Home Sweet Home

I got home Wednesday night after 24 hours of travel. 17 hours of flights and all the hours before, after and between flights. I started feeling sick on the first flight and only got worse as time wore on. Now I'm trying my best to overcome my foggy head, sniffles, and sore throat. I worked on Friday which may have been a mistake and I'm back on full throttle starting tomorrow. Wish me luck.

I want to thank you all for reading my blog. I have had such fun writing it. I'm glad I took the time to sort through my pictures as I took them. I probably spent the most money during the entire trip paying for internet service on the boat but it was worth it.

I came home to a clean house, Thanks Lance!

I was so happy to see my critters. The doggies welcomed me with smiles from Jen and licks from Annie. The cats played it cool but it wasn't long before they asked for my attention.

My first morning home was wonderful; my shower (big enough to turn around in), my electric toothbrush, my towels, my everything. I am happy to be home and am already wondering where I might cruise next. I was lucky to work with people like darling Lou and hope that happens again some day.

The Isle of Capri

I’m home and feeling pretty sick and fuzzy headed but I’ll try to catch up again. Our last stop was in Naples…



Capri: The boat docked in Napoli (Naples) for our last stop. All I saw was the port as we walked to catch our shuttle boat for a one hour ride out to the island of Capri. It’s a beautiful place and a bit too rich for my blood. The shuttle bus took us up to Anacapri (translation: above Capri) and dropped us in front of a store and we all filed in for a demonstration of the inlaid woodwork technique that Capri is famous for. It was interesting and beautiful…and expensive. I ducked out of that store in a hurry and took a chair lift ride to the top of the island. The cliffs, the white houses and buildings, the aquamarine water…Majestic!





The streets on Capri are narrow and the people drive like they have all the room in the world. It was quite the thrill ride. We had a nice walking tour and lunch in our tour group and then we were on our own to wander the streets and stores. I finally tasted the lemon liquor I’d been hearing about. Yow! Once it was time to head back we took the Funicolare, a “train” that goes straight down hill much like the lifts down on Seahurst beach. I admit I was a bit nervous looking at the cable holding us up and remembering my wild ride as a small girl.





We made it down safe and sound where I met this little guy.



My favorite pictures from that day is of flowers and tropical plants. This entire bunch of flowers was the size of my thumb. Small and powerful.

Deaf-Blind touring

Many people were interested and confused about a deaf-blind couple taking a cruise to Italy or really traveling at all. Why travel if you can’t see? Now that I have a couple of weeks under my belt, let me explain.

As I have explained to many people, most deaf-blind people are not born blind. They lose their sight slowly over time. One person on this cruise is completely blind, the other has limited sight. With the limited sight individual we interpret everything said by the guides and then point things out so they can see them. With the fully blind we do tactile interpreting which means their hands are on top of our hands as we sign, we also have to include everything we see as we interpret. We describe the building and the landscape. Whenever possible we get their hands on what we see. We lead their hands to a statue, a well, a candelabra, an ice sculpture, etc. It’s a lot of work but it’s also fascinating.

Both of them did their homework. They have read and studied the history and culture of each place they planned on visiting. The fully blind person described it beautifully. They said that before they lost their sight they depended on their eyes to see, now their eyes have moved into their brain where they can still see everything. These are educated, interesting people who after retiring now have the time and money to travel, very typical don’t you think?

Islands, 4 wheelin’, and brandy.

Our second stop in Croatia was in the city of Dubrovnik. I was scheduled to work with the deaf-blind folks on a tour of the city but one of the interpreters got sick so I switched to an excursion with the same deaf couple that went to the waterfalls. This time it was a 5 hour 4 wheelin’ trip. There were 6 toyota 4 wheel drive trucks lined up and ready to go when we arrived. We headed out caravan style with the deaf husband at the wheel. So much fun. We went up mountains, through grassy muddy fields, and forged a river. It was the kind of insanity that had me laughing the entire time. I distinctly remember saying, “We’re in the middle of a river!”





I learned that Dubrovnik is the southernmost city in Croatia. There are over 1000 islands, 600 of which are inhabited. Croatia is called “The Pearl of the Adriatic”. There is so much coast to be enjoyed. Like I said about Split, everywhere you look there is stone. Do you see the salamander on the wall in the second picture?





We ended our trip at a small village for lunch. The family welcomed us and showed us how they prepared our meal. They have a long fire pit and once they have hot ash they put in iron pots with lids. They let the meat cook for 3 hours turning it once. We had chicken and lamb and potatoes.



It is tradition in Croatia to drink brandy before a meal. They gave us each a shot glass full of their homemade brandy made with 9 herbs. You could smell the herbs. We had a dried fig in one hand, dipped it in the brandy, took it out, downed the whole shot, then ate the fig. It was STRONG! I was light headed the rest of the afternoon.



We were served lunch in an old olive press mill. They explained the process of making olive oil. Interestingly enough, the man said the “extra virgin” olive oil in the states is a scam. Virgin olive oil means it was the first pressing or cold press, regular olive oil is the second pressing or hot press. There is no such thing as extra virgin. It’s either virgin or it’s not. He compared it to a woman, there are no extra virgin women. Cute.

Day 2 in Venice

The highlight of our second day in Venice was the gondola ride. The people working the gondolas wear the traditional striped shirts. They maneuver through the canals barely touching anything but water. They use their feet, their oars, and mirrors to navigate and avoid collisions. At some intersections there were traffic jams with so many boats making their way around town it was impressive to see them cruise right past each other. The men (there is only one woman gondola pilot and she works for a hotel)greet each other and chat as they go by. When we went through places where there weren't as many boats it was so peaceful. What a treat.

Venice at last!

Ahh Venice, so much to see and say and do. Mostly I wanted to stand by the canals and watch the best boat handling skills I’ve ever witnessed. (Sorry Rod) They moved those boats like we move cars. I almost can’t call it docking, it was like parking. It didn’t matter if the vessel had a motor or not, they moved gracefully around town without trying. Everything is transported by boat. Cars and bikes are not allowed in the city. You see boats with boxes of supplies, boats with people, garbage boats, and we even saw a boat to move dead bodies. The people are pack animals, hauling everything around in carts. This picture is of the “hearse” boat.



Parking outside a cafe



It was like a dream to wander the streets and see all the canals. It felt unreal.



After a short walking tour, we were left to our own devices. Five of us interpreters stuck together and went in search of lunch. We dined at a restaurant away from the main tourist area. Some of the best pasta ever! Next we were off to shop. We ducked in and out of shops looking at masks and Murano glass for about five hours. It was the only place I really spent any money. We took a tour of the Murano glass factory the next day. I was surprised to learn that there was a time when the skills of making glass was so secret that they moved the factory to an island to protect it. If anyone tried to escape the island they were put to death. It also protected the city from fires caused by the furnaces. I’ve seen glassblowers before but nothing like this. It takes at least 8 years to become a master and not everyone makes it. I was glad I bought a few things the day before in the city because that stuff is spendy!

We all feel like we’ve seen enough churches to last us a life time but one interesting difference I noticed was that Venice was the only place where the statues have halos.



As we looked around for all those hours we knew we needed to end up in Saint Marks Square but didn’t try to find it. We just went from store to store. I found coffee and gelato, of course, and my cohorts found masks. We were supposed to be back on the ship for dinner at 6:00. At sunset we rounded a corner and walked out into Saint Mark’s Square. Perfect!



We caught the shuttle boat back to the ship and called it a day.

oh shoot! I forgot Sicily!

Interesting that I should forget the place I'd most like to go spend more time in. Hmmmm. Ooops.

I don't have to tell you all that I can be pretty clueless about other countries and cultures. This has been such a great way to learn. I wasn't aware that Sicily is so much its own country. They have their own history and influences and language. The guide was hesitant to discuss the mafia but he did say it is absolutely real and present. He talked at length about his Mama. I'd guess he was in his thirties and while he does live on his own, she makes his lunch everyday and then feeds him dinner at night. she does his laundry as well. He couldn't see a reason to get married when he is so well taken care of and that is the norm. Men find it hard to find a woman to replace Mama and women find it hard to compete. When someone asked him what happens when his Mama dies, he wouldn't even think about it. Crazy.


I was surprised to see the cactus everywhere. Apparently it is a hot, dry climate.

We went to a town named Taormina for a walking tour. At the top of town there is an arena that is in ruins. there was a lot of construction going on trying to save it. As we wandered the streets we came upon a celebration and parade honoring the soldiers. It is a special day for children to meet soldiers and join them in the parade.



All along the main street there were narrow alleys going up and down the hills. I was tempted to venture along a few and see what life was like off the beaten path. I didn't follow that urge but I did take picture after picture. On a ledge at the opening of one of these was this darling furball.


After Taormina we went up Mount Etna, a very active volcano. I could have lived without that part of the tour. Long winding roads sitting sideways, interpreting. you can bet I got carsick. Didn't puke but it was close and the headache was pretty bad. They fed us a nice lunch and I walked around to try to feel better. I asked to skip interpreting on the way down and my team let me off the hook. They saw e turn green and didn't want an encore. I would have rather seen it from afar like this picture.

Split, Croatia

Next we ventured into Croatia. The excursion took us into Krka National Park well known for its waterfalls. Once the bus arrived we interpreted for about 5 minutes and then had 2 hours to ourselves to walk around the falls. It was so calm and nice. Wonderful to be out in nature and to not be working. The hike went down one side and up the other. There was a wooden path through much of the area since it is so wet. It’s funny, every single tour guide talks about how beautiful the weather is here, hot and sunny, and yet with land is so soggy. When we were almost back we met a local kitty. She just moved from tourist to tourist getting love and pets. I got a very nice kitty fix. Here is a shot of the falls and of my friend.




I rounded one corner and this last picture came into view. All I could think was “Hilde should be here.” It reminded me of the kind of place she finds for us to hike to. When I got hungry later I knew that if I was hiking with Hilde she would have snacks for us both. I love you Hilde!



Split is in the Dalmatia region. It is made up of the main land and many islands. Our guide said that the Dalmation dog is from there. Folklore says that the spots on the dog are to signify all the islands of the region. The land is hard and rocky. The original people of the land were farmers and the area relied heavily on agriculture. Everywhere you look there are short rock walls. It seems that the farmers had to move the rocks to be able to grow anything so instead of piling them up, they made rock walls. Although most people have since moved towards the waterfront, the rock walls remain and inside them the ground is covered with greenery.
Due to war in the late 1900s there was not much tourism in Croatia. In the year 2001 only one cruise ship visited Split. This year there has been over 230 so things are looking up.

Pisa

Well, there’s this leaning tower in Pisa. I guess it’s famous or something. I don’t know. Grin. I found it amusing that while they spend a lot of time and money keeping it from falling down, they don’t stand it up either. What good is Pisa without its leaning tower? Actually all of the buildings lean eventually because the land is so wet. So here is a picture of leaning Lisa with the tower of Pisa. You can see the angle pretty well compared to the other building.

Lucca

Lucca: The towns are starting to run together in my mind. I remember a cool fortress and wall protecting the city. The most striking memory other than the dogs was something I wasn’t allowed to photograph. Inside a church was a gazebo shaped enclosure with the scariest Jesus statue ever! He looked strung out and angry. I bought a post card, ask me and I’ll show you. Since no Jesus picture, how about a doggie standing guard?

Florence and more

Livorno: The boat docked in Livorno which gave us access to Florence, Lucca and Pisa. The cutest part of town that I saw out the bus window was this little bay or creek or whatever it was full of small boats.



Florence: Oh what to say about Florence? You can feel the history in the air. Everywhere you turn there is something ancient and meaningful. We were warned to be careful with our things because the gypsies are quite talented at stealing and pick pocketing. I was glad I borrowed a traveler’s pouch that hung around my neck and under my clothes to carry my money and ID. (Thanks Hilde!) The tour guides are full of dates and information. They move too fast for those of us interpreting for the deaf-blind couple and it’s sad how little our clients get to “see”. If we had time we would describe every statue, every arch, every building. Instead we were rushed through it all.



During free time the interpreter who lives in Florence brought us to one of her favorite restaurants for lunch. We had a wonderful meal and lots of laughs. After that we walked around, shopped a little, had coffee and gelato. That is really the theme of the trip. We work, we get free time, I go get coffee and gelato and buy a small calendar of the town we’re in.

I started noticing lots of cute doggies around town. Boy was it tempting to put one of the puppies in my bag.



I love all the gates and fences and iron work. I have lots of pictures.

the Lisa you all know...

And now for a brief intermission from my travel log to tell you what I think and how I’m doing.

You all know me pretty well but you may or may not know that I require a certain amount of solitude. I made the mistake of not respecting that fact when I interpreted the week long cruise to Alaska. That was tough. I am paying more attention to my own needs when I have breaks. So far those have been spent writing to all of you and arranging my pictures. This morning I sat on deck and drank a latte.

My mornings have been full of work and 4 of the 7 days so far have been spent interpreting excursions for 6-9 hours. In the evenings we dine at a table next to the deaf folks and are at their beck and call. After dinner there are either stage shows or games. In a 15 hour day, we’re lucky to get 2 or 3 to ourselves. The days spent at sea are better. Today I worked from 8-10am and I’m off until 2pm. I woke up this morning at 6:30am local time and turned on my phone hoping for a text message from Kevin telling me what happened in the presidential election. OBAMA Baby! I am being careful of my roommate’s feelings since she is devastated but I am hopeful for the future. I am thrilled.

Most of my nights have been spent at different bars on board with 3 of my cohorts. We sang karaoke a couple of nights. The best was “Love Shack” by the B52s and “Jitterbug” by Wham. Darn amusing. We are semi-famous around the boat now as “the girls”. They assume we are all drunk…they are ¾ right. I’ve had a drink a couple of times but drunk I am not. I wish I liked the taste of wine since it is a huge part of this culture. I spend my time at the bar flirting with a man who works on the ship. I’m willing to bet not one of you is surprised.

The hardest part of the trip has been the negative attitudes of the other interpreters and the constant complaining. I’m sure they are sick of my positive attitude and my constant looking on the bright side. I’ve become pretty quiet when we are together and semi-shut down. I let them rant and piss and moan and eventually decisions are made and I go my merry way. I check my emails, I check my phone for texts from my darling boy and I smile because I love my life. I look at the sea, the sunsets, the beautiful country side and I am at peace.

I love you all and count myself as lucky to have you in my life.

Just a couple of pictures...I hope. I'm having trouble adding pictures to my blog. Here is my first Gelato, chocolate hazlenut, and me in Portofino. It was a very wet day.

I'm alive!

Hello all, I am on day 6 of the cruise and feel like I have a lot of catching up to do. It has been an amazing experience so far. I have seen bits of Rome, Civitavecchia (the port we departed from), Portofino (my favorite), Rapallo, San Margherita, Genova (famous for pesto), Florence, Lucca, Pisa, and Sicily (Wow). We still have so many more to go.

In Rome I only had time to walk around and see a few sites, have a wonderful dinner that may have ruined me for life as far as American Italian restaurants, flirt with a cute Italian man, and have a few wild cab rides. On our way to the hotel after dinner there was a rain storm like none I’d ever seen. Sheets of water like when a huge truck hits a puddle and douses your windshield but non-stop. Cars were pulled over on the side of the freeway and others were driving slow with their emergency flashers on. Our cab driver slowed down a bit but not much. There was lightning every few seconds. It was scary and cool.

We got on the boat the next morning and headed north. The first port was supposed to be Portofino but due to high winds and rough seas we had to go to Genova and be shuttled to other Italian Riviera towns. The drive was long but it let us see the amazing countryside. Genova is known for being the birthplace of pesto. The land is rough and rocky. The people who settled there had to terrace the land to be able to build or plant anything. We had stops in San Margherita and Rapallo but the best was Portofino. Portofino is set on a small bay. The water comes right up to the walkways. There is a wide boat launch that is on the same level as the shop fronts. I never did ask what happens at high tide. It was just so calm and beautiful with boats all around in the water and on the land. As we strolled along the waterfront we had to watch for waves lapping up over the retainer walls.

Almost out of time…next entry will be Florence, Lucca, Pisa, Sicily and singing Karaoke.