National Archaeological Museum of Napoli

Main Entrance into the museum

We've had it and are waiting for Dad

Typical traffic in downtown Napoli

Today we had planned on a visit to Pompeii and Mount Vesuvius with the Dixon family.  Our plans were changed due to rainy weather (light to heavy rain, high temperature 18 degrees C).  We opted to go to the National Archaeological Museum of Napoli.  While enroute, Damon was called to work. He dropped us off at the entrance to the museum and said he would be back in a couple of hour.  Inasmuch as it was raining we welcomed the opportunity to be inside a building for the next couple of hours.   It was very enjoyable to learn about Roman and Italian history.

Later in the afternoon, Savannah had a soccer game at 3:30 p.m., playing in the rain. Her team won by a score of 1 - 0.

Royal Wedding - London, England

Friday - April 29 - The Royal Wedding was held in London, England today.  Prince William and Catherine were married. Spent a lazy day at home watching the events unfold.  Bev had her hair set.  Halle had a soccer game.  Cydney made baked chicken and Margarita pizza for dinner.

ASC (American Soccer Club of Napoli) had a tournament in Caserta, which the girls were involved in.

Nuovo Castle, Napoli, Italy

The Moat around the Nuovo Castle

The Opera House in Downtown Napoli

The City Square in Napoli

Down this alley and to the right is Gambrinus

Thursday Wash Day in downtown Napoli.

Italy's Best Pizza

Inside Brandi's - downtown Napolli

Nuovo Castle

Monterciucello Open Air Market - Napoli

Wednesday morning we went to the Monterciucello Open Air Market in Napoli.  Went to Carne Park for visit with a stop at the Metro (Italian Costco).  Had lunch at Bennies and went to an iron works store to get a glass bottle stand for the Dixon's front entry way.  Cydney also ordered a table for their kitchen.

Ceramic Pottery at Vietri, Italy (Amalfi Coast)

Tuesday - today started out with rain. We took a day trip to Vietri on the Amalfi Coast to do some serious shopping for ceramic pottery and a lunch.  We found a nice tray with two matching pitchers (one for vinegar & one for olive oil).  It was fun looking at all the different pieces available for purchase.  Cydney is familiar with the proprietor of the store we went to and is on a first name basis. (What else is new).

Also found a hand made piece of ceramic pottery that was made in Poland and brought to the NEX at Caserta for sale. Too hard to resist.

Savannah has soccer practice again this afternoon.

Cydney made her version of bolanagse sauce and pasta for our dinner.

Shopping at NEX

Monday, April 25 - Cydney took us shopping at the Navy exchange for groceries and other items we needed after being away for 10 days.  We then had a nice lunch at the Navy Hospital gallery. A nice change after eating Italian Cuisine for the last week or so.

Savannah had a soccer practice this afternoon.  Always fun to watch our granddaughters perform the skies were overcast, light rain and windy.

Easter Sunday

Easter Sunday, April 24, 2011, was spent by going to church at the Caserta Branch in Napoli, Italy.  The services consisted of branch members presenting the story of the crucifixion and resurrection of Christ through readings and musical numbers by adult and children members.  Sunday School was a combined meeting with a video presentation of the Lamb of God.  Priesthood Meeting's lesson was given by Damon on 'Tithes and Offerings'.

We had a nice Easter dinner at the Dixon's home later in the day as Damon had duty from 3:30 p..m. to Midnight.  Our dinner consisted of ham, vegetables, fruit, fish-eye salad and ice cream for dessert.  Cydney has become a wonderful cook and hostess.

Later in the evening we watched the video "Lamb of God" for the second time today. It was enjoyable sharing the message with Cydney, Savannah and Halle.

Caserta, Italy

The Royal Palace in Napoli

Interior decor inside the palace 

Painting on ceiling in main hallway

How about this for a bed?

1/2 mile walk to the Palace gardens.

Cydney and Damon's Branch had an Easter breakfast consisting of waffles, hot cakes, sausage, and orange juice. After an enjoyable time with members of the branch we went to the NEX for a few purchase and then off the Napoli for a visit at the Royal Palace which was built in 1751. The gardens were about 1/2 mile walk from the palace to the water fall (something we did not do and waited for the Dixons to complete the tour).   We then returned home where we had a delightful dinner of hotdogs and hamburgers prepared by Damon.

Teverola Market - Naples, Italy

Today is Good Friday. . .

This morning, Cydney invited her neighbor and friend, Eileen, to join with us for a trip to the Teverola Market to get some fresh vegetables and fruit. (It was quite an experience getting to the market). We then went to the Ipercoop Market for some household items. (Italy's version of Costco).  Visited Enzo & Patti's market where Enzo made a special salad for Cydney, as she is a regular customer.  Next stop was at Mariano's for some cheese; again Cydney was welcomed by Mariano as she is one of his regular customers.

Damon had a problem with his right eye and went to the doctor who removed a small particle from his eye.  He was no worse for the wear.

Put up some Easter decorations and dyed Easter eggs with Savannah and Halle.

Went to dinner in downtown Napoli to the Triannon-da piro Pizzeria. The pizza is baked in a brick over for 1 minute and 20 seconds and then removed to be served. It was rather tasty.  We had everyone's favorite - Margaretha pizza. It is made from tomato sauce, mozzarella cheese and a sprig of fresh basil. Colors in the Italian Flag - red. white and green.

We Are Home. . . . .

Thursday, April 21 - today is Jessie's 76th birthday.  Called her and wished her a 'Happy Birthday'.  Today is Laundry Day after our road trip.  Savannah and Halle are back in school and it is time for Cydney to be involved in bread and cookie making. Went to the NEX for groceries. 

Later in the early evening we were able to enjoy the DVD - 'Letters to Juliette'; a great reminder of our most recent tour through Tuscany and the city of Verona.

Nove, Italy Pottery

This morning we had a nice breakfast at the Victoria Hotel and then off for a visit to Nove Pottery factory.  Cydney had been advised by some ofd her friends that this is a "must see" on our trip.  They make pottery  pieces for Tiffany, Williams-Sonoma, Pottery Barn, Crate and Barrel. We were able to purchase some pottery pieces for our children and sisters; they to be shipped by the company to our home in Salt Lake City.

We left to return to Naples via Florence and Rome at about 12:00 p.m. The northbound traffic was backed up for at least 5 miles due to a traffic accident between a truck and 2 cars.  We arrived in Naples at 9:25 p.m. We had traveled over 1950 miles during our trip.  Saw lots of country and visited many interesting places in Germany and Italy.

Verona, Italy - Romeo & Juliet

Tuesday - We ate breakfast at the SalzburgerHof in Salzburg, checked out of the hotel and left for Innsbrook, Austria.  Upon arrival we took a self-guided tour of the city, which we enjoyed very much.  Bought an authentic Austrian hat from a street vendor. Had lunch at Zimt & Zucker Cafe and Bar then off to Verona, Italy for a visit to Juliet's wall.  Took some photos of the balcony where Juliet called for Romeo. Savannah and Halle we able to write a letter to Juliet and place it in a mailbox designated for that purpose.  It was a fun experience to be with them as they learned about Romeo and Juliet. The story of Romeo and Juliet, two your lovers from rival families (the Capulets and the Montagues in Shakespeare's play), was written by Luigi da Porto of Vicenza (Venice) in the 1520's and has inspired countless poems, films, ballets and dramas. At the Casa di Giulietta (Juliet's house), No. 27 Via Cappello.  Romeo is said to have climbed to Juliet's balcony.

Wall around the city of Verona, Italy 

Bronze statue of Juliet 

Juliet's Balcony 

Three of a kind at the gate into the City of Verona

Statue of Juliet at the museum 

Halle and Savannah writing their letters to Juliet

We had dinner at the M27 Cafe - Pizzeria & Food. Spent the night at the Hotel Victoria.  The hotel is contracted with the U.S. Military for housing for servicemen and women and their families.

Munich, Germany

After a restful night's sleep at Der Salzburger-Hof Hotel and Restaurant and a wonderful breakfast we were off to Munich, Germany. Upon arrival we took a bus tour of the city.  Had a nice lunch at the HofBrauhaus  consisting of bratwurst sausage and potatoes; with entertainment provided by a German polka band.

Street Scene in downtown Munich, Germany

Local artisan hand painting a giant Easter egg in the
town square of Munich.

The Dixon girls having a light lunch
at a sidewalk cafe.

Munich is getting ready for the Easter celebration.

We then went shopping at the Galleria (The biggest department store we have ever been in).  Returned to Salzburg, Austria, arriving at 7:30 p.m. after traveling through the Alps between Austria and Germany. A breathtaking scenery to say the least.

All the Easter candy you could ask for!

Where do I start?

The magnificent Alps