Gloria's Travel Blog

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All aboard the Celebrity Solstice in route to Canes, Nice and Monaco

BARCELONA, Spain

The cruise left from Barcelona, ​​Spain.   I  greatly recommend to spend several days on this great city, since Barcelona is a place full of charm and history.  We did not stay there this time since we visit it last February.  Celebrity offers a tour of Barcelona upon arrival from the cruise in the event that you have limited time there.

Originally the ship was supposed to stop at the port of Nice, but there was bad weather and we stop at Cannes instead, so we were able to see Cannes and saw where  the famous Cannes Film Festival will be celebrated next year (May 16 to 27) .

Nice: We were here only a few hours, Above picture is from the “ Flower Market” which  we visit with our friends, Luis and Merilu.  We were able to walk through the famous Promenades des Anglais,  enjoy the old town, and able to see much more.

Monaco is on a beautiful hill called “The Rock”.   Monaco is the second smallest country in the world (the first is the Vatican) as everyone knows it is full of wealth, well-kept and very clean.   I loved seeing the Cathedral where Grace Kelly married Prince Rainier and, and are now buried there. Needless to say the view from there is spectacular.

 VIEW OF MONACO

Tower of Pisa

Florence and Pisa

The port here was Livorno. We took here a tour of Pisa and Florence, passing through Tuscany, with its beautiful countryside, we arrived at Pisa  to see  “The Leaning Tower of Pisa” .   The tower is in a plaza with streets full of shops and vendors, were prices are more expensive than the shops in the city. Most of the souvenirs sold there are over price and are “Made in China”, I could not find any bargains there, specially if it was Italian made.

Plaza Santa Cruz

I’ve been to Florence several times and always look forward to going back.  It has so much history!.  Many works of art,  the marvel of its churches, its friendly people, and if you go to the ”Plaza Santa Cruz”  you will enjoy the works  of Michel Angelo, and the Museo di Palazzo Vecchio (all free). Traverse ancient Florence on foot, is to go back to the 1550′s and the time of Michel Angelo, and the Medici.  You will find small cafeterias and restaurants were you can have a snack or a coffee for a reasonable price.  Expresso is usually 1  or  2 euros.

Remember that in these parts of Italy,  you have to pay for public restrooms. so  keep some change with you at all times.  Prices are from .30 euro to .60 euro.

Civitavecchia, ITALY

This is the port from where tours depart to Rome, if you have not seen Rome before, it’s best to take the  ship tour, is quite expensive, but it will give you a small idea of Rome;  the famous Coliseum and the Vatican are are among the most important sites.   We decided to go to Civitavecchia instead, since we have been in Rome already, and see the new marina and a boardwalk recently build there.  It was very nice.

DUBRONIK, CROATIA

The beauty of this city took me by surprise.  This city was in war with Montenegro in the 1990′s but it has been totally restored since then.  It is very nice and very clean. Unesco gave them the money to rebuild. We took the cable car there, which took us to the top of a mountain with a beautiful panoramic  view of the city and from where  we could see the walls that surround and  protected the old city.

View of DUBRONIK, CROATIA from the view point were the cable car took us.

VENICE, ITALY

Venice disappoint me a little, I was there 30 years ago, where the pigeons surround you in Piazza San Marco and you  could quietly have a glass of wine or an expresso in the surrounding establishments.  Now the number of people has robbed her beauty, you don’t walk anymore, instead you are taken by the multitude of people.  We took a tour that included  the Palazzo Ducale (Doges Palace),  if you like art and history the tour is worth while as they explain paint by paint , also they tell you how people were torture there and they take you through ”Bridge of Sighs” The Cathedral is a beauty, and the demonstration of Murano also is interesting, but by the time we finish the tour it was  5 PM, and it was night already.  It was cold and getting colder so we decided to have a “cortadito” (expresso coffee with milk) in the Piazza San Marco bu they were asking as much as 12 euros, so instead we walked about three blocks north of the Plaza, and found a very welcoming where we were treated very well, and so we could enjoy our “cortadito” and use the restrooms for 1.50 euro each.   That night we stay on the ship, but going back to Venecia from the ship cost $22 per person and since we had to be on board by noon we decide to stay aboard the ship the rest of the time.  In my opinion it would have been better to arrive to Venetia early in the morning and leave late at night instead of having two half days there.

 Boka Kotorska Bay

Kotor is hidden in Boka Kotorska Bay, on the north coast of Montenegro, it is a beautiful and picturesque town where you can walk through its narrow streets, in a short time.  Do not miss it.

I will cover, in more detail, all these cities that we visit on my future blogs, so keep in touch for more.

This part is for those who like more details of the ship

CELEBRITY SOLSTICE

Inauguration Nov.23, 2008 Named the best by Frommer’s cruise ship in 2011

Capacity 2850 people

122.000 tons

1041 feet long

Beam 121 feet

24 knots cruising speed.

His staff is always smiling, the food could not be more exquisite, and the desserts … it makes me salivate when I think of them.

I want to make a special mention for those who were “ULTRA nice” to us:

Ricardo Paisica, Yolanda Burnett, Mariano of Macedonia, Blagoyche Kuzmanoski of Macedonia, and George Roy of India.  A big hug for all of them.  Here is a photo  with our new friends and waiters.

Blagoyche Kuzmanoski of Macedonia, and George Roy of India.

Photos of Gloria & Vily

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In April 30.1803, USA purchased New Orleans from France.  This purchase was signed by Robert Livingston, James Monroe and Barbe Marbois in Paris, for a total of $ 15 million dollars, less than 3 cents an acre. This Treaty included: Arkansas, Missouri, Iowa, Oklahoma, Kansas, Nebraska, part of Minnesota, much of North and South Dakota, part of New Mexico, Texas, Montana and of course New Orleans.  This purchase was vital for President Thomas Jefferson.  See map below indicating the purchase in green.

There is so much to do in New Orleans ( NOLA as their residents call it), that I would like to spend a few months there, and share the joy that their residents have there.

FRENCH QUARTER

This famous area, was founded in 1718 by the official French Canadian Jean-Babtiste Bienville.  The French were its first inhabitants, and their buildings still reflect the era of that time, but Louis XV ceded it to his cousin Charles III Bourbon of Spain, which explain their buildings with bars and bricks, and of course its Spanish oil.  Four decades later came the purchase of Louisiana by the United States. Then started a flourishing era, with their crops of cotton and sugar and the steam ships that brought goods, as well as, Irish, German, African and French immigrants, creating a wealth of culture.  different religions, all of them contributed something to this beautiful city.  In 1900 the jazz music was born, legends as Louis Armstrong, Buddy Bolden, Oliver Kin, this attracted many artists and painters, as well writers, which were inspired while enjoying this mix of cultures.

If you walk at night by Bourbon St., you will enjoy will famous the bars, burlesques, and also bands playing jazz on the streets.

SAINT LOUIS CATHEDRAL

The cathedral-basilica built by the King of France, is the oldest cathedral in North America founded in 1718, in front of the Mississippi River, was established as a parish in 1720 and designated a Basilica in 1964. The inside is very nice.

Next to the Cathedral is were artists sell their paintings and crafts.

New Orleans gets about 10 million visitors annually.  One way to see New Orleans on a budget is to take the local street cars or trolleys.  That will save a lot of money that you would spend in tours, since you can buy a $3 pass per person for an entire day.  You can use it also on the city buses.  We did not have any problem moving around in the “streetcar”, and you get to see a lot for just a few dollars, although be prepared to walk a lot in New Orleans if you want to see everything.

New Orleans is a “party city”, there’s always something to celebrate, and the wiliness to have fun.  In many stores downtown, there are an large assortment of costumes for every occasion.

Starting with  Halloween (late October), there are several days of enjoyment giving candy to children, which they use a large number of different costumes.

Christmas is celebrated at many restaurants with their typical creole food.  Homes and business are decorated with Christmas lights and decorations.

CITY PARK

It shines with two million lights, and is located at Palm Drive, New Orleans LA 70120.  There is free parking, inside the park and you can visit: New Orleans Botanical Gardens, New Orleans Museum of Art, and the largest collection of Oaks in the world with more than 600 years old.

MARDI GRAS

The season concludes with the Mardi Gras, which lasts a week with parades and floats that go from St. Charles Avenue and Canal Street, ending at the French Quarter.   It is almost impossible to get a room at a hotel at a reasonable price during this carnival, but you may be able to  rent an apartment or a timeshare at a more reasonable time, just plan ahead.

FRENCH MARKET

Founded in 1791, is the oldest market in the United States and you can find almost everything there, such as souvenirs, crocodile hot dogs (not bad at all), fruits, etc., but don’t look for quality goods, since almost all is ”made in China”

RIVER WALK MARKET PLACE

It was built for the World Fair of 1984, here you can find quality shops with typical  New Orleans gifts. It begins across the street from the Harrah’s Hotel and Casino.  Even if you are not staying at the casino, you can visit it to try your luck, or just to eat at their restaurants or fast food court.

You can take a tour of  the Mississippi river, on the famous New Orleans “Steamboat Natchez” which cost $ 35.50 with lunch and without lunch is a little cheaper. www.steamboatnatchez.com   for more information .

AQUARIUS AUDUBON

Located in Central Business District / Downtown at 1 Canal St.

$ 18.00 adults and $14 age 65 and over

It has 600 marine species, including a white crocodile.  There is a small cafeteria and a souvenir shop.

SAINT LOUIS CEMETERY

You can take the trolley in front of the Harrah’s and visit the cemetery.  You may want to go through the exclusive Garden District, which have  beautiful homes and also see Tulane and Loyola Universities.

This cemetery is one of the three Catholic cemeteries of the same name, but this was the first.  It is from the eighteenth century, and you will  notice that the graves above ground (something not common in the U.S.).  Originally they were buried underground, but flooding in the area caused graves to float, having to switch to above ground graves.  There are many famous people buried here, and if you wish,  you may take a paid tour of the cemetery, but for us it was boring, so we did it “our Way”. 

I want to thank Cathy, Mike and Kaleena for making this trip so enjoyable to us.

CATHY AND MIKE

I hope you enjoy your trip to New Orleans.

Photos by: Cathy, Gloria ,Vily and Mike

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A few months ago my son suggested that we  meet at a cabin in Tennessee for the HOLIDAYS, so my daughter in-law Cathy began searching for a cabin in the Pigeon Forge area.  This area is so popular at Christmas, that you have to book them months in advance.  We left Miami in two cars and stayed one night  in Atlanta, Ga.  The next day, as we had more than enough time, we decided to go through the Smoky Mountain National Park to enjoy the scenery, but when we got to Cherokee,  the road ahead was closed due to ice and snow which fell the previous days, so we had to detour, and we lost a few hours.  We  took I-40 and then SR 411 to enter in Sevierville, and then  441 to reach Pigeon Forge. The traffic was,! HORRIBLE! in 441 and in I-40.

At last we arrived our destination, so we stopped at the market to buy food for the first night and breakfast, since it was already 6 pm and the night had fallen. We ‘ll buy the rest of the food for our stay in the cabin next morning after we have settled down.

When we reached the gate house where the cabin is, we felt relieved. My son Ford Excursion and our Mercury are both rear wheel drive, but we thought that we would make it fine to the cabin, but on our first try,  we got to the road indicated on our directions and it was closed, due to ice. (here is a  photo of the road)

We returned back to the gate house to ask for new directions, and they gave us a map highlighting  another road.  We proceed on the new road, but after a few turns we got stuck in the snow as my son in the bigger car proceeded up the mountain.   We were blessed that a snow plow nearby saw us and was able to pull us out of the snow.  We continue our journey, and with difficulty, we were able to meet our son again, but he told us that not even his truck was able to continue, and that his family had left walking toward the cabin instead.  Since we had my parents (88 and 90 years old) with us, we knew that walking was not a choice for us, since the cabin was over one mile away.  We began a 3 block backup in order to find a place where we could turn around our cars.  My mother and I were hysterical during this ordeal, but we made it back to town and got a hotel for that night.  My son decided to go back and  join his family, which have left before on foot  to the cabin.   Some time later, he called me to say that his car was also stuck in the snow, and thanks God,  a couple in a truck gave him a lift to the cabin.  This was the beginning of our holiday reunion.

The Excursion getting pull out of the snow

Our Cabin

The next day, my daughter in-law spoke with the owner regarding our situation, so he sent us the cabin caretaker with a truck and he gave us a lift to the cabin.  Meanwhile our car was left in a flat parking lot at a nearby lodge.  We were able to take all our luggages and the food we had previously purchase to the cabin, where my son and family had no real food since their car was still stuck in the snow.

In the mean time Kent, the caretaker, had also rescue their luggage and food from my son’s car. 

! HALLELUJAH!  We arrived at last!     and then  our family reunion began without any more incidents.   From there on we had a terrific time together.

MORAL: When you go to rent a cabin in winter, find out the  road conditions, and try to reach there in daylight.

Even Lucy (dog) had a good time

Cades Cove

Cades Cove was formerly known as “Kate’s Cove” in honor of  an Indian chief wife.  This area had so much animal life that appealed to Europeans for hunting in 1800, they built cabins in this area for that purpose.  Currently still have lots of wildlife, which has been preserved, since this area was incorporated into “The Great Smoky Mountain National Park.”

Cades Cove  retains some of the original huts, stables, barns etc built by the pioneers, because they planted corn, wheat, and also sold cattle, that why Cades Cove looks like a valley without trees, because it was the area where they planted.  These families lived there before the area was incorporated into Smoky Mountain National Park.

Cades Cove area

OLIVER ELIJAH CABIN

After my son regained his truck, we decided to go see a waterfall there, “Abram Fall” but when we arrived, we needed five hours to make the journey, so we decided to go and see the Elijah Oliver cabin.

Elijah Oliver was a pastor and an employee of the Primitive Baptist Church for 37 years and he was buried there, he was known as a good hunter, he hunted from 3 to 6 deers a day.

This cabin is not the original, which was destroyed, but  his son built this one for his honeymoon in 1866.   His father had bought the land in 1826.

Cades Cove people are known for their hospitality,  they will gather on Saturday and Sundays  to tell jokes, stories etc. They always have a guest room available for those passing by.  

 Cades Cove Loop

It is a road built as a closed loop that runs around Cades Cove, it has several parking lots where you can take foot trails, this is what you have to do to see the pioneer’s cabins and the waterfalls.

You could also visit the center of Pigeon Forge, who are well prepared for tourists, and it is easy to reach and enjoy a pleasant time.

Downtown Pigeon Forge

Also Downtown Pigeon Forge

My suggestion is to do it again soon, and see those things we missed this year.

Photos by: Cathy & Vily

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The logo for Walt Disney World says: “Where dreams come true”;  when one arrives at Disney world, your attitude changes, you leave behind your problems. your aches, and become the person you once were when you had those dreams.  Those hard working years and all your worries go on hold, you are now in a dream world of fantasy, and hope.

Walt Disney (Walt Disney Productions) bought 27.400 acres of land  in the name of various small companies  and the first 5 acres of that  land was obtained in 10/23/1964.

In 1965 at a press conference Walt Disney explained all his plans, even spoke of  EPCOT CENTER  as the community of the future.

Unfortunately he did not see his work finished, since he died on 12/15/66, but his brother Roy O. Disney retired in order to replace his brother and he was the one who made Walt Disney’s dream a reality.

Magic Kingdom opened on October 1971.  I still remember the economical burden of taking because the entrance fee of $14.  At that time they also inaugurated the  Disney’s Contemporary Resort, Disney’s Polynesian Resort and Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort and Campground. The Palm and Magnolia Golf Course, opened later.

Roy died on December 20.1971, three months after opening.

Magic Kingdom

IT’S A SMALL WORLD

I don’t know how many  times we have gone there, and even now that the kids are grown, we like to go there ourselves.

What I like the most is “IT’S A SMALL WORLD”  with 300 dolls representing different countries, in which they sing and dance to their music “ It’s a small world after all” .  It’s so true that we are only a small world.

Of course there are  many other attractions, Peter Pan, Pirates of the Caribbean, Country Bear Jamboree; you may take a small train that takes you to the world of Mickey, and you’ll have a wonderful day.

Go to:  www.disneyworld.go.com to see all the attractions.

EPCOT CENTER

Opened in 1982 with the vision of Walt Disney, “The World of Tomorrow” Here they have built the most relevant from different countries, and each has an attraction eg…: Mexico has the pyramids and a bit of its history, you also see  Japan, Italy, Germany, and many others.  Also it  has many other attractions.   At night you’ll see a water show at the lake which is in the middle of all these countries, you’ll also see  fireworks.  What a beautiful show it is!!!!!!

DISNEY HOLLYWOOD STUDIOS (Previously MGM Studios)

MGM Studios opened in 1989, inspired by the  Hollywood films.  In 2008 it was renamed because it originally was known as MGM Studios.

Like the other parks has many good attractions, but for me, the best of all is “Lights, Motors, Action! Extreme Stunt Show.  It lasts 33 minutes and every minute counts.  Someone is always chasing somebody and these drivers are Incredible!.  At the end they explain how some of the stunts are done.  Excellent show, in my opinion.

Lights, Motors, Action! Extreme Stunt Show

DISNEY PARADE

ANIMAL KINGDOM PARK

It was the last park to open, I can not find it as good as the others, but I recommend the Kilimanjaro Safari, 110 acres  imitating an African Safari. I also liked, “It’s tough to be a bug”

At the entrance of this attraction Look at the “Tree of Life”. If you look closely, you will find Mickey,  Minnie and  many other characters within the tree. Very original.

Kilimanjaro Safari

 Enjoy!!!!!!!!!!!

Photos by: Gloria & Vily

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I had always heard that the trip on Hwy 101 North (Pacific Hwy) from Los Angeles to San Francisco was beautiful, but everything that I was told was much less than my own experience in our trip, it was awesome, especially  since we had a clear day without any fog.

Views from Hwy 101.

We went to see Hearst Castle in San Simeon, you leave the car in the parking lot and climb on a bus to the Castle.  The castle has 165 rooms which includes the main house with 115 rooms and several guest houses on 120 acres, that were donated to the State by William Randolph Hearst.

HEARST CASTLE

Located in a mountain 1,600 feet high, called The Enchanted Hill.  The gossips say Mr. Hearst built this castle to his mistress, actress Marion Davies, since his  wife never gave him a divorce, although he  spent with Marion  long seasons in the castle and gave great parties with a large number of VIP”s.  It was built between 1920 to 1940.

Views of Castle main swiming pool

The Castle is huge and is divided into four tours.  I recommend going with  comfortable shoes, as their is a lot of walking involved.               Tel: (800) 444-4445.  The entrance fee is between $ 20.00 and $30.00 dollars depending on the date, tour,  and time that you choose to go.

SAN FRANCISCO MISSION

From Hearst Castle we went to the  “San Francisco Mission”, like in all missions, priests, as well as , native workers (who were “servants), soldiers, lived there, and also it had rooms for visitors.

In 1833 it was hit hard by an earthquake, but it was rebuilt.   I was  not very impress by this mission since I already visit the “Capistrano Mission” in Southern California.

SAN FRANCISCO

I was very anxious to reach San Francisco, and I was surprised since I thought that every house was going to be  ”Victorian Style” as seen in movies or on TV.

View of a typical San Francisco housing.

San Francisco is a beautiful city, and HOME of the famous Golden Gate Bridge.  No wounder the song “I left my heart  in San Francisco”.

Golden Gate Bridge

Considered a marvel of engineering, was completed in 1937, is 1.7 miles long and you can cross it 24 hours a day, by car, on foot or by bicycle, but motorists pay a toll to cross it.

It is the longest suspension bridge ever built,  connecting San Francisco to Sausalito across the bay.

We spent a day at Fisherman’s Wharf.  First we bought the tickets to go to “Alcatraz”, the ferries are operated by Alcatraz Cruises, departing from “The Rock” at “Pier33″ on the wharf.

ALCATRAZ ISLAND

Only 20 minutes by ferry,  you can take a beautiful photographs of San Francisco, the bridge, the prison and the bay from the ferry.

Alcatraz was a federal maximum security prison from 1934 to 1963, there were well-known criminals as Al Capone,  Machine Gun Kelly, and many more that spent time at this prison.

It left me without words. You can take an “audio tour”  by renting  headphones, that are in many languages, which will explain in detail the history of this place.

If you go from May to September it is advisable to buy tickets in advance.  For reservations call:  (405) 981-7625.

Once back from our tour, we walked around the Fisherman’s Wharf, which is full of restaurants, hotels, shops and above all, very fresh fish and seafood.

The Pier 39, on Beach Street,  are two floors of shops, restaurants and resorts, where you can spend a wonderful time and meet many friendly tourists from many parts of the world.  From there you can also see  “seals” that are on a platform.

Ghirardelli Square

Between Beach & Polk Streets, near Fisherman’s Wharf, on a 2.5 acres is the old brick building of the famous Ghirardelli chocolate factory. You can taste and buy it there.

CHINATOWN.

When you are in San Francisco, it is a must to visit “Chinatown”, it is the largest outside Asia and the oldest in North America.

You can take a  walking tour of Chinatown, it will lead to the manufacture of handmade ”Fortune Cookies” , also you’ll see how they work their artisans using techniques thousands of years old.  You can eat lunch in any of their restaurants, the smell of their food will guide you .

I loved it, but the parking was a bit difficult.

Nearby was the Italian neighborhood,  this whole area was interesting and entertaining to us.

San Francisco is famous for its hills, has over 50,  and its neighborhoods have been built into them: Nob Hill, Pacific Heights, Russians Hill etc.   Southwest of the city there are other hills called Twin Peaks which  is one of the highest points in the city.

San Francico view from Twin Peaks

Lombard Street (Now The Crookedest Street)

The street with more switchbacks in America, it was designed this way so you slow down and could admire their homes and gardens while driving it downhill.  You can park at the end of the street  in Leavenworth St. where you can take the best photos.

Another view of Lombard St.

To get around the city, if you have no car, can take the trolley, sometimes, depending on the time,  pack full.  Also you can take the city buses, taxis, or take the  city tour.

Busy San Francisco trolley.

On this occasion, we stayed in San Bruno, a city that is 12 miles south from downtown San Francisco,  we like to stay in the suburbs, since they have less expensive hotels and quietest areas.  We stayed at the Comfort Inn there.

There are plenty of things to do in San Francisco, just wanted to give you an idea of the main things to do.

Remember what I always say: ENJOY YOURSELF!

Pictures by: Gloria and Vily.

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This blog is dedicated to those students graduating this past weekend at the University of Florida (UF).  Those students that don’t make the news, because there is nothing bad or ugly to say about them.

Dec. 19, 2009 graduation ceremony.

From left to right My son Mike, granddaughter Kal, Grandson Chris,  & daughter in law Cathy.

We went to Gainesville this weekend, invited by my son and daughter in law to the graduation of my dear grandson Chris, an exemplary young man, likewise those who graduated with him, a few serving  in the Arm Forces of United States, others are  prominent athletes, such as T. Tebow, quarterback of the Gators (football team of the University of Florida (UF) in Gainesville).

Tim Tebow quarterback of the Gators.

Chris my grandson.

University of Florida (UF).

Gainesville was chosen in 1905 as the University of Florida, and in 1906 started with 102 students, today it has 50,000, and is the largest in education, in medical, cultural, and in athletic events.

UF and Shands  Hospital provide many jobs for Gainesville residents.  I would say that Gainesville is a college town, it has all the conveniences of larger cities and the students who don’t not want to live in the University dormitories, they can rent houses near by and ride their bikes everywhere in town, using the exclusive bike lanes.

It also has parks and lakes where they meet and have picnics,  it also has museums such as “HARN MUSEUM OF ART, and its magnificent Natural History Museum, all of them Free.

Typical house rented by students.

Natural History Museum.

Inside the Natural History Museum.

Gainesville is in the center of Florida, two hours north of Orlando.  So if you are vacationing in Orlando and has the time, you may want to visit the city,  the university, its historic center, its Victorian-style homes and have lunch in any of its many restaurants.  I recommend Leonards (Italian), and maybe you will have time to visit some  of its 37 active parks in the afternoon, or stay another day in one of the many good hotels, such as  Hilton and Best Western.

We went to Devil’s Millhopper, 4732 Millhopper Rd Phone (352) 955-2008. It is a geological park of 63 acres, the most interesting of the Florida parks, because its huge sinkhole.  It is 117 feet deep and 500 feet wide, gets its name from its funnel shape, and there is a legend that those who fell there were going to hell.   Fossils of prehistoric animals have been found there, as well as huge shark jaws, which can be seen in the natural history museum. This park has been visited by archaeologists and tourists since 1880.  You can get down to the bottom of the hole using the stairs of more than 200 steps, but there is no elevator to get you up, so be prepare for a long and strenuous way going up.

Devil’s Millhopper.  Open Wednesday to Sunday 9 to 5.  $4 parking

Enjoying the stairs going down.

Grandchildren enjoying dinner after a busy day.

Have a great time on vacation and I hope that  some day you’ll have the satisfaction of going to your grandchildren graduation.

Photos by Cathy, Gloria, and Vily.

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Villa d’Este was originally a convent in 1550, which became a retirement mansion of the wealthy at one time in the past, and is located in Tivoli, it  took us an hour to reach there by metro and public bus from Rome.

Villa d ‘Este, is a work of art for its gardens, waterfalls and fountains.  In 1550  Cardinal Ippolito II was appointed Governor of Tivoli by Pope Julius III, and received Villa d’Este as a gift. As Governor of Tivoly, Ippolito II he restored the Villa Adriana, Las Cortes de Ferrara, etc.   He began to entertain the idea of building the gardens of his villa in the “Valley GAUDENT”,  it was not until 1560 that his pet project started with the painter, architect and archaeologist Pirro Ligorio, also helped by the architect Alberto Galvani, and the most qualified hydraulic engineer of the time, Tommaso Chiruchi, of Bologna.  Other painters were in charge of restoring the palace rooms.

The work was almost finished when the cardinal died in 1572.

In the eighteenth century, it was all abandoned and it was not until 1851 that Cardinal Gustav Von Hahelohe bought  Villa d’ Este and was  restored from 1867 to 1882.

The Villa’s gardens have 64 waterfalls, 51 fountains and 2844 feet of water channels.

It became again a cultural reference point and this is where the musician Franz Liszt gave one of  his last concert.

After the First World War, it was bought by the Italian government in 1920 and it was restored and opened to the public.  It was restored again in 1944 due to the bombings of World War II, and since then continually maintained.  The last thing they did was to clean the Organ fountain, and  Birdsong , listening to the music again, as it was originally.

The Aniene river is one source of water that supplies it to the gardens, and it  was diverted  one kilometer from its course in order to do this.  Rivellese Spring also delivers drinking water to some of the fountains, so you can safely drink it from those fountains.

My son Mike gave me instructions on how to get to Villa d’ Este from Roma without having to pay an expensive tour.  This is how we did it.

We took the metro in Rome to Ponte Mammolo station, then in the upper floor we took the Cotral bus for approx. 1 hr and got off at Villa d’ Este.  The driver announces the stop and we got off.

After enjoying Villa d’Este, you may eat lunch in any of the restaurants around the square.  There is a place that sold magazines and newspapers where you buy the bus return ticket. It was 2 Euros per person.  The total round trip cost from Rome, including the Metro, for the two of us was 10 Euros.

The charge for tours or excursions are: half day from $75 to $ 86 per person.

I want to mention that you must be able to  climb up and down many stairs.

Click on the URL below for more  photos, I hope they will give you a better idea of the beauty of this place.

http://gloria305vacaciones.com/tivoli-villa-deste-italy/

Photos by  Gloria and Vily.

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We just got back from Madrid and Rome and wanted to share withyou, that despite the strong  Euro, it was worth it.  It was a journey through history that we enjoy, as well as the very nice people we met which made the trip even more enjoyable. This trip (Miami-Madrid) we used miles earned on American Airlines, and  from Madrid to Rome we flew with Iberia where we ran into a some inconveniences due to a 2 day strike they had in Oct. 26 & 27.  What madeit worst it was their attitude  toward us, our reservations etc.  We had to call the hotel to inform them of our delay, change our transportation arrangements to the hotel, and canceled our tour arrangements.  Iberia never compensated us for our loses and the so called “ inconveniences” we had.  We recommend a more reliable airline.

Our Hotel in Madrid

We stayed at Best Western Carlos V Address: Maestro Victoria 5, Madrid, Tel: 34-91-5314100. They made us feel at home. We are very grateful to the front desk staff Manuel, Rafael, Jorge and Manel. Yhey are well manner and always ready to help us with directions. We used the hotel shuttle to and from Barajas airport  for just 20 Euros each trip for the two of us and our luggage.  The restaurant with its magnificent breakfast, not included in the room price, run by Domingo, who spread his joy and kindness at all times.

Hotel B.W. Carlos V Restaurant view

The hotel is old but everything is remodeled, very clean, and in an excellent location.  We could walk to the Puerta del Sol Plaza, where in one corner is “The Bear and the Strawberry Tree” symbol of Madrid, this square is considered the center of Madrid. This is for the people of Madrid as the Time Square is in New York.  The plaza is the place to be to celebrate NEW YEAR’S EVE in Madrid.

“El Oso y el Madroño” in Plaza of  “La Puerta del Sol”

Madrid’s people sleep very little,  they are known as “cats”, night after night we heard the noise and music of the youth, but next morning we found them having breakfast and discussing what a great time they had the night before.   We usually had breakfast at Canas y Tapas, where we met John, a young man from Barcelona  that works at this restaurant in Madrid, he was kind, polite and we chatted with him as if we knew him for a long time .  No doubt I recommend this place for breakfast, lunch, or to have a drink, they are a restaurant chain, but this one is on the same block of our hotel. Near by there is an entry to “EL Corte Ingles” which is a famous department store and  supermarket in Madrid.  The supermarket is in the basement, where you can buy water, soda, cookies, etc.  rather than paying the hotel “mini bar” prices.

CANAS & TAPAS RESTAURANT

For lunch we had no special place, when hunger, we stopped in one of the many restaurants of the area we where at that time.  I recommend that you look for the “Menu of the Day” it is usually better and less expensive.  Almost always it cost 9.99 Euros.  Includes: a starter, the entree, a glass of beer or glass of wine, dessert and coffee.   We ate at “Meson Cinco Jotas”  where I engage in a conversation with a lady from Argentina and her daughter, we ate well there and had a great time.  I send my love from Miami! Ola Graciela!.

LA CASA DEL JAMON. It is a well known restaurant (large chain) where the local people have breakfast and lunch at the bar.  They also have a separate restaurant away from the bar, but you pay more for the food there.   If you want just a few tapas and a little wine or bear with a ham sandwich it will cost you only a dollar for each item.

Well you know now that you can eat in many places, but to have a great  Chocolate with Churros, there is nothing like the “Chocolateria San Gines” which is near “Plaza Major” in Madrid.

THE METRO. To ride the subway which is very good, you have several lines and can be purchased at machines 10 tickets for 7.35 Euros, or if you prefer to pay for each trip individually is 1 Euro per trip per person.  Don’t forget to get a Metro Map before you go in a trip.

Hope in and out tour bus

We recommend the double-decker bus, which stops at all major attractions, where you can get off, see what you want, and get on the next bus which are usually every 15 to 20 minutes away.  I advise buying the two days because I’m sure that one is not going to be enough for all the things you need to see. Tickets can be purchased  at many newsstands and bus stops.  If you are over 65 ask for your discount, since sometimes is not mentioned.  One day tour Adults 16 seniors 8.50 Euros.  The second day on the 2 day tour is about half the price.

TRAVELS CHECKS WARNING:  Very few places including most banks don’t change American Express travelers checks.  They can only be changed at the American Express office in the airport and the rates are usually much higher than the going rate.  In Madrid we found only one office of Banco Santander that will change ours, but they charged us 18 Euros for changing $500.  This was the only office (including other offices of the same bank) that will accept American Express Travelers Checks.  This office was across from  La Casa del Jamon, between Arenal and CalleMayor. Preferably, bring cash, as hotels provide a safe in your room, for a minimum fee.  If you take large amounts of cash, carry it in a hidden money belt or similar,  This is a good tip for any city anywhere you travel.

PALACIO REAL

ROYAL PALACE began construction in 1738, and is not the residence of the Kings since 1931. It is used by the state for some important meetings, Entry fee is 9 Euros per person, but if you belong to the European Union is halved. There are tours and you can Select your own language in most cases.

CATHEDRAL ALMUDENA

Almost next to the Royal Palace is the Almudena Cathedral, famous above all for the wedding of Prince Felipe and Doña Letizia.

EL PRADO MUSEUM

MUSEO DEL PRADO.

The famous El Prado Museum, has famous painters and sculptors, among others, Goya, Velazquez, etc. It has over 7000 famous paintings. The entry fee is about 6 Euros, but  check for discounts.

SAN JERONIMO CHURCH

On one side of the museum, across the street, is this beautiful church that was annexed to the palace by the Catholic Monarchs. In the 19thcentury was restored and inside the church, there are sculptures of Benlliure and Juan Pascual de Mena.

Madrid is all history, beauty, luxury and simplicity. Next year (2010), “La Gran Via” celebrates it’s 100th anniversary on April 5.  King Alfonso XIII decided to begin the construction of this highway, planned since 1895.  I met a lady at “Parque del Retiro” and her eyes sparkled as she described, how years ago people used to dress up to walk and admire the surrounding of “LA GRAN VIA”, but even today people appreciate the beauty of its buildings, exclusive shopping and its illumination at night.  Today you can visit nightclubs such as The White Elephant, Chicote, famous for  their famous cocktails, and watch movies or plays, as famous as those of Broadway.

Lake at “PARQUE DEL RETIRO”

In 1868, this beautiful park was where monarchs took their guests to enjoy  its 350 acres of leisure.  Today is a playground for both locals and visitors.  You still can enjoy privacy, if you want to turn away from the crowds, and talk quietly, you certainly can do so.

Around the lake you’ll find cafes and tables where you can eat while enjoying yourself viewing people  rowing boats in the lake. Very nice to see and rest at the same time.

CONVENTO DE LAS DESCALZAS REALES

It was founded by Joan of Austria in 1557.  A place of peace and tranquility in his chapel, where we heard Mass.   To take a tour of the convent you need to wait in line, since the tours are of 20 people at a time.  They charge 6 Euros per person.

FUENTE DE CIBELES

One of the most famous fountains which is at the intersection of Alcala and Paseo del Prado, opposite to the Bank of Spain and the Palacio de Comunicaciones, which is today the Town Hall building.

TEMPLO DE DEBOD

It is an Egyptian temple donated to the Spanish Government for their help with the Aswan Dam.   It was transported stone by stone, from the Nile in 1968.

My blog would be endless with all you can see in this big city, so I did a page with pictures,  so you can get a better idea of  Madrid.   There is a saying in Madrid…

From Madrid to Heaven and in Heaven … .. have a window to see Madrid.

You can see more Madrid photos at: http://gloria305vacaciones.com/madrid-espana/

Photos by Gloria & Vily

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Yellowstone National Park is for me, the most complete  and beautiful national park, and is known as “Land of Wonders”, was established in 1872 as the first national park in the world, is home to black and brown bears, wolves, bison, moose, elk, different types of birds including the eagle.  It has over  300 geysers and more than 10,000 hot springs, mud pots, etc that can be seen throughout the park, being the most famous Mammoth Hot Springs and Old Faithful (geyser) erupting every hour.

Yellowstone National Park North Entrance

I’ll try to explain, as simple as possible the process of Yellowstone:

1 – The Yellowstone volcano contain boiling water in the depths of the earth.

2 – Through a great pressure, it dissolves the mineral “calcium carbonate” and mix it with gas and boiling water.

3 - The gases mixed with  boiling water and with calcium carbonate comes out under pressure.

4 – Once on the ground the water cools off and evaporate, the gases rise to the surface, and when it cools off,  the calcium carbonate begins to settle down forming the various figures around the park, such as Mammoth Hot Springs.

Mammoth formation

Grand Canyon of  Yellowstone  water fall

The Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone River has an impressive waterfall  of  over 300 feet tall.  The park’ has streams and rivers where you can fish and do water sports, but permits are required.

Do not go on foot through its prairies, because it is very dangerous  to encounter wild animals, or to step a hydrothermal ponds. In some parts of the park you may encounter toxic gases, so if you feel ill, leave the premises immediately.

Yellowstone has several entrances, but in all of them, you will get a map, and information of the park. At the visitor centers you can find instructions in several languages and you can talk to a park ranger which will help you with any question you may have.  Please respect the rules and regulations to avoid accidents.  The entrance fee to the park  is $ 25, but if you are a US citizen or resident and 62 years or older you can buy a lifettime permit for $10 which is good at any National Park or Monument.

The park offers lodges and cabins; Dunraven Lodge, Roosevelt Lodge, for those who are more adventurous, Old Faithful Snow Lodge and Mammoth Hot Spring Hotel and Cabins, their prices range from $ 85.00 to $ 150.00. We stayed at West Yellowstone, near one of the park exits in Montana.

I recommend that you bring a coat, since temperatures changes quickly anytime of the year due to the altitude (over 9000 feet in some parts of the park).

Snowfall in the beginning of October

BEERTOOTH MOUNTAINS SCENIC DRIVE.

If you have a spare afternoon or morning, I recommend this beautiful ride, designated as a national scenic drive on US-212,  between Red Lodge and Cooke City.  It  has been called by a  CBS reporter, “The most beautiful scenic road in America”, it  is very nice and impressive, the road goes around the mountains and it was completed in 1936, but rebuilt in 2006. It is 53 miles long and reaches an altitute of 11,000 feet through the “BEARTOOH MOUNTAINS ‘.  You can find more information at: www.redlodgechamber . org.

RESPECT THE RULES AND DRIVE SAFELY

ENJOY YOUR VACATION.

Photos by: Gloria and Vily

More Yellowstone Photos at: http://gloria305vacaciones.com/yellowstone-national-park-photos/

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George Merrick,  was the one that planned and built Coral Gables in 1920. His family moved to Florida, when Merrick was 12 years old, he studied at Rollins College in Winter Park.   In 1915 the Governor of Florida selected him to replace F.A. Bryant, as Commissioner of District 1;  he spent 15 months planning the roads and highways for SouthFlorida, including main highways, which then will serve him to connect to his well-planned city of Coral Gables.  Miami was growing significantly and together with Edward DeVere built among others, The US-1, the Tamiami Trail, across the Everglades, the Bay Causeway to Miami Beach, and also Ingraham Highway, (now Old Cutler Rd.).

George Merrick

Beginning in 1922, in 3,000 acres covered with pine trees, which had been inherited from his father, he began building his beautiful mediterranean style city,  as he called it “City Beautiful”.  He built it with such details as streets surrounded by trees, bridges, a golf course, a beautiful church, a huge hotel, and even an unusual Water Tower.

The water tower has been modernized, and today may be seen in a small park at Alhambra Circle near Coral Way.

Alhambra  Water Tower

One of the Entrance to Coral Gables from Tamiami Trail

He was also credited to established the University of Miami in Coral Gables in 1926, donating 600 acres of land and five million dollars.

Mediterranean-style house

The hurricane of September 18, 1926, along with the Great Depression, killed his beautiful dream, but didn’t give up and  moved to Matecumbe Key, one of the Florida Keys and open the Caribe Club near Long Key Fishing Camp, but bad luck followed him, and the Labor Day hurricane of 1935,  known as The Storm of the Century, swept the Caribe Club.  He returned to Miami in 1940 and died in 1942 at the age of 55.   But his dream was not in vain, today we have the beautiful city of Coral Gables.  A well-planned community, which is an independent city and belongs to Miami-Dade County.

You can visit his house at 907 Coral Way, Miami.  It has been restored and opened to the public twice a week, on Wednesday and Sunday from 1 to 3 PM.   Adults are $ 5.00,  Seniors and children under 3 years, are $ 3.00.

VENETIAN POOL

It’s a  820.000 gallons swimming pool of spring water, with two waterfalls, designed by DenmanFink,  George Merrick’s uncle, it was restored in 1989 and is something worth visiting.  The address is : 2701 DeSoto Boulevard, Coral Gables, FL 33134. Tel: (305) 460-5306.

I also recommend going to Coral Gables City Hall, there are free maps of Coral Gables, you may need it, since all streets have names instead of numbers. Address: 405 Biltmore Way, Tel: (305) 448-6592.

The stretch of Coral Way between 37th Avenue and   Le Jeune Road is  named “Miracle Miles” , and it is full of good shops, and restaurants, but if you want to visit the new Coral Gables Mall, look for Ponce de Leon Boulevard, which crosses Miracle Miles, and go towards the end which is  VILLAGE OF MERRICK PARK.

Biltmore Hotel

The Biltmore Hotel is at 1200 Anastasia.  Kings, Presidents, renowned artists and even Al Capone, have enjoyed this sophisticated hotel.  Is rated one of the best of  USA.  The main tower is a copy of the Giralda in Seville.

Its rooms start at $ 300.00 a night.

Little Flower Catholic Church

This church was built at the request of a Catholic group, and the Bishop said the new parish would be dedicated to St. Therese of Lisieux, who was known as “Little Flower”.  The altar was made of marble and has beautiful carved wooden figures.  It’s situated near the Biltmore Hotel and the Congregational Church.

CORAL GABLES GALLERY NIGHT

15 years ago, on the first Friday of the month, the  Coral Gables galleries  open to the public until 11: PM, in there  there friends and family meet together and enjoy  free cheeses and wines offered by the  galleries, where many hispanic artists are seen.  If you see a trolley, do not hesitate to climb in, they are “free” and you may avoids long walks.

I hope my article will be useful during your visit to Coral Gables.  ENJOY.

Photos by: Gloria and Vily

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