Last minute suggestions?
 

I leave for the mediteranean in about 36 hours. The bags are almost packed. I've got a new 512 card for my camera, charger, etc. plenty of clothes, too many shoes, and a couple of bucks for fun. any last minute suggestions for what i will need for trekking around the area?

We will be on the Royal Caribbean Splendour of the Seas and my plan at this point is to visit:

-Marseilles
-Monte Carlo/Monaco
-Rome
-Pisa
-Pompeii (we took Capri off the list)

anything specific i need to see? any specific foods? pictures? keep in mind that we have to be back onboard ship by 8:00 every night.

i keep hearing that we shouldn't wear shorts, but that seems a little silly. don't Europeans wear shorts? i mean i can understand inside of the vatican with a bunch of horny old priests, but otherwise?

Oh, just fuck you, lookout.

well, damn - if i wasn't married i'd be on my way to Ohio right now.


what? that wasn't an offer.

oh wait, no i wouldn't because i apparently look like michael stipe and some people think that is bad...

A low hat, Ray Ban Aviators, and a black Chevy Suburban so you can pretend to be with the CIA

pretend? :ninja:

You've forgotten something very important, man.

I haven't received my tickets and itinerary, yet. What were you thinking?! :mecry:

I have never left these American borders in my entire life, so I can only offer best wishes and a vague threat about what will happen to you if we don't see some damn good pictures when you get back.

Bon voyage, LO123. :thumb:

i don't know about "damn good pictures", but i will do my best to snap a few and hope for the best.

but you've brought up an interesting idea. how about a cellarite cruise?

Make sure that when you see Pompeii you get to see the 2000 year old pornographic frescos. I was there with my family in the early 80's and they would only let men go around this one particular street corner and into this one old house to see the smutty pictures on the wall. Women and kids were shooed away. They waved me away, but my dad told me about what I missed. As long as you are there, you should make sure you see them.

The tour office onboard will have good advice. Especially considering that they'll be able to suggest shoreside options that will be back in time for departure. Another advantage is that you can book your tours onboard. This saves precious daylight otherwise wasted by descending the gangway, muscling through the cacophony of the pier hawkers, clamoring to separate you from your cash, hoping to find somebody that can take you somewhere that's good. This way you have your tour vouchers and transfer vouchers in your hand (the cost of the tour is charged to your shipboard account), the minibus meets you at the pier, and you're whisked to your adventure. Another advantage is that the tour is fully paid for, no nickel and diming, except for the tip.

On the other hand, perhaps you prefer the thrill of an unstructured self guided tour. Find a taxi to hire for the day or half day and put yourself in the driver's hands.

We've done both routes, and each has it's advantages. It really depends how much effort I want to put into the adventure of the day.

Bring Immodium and be careful of foreign water. This from someone who has travelled.

A guide to local language will help too

Maybe get another camera card, unless you're bringing your laptop.

Also, try this.

Bon voyage, indeed. Lucky devil.

Port towns can still be rough, despite the touristy veneer. The cruise ship crew know which ones are safe for striking out on one's own in.

out on one's own in.

that can't be right. but you get the idea. be safe, l123, have fun.

beware of hordes of street kids waving postcards in your face with one hand whilst lifting your valuables with the other.

sealed bottled water is key if you're drinking on shore.

i will not drink anything in a foreign country that doesn't come from a bottle. whatever that may mean.

we've cruised often and we have shore excursions booked for this one.

i've got a 256 and a 512 card and my camera is pretty puny so i shouldn't run out of room.

i think we are ready to go.

Don't forget a good pair of runnung shoes! You're gonna have to move FAST to see all that stuff in such a short period of time. Have a blast! I'll be sure to think of something especially annoying to post just for you on your return. Bon Voyage!

Hide ten gold sovreigns in your belt, make sure to pack "hushed" .22 LR's, a Bulgarian phrase book, your Omega Seamaster, and and and some DEET!

Pete did the American art student in Italy thing so obviously she seconds the pornographic frescoes. There are gardens outside of Pompeii which are cool as well but the ruins of the city really can't be missed. Cinquaterra (sp?) hiking trails near Pisa if you have the time, its like a day hike.

Ummmm. Looks like everything is covered ... oh, wait!!

Don't forget to have fun.

Oh! One more caution...beware ICE in your drinks...it's usually (but not always) made from the local water. I got caught with that one in Mexico <shudder>.

Have Fun and take pictures of EVERYTHING!

Brian

I also have never traveled outside the contiguous 48, so my only advice is have a great time!! I eagerly await pictures of your travels.

i'm back. i'm recovering from jetlag. i'm trying to complete two weeks worth of business in two days. i'll post pictures when i can.

highlights:
-St Peter's Basilica was amazing - we walked to the top of the Dome. legs still hurt.
-Florence was the best. i truly enjoyed most everything there.
-Pompeii was incredible - the street with the brothels was pretty cool.


lowlights:
-Naples blows putrid dog dick.
-Southern Europe is dirtier than the the dirtiest parts of Mexico and the hygiene is worthy of a third world country.
-France was great. except for the french people. seriously, take a bath, or fall in a stream - it would help. :D

the trip was fun and i'm glad we went, but i would never pay to see southern europe again.

Welcome back!

thanks. anything interesting happen while i was gone. other than an earthquake and some plane crashes?

Lookout who's back! or something like that...:eyebrow:

Pics, and the stories, work can wait.