September 15, 2006 by zankbennett.

So I’m in my Rome hotel room on the phone, waiting for the front desk to answer, holding a cloth. It’s about the size of a medium-large hand towel. It’s about as thick as a T-shirt and it feels like parachute pants. Remember those from the 80’s? So, the guy at the front desk answers and I kindly inform him that my room doesn’t have a regular towel for showering, just this piece of oversized wax paper I’m holding incredulously. He, also kindly, informs me that my room doesn’t come with a regular shower towel. I thank him and in shock accidentally hang up the phone. What am I supposed to do with this thing? I’ve seen a pair of ankle-socks absorb more water than this thing could ever.
So I put off showering as long as possible and finally went for it. When drying off, I actually paused to wring-out this oversized washcloth I was using to wipe the water all over myself. I’d have been better off jumping up and down while shaking myself violently.

So I leave the hotel. Of course, now that I’m finally dry it’s pouring rain. Cats and dogs. I run with my pack about 200 meters and I’m in the train station. Soaked head to toe. Pockets, shoes…everything. …could really use that towel right now!

On the plane now. I’ve discovered where the regular napkins went. (recall my post on the “glossy napkins”). They out them all in my Olympic Airielines bathroom. Yeah, it works like this. You use the restroom, wash your hands, go to dry them off, and perfect; dinner napkins. You know the kind that dissolve into a thousand soggy pieces upon first contact with water? Facial tissue would work better. In fact it did.

In Greece now…hoping that my bag is here to join me…this time. Love the islands here…getting excited!

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September 14, 2006 by zankbennett.

In Rome right now at an internet cafe…no more thumb typing.

 My favorite city in the world.  Went to the Vatican City today and just generally took in the city.  Amazing every time I’m here. 

Tomorrow it’s off to Greece!!! Scooters and Breezers and beaches and…

z

Me at the Trevy fountain, embracing the tradition of tossing a coin over my shoulder for a wish…it was raining heavily that night….about 1 am.

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September 13, 2006 by zankbennett.

Sitting at the train station in Pompei, waiting to go back to Sorrento where Jill and I will catch a train to Rome and George is going back to Positano.

Pompei was a lot bigger than I had thought. The ancient city was covered in lava on Aug 24th 79 AD mount Vesuvius (sp) erupted. The lava covered everything, even burying people alive. Some of the figures have been uncovered and can be seen in some of the displays.
There were two (that we saw) large ampitheaters towards the edge of Pompei. They were equipped with modern sound systems and stage lighting. Could only imaging playing music there.

Rome tonight….pizzas, bruscettas and the Trevy(sp) Fountain!

The weather here is perfect. We had a wonderfull, if brief, thunderstorm last night in Positano, but the days have been sunny, warm and perfect for shorts and a T.

….thanks to everyone who’s leaving comments and sending email…I really enjoy getting the correspondence, advice and insight!

-Z

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