Italy - Part IV - Vatican City

After already spending about 12 days in Italy surrounded by the numerous priests and nuns walking the Italian streets, I felt I was ready to enter Vatican City.


I'm not sure why, but many of my good friends (especially Pam)were nervous about me trying to enter the Vatican. As you can see...there was never any need for your concern. But thanks anyway.



But I've been traveling long enough to take precautions when faced with uncertainty so I did fake to the left and jump off the tram to the right when I landed on Vatican soil.

I think the guy to my left who was nailed by a bolt of lightning must of been a bad man. I'm glad I distanced myself from him. Crazy...I thought the lightning bolt was folklore to scare people. Joe escapes another close call.

Before I entered the main square...I was impressed to see everyday stores and restaurants (FootLocker, small pizza shops, etc) in Vatican City. I felt like it was my type of town.

But when you enter the main square...you soon realize that you're not in Embro any more. The buildings are huge, the square is enormous and St. Peter's Basilica creates a sense of awe and wonderment. Maybe I don't belong here.

Luckily I arrived early and was able to enter the Basilica without waiting in line. I've realized that you have to have patience when visiting Europe in high season. And most of you know that I don't have an abundance of patience, especially when it comes to waiting in line.

From the main square, I decide to get some culture and head to the Vatican museum where it is said...if you looked at each exhibit for 60 seconds...it would take you 12 years to see them all. I knew I was defeated before I started so I sped along quickly.

But speeding along was only for the middle part. The line to get into the museum stretched over 300 metres and at least 5-7 people wide. And no I didn't bud in line or push some old people out of the way although I wanted to. Hey...I'm still not sure that lightning bolt wasn't for me. Thank the heavens (hey...remember where I was) that the line only took 25 minutes to get through.

Then it was on to row after row of museum relics. I'm not sure if I was the only one feeling it or not, but the museum really freaked me out. Half the sculptures were missing their heads, and in other rooms...heads and only heads could be found on the end of spikes. Very eerie!!

By this time, my patience had run out and I tried to find the Sistine Chapel as quickly as possible. I've been told it's a must see in the Vatican. After finding my first sign to the Sistine Chapel I soon realized that my adventure was just starting as every room had a sign to the Sistine Chapel and there were just herding us like cattle.

I'm not sure if I've said this before or not, but I absolutely hate tour groups. I know hate is a strong word...especially when talking about the Vatican, but I HATE tour groups.

The herding down narrow corridors was enough to break most people. (If you're the least bit claustrophobic...this might not be a good place for you)

Then compound the problem with every tour guide (and there had to be 20+ when I was there) stopping in the middle of the corridor with their herd of 15-25 people to look at EVERY painting or relic.

Let's just say that I actually felt guilty...being in one of the most holy places in the world...and all I wanted to do was kill people. And yes, a lot of people. I still have nightmares about that place.

After three more narrow corridors and countless rooms (all with signs to the Sistine Chapel), I actually arrived at the Sistine Chapel. It was pretty small compared to the rest of the Vatican rooms and they had guards yelling at anyone who took a picture. Even after all my suffering...I didn't spend more than 5 minutes in the Chapel.

Sorry to all you readers...It took me at least an hour to get to the Chapel and I have no pictures for you. Some of the real photographers just turned off their flash and discreetly clicked away. Damn...I need a new camera. (Oops...I guess I shouldn't swear especially in the Sistine Chapel. Sorry Mom.

I've never been so happy to get out of a place before. I promised myself never to go there again, unless the Pope personally invites me and offers to give me a personal tour.

When I spoke to the Pope after leaving the Chapel he apologized for the long lines and tried to alleviate my fears. He didn't think I was the intended target of the lightning, but he couldn't say for sure.

So I'll tell you up front and you'll notice from the pictures, but I didn't climb the stairs to overlook the main square. I'm not crazy...I didn't want to give anyone a second chance and a much clearer shot at me.

So are you tired of Italy yet? I guess I wasn't as I headed to Venice and Milan as well. But they will have to wait for the next posting. Ciao.

Italy - Part III - Rome

Ahh...Rome!



I really don't know what to say about Rome, so I will keep the words short on this posting and let the pictures do the talking. You must be getting sick of my commentary by now anyways.



The picture of the Coloseum above certainly doesn't do it any justice. I felt in awe at my first glimpse of it from about three blocks out. I have seen many sights on my travels but none have moved me as much as the sight of the Colosseum.





At first glance I couldn't believe this small town kid from Embro (yeah...that's me) was in the presence of something so historic and grande.







I quickly became the fiercest, and fan favourite gladiator to ever enter the bowels of the Colosseum. I was in favour of the emperors and feared by all opponents. In the end (as all gladiators eventually fall) it took beasts of unknown strength and size to bring me down)

I know...a little crazy and a tad bit morbid, but that's how I felt. I talked to other backpackers and strangely enough...many had similar feelings as they walked towards to Colosseum.

Get to Rome and try it for yourself or if you've already been there...let me know how you felt.

I had pretty high expectations of Rome before arriving and was worried I'd be let down as often you are when you've already set high pre-conceived notions of a place.

But in the end....it was even more impressive than I had imagined. You would be hard pressed to walk more than 100 metres in any direction without seeing something of historic relevance or beauty on a huge scale.


I'm going to let the pictures tell the rest of the story.

Once again...everything is so huge in Italy, it's hard to capture on a picture so...let your imagination turn you into a fierce gladiator, a Roman emperor or whatever image the pictures conjure up for you.

Enjoy....

Next...we'll have a little chat with the Pope at the Vatican City.

See you here again in 4-5 days. Ciao!!

Italy - Part II - Florence

Up until now I had seen many beautiful buildings in Italy, but in most cities...there were the top 5 'must see' buildings...but in Florence...they were everywhere. I was overwhelmed by the number, size, architectual design and did I mention the size of these buildings. All the buildings and arches were larger than life.



Were the Italians trying to over-compensate for something? I don't know. All I can say is WOW!




Another 'wow' factor for me was the hostel (Plus Florence) I stayed in. I'm guessing I stayed in the nicest room in the joint, but it was definitely the best hostel room (by far) that I have stayed in during my travels.



It consisted of a huge space with a wall down the middle dividing the beds up. Only two beds per 'room' and then down the hall within my room (yes I said hall...crazy) was stairs leading to a bathroom.





How cool is that? If you've ever backpacked before and stayed in hostels...you'll understand my excitement. And to top things off, the bathroom had a bathtub and a bidet. What's up with that? And yes...I had to go on the Internet to figure out how to spell bidet. I'm guessing a few of you are going to have to look up the meaning of bidet as well.





The hostel also had TWO bars...one being a terrace bar with great views of Florence. I'm surprised I ever left the hostel...but I did...only to bring you guys some cool pictures. You can thank me later.



OK...enough about the hostel...did I mention it had TWO bars? I guess I did.




Since I was staying three nights, I knew I had time to aimlessly walk the streets of Florence and explore the entire city...not just the recommended sights...even though they were numerous.



Now I usually really enjoy the freedom of not knowing where I am, but it is a little disconcerting when you've been 'off the map' for more than two hours and it's siesta time so no one but yourself is walking the 'off the beaten track' streets and all the shops are closed.






And now picture that you've been walking for more than 5 hours in flip flops. Now I must admit...I'm fairly new to wearing flip flops but everyone in Europe made fun of my kick-ass sandals...so when in Rome...you know the saying. Yes I know I'm still in Florence...it's only a saying. Give a guy a break!






But unseasoned 'flip flop' feet, in mid 30 degree weather, walking uneven streets for more than 5 hours took its toll on me. I'm guessing it would on anyone, but even now...almost two weeks later...I still have blisters on blisters.

But never fear...for my awesome readers...I persevered and walked many more miles in Italy before giving my feet some well deserved rest.

Now as ALL of you know...I'm not really into fashion unless a T-shirt, shorts/jeans, sandals/running shoes are the next fashion statement to come ouf of Milan, but it's hard not to notice the fashion in Florence. Men and especially women are dressed to the 9's at all times. And man did they look good. In hindsight, I believe people dressed better in Florence than in Rome.

But how do the women wear those high heels and walk on such uneven streets without a misstep? Trust me...I'm not complaining. The other thing I noticed about the Florentines (not sure if that's a real word or a Joe word) is they seemed to move with the upmost sense of confidence. I sensed they felt they were better than me (but since most people do...I'm pretty used to that) and I guess by looking at my backpacker apparel (some being 9 months old) they had a right to. If they only knew who they were looking at...a past president of the Embro Boys...they would have thought differently.

I ended up spending a 4th night in Florence...not because it was such a beautiful city(even though it is), but because Italy decided to have a National train strike. Didn't they know I needed to get to Rome? This is messed up and I was informed that these strikes happen on a regular basis. What kind of country is this? I just hope they check with me next time.

Ciao from Florence...

Italy - Part I - Cinque Terre, Pisa & Siena

Alrighty...since you have been such a great crowd...I'm going to hit you with 4-5 quick blogs. I will space them out about every 4-5 days to keep a little suspense, but you guys deserve it.

And then for the real reasons...Italy has too much to offer for just one blog and I found myself with a bit of down time.

But really...it's all about you guys. Trust me on that ;)




After a 9 hour train from Hamburg to Zurich, then two days in Zurich...I found myself on an 8 hour train ride (throw in a 20 min bus ride) to Cinque Terre Italy which is located along the north-west coast of Italy.

Cinque Terre is actually a region composed of 5 small villages: Monterosso in the north, then Vernazza, Corniglia, Manarola and Riomaggiore in the south.


This region was paradise(nice and relaxing) and reminded me a great deal of the Greek islands. So who can go wrong with that?

I also found it a mecca for Canadian backpackers which was very cool since I spent Canada Day here. Three of us Cdns and three cool blokes from London England did Canada proud and closed the only restaurant in town...then took some travellers with us and then hopped back into the hostel with about 10 seconds to spare before the hostel was locked down. One of the London boys actually had more red and white and more Cdn symbols on him than all of us Cdns combined.


The region has a very famous, picturesque walk along the coastline with breathtaking views. I chose the 9-11km walk starting at Riomaggiore and finishing off at Monterosso...and it almost finished me off. Very much up and down cliffs in 35 degree weather, but it had to be done and it was worth all the sweat and tears involved.




Oh yes...there was crying as I climbed endless stairs. I needed a beer SO bad, but I only stopped for a quick 20 min lunch (no beer!) and plowed through making my destination in only 3.5 hours when they said it would take 5 hours. Whatever grannies!

If anyone has thoughts about going to Italy...I would certainly suggest a few days in Cinque Terre.

Does anyone know what building this is to the left? I thought not. There is only one famous building in Pisa...and if you don't know what it is...well...there's no hope for you.

I was originally going to spend a night in Pisa, but was told by fellow backpackers that it was only worth a day trip and they were definitely right. I hopped off the train on my way to Florence and enjoyed the sights of Pisa for about 3 hours. And that was enough.

What about this building? I didn't think so. However, both buildings were spectacular.

I must admit...I was pretty awed by the Leaning Tower of Pisa. I spent a lot of time just staring at it. Maybe I felt consolation in the fact knowing that others can make huge mistakes and some times those mistakes turn out to be works of art. Damn...I must be a famous artist by now!

Well...here it is. And it is crazy to say the least. But it's spectacular! Now I didn't try it...I'll leave it up to the next Cdn traveler to Pisa, but I wondered if the Tower straightened itself the more beer you drank. What do you think? Can someone do a scientific experiment and let me know. My money is on a proven, positive outcome. Thanks.

One of the main downfalls I found in Pisa was the graffiti. I know it's everywhere, but I usually find graffiti art to be of pretty high artistic flair. However, most of the graffiti in Pisa either had slogans of liberating this country or that country OR slogans of death to this group of people or that group of people.

Very disturbing. I didn't see any graffiti dealing with Canada or Canadians so I felt OK, but thanks for asking.

Another *ç%&*ç%& lost picture. I'm guessing you guys think that's funny. But the jokes on you this time...it was only a so-so picture anyway.

And then it was on to Florence, but I'll leave that for another day.





I was going to spend a night in Siena as well, but once again...backpackers are all knowing (as am I now) and I was told it warranted a day trip only. So on my way to Rome, I stopped off in Siena for 3-4 hours.

I loved Siena except for one 'pain in the back' (literally) problem. Their train station nor their bus station had a luggage storage area. So what does that mean? It means Joe has to carry his entire backpack and day bag around Siena as I sightsee for 3+ hours. And we are talking summertime in Italy people...not fun.

But I have to admit, Siena was worth it. It was such a cool medieval town. Luckily, with all the old, high and cramped buildings...it gave great shade covering...yes I was sweating like a mad man. Unfortunately, it made it impossible to take pictures of the many wicked looking buildings.

And if you've ever been to Italy before, the size of most of these buildings makes it almost impossible to get into a picture. So I apologize for the pictures not doing most of the buildings in Italy any justice. But I was 'wowed' by most of them. I hope that's enough for you.

Remember...fast and furious for the next few blogs from Italy. Ciao!