Captain Carnival

I think sometimes traditional lasagne is made with bechamel sauce - wondering if that is what made it so special??? :)

 

....and that 'ever-ever-ever' piano guy (Brett Cave) was hysterical! :D:D:D

Best Lasagna EVER!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Did you guys ever make any using the "secret" ingredient?

So happy to read where your CC name came from....I have been wondering. How interesting!

Let me elaborate further...

To begin, I have been studying/teaching Japanese ShotoKan Karatedo since 1971. The founder of Shotokan - Gichin Funakoshi used the pen name of "Shoto" meaning "Pine Waves" and his style was subsequently called Shoto-Kan.

I use a derivative of ShotoKan retaining Shoto but added Juku meaning "special or private school" thus - ShotoJuku.

I am so glad that you and your wife (and the rest of the group) are fine from the kidnapping. I would not be happy, in fact, I would be PISSED, and would have walked out. I don't like being a "captive audience" for something I did not ask to be a part of. Other than that, seems like you had a wonderful trip.

 

Thanks for sharing.

None of us were happy about it but despite the kidnapping incident we all had a pretty good day!

You sir are a romance genius. :D congratulations on 30 years of what looks like a WONDERFUL marriage, hope you have 30 more.

 

Your pictures are incredible as well as your review itself. Glad you had such a great time.

Romantic - Yes.

Genius - At Times.

Lucky SOB - 30 Years And Still Going Strong!

Thanks!!

Thank you for sharing your cruise with us. The pictures are beautiful and many congrats on your anniversary.

 

 

P.S. I'm a cat person as well.

 

Meow, meow, meow = Can't wait to read the rest of the review.

As Promised Here Is Some More Florence!

After eating (consuming) our incredible lunch we were off again to visit the Firenze Accademia Gallery where the original masterpiece Michelangelo’s “The David” resides within. A beautiful museum unto itself, however the centerpiece of the Accademia (their spelling) is of course the DAVID that unfortunately cannot be photographed. The statue itself stands more than 17 feet and is displayed on a 6 foot base raising David to an overall and colossal height of nearly 25 feet – simply awesome!

Although The David cannot be photographed inside the Accademia a copy is on display outside at the nearby Palazzo Vecchio. For anyone who is a fan, or at least aware of the character Hannibal (The Cannibal) Lecter from the original Silence of the Lambs and related sequel “Hannibal” you may recall some of the scenes that were filmed in Florence (Firenze) including the balcony drop of Chief Inspector Pazzi (bowels out) and may recall seeing the Palazzo Vecchio which is just one of the areas where the “Hannibal” was filmed.

Aside from the sheer stature of the statue it was the intricate details that caught my eye such as veins, tendons, and even toenails that were so accurately depicted that began as a gargantuan and singular piece of marble that Michelangelo literally carved into this virtual living man – truly magnificent!

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Someone else lost their head over the taste of the incredible lasagna! Actually that is Perseus holding the head of the Medusa.

We then were able to do a little shopping at an outside marketplace bazaar before heading back to the ship. Of course no day would be complete without stopping for some gelato first!

During our ride back to the Carnival Legend I had an opportunity to speak with our RIL-Guide Vinny a bit more and found that he and I had a common interest and that was the study of Japanese Shotokan Karatedo. So here we are driving through past some of the most incredible views of Tuscany speaking to one another in Japanese (Dojo-ese) discussing our own visits to Japan rather than my visit to Italy. Go figure.

Anyway we made it back safe-and-sound looking forward to dinner and a show before settling n for our next Port of Call – Marseilles, France but more on that tomorrow.

Until then, and as always,

Ciao For Now!

I’m back – a little soggy perhaps but TS Andrea blew through the Tampa Bay area yesterday dropping record levels of rain and causing a bit of wind damage and spawning one tornado in Gulfport (Pinellas County, Fl) and no reported injuries. So with that let me….

…Welcome you (back) to The Port of Livorno: The Gateway to Pisa and Florence, Italy and the MOST INCREDIBLE LASAGNA that we have Ever-Ever-Ever Had!!!

Yesterday before TS Andrea so rudely interrupted me I had covered most of our visit to Pisa with the exception of mentioning that we found a Walmart and a second leaning tower. Actually the Walmart store is located within a US Army Base – Camp Darby and not accessible however there really is a second (much smaller) leaning tower in Pisa.

This “leaning tower” is part of an older fortress that like it’s big brother was built upon some unstable ground and developed its own but less famous “leaning tower” distinction.

We then headed off towards Florence which was some 70 miles to the east and would take around 1.25 hours to get there. Along the way we traversed through many scenic areas consisting of rich farmlands and of course many vineyards that provide the grapes that are grown under the Tuscan Sun and end up becoming incredible varieties of vino (wine) that we were fortunate to sample throughout our cruise.

Just before arriving in Florence we took a quick photo pit-stop taking pictures of the 100 acre vineyard that I purchased……NOT……but it sure would be nice!

We drove for a bit more passing by yet another city wall that had at one time surrounded the entire area of Frienze (Florence) before arriving at the of the boarder entrance to greater Florence that runs along the Arno River.

From this Cliffside precipice one can look down into the entire city that kind of reminded me of our earlier visit (nearly 2-weeks earlier) to Dubrovnik, Croatia and their orange rooftops.

What an incredible and breathtaking site....the view of the city isn't bad either!

We then entered the city and navigated around the atypical narrow streets that many of the older Italian Towns are famous for. We stopped at the nearby Florence Cathedral and Basilica where we were able to get out and visit for around an hour.

It was now around lunch time so our RIL driver Vinny suggested going to a restaurant that he said would not disappoint and it didn’t for it was here that we, and many of our fellow M&M’s had…..wait for it….the MOST INCREDIBLE LASAGNA that we have Ever-Ever-Ever Had!!! We ate at the Casa Toscana (1872) and although we had as of yet eaten lasagna as it was never seen on any menu along our journey I had already decided that if it appeared here that I would certainly give it a try.

As is the custom tables are always supplied with sliced fresh baked bread along with generous amounts of olive oil for dipping to get things started. We ordered another ½ liter of vino rosso and enjoyed our group conversation with our fellow M&M’s and then then the entrée arrived – “the” lasagna. For those of us, and there were many, who ordered the lasagna, no one was able to speak for the first few bites as I believe we perhaps in a subtle state of shock as what we were eating certainly looked like lasagna but didn’t taste like any we had ever-ever-ever* had!

* If you saw the piano player act then you know what I am referring to.

The taste was certainly different but what was it, the sauce (not gravy), cheese, or the pasta itself? I know because I asked however if you believe you may know please feel free to provide an answer. Of course whoever supplies the first correct (not best) answer will receive a special prize!

In the interest of continuing on through Florence and adding additional pictures I will have to pick this up in yet another section but before I go let me say….

Ciao For Now!!

Hope you are safe from Andrea? Saw on the news Tampa had a bit of damage. We are getting rain and wind. Nothing Major so far.

Stay Safe. Derrell You too!!

Hi Angie -

TS Andrea was for the most part a big rainmaker however there was some spotty wind damage and a small tornado touched down around 15 miles south of me in Gulfport. Keep your umbrellas handy up your way as TS Andrea is on her way!

Loving the review. We did the same itinerary on the Breeze last year and also stayed at the Olimpia pre cruise.

We will be on the Legend for the first time next month doing the Baltics.

 

It will also be the first time we have been able to drive to the port, we being from the UK.

Thanks!

Enjoy the Legend and don't get lost on your drive to the port! :D

My husband and I, married in April, sailed with you and your wife on the dream cruise. I ran into the two of you on the Acropolis and I was the one who asked you if your eyes were that blue or did you wear blue contacts.

 

He took a photo of the three of us on the Acropolis and I would be happy to email it to you. I do not know how to post photos here

Thanks - if you're still not sure on how to attach a pic leave me your email and I'll send you one too.

Priceless...I wish I could have been a "fly on the wall" at the moment she opened the box. Great job and I know you both had a wonderful time. I can't wait to read your post.

I'm not sure if that would have been a good idea as the decibel level of her cries would have been like a sonic boom on steroids to a fly on the wall rendering it into unconsciousness...or worse! :eek:

Thanks for the compliments!:D

Love your review so far! My hubby and I will be doing the same itinerary on the Sunshine in July. We will also be staying at Hotel Olimpia pre-cruise. Glad to hear you enjoyed your stay there!

Looking forward to hearing about the rest of your trip!

You guys will have a great time at both the Olimpia and on Sunshine too; I wish we were sailing again too!!

Too easy - romulus and remus :)

Am really enjoying your review. You sure had a better day in Rome than we did.:o

Thanks! Didn't you get off the ship? :confused:

Welcome to The Port of Livorno: The Gateway to Pisa and Florence, Italy and the MOST INCREDIBLE LASAGNA that we have Ever-Ever-Ever Had!!!

After such a whirlwind day in Roma and our return to the ship, skipped dinner in the MDR and essentially ended up heading off to relax in our stateroom and hangout on the balcony for a bit and before you knew I distinctly heard George Harrison singing "Here Comes the Sun" and indeed it was and of course one more time to run the drill: up with the sun…eat…meet…beat feet…get in your seat…prepare for a treat…etc.

This would be he last time we would be using the RomeInLimo (.com) tour and we met our final driver Vincento "Vinny" just outside the ship in the port area and off we were again. Livorno of course the coastal port city closest to our two destinations with Pisa being only around 16 miles north and around 30 minutes via local roads and Frienze (Florence) some 70 miles further east taking another 1.25 hours of travel. Fortunately the commute was not through any type of commercial areas and mostly through the greater Tuscany area complete with numerous vineyards and other agricultural farms indigenous to the region.

One of the most intriguing sites that line many of the local roads was a tree indigenous to the region known as the "Italian Umbrella Pine Tree" that lines the streets and did just exactly what their name implies by providing an incredible amount of umbrella-like shade. I don't know why someone has opened an umbrella pine nursery here in Florida but if there's a niche for one outside of Tuscany it's certainly Florida!

Our travel to Pisa went very fast indeed and before you knew it we were standing on the grounds of the world famous "leaning tower" of Pisa.

Actually the tower (and it does lean) is one of three accompanying structures on the grounds that include the tower itself, Baptistery Cathedral, and the Church of St. Mary. Like so many other Italian towns, these three structures served as the focal point of the area that in turn became surrounded by piazza (plaza/squares) and a variety of shops.

My Bride standing at the base of the Tower; she's still a sight to see (my Bride)!!

The tower itself is actually a cylindrical bell tower with an external staircase of 296 steps that spirals around the outer edge of the tower that stands nearly 200 feet tall that began construction in 1173 and made of white marble. As for the "lean" itself, due to the soft grounds in the area the foundation began to lean until it reached a list 5.5 degrees that has been stabilized to 4.0 degrees by structural engineers in 2001. Unfortunately due to time constraints we did not have enough time to see everything as well as climb the tower.

Of course we both assisted in keeping the tower from leaning further!

Just a quick footnote: Ironically as I began this post speaking about the “whirlwind day” we had yesterday we are literally having one here today. We here in the Tampa bay area are currently going through Tropical Storm Andrea and are actually in a tornado watch/warning so I’m going to suspend my writing for today and post what I can and pick it up tomorrow.

Ciao For Now!!!

You know you and Greg had me thinking it was called the death star for about 5 minutes LOL:rolleyes:

I just never knew that the Vatican collected Start Wars collectibles! :D

We were also given a semi-history lesson (including a quiz) on both Rome up to the unification of Italy itself under the rule of Victor Emmanuel II Italy’s first King who we would also see (kind of) in just a little while.

In my haste to finish all three parts of Roma/Vatican I forget to get back to Victor who I had mentioned we would see (kind of) in just a little while so let me get back to where Victor is today....

This is the Pantheon but Victor is not in the shot however you're getting warmer!!

No that's not him, that is of course my lovely Bride but Victor is resting just inside but you're getting hotter (just like my Bride)!! :eek::D

Here he is! Actually Victor was unavailable per se, however this is the Tomb of Victor Emmanuel II Italy’s first King that lies within the Pantheon.

Next Port of Call: Livorno, Italy featuring Pisa and Florence.

Ciao For Now!!

Nearly 5000 views now - I just wish I had more feedback like this one! Gratzi John!!!!

 

 

John Heald commented on your link.John Heald wrote: "that was fantastic Susan. What a brilliant couple and what a fantastic review. I am honoured by their kind words and enjoyed the photos of two people having fun. I have sent this to all the senior management here and I know they will be thrilled. Thanks Susan for posting this here and my best wishes to you and to ShotoJuku.......love that name. cheers"

Curious - where did you get your "Carnival Platinum" pin?

That was one of the pins they started giving out around a while ago that have been replaced by newer VIFP (ship specific) pins.

Welcome (Back-To-Back) to Roma, Italy….Or Shall I Say The Vatican!!!

Continuing now with Part three featuring our visit to the Vatican….

One of the key feature benefits of utilizing RomeInLimo(.com) is that are NO LINES to wait on and that you are allowed to walk right up to the entranceway and go right in. You do of course must have already acquired your tickets online and have a printed copy with you bit other that that it is virtually door-to-door service.

Upon entering the Vatican you do go through the same type of screening that you would experience at the airport and security is very tight and for very good reason too. The tour begins by going through the Vatican Museum that consists of several floors of art, statutes, wall tapestries, as well as some very ornately decorated and painted ceilings. Once you’re in you press forward with the flow winding your way through the exhibits that you may photograph however when traveling with a group you cannot linger in any one spot for too long as the crowd can become quite thick making it nearly impossible to catch up to and they cannot find their way back to you.

Anyone familiar with the crazy way you have to navigate through and IKEA store will know what I mean. I would say that given a moderate rate (and steady flow) it takes around 90 minutes or so to walk through the museum before coming to the main attraction – the Sistine Chapel! Only a few short weeks before out visit the Sistine Chapel was the site of the most recent Papal Conclave where our (the) Holy Father – Pope Francis was elected by the College of Cardinals to lead the Roman Catholic Church. Being in Rome, the name “Roman Catholic” suddenly had a new meaning as we were standing within the very Heart and Soul of our Church.

The Chapel itself is not very large (134 L x 44 W) was packed wall-to-wall with people taking just a few more minutes to view the infamous ceiling paintings done by Michelangelo and painted wall tapestries by Raphael. Unlike the previous tour through the museum it was made abundantly clear that there was ABSOLUTELY NO PICTUES allowed and NO TALKING while inside the Chapel. This makes sense in two extremes. One: As for taking pictures, the paintings themselves were subject to damage made possible by extensive exposure to camera flashes. Two: This very room may in fact be the singular place on Earth where the Holy Spirit has descended blessing all of the numerous Papal Conclaves and other Papal Prayers and thus a very Holy Ground wherein silence would lead to the veneration of the Chapel itself.

I must admit that for a brief second I felt my emotions well up and I felt as though I would cry as my Faith and my Belief are as strong today as when they were when I was an Altar-Server and flirted with the idea of becoming a Priest so many years ago. Of course when I learned how to flirt myself then the idea of becoming a Priest pretty much went out the window as I would never have had the opportunity to marry my Bride!

Remember no pictures were allowed within the Sistine Chapel so this IS NOT a former Altar-Server in the foreground with an (upside down) picture of The Creation of Adam by Michelangelo in the background.

After leaving the Chapel you find yourself literally facing St. Peter’s Square and also at the entrance to St. Peter’s Basilica. Now I have been in some pretty big churches, the largest being St. Patrick’s Cathedral in NYC which is huge, however when walking inside the GIANT DOORS (what I perceived as the “gates” of St. Peter himself) you are met with an incredibly LARGE and CAVARNESS view of the interior that could swallow up St. Patrick’s whole.

We were fortunate to witness a Benediction parade traverse up and down the aisles that was followed by a mob of visitors.

At was at this point that I realized that one of the other major pieces of art by Michelangelo – The Pieta would be virtually alone and I was right! For nearly two minutes I stood just a few feet from this magnificent work of art by myself and took a few pictures but this time I was able to just stand a gaze upon the Pieta without feeling the need, or the hot breath of the person behind me, urging me on.

We spent around an hour or so inside stopping by the Shrine of St. Joseph (my Confirmation name) and where the Holy Eucharist is placed in the Tabernacle.

After departing outside we saw a few of the Swiss Guard who are in fact soldiers of the world’s smallest army but protect the largest spiritual place on Earth.

Around thirty minutes or so later we met with Maurizio again who brought us to a nice shop to grab some Gelato before heading back to the ship. We actually made it back just before dinner, but were so overwhelmed with the day we only grabbed something later on at the buffet.

What a day we had, one that I will not soon, if ever forget and only hope to repeat one day and I would urge anyone reading these words to do the same…Amen! +

Ciao For Now!!!

Welcome (Back) to Roma, Italy!!!

OK let me continue with Part two of three as between all we saw and did Roma will require at least 3 sections so that I can get no less than 18 pictures in with all 3 segments.

We also made saw the "Spanish Steps" that I would have liked to climb, however they really are just another flight of (135 steps) stairs (supposedly lined with pick pockets) and time was precious so we could not take a "step-stop" however we did make a stop at the Trevi Fountain.

This being our first visit to Rome, and hopefully there will be a second, a visit to the Trevi and throwing in ONLY ONE coin was essential. It is said that in order to return you throw one coin over the opposite shoulder of the throwing hand, two coins to fall in love, and three to get divorced....YIKES!!!

Of course no stop in the ancient Roman City would be complete without a visit to the Amphitheatrum Flavium – the Roman Coliseum as we call it today.

The coliseum was built between 70-80 AD and simply puts modern day stadiums and such to shame as this mammoth size structure was built in stone, by hand, and at one time actually had a retractable roof made out of canvas; and the (Tampa Bay) Ray’s complain about Tropicana Field – Boo Hoo!! In fact walking inside this enormous “stadium” (the house that Caesar built) was eerily reminiscent of a visit to any of the Yankee Stadiums (the house that Ruth built) insofar as the seating design, breezeway entrances, and interior walkways just seemed to be virtual carbon copies of the original Roman design.

After heading out we took a quick lunch break and shared another Pizza and Linguine Bolognese that were both simply incredible as was the ½ liter of Vino Rosso we split too.

After our respite it was the time to prepare for the Vatican that I will cover in my next segment but as always…

Ciao For Now!!!

Actually it was a trick question - as victor emmanuel was the 1st king of UNIFIED italy - the first king of italy (non-unified) was actually Flavius Odoacer (from 476-493) :D

Not exactly the correct answer but a good one nevertheless so you get a partial credit prize!