The Dis Goes to Italy 5/24 - 6/1/2012 Viva Italia!!!!

[stenogoddess]

I am set on this, and would be super happy to go together. The tickets will be about $20.00, so not so costly that we couldn't change our minds at the last minute if some other more fabulous opportunity arises. It looks like it will be a nice stroll to and from the hotel, and of all the myriad of things to see it is on the top of my list of things not covered with ABD. For the 3:00 admission we would need to arrive around 2:30, and for the 5 pm around 4:30. What do you think?

Awesome! I really wanted to see the sculpture, etc, here. I know we have the Vatican stuff in the morning and then lunch, so maybe the 5:00 time just to be on the safe side? BUT it looks like the museum closes at 7:30. Do we think two 1/2 hours is enough to get through? You take pictures of 1/2 and I'll take pictures of the other 1/2 and then we'll get through no problem! I think the museum is on some pretty nice grounds, too, which will be nice. Any chance to see some greenery!

Have included Wiki link just in case anyone is interested and wanted a quick read up on the museum and grounds. LOVE Wiki!

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Galleria_Borghese

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Villa_Borghese_gardens



In other news: Had MAJOR breakthrough in PT yesterday. Brian (PT guy) was finally able to find out exactly what's wrong with me and was able to recreate the pain in my arm. We've been working on my arm for a while and making some small progress, but now that we've zeroed in on where exactly the problem originates I find that I'm...um...well, less than thrilled. Since this is a family board. You can read what you like into my ellipses. Apparently my arm pain is a symptom of what's wrong and tennis elbow is not actually my problem. My actual problem is my C5/6 disc in my neck is protruding/bulging/blown out/looks like a smashed jelly doughnut. Awesome!

Now I realize that in the overall scope of things this is not so bad. With some PT things and good self-management (easier said than done) I'll keep on keeping on. I don't even get a handicapped parking sticker for my car. Bummer. So I need to get my big girl pants on. I know it. But following on the heels of finding out that I can't dye my hair my nice dark brown anymore because I've developed an acute reaction to hair dye that could actually kill me I'm just feeling a bit, oh, I don't know, what's the word, hmmm, old? Dude, I'm way too cute for gray hair! Now I have a bulging disc and grey hair, bleh! I say bleh to that!!!!

 

[DSNYDREAMER]

Lauren your "cuteness" and downright awesomeness, radiates from within. You would be beautiful with grey hair, blue hair or even know hair at all!!!!

Now the old thing--well that I can't help with. We are getting old, no denying it!

 

[DisneyKevin]

But following on the heels of finding out that I can't dye my hair my nice dark brown anymore because I've developed an acute reaction to hair dye that could actually kill me I'm just feeling a bit, oh, I don't know, what's the word, hmmm, old?

I think you could pull of the "short spiky hair with IMPORTANT earrings" look.

You know what I mean....the "I make folk jewelry in my kiln and weave traditional fabrics on my loom and sell them at craft fairs" look.

 

[skunkvette]

Lauren your "cuteness" and downright awesomeness, radiates from within. You would be beautiful with grey hair, blue hair or even know hair at all!!!!

Now the old thing--well that I can't help with. We are getting old, no denying it!

Lauren, continued good luck and progress with PT, those people can be great at what they do.

I have three PT sessions a week and each one moves me closer to getting on that plane on 5/23/12.

On the "old" issue, I am currently debating which to bring with me to Italy - a cane or a walking stick.

I recall the old days when the decision before a big trip was whether or not to bring a bathing suit and a cork screw.

Life moves on with us in tow.

Enjoy the ride!

 

[jcb]

Oh, please.

walking stick

You won't be the only one with a "walking stick". . . .

 

[DisneyKevin]

Oh, please.

You won't be the only one with a "walking stick". . . .

Mine folds.

 

[WebmasterMike]

Mine folds.

..and he can beat people with it!!

 

[Circusgirl]

Awesome! I really wanted to see the sculpture, etc, here. I know we have the Vatican stuff in the morning and then lunch, so maybe the 5:00 time just to be on the safe side? BUT it looks like the museum closes at 7:30. Do we think two 1/2 hours is enough to get through? You take pictures of 1/2 and I'll take pictures of the other 1/2 and then we'll get through no problem! I think the museum is on some pretty nice grounds, too, which will be nice. Any chance to see some greenery!

Have included Wiki link just in case anyone is interested and wanted a quick read up on the museum and grounds. LOVE Wiki!

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Galleria_Borghese

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Villa_Borghese_gardens



In other news: Had MAJOR breakthrough in PT yesterday. Brian (PT guy) was finally able to find out exactly what's wrong with me and was able to recreate the pain in my arm. We've been working on my arm for a while and making some small progress, but now that we've zeroed in on where exactly the problem originates I find that I'm...um...well, less than thrilled. Since this is a family board. You can read what you like into my ellipses. Apparently my arm pain is a symptom of what's wrong and tennis elbow is not actually my problem. My actual problem is my C5/6 disc in my neck is protruding/bulging/blown out/looks like a smashed jelly doughnut. Awesome!

Now I realize that in the overall scope of things this is not so bad. With some PT things and good self-management (easier said than done) I'll keep on keeping on. I don't even get a handicapped parking sticker for my car. Bummer. So I need to get my big girl pants on. I know it. But following on the heels of finding out that I can't dye my hair my nice dark brown anymore because I've developed an acute reaction to hair dye that could actually kill me I'm just feeling a bit, oh, I don't know, what's the word, hmmm, old? Dude, I'm way too cute for gray hair! Now I have a bulging disc and grey hair, bleh! I say bleh to that!!!!

Let's plan on the 5:00 entry time for the Borghese. They only let people in for two hours at a time and clear the museum between groups so we've got two hours whenever we do it. Anybody else interested?

Now, in terms of the grey hair thing, it is a super big drag to encounter these moments of change along the way that we can't control, but you've got STYLE, girl, and that is way more important than anything else. Think Carmen Dell'Orefice...At 80 she may even be more beautiful than in her younger years. You'll be wowing them for many years to come...
I'm glad you at least know what your diagnosis is, so you can really target your therapy in the right way.

 

[apurplebrat]

Let's plan on the 5:00 entry time for the Borghese. They only let people in for two hours at a time and clear the museum between groups so we've got two hours whenever we do it. Anybody else interested?

Now, in terms of the grey hair thing, it is a super big drag to encounter these moments of change along the way that we can't control, but you've got STYLE, girl, and that is way more important than anything else. Think Carmen Dell'Orefice...At 80 she may even be more beautiful than in her younger years. You'll be wowing them for many years to come...
I'm glad you at least know what your diagnosis is, so you can really target your therapy in the right way.

Me & mom would be interested in doing Borghese!

Grey hair is totally in style now! Kelly Osbornes has been coloring hers grey/purple

Glad the PT seems to be going better

 

[Chropistopy]

I would like to join those going to Villa Borghese. I think I want to just explore the gardens though. Perhaps I can accompany you guys, then plan to meet up with you at the end of your tour of the museum.

So, it really hit me that we only have three weeks. I still have so much to do. I did do a bit of shopping today. I was able to mark some things off of my list. YAY!!!

 

[stenogoddess]

Lauren your "cuteness" and downright awesomeness, radiates from within. You would be beautiful with grey hair, blue hair or even know hair at all!!!!

Now the old thing--well that I can't help with. We are getting old, no denying it!

I'm putting my awesomeness radiates from within on a t-shirt!

I think you could pull of the "short spiky hair with IMPORTANT earrings" look.

You know what I mean....the "I make folk jewelry in my kiln and weave traditional fabrics on my loom and sell them at craft fairs" look.

You forgot the I made these sandals myself out of hemp to complete the look!

I recall the old days when the decision before a big trip was whether or not to bring a bathing suit and a cork screw.

Life moves on with us in tow.

Enjoy the ride!

Word!

Me & mom would be interested in doing Borghese!

Grey hair is totally in style now! Kelly Osbornes has been coloring hers grey/purple

Glad the PT seems to be going better

Yeah, you're coming with us! And, yeah, me and Kelly Osborne, we're tight like that!

I would like to join those going to Villa Borghese. I think I want to just explore the gardens though. Perhaps I can accompany you guys, then plan to meet up with you at the end of your tour of the museum.!

I am also looking forward to the gardens. From my understanding it's the Central Park of Rome. Can't miss that!

So both of my parents independently suggested I buy a wig to cover my hair. Really? It's 100 outside. Don't these people know about my awesomeness radiating from within for crying out loud? Self-esteem complex party of one, right this way, we have you a seat over here with your parents! A wig? Come on, people, really?

On the awesome side because I'm so tall the only people who will notice my hair growing out will be John and Kevin. I can totally live with that!

 

[Circusgirl]

Me & mom would be interested in doing Borghese!

Yay!

I would like to join those going to Villa Borghese. I think I want to just explore the gardens though. Perhaps I can accompany you guys, then plan to meet up with you at the end of your tour of the museum.

Terrific!

 

[DisneyKevin]

While we haven't visited the Borghese Museum, we have walked all through the Borghese Gardens.

The gardens are not a long walk from our hotel, but be warned.....it is all uphill.

That being said, the gardens are basically a big city park that used to be the Borghese estate.

There are some statues and a cafe or two, but for the most part, the gardens are large lawns and tree lined walkways.

There is a spectacular overlook with the Vatican and St Peter's Basilica off in the distance.

This is not to persuade or disuade anyone from visiting the gardens, but more so that you have an idea of what you'll find.

Rome is a big modern city with fascinating historic places / ruins around every corner.

For every broad thoroughfare, there are a dozen twisty, turny ancient side streets to explore.

 

[corky441]

If someone is looking for another possible "free time" activity while in Rome, you might be interested in this:

The Vatican has released 100 documents from its' archives and has put them on exhibit at the Capitoline Museum The exhibit just opened February 29th and will close on September 1st. This is really the opportunity of a lifetime.

Here is the link to the website - http://www.luxinarcana.org/en

 

[Circusgirl]

If someone is looking for another possible "free time" activity while in Rome, you might be interested in this:

The Vatican has released 100 documents from its' archives and has put them on exhibit at the Capitoline Museum The exhibit just opened February 29th and will close on September 1st. This is really the opportunity of a lifetime.

Here is the link to the website - http://www.luxinarcana.org/en

Ooooooooooh! This looks amazing.

 

[stenogoddess]

If someone is looking for another possible "free time" activity while in Rome, you might be interested in this:

The Vatican has released 100 documents from its' archives and has put them on exhibit at the Capitoline Museum The exhibit just opened February 29th and will close on September 1st. This is really the opportunity of a lifetime.

Here is the link to the website - http://www.luxinarcana.org/en

The Vatican did a traveling exhibit like this in the US several years ago. It was very cool to see. Jeri and I drove down to Tampa to view it. There were documents and Pope clothes and art. Very cool. However, just to warn, at leat in Tampa the crowd control left a lot to be desired. It was like MK on New Years. You're in there shoulder to shoulder with folks. And most of them are little old people. And unless you're willing to knock them down, which after about an hour I started thinking about it, you can't get close enough to the exhibits to read the info cards. It took us about four hours to get though the entire thing. But that was just our experience in Florida. Could be more, better, different in Rome.

You know, Rome. Where we're going. In three weeks!

Am I right that Kevin, John and Matt should be leaving soon? Wanted to say safe travels and can't wait to see ya! In Rome!

 

[mattincanberra]

Thanks Lauren,

I leave the house this Sunday (my trip to Barcelona is a bit convoluted) - and will see Kevin and John in Barcelona next Sunday - what can go wrong, a boat on the Mediterranean right.....

I'm sure there will be a story or two to tell in a bar in Rome. Looking forward to seeing you all.

Matt

 

[DisneyKevin]

The Vatican did a traveling exhibit like this in the US several years ago. It was very cool to see. Jeri and I drove down to Tampa to view it. There were documents and Pope clothes and art. Very cool. However, just to warn, at leat in Tampa the crowd control left a lot to be desired. It was like MK on New Years. You're in there shoulder to shoulder with folks. And most of them are little old people. And unless you're willing to knock them down, which after about an hour I started thinking about it, you can't get close enough to the exhibits to read the info cards. It took us about four hours to get though the entire thing. But that was just our experience in Florida. Could be more, better, different in Rome.

You know, Rome. Where we're going. In three weeks!

Am I right that Kevin, John and Matt should be leaving soon? Wanted to say safe travels and can't wait to see ya! In Rome!

We went to this exhibit as well.

We leave Orlando May 12th.

 

[Chropistopy]

The Euros I ordered have arrived at the bank.

I've informed the bank of my travel dates.

I've purchased the majority of the things I need for the trip.

I've been dealing with bronchitis for the past week...but I've been abnormally productive while being so sick.

Three weeks from now today I will be headed to the airport.

 

[jcb]

I've been dealing with bronchitis for the past week...but I've been abnormally productive while being so sick.

1) Feel better soon
2) "abnormally productive" is a wonderful phrase. May I plagiarize it?