July 28, 2007 - "Rome-ancing the Mouse Cruisers" -11 days! Part 2

[WebmasterMaryJo]

Sandra,

Here you go -- full sized. Kelly wanted me to make sure to let you know that this was from HER camera.

http://www.maryjomellado.com/2007Europe/IMG_1133.JPG

 

[Perdie]

hi there

five out of the seven of us who went on the cruise were ill either during or straight - i myself was very sick the 2nd night and things didn't really settle down until we came home. my mother-in-law became ill on the 4th day and my 6 year old son also became ill (we spent 2 days in our stateroom!).

on return both my daughter and niece became ill - our doctor said that my daughters was an inflamation of the intestines? and would pass (she is now better 8 days later)


hope you feel better soon

allison

WOW! Sorry to hear that most of you were ill! How awful : (
My dr said it might be inflammation or an infection or who knows...but they are testing me right now to see what it is and how to treat it-it's been 9 days already but the last fever I had was last night-but I was also healthy for about 3 days during the past 9 and then it came back...hopefully it will go away in time for my trip to Prague over Labor Day weekend!

Hope your family is all better now-thanks for the info!

 

[WebmasterMaryJo]

When we were in La Spezia we did the Florence/Michelangelo tour. Here are some pics, mostly with DISers.


http://www.wdwinfo.com/photopost/data/716/11450IMG_5818a.jpg
Arrival at La Spezia

Florence & the Arno River

Brian at the Santa Croce Church (Holy Cross). This is where all the groups met at the beginning & end of our tours.

Kelly walking in Florence. You can see Mary Ann's dh, Tom, to her right.

We saw Carley, Sallie, & Jimmy walk past as they explored Florence.

We had lunch in Napolean's sister, Paulina's, palace. It was nondescript from the outside, but luxurious on the inside.

Wendy & Family

Megan

Nick, Kelly, & me

Back at Santa Croce church - Megan enjoying gelato

Watching a tender boat bring back passengers to the Magic

Florence gave us a lot of photo opportunities, but I mainly wanted to share the ones w/fellow DISers. My originals are bigger if anyone wants copies.

 

[WebmasterMaryJo]

Hi Gang,
Just checking in after another busy weekend. I had to come back to work just to get some rest.

If you saw the news we had a tropical storm here in the heartland on Sat-Sun. Amazing amount of rain in such a short time.

Wendy, thanks for the update on your family. Like everybody, we were shocked as well. Know that you are in our prayers.

Izzi, I'm sorry that you and the boys won't be able to make the '09 trip. But you're trading one celebration for another (actually two). You and Paul have two wonderful boys and they will make fine young men. You've done a spectacular job.

On the same note, thanks to MJ for posting pics. We had such a grand day with you guys in Naples. It was at the top of our list, too.

I have finally started to make some headway with my Apple software and successfully completed my first DVD with about 1100 pics from the trip. I'll try to pare that down to a reasonable number and produce a web-based movie that I'll share with all of you.

I'll also try to post some pics here Tue.

Have a great week, everybody.

Brian

I'm looking forward to seeing the movie, Brian. We are hoping to finish our blogs (this weekend maybe?). We took notes, and need to upload them. I've only read a couple of days on yours, and am looking forward to relaxing w/some coffee in my Philadelphia mug (thank you JoAnn). I love details, and want to really enjoy your blog.

mj

 

[Andrew DEREK UK]

Nice pictures.

 

[Pixie Dust II]

Hi Everyone,
I just wanted to thank all of you for your thoughts, prayers, and condolences during this very difficult time for our family.

My son's wedding will go on as scheduled. It was what my dad would have wanted. It was a difficult decision for us to make. I'm hoping to leave for Fla. tomorrow or Tuesday.

This disboard "ROMEancing the Mouse" family is a great comfort to me during this very difficult time. It means more to me than you'll ever know to read your posts and smile. Thank-you again.

Wendy---It is so amazing how this wonderful group of people have bonded and we do feel like a family and your loss feels like our own. I hope this time of your son's wedding will be a time your family can come together in joy and celebrate the new link in your family chain. May you stay strong.

Unfortunately over this weekend we've had to cancel our April 2009 cruise due to a HUGE party we've now got to make in 2009.

Ok long story short. As we're Jewish both boys are going to be barmitzvahed. We had hoped that as there are only 22 months between them that they could both do it together however we've been advised that this would not be a good thing and so we've now got TWO barmitzvahs to do and the first one will be Joshua's in June/July 2009 so our reunion cruise is just not financially possible.

I hope loads of you can make it and you have one or two coffees in the Quiet Cove and think about us.

Well, Izzi, 2009 is a long way off for all of us...who know, you may win the lottery between now and then!

Sorry for this topic...but i have to ask....does anyone know of anyone on our cruise that got really sick-like Norovirus-type sick after the cruise?

I am hoping i didn't get that but I have been sick since last sunday-went to the ER for an IV at one point-anyway, it's been a week and I am still sick so I am hoping i didn't catch a parasite-anyone know of anyone else? Thanks for your help!

My only complaint after the cruise was that the ship was still moving after I got home, but that is normal for me! I used to do it after the seven day cruises for the first few and then it did not bother me, but 11 days I guess combined with the long flight sort of made it all start again. It took me close to a week not to feel the motion, but I have no problems now. Sorry you are not feeling well. I never knew anyone was ill on the ship.

Hi Gang,
Just checking in after another busy weekend. I had to come back to work just to get some rest.

If you saw the news we had a tropical storm here in the heartland on Sat-Sun. Amazing amount of rain in such a short time.

Wendy, thanks for the update on your family. Like everybody, we were shocked as well. Know that you are in our prayers.

Izzi, I'm sorry that you and the boys won't be able to make the '09 trip. But you're trading one celebration for another (actually two). You and Paul have two wonderful boys and they will make fine young men. You've done a spectacular job.

On the same note, thanks to MJ for posting pics. We had such a grand day with you guys in Naples. It was at the top of our list, too.

I have finally started to make some headway with my Apple software and successfully completed my first DVD with about 1100 pics from the trip. I'll try to pare that down to a reasonable number and produce a web-based movie that I'll share with all of you.

I'll also try to post some pics here Tue.

Have a great week, everybody.

Brian

We have been thinking about you Brian and wondering if you were having any weather problems??

Be sure to let us know when you have that web based movie ready because I really want to see it.

I have really enjoyed everyone's pictures. I still need to download the rest of ours.

Did anyone else stop at Aventine Hill at the Embassy of Malta to look thru the peep hole in the door on the way to Rome? Our picture does not give the detail that you could actually see, but it is neat. Also the footprints of Christ on the Apian Way turned out excellent. I will try to post those.

Glad we had such excellent weather for our vacation as it was hot and humid on return home and how way too much rain with danger of flooding...glad we live on top of a hill!

 

[Sandaneli]

MaryJo, thanks for the picture. And Thank Kelly too!


Your pictures have been great to bring back memories of the cruise. WE had a great time meeting you and the kids, Kelly and Nick.

Gerry and I were talking about the trip when I got back from Canada and we were saying that the sights and ports were great but we really have wonderful memories of the people we met and made friends with.

Have a great day

Sandra

 

[MV_Photon]

Did anyone else stop at Aventine Hill at the Embassy of Malta to look thru the peep hole in the door on the way to Rome? Our picture does not give the detail that you could actually see, but it is neat. Also the footprints of Christ on the Apian Way turned out excellent. I will try to post those.

Santa Maria del Priorato (Our Lady of the Priory)

• 3 Piazza dei Cavalieri di Malta
• designed by Giovanni Battista Piranesi, famous for his etchings of Rome and of fictitious and atmospheric "prisons" (Carceri d'Invenzione).
• construction started in 1765
• Territory of The Sovereign Military Hospitaller Order of St. John of Jerusalem of Rhodes and Malta www.orderofmalta.org/domrisp.asp?idlingua=5

My own (a bit overexposed) photo through the keyhole:

A professional shot:

The facade:

The keyhole:

The back door, from the atrium of Sant' Anselmo (because the Priory is not open to the public):

 

[MrsG]

Oh I have so been enjoying the pics!!!!!!!! I'll try to post some too.

Wendy, I hope you have a wonderful time at the wedding. Your dad will be with you in spirit. Remember to post photos when you return and after the funeral. We are praying for you and your family.

Izzy,

2009 is a long time away. I know that the party will certainly be a big, necessary expense. Maybe you'll hit the lottery and be able to join us. You never know.......

It was so wonderful. Tom & I are still talking about it. And Sandra you are right, it is the people that made it more special. Thank you all.

Maryann

 

[MrsG]

When we met Mary Jo in Eze

The real version (without the toilet paper)

Changing of the guard at the Palace in Monaco

Paul & Helen & Dave at Wine tasting

 

[alexcturner]

We had such a nice brunch on our second sea day. Thank you, Lisa, for arranging it!

Here is the same pic with names (as I remember them - sorry for any mix-ups)

Click for bigger pic


http://www.wdwinfo.com/photopost/data/716/11450IMG_1133-med.JPG

What a great memory. How did Justine and Jon get seperated (in the picture?) Sorry Justine. All of your pictures are great MJ!! Also, thank you for arranging our Rome tour. I still cannot believe we saw all we did!! Really enjoyed meeting Kelly and Nick as well.

Hi Everyone,


I just wanted to thank all of you for your thoughts, prayers, and condolences during this very difficult time for our family. My dad's death came as a shock as we believed he was on the road to recovery and would be back in the States in a few days.According to our dr. who read some of the medical reports, his injuries were more severe than we realized. My dad died doing what he loved- cruisung with his family and Disney. He was a very special person.


My son's wedding will go on as scheduled. It was what my dad would have wanted. It was a difficult decision for us to make. I'm hoping to leave for Fla. tomorrow or Tuesday.



My dad's body is still in Italy. We've been told it could be here tomorrow or Tuesday. My mom has decided to have the funeral after my son's wedding. Emotionally this will be difficult but it's what she wants.

As of now the wake will be Aug. 29 and the funeral will be Aug. 30.Plans should be finalized in the next couple of days.

We plan on leaving tomorow afternoon or Tuesday for my son's wedding.It will be bittersweet.


This disboard "ROMEancing the Mouse" family is a great comfort to me during this very difficult time. It means more to me than you'll ever know to read your posts and smile. Thank-you again.

Dear Wendy, We were saddened to read of your loss. So sorry. I hope you will be able to enjoy the wedding.

Anyone who was at the private dinner with us, Susy, Kathy, Sallie, Julie, Lisa, if you got a picture please post it or send it to me somehow we didn't get a copy of that one either and we had a wonderful time. We looked for the Shutters picture but it was already gone by the time we got there.

Sandra

Hi Sandra! We somehow did not get a picture that night either. We had a great time also and would really like to get a picture also if anyone has one.....All our fun times went by too fast!

I would also like to say thanks to everyone for making the trip so special!!! The gift bags, fish extender gifts and the wonderful people made our first trip to Europe even better than what I thought it would be.......

Also, I sent a pm to Penny (islandmom3)......So happy that the storm missed them....

 

[Disneynutinlondon]

What FANTASTIC photos everyone....thanks for taking the time to post them, they bring back such wonderful memories I can't help but sit and smile like some loony when I look at them

 

[Andrew DEREK UK]

Yes thank you for all photo posts Eze and Monte carlo were great.

 

[Perdie]

If anyone is interested I have started blogging the trip and posting pictures, all on my website:
www.themarriedtraveler.com

All you have to do is click on Vacation Picture Gallery or Travel Blog....I am going to try to update it daily before I forget everything for the blog
Enjoy!

 

[Pixie Dust II]

Gerry and I were talking about the trip when I got back from Canada and we were saying that the sights and ports were great but we really have wonderful memories of the people we met and made friends with.

Have a great day

Sandra

Sandra---I think you have probably said what everyone is thinking. I love looking at all of the pictures and I will get some on here soon, but just thinking about all the wonderful people we met made this the most memorable vacation anyone could ever want! We chatted for months, but when we finally got together it was just the best ever-----THANK YOU EVERYONE SO MUCH!!!!!!!!!!

 

[jlawall]

Sandra---I think you have probably said what everyone is thinking. I love looking at all of the pictures and I will get some on here soon, but just thinking about all the wonderful people we met made this the most memorable vacation anyone could ever want! We chatted for months, but when we finally got together it was just the best ever-----THANK YOU EVERYONE SO MUCH!!!!!!!!!!

Yes, when we got home, I think we were in shock (or jet-lagged!).......what just happened?? Was I just in Pompeii, Rome, Cinque Terre, Erici........I am now obsessed with Italy!!!

And then the "frosting" is the wonderful people with whom we shared this experience..........I really think having familiar faces to say "Hello" as we did different activities made it more special!!

I found out when I started getting ready for school, that two of my colleagues were in Italy when we were.........how nuts is that!!

 

[Sandaneli]

Santa Maria del Priorato (Our Lady of the Priory)

• 3 Piazza dei Cavalieri di Malta
• designed by Giovanni Battista Piranesi, famous for his etchings of Rome and of fictitious and atmospheric "prisons" (Carceri d'Invenzione).
• construction started in 1765
• Territory of The Sovereign Military Hospitaller Order of St. John of Jerusalem of Rhodes and Malta www.orderofmalta.org/domrisp.asp?idlingua=5

My own (a bit overexposed) photo through the keyhole:

A professional shot:

The facade:

The keyhole:

The back door, from the atrium of Sant' Anselmo (because the Priory is not open to the public):

Thank you so much for posting these great photos. Ours also came out over exposed but this was one of those surprise memories of the trip. Now I'll be able to make this page of the scrapbook a bit clearer.

Thanks again.

 

[MrsJobba1]

Hi hope you are all getting over the post cruise blues - I know I am finding it difficult thinking that in under 2 weeks Im back at school

We rebooked on board - but want to go 2009 , we've never used a TA as we've always booked through DVC - however I know there can be benefits from using them- Could anyone give any advice on how to go about it? Perhaps PM with a recomendation?

Anway - lets get back to the med - here are some more of my Barcelona photos.

What amazing place el mercat de la Boqueria was - I could not get over the variety and colour!

 

[MrsJobba1]

Of course we had to visit the nou camp!

 

[MrsJobba1]

On the way back from the nou camp I Stopped off to check where we were meeting for the magic fountain - as soon as I left the metro I saw...