Doing this blog is a process. From taking many photos, editing, deciding and applying some creativity, it takes quite some time to produce. On this trip, there were so many times I did not get to spend as much time as I wanted. Here is an epilogue with additional photos and information I would have liked to share.
Verona, Italy 🇮🇹 - Oceania Cruise - Allura - Around The Boot Trieste to Rome
My two 1st cousins Wendy and Norma aboard train to Verona
Arena di Verona, remnant of the original coliseum still in use
A centuries-old rib bone suspended under the Arco Della Costa (Arch of the Rib)
Enclosing the Scalinger tombs showing ladders on 14 th century wrought iron grilles
🇸🇮Ljubljana, the Capitol of Slovenia UNESCO World Heritage National and University Library of Slovenia (above). Designed by Jose Plecnik, Slovenia’s most renowned architect. Incorporated in the facade are remnants of ancient Roman walls and a Baroque Palace.
A Beautiful city …
Lake Bled, Slovenia
🇮🇹 Trieste, Italy is an interesting place with a mixture of the Adriatic Sea, Slovenia and Italy all in one area.
Aperol Spritz, since 1919 which I found to be great! A vivid orange cocktail with gentian, rhubarb and cinchona (a medicinal Peruvian tree). Very popular!
Impressive Marina near Miramare Castle in Gulf of Trieste. Note: Impressive tropical gardens but with more trees than flowering plants.
The Little Cheeze Triangle (Il Formaggino). Perched 1000 feet above the Gulf of Trieste sits the National Sanctuary of Mary Mother and Queen. My photo but too blurry to use - AI assisted for this one.
🇭🇷 Zadar, Croatia
Way too little time here in this amazing country with some of the most beautiful coastline I’ve ever seen.
Dubrovnik …
Truly impressive wall
One special artist whose painting I purchased because it fit well with my first impressions here
I like the phrase…”We are just girls who mind their own business, literally”
🇬🇷 Greece … My third visit to Greece and I share a soft spot with my cousin Norma for this country. We undertook a private taxi with a wonderful “singing” driver to explore the somewhat un-touristy higher elevations with spectacular views.
🇬🇷 Olympus, Greece.Origin of the Olympic Games where it would be hard to pick one area of most importance. If I had to pick, it would be Cryptoporticus the entrance used by athletes to enter the Olympic Stadium. You can imagine the thoughts, hopes and fears of ancient athletes as they entered.
🇲🇹 Malta was much more than I had imagined. It was the busiest as far as tourists go, but wonderful. The view! Wow! Of special note, The Maltese government caps energy prices with a gasoline subsidy program. Hmmm…
I noticed these Maltese enclosed wooden balconies. They are called Gallarija for climate control and privacy. They had adjustable glass panels to block sunlight and still allow Mediterranean breezes. As well, locals could look out and observe daily life below completely unseen.
Fridge magnets seem to be a popular and affordable souvenir
🇮🇹 Catania, Italy has a charm and vibrancy that makes wandering around great. We enjoyed the day sampling food and drink and seeing so many wonderful places.
A little piece of Mr Etna and yes … purchased!
Church of San Francesco Borgia
🇮🇹 Pompeii. The most amazing place of this entire trip has to be Pompeii. I’m including a few more photos but first some interesting facts!
1. Pompeii remained hidden for 1500 years
2. There are over 11,000 examples of graffiti in Pompeii
3. 13 to 20 feet of volcanic ash fell on Pompeii covering 81 carbonized loaves of bread.
4. The Greeks were there first. There is evidence of Greek settlements in Pompeii before the Romans.
5. There are many examples of erotic art. Even today minors are not allowed to view certain areas without adults.
Entrance
Our excellent tour guide.
Haunting remains of one of over 1000 victims 1947 years ago. Encased in plaster.
🇮🇹 Amalfi coast. The finale in this most beautiful of places. Torre dello Ziro is a medieval watchtower with a wonderful history. With a walk of over 4.5 km it’s a pursuit of those in much better shape ( and younger ).
Renowned lemons grown here I can attest make for wonderful ice cream and drinks and they are huge!
Until the next trip …
