Darphynia's Diary

Day 5:  Assisi to Venice & Gondolas Street performance. Giulietta. The famous balcony. Venice (Venezia) is home to Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet (Giulietta).  Yes, the people did exist, but their story is that of fantasy, as far as we know.  The famed balcony where Juliet begins with, “Romeo, Romeo.  Wherefore art thou, Romeo?” is quite an attraction.  You can enter the balcony, but I believe they charge.  At the archway to the balcony, on a wall opposite the arch, and within the small courtyard, people have written and posted love notes or the initials of whom they are with.  In hindsight I wish I had done that.  I may never get another opportunity.  Anyway there is a statue of Juliet near the balcony.  Part of the statue is far more shiny than others.  Why?  Well, for some reason (and nobody really knows why), those who take a photo with the statue often fondle her breasts.   Kissing brid...

Soon, I will be embarking on a new venture.  For years I have wanted to give back.  There are so many things out there that need change.  Without going into too much detail right now, let's just say I have figured out a small way to make a difference.  There is so much I would like to accomplish.  When I was younger, it seemed as though life was never-ending.  Now, I realize how we are just a "blip on the radar" of what we call existence.  I will post more information as soon as I can. All it takes is one act of kindness to turn someone's life around.  It may seem insignificant, but it could be the catalyst to something wonderful.

Day 4:   War Cemetery & Assisi The War Cemetery and fountain. There are few things more sobering than visiting war cemeteries.   They are a reminder of casualties of war.   Most of the graves were those of people who were no more than 30.   Many never saw it past 18-19.   Our tour director bought roses, in red and white, for each of us to place on the grave of a headstone of our choosing.   


Days 3-4:  Pompeii, Sorrento & Capri Some recovered artifacts and a plaster cast of one of the residents. On our way to Sorrento we stopped at Pompeii.  It was definitely not as I had imagined.  The city was considerably larger, and they continue to excavate.  

Days 2 & 3:   Rome, The Vatican City & Other Roman Sights Managed to find a Korean restaurant within the first 24 hours of being there... There are so many things to see and do that you could be in Roma itself for two weeks, and it wouldn’t be long enough.   The architecture, history, food, and culture are remarkable.   If only the locals could appreciate as much as the visitors do.   But I guess it’s the same anywhere.   I don’t see the fascination with Los Angeles, and as much as I love Disneyland I often forget why the tourists are so awed.   Since we live around these things, we really take them for granted.   Okay, rant over.   Each building has a story to tell.   Many of the homes owned by the wealthy have been converted into apartments or government buildings.   You can tell which time periods the buildings were constructed by the architectural style.   Ticket to the museum. A fountain. ...