London, Paris France, Rome & Venice

[HNL2LHC]

you throw the coins in ?

Hell no I work too hard for the $$$$. LOL. Might have to throw in the left over Euro coins now that I think about it.

 

[HNL2LHC]

The first time I went to Pennsylvania, I thought how neat it was, all the surviving history and buildings. When I was talking with a customer of mine later, he kind of laughed.
"You Americans have such a young country. The pubs I go to were open before the Colonies."
He lived in a house that was built as a church, sometime in the 1600's. He was from the far north, North Umberland? My friend from London said the far north was like our Arkansas

It was an odd point of view. I grew up in Cali, the "newer" side of the US. Relatively speaking, to me the east coast was old. When you get to Europe, it's not that they have better history, but they do have more of it it seems.

So true!!! That is exactly how I feel with this trip. You learn it in school but to be in the middle of all of this it gives you a totally different perspective. Oh well the wife is up so Ihave to get out and take more photos….

 

[HNL2LHC]

Ok….found out this AM that people like to get up later than us. Just like Paris and London. We went out after breakfast and the streets are just about empty. The around 10-10:30 people are starting to get out and explore. Talked to our son who spent a summer semester here for architecture a few years ago. He gave us a few of his favorite places. We plan on hitting them in the next few days.

 

[HNL2LHC]

Super cool. We're doing kinda the same trip starting the 10th. London, then Paris, then Milan. Great pics!

I am not a tour kind of guys but let me tell you how great they are. We have been getting into town in the afternoon. Typically take a car with driver They give us a bit of info on the drive into the cities. Then the afternoon get our bearings around the town and wonder. THen the first day a small guided tour in English a group of 6 at the max!!! Then we hit up the city on our own in various ways. by the end of the 4-6 days you have the lay of the land. As least I am able. The wife not so much. Post up if there is anything that you want to know. Personally i have been so busy and the wife sent up the trip I had no idea of where we were going or what we are will see. I am already thinking about a 2025 trip to other places in Europe.

 

[HNL2LHC]

Just left the Vatican. They have determined there is no hope but allowed me to tour anyway. Ended up only being the wife and I in the tour.

 

[HNL2LHC]

Oh and @RiverDave you gotta to look into this house boat it would be a perfect place for a European RDP party in 2025. We will be back with other family & friends….

 

[monkeyswrench]

Architecture, art and a lot of craftsmanship!

(Obviously the Vatican, and not the future RDP Euro Party Barge)

 

[RiverDave]

I have always wanted to goto Europe!! Thanks for the pics so far! Will you goto the coliseum?

 

[was thatguy]

The first time I went to Pennsylvania, I thought how neat it was, all the surviving history and buildings. When I was talking with a customer of mine later, he kind of laughed.
"You Americans have such a young country. The pubs I go to were open before the Colonies."
He lived in a house that was built as a church, sometime in the 1600's. He was from the far north, North Umberland? My friend from London said the far north was like our Arkansas

It was an odd point of view. I grew up in Cali, the "newer" side of the US. Relatively speaking, to me the east coast was old. When you get to Europe, it's not that they have better history, but they do have more of it it seems.

They have “grudges” that go back 1000 years…

 

[HNL2LHC]

I have always wanted to goto Europe!! Thanks for the pics so far! Will you goto the coliseum?

Yes Dave we go there tomorrow. Today we did a 3 hour walking tour. Only the wife and I for the second day. It was incredible!!!! You got to get over here when you and Stacy are able to do so. Be aware we walk about 10 miles a day so be sure your ankle is up for the abuse. Again the history is crazy deep for sure. Talking 3000 years in Rome and then less in Paris and again less in London. How ever so much deeper than the East Coast of USA. BTW Paris is the worst as far as the internet and what they allow you to see. My Palmeto Sales ads and RDP is spotty for sure.

 

[HNL2LHC]

Today’s adventures….

 

[HNL2LHC]

you throw the coins in ?

We went on a guided tour today and the wife did the coins as it is supposed to be done. Back to fountain, coin in right hand throw over left shoulder. The wife walked Dow through the crowd. she claims that she did not hit anyone. However there was an ambulance coming to the area shortly after her ”toss”. I’d suggest that perhaps anyone from RDP to visit should bring water cannons and see how that would go over “cart narc” style….….

 

[4Waters]

Ok….found out this AM that people like to get up later than us. Just like Paris and London. We went out after breakfast and the streets are just about empty. The around 10-10:30 people are starting to get out and explore. Talked to our son who spent a summer semester here for architecture a few years ago. He gave us a few of his favorite places. We plan on hitting them in the next few days.

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I believe that's just under 8.00 per gallon US

 

[Taboma]

Ok….found out this AM that people like to get up later than us. Just like Paris and London. We went out after breakfast and the streets are just about empty. The around 10-10:30 people are starting to get out and explore. Talked to our son who spent a summer semester here for architecture a few years ago. He gave us a few of his favorite places. We plan on hitting them in the next few days.

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So about $ 6.93 gal for prem-gasoline, $ 6.70 for diesel, was wondering and thanks for all the amazing pics of your trip.
Not sure my wife and I would enjoy a few of those people-packed destinations.
I had no idea the numbers of travelers that flocked to these historical wonders during the spring.

 

[QC22]

So about $ 6.93 gal for prem-gasoline, $ 6.70 for diesel,

It's actually $8.61 for premium and $8.33 for diesel. I work for a UK business and track fuel costs. The UK has the highest price fuel in the world with the exception of Iceland. All tax differences. The formula right now is 1.25 GBP to USD, and multiply by 3.785 for litre to US gallon.

 

[Taboma]

It's actually $8.61 for premium and $8.33 for diesel. I work for a UK business and track fuel costs. The UK has the highest price fuel in the world with the exception of Iceland. All tax differences. The formula right now is 1.25 GBP to USD, and multiply by 3.785 for litre to US gallon.

I didn't calculate in any exchange rate, simply using an online litre to gallon price calculator. In other words, their cost per gallon, not ours. I guess I also mistakenly thought he was in Italy, not Great Britain -- but didn't factor in Italian lire either.

 

[HNL2LHC]

So about $ 6.93 gal for prem-gasoline, $ 6.70 for diesel, was wondering and thanks for all the amazing pics of your trip.
Not sure my wife and I would enjoy a few of those people-packed destinations.
I had no idea the numbers of travelers that flocked to these historical wonders during the spring.

Talking to the guide today this is nothing. Summer is much worse in many ways. Numbers of people, heat and humidity. I could not make at another time of the year. The smell of people would make me want to

 

[HNL2LHC]

It's actually $8.61 for premium and $8.33 for diesel. I work for a UK business and track fuel costs. The UK has the highest price fuel in the world with the exception of Iceland. All tax differences. The formula right now is 1.25 GBP to USD, and multiply by 3.785 for litre to US gallon.

I believe the cost was in Rome not the UK if that makes a difference. I will try to find the UK…. Here is a boat unless you are poor.

 

[Ziggy]

Nice trip synopsis Tim. Gen has done a great job at planning this trip for you all. Cultural enlightenment for sure.
We just saw that we have some Aussie friends that are currently cruising the Venice waterways. Say hi to Kate & Dave if you see them

 

[HNL2LHC]

Nice trip synopsis Tim. Gen has done a great job at planning this trip for you all. Cultural enlightenment for sure.
We just saw that we have some Aussie friends that are currently cruising the Venice waterways. Say hi to Kate & Dave if you see them

We will be in Vince in a few days as well post up pics and I will keep an eye out for them. LOL. by the way, next to the Lamborghini and Mini dealerships we saw this and thought of you…..

 

[monkeyswrench]

Today’s adventures….

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Are these from the Pantheon? I've read from people that the acoustics are bizarre and unreal, and the structure itself is amazing!

 

[QC22]

I believe the cost was in Rome not the UK if that makes a difference. I will try to find the UK…. Here is a boat unless you are poor.

Makes a huge difference. I assumed, but I see Euro now, so the equation is price x 1.12 x 3.785. Ooops

So that makes $7.49 for the diesel and $7.75 for the Premium Unleaded.

 

[HNL2LHC]

Are these from the Pantheon? I've read from people that the acoustics are bizarre and unreal, and the structure itself is amazing!

You got that right Kevin. The building is certainly incredible. The outside is rough but inside it looks brand new other than the aging marble on the floor. The dome is masterpiece for sure.

 

[Amy@Team RDP]

Just WOW! I am really enjoying all your pictures - thank you for taking me along!

 

[HNL2LHC]

Makes a huge difference. I assumed, but I see Euro now, so the equation is price x 1.12 x 3.785. Ooops

So that makes $7.49 for the diesel and $7.75 for the Premium Unleaded.

Also I was not able to find the UK gas station. Might be on the wife’d phone. Never did see a gas station in Paris so no pics of that for sure.

 

[HNL2LHC]

This morning before our tour of the Colosseum we went on our last trip to see some of the sights that we have missed on our other tours. I think that Rome had the most to see but in a compact area. I’d have to say Rome is my favorite with London second and Paris the last. We still have a couple of day trips outside of Rome and the a couple days in Venice where I hope to do a little boating……

 

[Taboma]

This morning before our tour of the Colosseum we went on our last trip to see some of the sights that we have missed on our other tours. I think that Rome had the most to see but in a compact area. I’d have to say Rome is my favorite with London second and Paris the last. We still have a couple of day trips outside of Rome and the a couple days in Venice where I hope to do a little boating……

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Looking at the mass of tourists, causes me to wonder where they all come from. Any stand out majority ? Certainly couldn't really tell by looking at them.

 

[HNL2LHC]

Looking at the mass of tourists, causes me to wonder where they all come from. Any stand out majority ? Certainly couldn't really tell by looking at them.

They are from all over the place. Other parts of Italy, the French and certainly a lot from the USA. Most we have talked to have been East Coast USA. Most people are very nice as far as the workers and tourists. The PTA are the guys trying to sell you crap as you walk through the city.

Went out to the Colosseum this afternoon. The weather was a bit wet but such an amazing tour. We took the most # of photos for sure. In fact the wife just blurted out oh my gosh! We took so many photos today. I must have used the wife’s phone more than mine and will have to dig up some from that. The following is from the ruins across the street of the colosseum.

 

[ChevelleSB406]

Had a busy last day. Anyone know the story on the building in the last image?

If I remember correctly, the curve was first introduced as it has to do with site lines needing to be preserved to St. Paul's Cathedral. London is very very particular about what is allowed and where, and what views at certain angles need to be maintained. - Resident Brit and frequent London traveler

 

[ChevelleSB406]

Also, there is no point in naming anything in England, as the public will just nickname it anyway, and that is how it will be known. Buildings, landmarks, anything.

The Shard
The Gherkin
The Walkie Talkie
The Can of Ham
The Cheese Grater
The Tube
Big Ben

some pics from my last trip.


Left to right, I believe that is The Helter Skelter, The Cheese Grater, The Gherkin, and the Walkie Talkie

View from the roof garden of our Cannon Street office, in the heart of The City (The Square Mile)

Me on said roof, with St Pauls in the background. One of my favorite places to be, very quiet and serene up above the chaos below, and unobstructed views of everything.

Said office building, its quite unique itself, it gets wider and overhangs below as you go up.

...and since I scrolled through my photos, something random from the Imperial War museum, a cut away of the Rolls Royce Merlin engine. 27 liters, made famous by The Spitfire and P51's, but also flew my great uncle on all his bombing runs in his Lancaster.

 

[Tank]

Great pics! Looks like a fantastic trip. Brings back fond memories of our time over there. There’s just something surreal about standing next to and touching building that have been standing for like 2,000 years. The history is just amazing.

Thanks again for bringing us along.

 

[HNL2LHC]

Well I did take pics on my phone after all. It just took some time to upload to my iPad for some reason. Here you go…

The number of differnt type of stone was in readable. THey brought over to Rome from over the area. One of the most red in color is said to be not available and priceless. THis was used all over the place back thousands of years ago and the quarries are now depleted. The rain sucked today but it did bring out the colors and grains of the stone for sure….

 

[monkeyswrench]

Anyone else picture the movie Gladiator...or Ben-Hur?
Cool stuff!

 

[was thatguy]

Anyone else picture the movie Gladiator...or Ben-Hur?
Cool stuff!

It’s really humbling.
THAT right there is the place where so much history was made. The real people that fought and died there.
Commodus was a real person. Marcus Orelius was a real person. That structure was finished almost 2,150 years ago.
Construction started about 60-70 years after Jesus died.
Think about that.
This picture is absolutely overwhelming.

 

[941Punk]

Enjoy Roma! We're there a few times a year as we live part time in Italy. My best advice is if you have the time, walk the side streets / alleys. There are a lot of hidden gems! If you're around Campo de'Fiori at night, there is a great wine Vino & Vinili. It has records on the wall. You can't miss it. We'll be back in July to see Depeche Mode!

 

[was thatguy]

Obviously the floor is long gone. Those “cells” are where the enslaved men awaited their turn to die.
Elevators would raise animals and gladiators alike to the arena floor.
The coliseum could also be flooded for maritime battles through a series of aqueducts.
Harrowing, that’s how I’d describe that scene.

 

[HNL2LHC]

It’s really humbling.
THAT right there is the place where so much history was made. The real people that fought and died there.
Commodus was a real person. Marcus Orelius was a real person. That structure was finished almost 2,150 years ago.
Construction started about 60-70 years after Jesus died.
Think about that.
This picture is absolutely overwhelming.

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So true. The stories that we have been told the last few weeks have put a lot into perspective for sure. Well worth the time and $$$& spent. Today we went to Pompeii for the day to see the city that was buried by the ash of the volcano centuries ago….

 

[was thatguy]

Mt Vesuvius

 

[HNL2LHC]

 

[HNL2LHC]

And for bonus point who at RDP can tell me what this was?

 

[HNL2LHC]

Things were certainly blooming in the ruins……

 

[Ziggy]

And for bonus point who at RDP can tell me what this was? View attachment 1228450 View attachment 1228451 View attachment 1228452 View attachment 1228453 View attachment 1228455 View attachment 1228456

Bordello?

 

[HNL2LHC]

Bordello?

Give that man a prize!!!! THe pictures were the menu of what was available. LOL

 

[Taboma]

Give that man a prize!!!! THe pictures were the menu of what was available. LOL

I was expecting pictures of petrified corpses in all manner of pose. Did they have a marker showing levels the ash reached ?

 

[HNL2LHC]

I was expecting pictures of petrified corpses in all manner of pose. Did they have a marker showing levels the ash reached ?

There were a few people that they had on display. I did not really want to photograph them at the time but wished i had now. I might look on line to find some images. It was really sad to see how they were killed. Almost like frozen in the exact moment of death. Really did not expect to get such a sad view of the last second of someone’s life. As for the ash they did not have a marker of depth As everything was covered. They did have a home built in the 1700s that is on top of the ruins built without knowing what it was on top of.

 

[Taboma]

There were a few people that they had on display. I did not really want to photograph them at the time but wished i had now. I might look on line to find some images. It was really sad to see how they were killed. Almost like frozen in the exact moment of death. Really did not expect to get such a sad view of the last second of someone’s life. As for the ash they did not have a marker of depth As everything was covered. They did have a home built in the 1700s that is on top of the ruins built without knowing what it was on top of.

I'd just read that the ash was 19-23' deep, didn't know if it was where those columns changed color ?? Seeing it all dug out, it's hard to imagine the task of clearing all that a few centuries later.

 

[HNL2LHC]

We did another day trip up to Florence. It was the first rainy day while on vacation. Went and toured the city for a few hours and then went to the museum where the statue of David is. But don’t worry @RiverDave i will not post any inappropriate images on the site….

The details were incredible as we just viewed the work done in stone. It is breath taking. Even more than expected. Once again a tour with just the wife and I and the guide got us in the front door within 10 minutes where others were in line for at least 2 hours.

 

[HNL2LHC]

I titled this masterpiece….”go be poor somewhere else…PEASANT”

.

 

[C-Ya]

I took these pics at a museum in Naples. It is a scale model of Pompeii.

 

[HNL2LHC]

I took these pics at a museum in Naples. It is a scale model of Pompeii.

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Wow, that is incredible model…..