Details of our travel

Mount Vesuvius at dusk

Ok folks, now that I finally have some downtime I can fill everyone in on our comings and goings over the last twenty-four hours. It has been crazy, fun, tired and hectic all rolled into one beautiful cannoli. (Argh...I can't believe I used such a terrible metaphor. )
Anyway, our flight from Logan to London was fairly uneventful, but sleep proved elusive for several of us. I did notice some of the kiddos with mouths open and heads back snoring (Tyler, Cody and Ms. Mullis). I was in a broken seat that would not recline, while the British traveler in front of me had no problem going into full recline mode. What is the protocol for that type of thing? Does one put a knee in the back of the person?
Upon landing in London, we had a bit of a scare when Angela could not find her passport, it did turn up much to her shagrin..in her bag. Svea spied some nice items in the airport shops, and bought a few.
Our flight to Rome left two hours later and was uneventful except for the fact that MY luggage somehow was left behind. I did pack an extra pair of pants, tee shirt and unmentionables in my carry-on so I will be prowling for some good bargains tomorrow at the Naples Archaeological Museum. Hopefully they have some clothing items. The kiddos have been good about chipping in with shaving razors and contact lens wash for me. (Janica and Jilly are the hygenic supply queens!)
I will be gathering up my luggage in Rome on Tuesday, I just don't trust the Italian characteristic for lack of punctuality or efficiency in getting my bags four hours south to Sorrento by then. I would rather gather it in one spot than miss it on its way south when we head north...lol.
On our ride south we passed Mount Cassino, a beautiful monastery used by Benedictine monks since  the early 600AD's. Info on the Abbey

Monte Cassino Today

 The German army used the abbey in the Second World War as a defensive position to block the road to Rome and deny it's use by the Allies. The American air-force bombed the abbey to full destruction in 1944 and it was later fully rebuilt to exacting specifications after the war. It is a beautiful site as it sits on a spur of the Apennine Mountains. Off in the distance Mt. Vesuvius loomed over the landscape.
Tomorrow..onward to Naples and we will be doing some Tarantella in the evening. Ciao!

Monte Cassino in 1944

WE HAVE ARRIVED!

I put the calling tree into action about five minutes ago, hopefully you get a call. Everyone except me has their luggage (mine was lost in London). Everyone is healthy and tired. I will try to make sure they email you tonight or call you asap, you can call the hotel in Sorrento if you would like.

More details to come!

Logan International Terminal

 

Nokomis at 8am...the gang is ready

We have arrived at Logan.  Very early..... but no stress. The Concord Bus ride was great, now it's snack time and rest until we can check in at 3pm.

The Big Day!

Getting our bags packed and double checking weight limits seems to be the order of the evening. It seems as though we are all complaining about the 50lb weight limit of the checked in luggage. It makes for some interesting priorities. Do you bring the cool boots, or can you make it with just sensible shoes and sneakers? What if I get a bunch of heavy gifts? Can I think of things to leave in the hotel when I leave in 8 days? Maybe that deoderant, soap and toothpaste can stay in Italy in exchange for that cool Amalfi pottery. Such choices to make.

Anyway, get in those last phone calls and watch those last shows you have DVR'ed. Check and double check those alarm clocks we are on our way at 8AM from Nokomis!

To have list!

Travelers and parents..make sure to have the following items ready to go.

On February 2nd: Tip money for bus driver ($24) and tour guide ($40) turned into Mr. Hanish in the provided envelope.

Also, signed permission slip for RSU#19 bus ride to Portland and information cards.

For the trip:

Passports with you and photocopy of it at home.

Travel money in the form of Euros, Debt Card or travelers checks.

Money ($27 plus tax) reserved in an envelope to be kept by you for bus ride from Portland to Logan/Boston.

Money ($53 plus tax) reserved in an envelope to be kept by you for bus ride home from Logan/Boston to Bangor.

Flight Information:

Flights*

Date	Airline	Flight No.	Depart	Arrive	Ticket Type	Locator
Friday, February 18, 2011	British Airways	214	Boston (BOS) 20:20	London (Heathrow) (LHR) 07:40		37LYR2
Saturday, February 19, 2011	British Airways	554	London (Heathrow) (LHR) 10:40	Rome (Fiumicino) (FCO) 14:05		37LYR2
Saturday, February 26, 2011	British Airways	551	Rome (Fiumicino) (FCO) 07:50	London (Heathrow) (LHR) 09:35		37LYR2
Saturday, February 26, 2011	British Airways	213	London (Heathrow) (LHR) 11:00	Boston (BOS) 13:25		37LYR2

Events and location.

Day	Date	Description	City
1	Friday, February 18, 2011	Depart from the USA.	Overnight Flight
2	Saturday, February 19, 2011	Arrive in Rome and drive south to the delightful seaside town of Sorrento. Orange and lemon groves abound. (D)	Sorrento
3	Sunday, February 20, 2011	First visit the National Archaeological Museum in Naples, which houses many of Italy's ancient treasures. Then continue on to the ancient Greek colony at Cumae before returning to Sorrento. Before dinner tonight, a lesson with local experts will teach you to dance the Tarantella, a southern Italian folk dance. (B,D)	Sorrento
4	Monday, February 21, 2011	Today's drive takes you along breathtaking coastline where the corniche winds high above the ocean. Stop briefly at the town of Amalfi. See the wonderful cathedral before continuing to Pompeii, a town preserved under 23 feet of volcanic ash by the eruption of nearby Mount Vesuvius in 79 AD. (B,D)	Sorrento
5	Tuesday, February 22, 2011	This morning, board a hydrofoil to cross the Bay of Naples to Capri, the Island of Dreams. Upon arriving on the island, take the funicular to the main square, passing subtropical gardens. There is time to wander through the narrow lanes and shop in the tiny artisan stores that line the square. Entrance to Villa Jovis is included. Travel to Rome for dinner and the overnight. (B,D)	Rome
6	Wednesday, February 23, 2011	Morning sightseeing with a local guide introduces you to ancient Rome. Enjoy the Colosseum, the Arch of Constantine and the Forum on your guided tour. In the evening a professional Pizzaiolo will teach you the traditional Roman Pizza Basics how to lay out the dough of a perfect pie. Then dine on authentic brick oven pizza for dinner. (B,D)	Rome
7	Thursday, February 24, 2011	Today's sightseeing tour introduces you to every phase of Rome's history with a panoramic drive of the city. In addition, your local guide accompanies you through the Vatican Museums, including the Sistine Chapel, and continues to St. Peter's Basilica, giving commentary via personal headsets. This afternoon there is a guided optional excursion to Ostia Antica to see the 4th century BC Roman ruins, previously buried under mud and sand until the beginning of the last century. In the evening further explore the Eternal City during a Culture Quest. (B,D)	Rome
8	Friday, February 25, 2011	Today you may wish to take an optional full-day excursion aboard a high-speed train to Florence, the Cradle of the Renaissance. Guided sightseeing will include a timed entrance to the Accademia to view Michelangelo's David, Santa Croce and Piazza della Signoria. Or if you prefer, further explore the many wonders of Rome. (B,D)	Rome
9	Saturday, February 26, 2011	Depart for the USA. Optional Extensions and Extra Nights: Further immerse yourself in the culture and wonders of la dolce vita with an extra night in Rome, including the services of your ACIS Tour Manager. (B)	Departure

Hotel Information

Hotel Aminta
Via Nastro Verde, 23
Sorrento 80067 Italy 011-39-081-8781821 Phone

Hotel Nord Nuova Roma
Via Giovanni Amendola, 3
Rome 00185 Italy 011-39-06-4885441 Phone