The other side of the fountain.

When in Rome (Italy, not New York), you have to go to the big tourist sites: The Vatican Museum, St. Paul’s Basilica, The Spanish Steps, and the Trevi Fountain.

Transfer pics 334

This sculpture really impressed me with it’s size and detail. We walked down a narrow street, passing shops and restaurants, and at the end, where  several streets converged, it was there. We sat looking, drinking it all in. We people watched and took photos.

What most photos do not show is the view in the other direction, where all the tourist are. This is what you see:

Transfer pics 333

Rows and rows of steps where the tourist and locals alike gather on a hot summer afternoon, in the cool shade of the neighborhood buildings. It is a meeting place which is easy to find, the cool water of the fountains splishing and splashing in the background, while making plans for dinner.

I was lucky enough to spend three weeks in Naples, Italy for a Navy assignment. One of the Saturdays, 11 of us took three cars up to Rome for the day. More of that trip in future posts.

 

A little bit about me.

 

2015-08-07 17.33.01

My Navy career lasted over 34 years. Mostly Reserve duty, but that allowed flexibility in where I went for duty. Seven weeks in Egypt, three in Naples, Italy, and two weeks each in the Philippines, Japan, and three more in Thailand made for interesting summers. Athens, Georgia was a recurring destination. Two deployments included Diego Garcia (where I didn’t want to leave) and Afghanistan. Those added Singapore, Kuwait, Qatar, Kyrgyzstan, Turkey and Germany to my stops. Vacations have included Australia, New Zealand, Canada, Dominican Republic, Mexico, cruises on both coasts of Mexico, France, England, Scotland and Wales.
I think I’ve flown over every timezone at least twice. I have overpacked and under packed. I was dubbed “Commander Gadget” by a friend on our way to the Middle East.
I’ve made many friends around the world, mostly online, but have met scores in person and have had the privilege of enjoying their hospitality.
I hope to add you to this wonderful group of friends.
Welcome

Version 2