice small town that had beautiful shops and homes and very nice wine and drug stores (see the pictures on Flickr). After such beautiful scenery I thought about the question my boss asked me not too long ago. He asked if only 144,000 go to heaven doesn't that make God a classest? Why would he only give 144,000 the best? Well after the places we saw today Jehovah doesn't do anything but the best. Enjoy the pictures and know that although I tried they do the places no justice. Ciao
Wednesday, October 20, 2010
Hi everyone!
Thanks to everyone for the shout outs we miss you guys too! I can't believe its been a week already. Today was a quiet day as we prepare for our day at the Almafi coast.
Today on our walk to the store to buy Landry a coat (it's soooo cute) it was raining and we looked up at the mountains and saw a double rainbow! Of course in true Dashields fashion we did't bring our camera.
Tomorrow Marco our driver is supposed to be here at 10 am to pick us up, he said the trip is a 7 to 8 hour day so we should get lots of great pictures and have lots of cool things to tell you guys about if it doesn't rain.
Landry wants to say "well it was kind of difficult for me to find Bianca and Chyenne something because in the end I didn't know what to get them. I was able to get gifts for most of my friends but I still have to get more. Someone please tell Tamika hi and I miss her a lot. I miss little lady, grand mom and Ge, Aunt Tanita and all of you. That's it."
Hi mommy-in-law: yes they do have plus size clothes the store is called Elena Miro look her up online her stuff is awesome. So that's it for the night Ciao!
Today on our walk to the store to buy Landry a coat (it's soooo cute) it was raining and we looked up at the mountains and saw a double rainbow! Of course in true Dashields fashion we did't bring our camera.
Tomorrow Marco our driver is supposed to be here at 10 am to pick us up, he said the trip is a 7 to 8 hour day so we should get lots of great pictures and have lots of cool things to tell you guys about if it doesn't rain.
Landry wants to say "well it was kind of difficult for me to find Bianca and Chyenne something because in the end I didn't know what to get them. I was able to get gifts for most of my friends but I still have to get more. Someone please tell Tamika hi and I miss her a lot. I miss little lady, grand mom and Ge, Aunt Tanita and all of you. That's it."
Hi mommy-in-law: yes they do have plus size clothes the store is called Elena Miro look her up online her stuff is awesome. So that's it for the night Ciao!
Tuesday, October 19, 2010
Today in Sorrento
Hello all!
Today was shopping for friends day. We got up at 2pm and had breakfast got dressed and took the bus to Sorrento.
The first thing we had to do was to find Landry her fashion design kit or the rest of the trip would be a disaster. After walking up and down side streets we found it (whew).
Next we went shopping for all of you (can all of you followers let me know who you are so i don't forget you please!)
Anyway, after shopping we stopped at a restaurant to have dinner (mom and Vicky skip this part cause I'm about to talk food) Rob had Salmone Affumicato con Penne (smoked salmon with penne),and Landry and I split Spaghetti Marinara and Spaghetti al Aglio è Olio (spaghetti with garlic and oil). And because of the red wine on the pants episode from last night I had Presecco. It was the best meal we had so far-I know I say that about every meal but really this was better then the first night sandwiches, and the organic cafe!
So after a full day of shopping we took the bus back here to relax and watch TV Moda which is a channel dedicated to all fashion shows all the time. As for Denise's question: no we haven't meet any friends yet but we did meet people from New Jersey and West Chester. Yen no, we didn't rent a car we are living as the natives do, all Anthony Bourdain style oh and Celia still looking for that $40 leather jacket.
Vicky glad you like the pictures sign up for the group on flickr and you can see all the pictures we took so far. And hi Lauren I don't want you to think I wasn't going to shout you out. Ciao for now.
Today was shopping for friends day. We got up at 2pm and had breakfast got dressed and took the bus to Sorrento.
The first thing we had to do was to find Landry her fashion design kit or the rest of the trip would be a disaster. After walking up and down side streets we found it (whew).
Next we went shopping for all of you (can all of you followers let me know who you are so i don't forget you please!)
Anyway, after shopping we stopped at a restaurant to have dinner (mom and Vicky skip this part cause I'm about to talk food) Rob had Salmone Affumicato con Penne (smoked salmon with penne),and Landry and I split Spaghetti Marinara and Spaghetti al Aglio è Olio (spaghetti with garlic and oil). And because of the red wine on the pants episode from last night I had Presecco. It was the best meal we had so far-I know I say that about every meal but really this was better then the first night sandwiches, and the organic cafe!
So after a full day of shopping we took the bus back here to relax and watch TV Moda which is a channel dedicated to all fashion shows all the time. As for Denise's question: no we haven't meet any friends yet but we did meet people from New Jersey and West Chester. Yen no, we didn't rent a car we are living as the natives do, all Anthony Bourdain style oh and Celia still looking for that $40 leather jacket.
Vicky glad you like the pictures sign up for the group on flickr and you can see all the pictures we took so far. And hi Lauren I don't want you to think I wasn't going to shout you out. Ciao for now.
Monday, October 18, 2010
another day with more lessons
After spending the morning downloading pictures for all to see, I took a nap and waited for the afternoon or after 5 pm to go back out to Sorrento.
Today's lessons include: dogs and cats are allowed to roam around the streets including the shops and the restaurants. which means while you're eating dogs and cats are coming around trying to get you to pet them and the streets have piles of animal poop in them so watch your step. and two the school buses are air conditioned luxury vehicles and the buses for the public only have 15 seats and no air. it rains almost every night but in the morning the sun is high and shining and as for shopping there are cheaper shops on the side streets that if you have cash you can negotiate.
As for shopping I was able to get a leather belt made for me while I waited for 10£ or around $15 and Rob found Italian leather shoes for 35£ or $50!
Tomorrow back to Sorrento to shop for you guys and to get Landry this fashion design game she cried for. Our plans for the week include Sorrento tomorrow,Pompeii on Wednesday, Almafi on Thursday and we will try again this weekend to have dinner at the farm if it doesn't rain.
Quick question: Does anyone know how to get red wine out of tan pants?
Today's lessons include: dogs and cats are allowed to roam around the streets including the shops and the restaurants. which means while you're eating dogs and cats are coming around trying to get you to pet them and the streets have piles of animal poop in them so watch your step. and two the school buses are air conditioned luxury vehicles and the buses for the public only have 15 seats and no air. it rains almost every night but in the morning the sun is high and shining and as for shopping there are cheaper shops on the side streets that if you have cash you can negotiate.
As for shopping I was able to get a leather belt made for me while I waited for 10£ or around $15 and Rob found Italian leather shoes for 35£ or $50!
Tomorrow back to Sorrento to shop for you guys and to get Landry this fashion design game she cried for. Our plans for the week include Sorrento tomorrow,Pompeii on Wednesday, Almafi on Thursday and we will try again this weekend to have dinner at the farm if it doesn't rain.
Quick question: Does anyone know how to get red wine out of tan pants?
Sunday, October 17, 2010
not about food?
Yesterday I received an email from my mother saying all my blog is about, is food; so instead of telling you about how dinner at the farm was rained out and how Landry cooked dinner again (speghettini with red pepper sauce or about the amazing pizza we had today or the stuffed eggplant and basil pasta we had for dinner I will talk about other things.
Sooooooo today is Sunday and in Italy it is a day of rest, meaning everything is closed for the Sabbath. I found out how sacred this is when I asked a lady if the supermarket was open and she looked at me as if I was the Antichrist.
We told this day to get in some sight seeing. Instead of walking the road to town we walked the opposite way to the neighborhood. We passed by hazelnut trees with nets under them to catch the fruits, lemon trees , collard green patches and grape vines. We took lots of pictures (ok mommy) and i will post them to flickr, oh so to get to see the pictures on flickr you have to join the group ( ok Lauren). Lol.
After our walk we had pizza (sorry mom too good not to talk about) and came back to the apartment. We listened to one of the talks that I recorded at the special day and I took a nap on the balcony while Landry and Rob had a pillow fight. We just got done dinner and found out another fact about Italy. You have to separate you trash into four different color bags! Of course no one told us on Wednesday so we separated trash after dinner.
White bag for compostables, purple bag for plastic, gray bag for paper and black for just plain trash (why always black?) Anyway, after walking about three miles and eating three bowls of pasta Landry fell asleep, Rob is playing basketball on his phone and watching Forrest Gump in Italian and I am going to download pictures while I drink wine. Good night all.
Sooooooo today is Sunday and in Italy it is a day of rest, meaning everything is closed for the Sabbath. I found out how sacred this is when I asked a lady if the supermarket was open and she looked at me as if I was the Antichrist.
We told this day to get in some sight seeing. Instead of walking the road to town we walked the opposite way to the neighborhood. We passed by hazelnut trees with nets under them to catch the fruits, lemon trees , collard green patches and grape vines. We took lots of pictures (ok mommy) and i will post them to flickr, oh so to get to see the pictures on flickr you have to join the group ( ok Lauren). Lol.
After our walk we had pizza (sorry mom too good not to talk about) and came back to the apartment. We listened to one of the talks that I recorded at the special day and I took a nap on the balcony while Landry and Rob had a pillow fight. We just got done dinner and found out another fact about Italy. You have to separate you trash into four different color bags! Of course no one told us on Wednesday so we separated trash after dinner.
White bag for compostables, purple bag for plastic, gray bag for paper and black for just plain trash (why always black?) Anyway, after walking about three miles and eating three bowls of pasta Landry fell asleep, Rob is playing basketball on his phone and watching Forrest Gump in Italian and I am going to download pictures while I drink wine. Good night all.
Saturday, October 16, 2010
let's talk about food
Ok so Meals are a lot different here then at home. For starters breakfast is not your usual bacon and eggs and pancakes. The breakfast here is a sweet pastry like a croissant or a chocolate covered cereal bar sort of like a Nestle's crunch.
Next is lunch which as you all know is later in the day around 2 pm and is usually a sandwich or something fried like a calzone or eggplant patties then dinner is around 8 pm.
Dinner starts with a pasta or pizza course, then a meat or fish course then a salad course and then cheese for dessert. pastries and gelato are snacks. The pasta is different in that it doesn't swell up when it's finished cooking and at the supermarket there are about 100 different sizes but none of it is wheat. Lol .
Tonight for dinner we are going to a local agricultismo or farm and the farmer is going to prepare dinner for us using all of the things from his farm. I will have lots of pictures of that but for now here are some pictures of what we've eaten so far our favorite sandwiches, gelato, landry's stuffed shells
Friday, October 15, 2010
Visit to Sorrento
Hey everyone!
First I will let you all know that this entry is going to be long: so if you need to get stuff done, do it before you read this. Now, on to the many questions: I will post the pictures that we take on flickr and I will send the address right after this. yes Italian people are nice but no they don't kiss your cheeks but they do love little kids so they are pinching Landry's cheeks and calling her pretty girl. she of course hates it. As for the food, I am taking pictures of everything we eat so you will get to see; the leather goods I will check and Cecila if it's true i will get you one. OK so let's talk about our day and all of the things we learned.
First we started by going to our favorite bar ( in two days we already have a favorite) to get lunch before we headed to the city. we ordered a plate of fusille and discovered that not all Italian food is good:( the fusille had anchovies, capers, black olives and tomatoes and it tasted like old fish. Landry hated it and almost cried because she was going to have to eat it all if she wanted her Fanta. After a not so successful lunch we went to take the bus.
Another lesson we learned is that you can't get on the bus with money you have to use a bus ticket. and lesson number three for the day was that the Tobbacchi (the place where you get the bus tickets) is only open at night as most of the places in Italy. so standing at the bus stop a kind old man sold us two bus tickets and told us not to pay for Landry. Graci. next we got on the bus and went to the main city of Sorrento. today wasn't a shopping day but more of a day to get acquainted with the area and see what they have to offer. first stop was to get gelato. Landry got a strawberry and ate most of it but it had real berries in it so she didn't want it. Next lesson of the day is that the Nutella gelato is by far the best way to go. next it was off to get second lunch because as i said most of the places were closed for afternoon break which is for three hours. most shops open at 930 and close at 2 for break and then open back up at 5 until 10 pm.
Last night I looked online and found a organic vegetarian cafe that i wanted to try (stop laughing at me Lauren and Lynnette) and after many failed attempts we found it. I took a picture of our lunch, it was delicious Landry said it was the best pizza she ever had and she wanted to live there.
After lunch we went to the supermarket to get food and stuff for the apartment. the supermarket is called Sisa and some of them sell clothes like BJ's. After the market we walked back to the bus stop and Rob stopped to get some pastries (so much for no sweets). after the ride back to our apartment Landry decided she wanted to make stuffed shells for dinner so off I go to drink wine and cook. By the way mom, wine here is about $2 a bottle!
So the next blog will be all pictures if I can figure out how to get them from the camera to the computer to the blog. I think I better do that before the wine.......
First I will let you all know that this entry is going to be long: so if you need to get stuff done, do it before you read this. Now, on to the many questions: I will post the pictures that we take on flickr and I will send the address right after this. yes Italian people are nice but no they don't kiss your cheeks but they do love little kids so they are pinching Landry's cheeks and calling her pretty girl. she of course hates it. As for the food, I am taking pictures of everything we eat so you will get to see; the leather goods I will check and Cecila if it's true i will get you one. OK so let's talk about our day and all of the things we learned.
First we started by going to our favorite bar ( in two days we already have a favorite) to get lunch before we headed to the city. we ordered a plate of fusille and discovered that not all Italian food is good:( the fusille had anchovies, capers, black olives and tomatoes and it tasted like old fish. Landry hated it and almost cried because she was going to have to eat it all if she wanted her Fanta. After a not so successful lunch we went to take the bus.
Another lesson we learned is that you can't get on the bus with money you have to use a bus ticket. and lesson number three for the day was that the Tobbacchi (the place where you get the bus tickets) is only open at night as most of the places in Italy. so standing at the bus stop a kind old man sold us two bus tickets and told us not to pay for Landry. Graci. next we got on the bus and went to the main city of Sorrento. today wasn't a shopping day but more of a day to get acquainted with the area and see what they have to offer. first stop was to get gelato. Landry got a strawberry and ate most of it but it had real berries in it so she didn't want it. Next lesson of the day is that the Nutella gelato is by far the best way to go. next it was off to get second lunch because as i said most of the places were closed for afternoon break which is for three hours. most shops open at 930 and close at 2 for break and then open back up at 5 until 10 pm.
Last night I looked online and found a organic vegetarian cafe that i wanted to try (stop laughing at me Lauren and Lynnette) and after many failed attempts we found it. I took a picture of our lunch, it was delicious Landry said it was the best pizza she ever had and she wanted to live there.
After lunch we went to the supermarket to get food and stuff for the apartment. the supermarket is called Sisa and some of them sell clothes like BJ's. After the market we walked back to the bus stop and Rob stopped to get some pastries (so much for no sweets). after the ride back to our apartment Landry decided she wanted to make stuffed shells for dinner so off I go to drink wine and cook. By the way mom, wine here is about $2 a bottle!
So the next blog will be all pictures if I can figure out how to get them from the camera to the computer to the blog. I think I better do that before the wine.......
Thursday, October 14, 2010
And we made it
Hi everyone,
We made it and it is beautiful! Yesterday we got in and in true Dashields fashion it was pouring rain. our driver Mario was there right on time (Sherra :)) and it took us an hour to get to apartment. Mario was adorable and did a great job of speaking English but his driving and the driving of the rest of the Italians is crazy. I felt like Jason Borne rushing down all these narrow roads at about 60k per hour while its raining and on coming traffic is just as much in a hurry. we made it safe with Stefania waiting outside for us. the place is so cute and comfy. Because it was raining and we were hungry Stefania drove us to a market so we can get some food and to a local bar to get pizza. the pizza oven wasn't on yet so they make us these sandwiches. the sandwiches almost made me cry they were so delicious! they we made with ciabatta bread with mozzarella cheese, grilled aubergine (eggplant)marinated in olive oil and garlic and toasted in the oven. the other one was Caprese (mozzarella, tomato and basil. very basic but the best sandwich I ever had and Landry and Rob agree. after dinner we were exhausted and fell asleep until 2 pm today or 8 am your time. our phones don't work but Stefanie gave us her computer for communication. hey Lauren can you get in touch with my mom and tell her we made it. I don't want her coming here to get me because didn't call. anyway i am sitting on our baloney eating a bowl of pasta listening to this lady and her baby talking to a cat and the horns of the cars that are passing the narrow road. if anyone has suggestions as to what they want to know about send a comment and I will try my best to keep you all entertained. Ciao for now.
We made it and it is beautiful! Yesterday we got in and in true Dashields fashion it was pouring rain. our driver Mario was there right on time (Sherra :)) and it took us an hour to get to apartment. Mario was adorable and did a great job of speaking English but his driving and the driving of the rest of the Italians is crazy. I felt like Jason Borne rushing down all these narrow roads at about 60k per hour while its raining and on coming traffic is just as much in a hurry. we made it safe with Stefania waiting outside for us. the place is so cute and comfy. Because it was raining and we were hungry Stefania drove us to a market so we can get some food and to a local bar to get pizza. the pizza oven wasn't on yet so they make us these sandwiches. the sandwiches almost made me cry they were so delicious! they we made with ciabatta bread with mozzarella cheese, grilled aubergine (eggplant)marinated in olive oil and garlic and toasted in the oven. the other one was Caprese (mozzarella, tomato and basil. very basic but the best sandwich I ever had and Landry and Rob agree. after dinner we were exhausted and fell asleep until 2 pm today or 8 am your time. our phones don't work but Stefanie gave us her computer for communication. hey Lauren can you get in touch with my mom and tell her we made it. I don't want her coming here to get me because didn't call. anyway i am sitting on our baloney eating a bowl of pasta listening to this lady and her baby talking to a cat and the horns of the cars that are passing the narrow road. if anyone has suggestions as to what they want to know about send a comment and I will try my best to keep you all entertained. Ciao for now.
Wednesday, October 13, 2010
Brussels
This trip is turning out to be funny, long but funny. So first Rob gets detained in Philly and now in Brussels it's Landry's turn. She forgot to take off her belt at the security point and they had to frisk her. lol. I can't believe it! Anyway, in Belgium ofcourse you have to have pastries, cabbage soup and chocolates and we managed to have all of them this morning. I am at a little internet cafe in the airport so I can't upload the pictures just yet. One more hour here and we board the plane for Naples then we have a hour ride to Sorrento and then I think we're in need of some sleep.
Talk to you all soon.
Talk to you all soon.
Tuesday, October 12, 2010
Today is the day
Thanks Sherra for the words of encouragement! Ok everyone today is the day we leave. Am I all packed? No. Did I do everything I was supposed to do? No. I have until 3pm to get everything done and my ride gets here (thanks Devon). So the next time you hear from me hopefully I will be sipping an espresso in a tiny cafe in beautiful Sorrento. Ok I have to go finish......
Monday, October 11, 2010
One Day Left
So Hi everyone!
We are down to the last day and what a lot to do. I must first start off by thanking Lauren for all of her help today. She was great, if any of you ever need help packing, organizing or just need someone to be brutally honest about your choice of shoes or clothes Lauren is the right person.
She picked out some really great outfits and threw away all of my clothes that were outdated and too big. She also made me take back the shoes that I got on Saturday because she said her grandma Boo has the same ones! So back to the store to return shoes and to get two t-shirts. She also helped Landry pack which was really easy except for the one break down over a too short skirt.
On our way home Landry and I had a conversation about how nervous she is and how this trip was planned six months ago but the only thing we learned to say in Italian was Ciao. After assuring her that everything was going to be fine (since I have google translator for Italian we can always communicate),but now I'm nervous. There are so many things running around in my head! What if we miss the plane because they always stop me at airports for "random checks"? What if we arrive in Naples and our ride isn't there? What if we get to the hotel and they see that we're black and won't let us stay there? Ok, Ok maybe not the last one but you never know.....
Anyway, I have to still do hair, clean my house and finish trippin' so off I go until tomorrow. Ciao
We are down to the last day and what a lot to do. I must first start off by thanking Lauren for all of her help today. She was great, if any of you ever need help packing, organizing or just need someone to be brutally honest about your choice of shoes or clothes Lauren is the right person.
She picked out some really great outfits and threw away all of my clothes that were outdated and too big. She also made me take back the shoes that I got on Saturday because she said her grandma Boo has the same ones! So back to the store to return shoes and to get two t-shirts. She also helped Landry pack which was really easy except for the one break down over a too short skirt.
On our way home Landry and I had a conversation about how nervous she is and how this trip was planned six months ago but the only thing we learned to say in Italian was Ciao. After assuring her that everything was going to be fine (since I have google translator for Italian we can always communicate),but now I'm nervous. There are so many things running around in my head! What if we miss the plane because they always stop me at airports for "random checks"? What if we arrive in Naples and our ride isn't there? What if we get to the hotel and they see that we're black and won't let us stay there? Ok, Ok maybe not the last one but you never know.....
Anyway, I have to still do hair, clean my house and finish trippin' so off I go until tomorrow. Ciao
Saturday, October 9, 2010
euros
Here's what our spending money looks like in euros and a euro debit card
Sent from Yahoo! Mail on Android
Three Days Left
Soooo, today was supposed to be my last day at work but I had someone close for me so I could start getting myself ready for the trip. I looked online to see how to dress in Italy and discovered that in order to not stand out as a tourist you need to dress as the natives do. First, no baseball caps or shorts or sneakers are allowed. Next you must be fashionable (if any of you really know me you know this is almost laughable). Fashionable to Italians include chinos or nice jeans and long sleeve button down shirts for men and long dresses or skirts for women. Landry and Rob are thrilled at the chance to well...dress as they always do but, for me this will require some shopping. I had to go and get "comfortable walking shoes" but not sneakers and a raincoat both needed to be black to fit in. So I look for hours for a raincoat that I like, I find one that is in my price range and as I'm about to buy it I realize I already have this exact one but I put it in the cleaners about three months ago. So off to the cleaners I went and retrieved my raincoat and three other jackets for the same price as the new coat. Oh well. Anyway I now have a raincoat and some comfortable walking shoes and some long skirts and dresses. A special thanks to Denise for helping me figure out how to put pictures on this so if you don't care for my babbling you can hopefully see some great pictures. Until Tomorrow Ciao!
Friday, October 8, 2010
and now it begins
Hi everyone,
i know it might sound hokey but I started a blog for our trip to Italy. This is my first blog so bare with me. We are really excited to go and hopefully we will have lots of great memories and stories that you can all share with us. We leave on Tuesday, October 12th and we will return on Thursday October 28th, but don't tell my boss he might make me come back to work before November 1st.
i know it might sound hokey but I started a blog for our trip to Italy. This is my first blog so bare with me. We are really excited to go and hopefully we will have lots of great memories and stories that you can all share with us. We leave on Tuesday, October 12th and we will return on Thursday October 28th, but don't tell my boss he might make me come back to work before November 1st.
Wednesday, October 6, 2010
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