Roma

My trip started as I flew thirty-five thousand feet above the earth, next to a couple traveling from South Africa. they inspired me because they were accompanied by their children. The husband shared with me their journey and the path they were on during their exciting stretch toward Europe.  We talked about a variety of things but what we were truly excited about was  the Eternal City.

As I landed my heart grew with anticipation not just to explore the unknown of Rome, but to experience my journey with the love of my life. This adventure was meant to be a first time experience for both of us and Rome gave us all that we expected.

*** Some things you should expect while in Rome are beautiful well-preserved basilicas, great food and wine and crazy drivers. I have never been to a city where there were so many motor bikes and scooters that they almost took over the city. The local hospitality was unlike any place I had been. People were rude, impatient and arrogant. Along all the tourist places lurked aggressive street venders that developed a paranoid look out for the police because of their over aggressive sales pitch. *** I say that because you should know what to expect while in Rome.

Even though there was cultural diversity to overcome, we still managed to have the time of our life. We learned how to conquer  the metro system in the first two days. Rome has so many places to see that you need to either have lots of Euro for taxis, a scooter or car, or learn how to ride the metro. We did all the above minus the taxi route. One day we probably walked five plus miles and ate our weight in pasta to keep from passing out in the heat. The pizza was unlike anything I had ever tasted and it was absolutely amazing. The pasta was made al dente with deep rich flavors that made your mouth water as you feasted along the sites of Rome. Meals were complemented by bottled water with or without gas and great wine.

Our first tour started at night where we saw the lights of Rome and visited the coliseum, Vatican cities St. Peters Basilica, Trevi Fountain, the city center, then ending the night with a dinner while watching two professional performers sing opera.  The most memorable of that tour took place at the fountain where our guide explained that you should stand with your back to the fountain with a coin in the left hand and throw it over your right shoulder. One coin means you would come back to Rome, two coins means you would find love and get married, three coins would lead to divorce.  My love stood with her back to the fountain and tossed her coin. I tossed my coin as she took my picture. While she took in the view I reached down in my bag and presented her a ring and asked her to spend the rest of her life with me.  We were surrounded by people who let out a harmonious awwweee as she allowed me to place the ring on her finger. That made the trip worth taking. Now I have a partner for life that can join in on the adventures. I took over six-hundred pictures on this trip so the next blog will be dedicated to the Vatican City by its self.

BIG EMMA’S

After I arrived in Germany I felt like a kid in a candy store when it came to having a place to travel and things to do. The eight pounds I gained in the short span of time can be attributed to the great tasting beers and awesome food they have available. I couldn’t complain about the cost to portion size because the places I ate always seemed to make sure you walked in and crawled out from all the food they piled on your plate. Here is an experience I had at Big Emma’s. Great food, great company and great beers!

Big Emma’s was the name I kept hearing as the weekend drew close and people were making decisions on where they wanted to go grab a bite eat. When someone says their hungry and wants to grab a bite to eat you would think, maybe a burger and fries, or in this case a beer and a brat right. Not at BIG EMMA’S……… I thought it would be a good idea to do some homework and check this place out first and all I could find online was “go with an appetite.”

This was a first time experience for three of the people I went with and for the fourth person (the veteran) this was the first time he was going to take the challenge. I decided that I would order lite since I wasn’t sure what we were going to get do later in the night, so for starters the rookies and I ordered a small salad, small cheese burgers and a pint of beer. The vet looked at the waitress and told her to “bring it!” as he nodded his head and confidence in his eyes.  She must have known what he was talking about because she wrote something down on her pad and walked away.

We were the first group of people to arrive so I really didn’t know what to expect. As I waited the waitress brought our salads to the table and the veteran looked at us and said in a laughing tone “is that it, because it’s about to go down for me.” Still unsure what he was talking about we began eating our salads. Shortly after a slab of hog battered and sautéed with a rich and flavorful looking red gravy was delivered to the veteran. “Now that what I’m talking about” he  blurted out in a loud voice and with big smile” He turned his head to the side as he peered at us and said “fellas, this is the schnitzel you can’t forget.”  This thing was huge and hanging off the plate, and next to it rested some tasty steaming hot home fries seasoned to perfection.  Gazing at his plate he stared this thing down as if he was putting together a strategy of attack, and he began the assault.

Minutes later three pints of beer showed up and the waitress told the veteran that his was on the way. “ I hope your thirsty” was mumbled as she walked away. He was able to catch her before she could get to far and he told her once again……. “Bring-IT.”

Two waitresses carried a huge three liter glass of beer to the table that took up as much space as his schnitzel. Phase two of the assault started and almost two hours later the schnitzel, fries and over three quarters of the beer was gone. Even with all the food the vet took in, he was no match for the sweet nectar that came from the massive beer glass. Standing victorious at the end was the vet and his glass. He did manage to stand up and announced to the entire restaurant that he did it and they all applauded him as if he won the war. This was a good time out with friends. The car ride back to our room was just as interesting as the entire trip. Check out the pics of our small burgers and let me know what you think. If you’re in Germany check out BIG EMMA’s.

http://www.big-emma.com/restaurant.html

My Beer

Twin Towers

Prep Yime

Time for the challenge

The Vet

Bring it!

The small burger

Not bad for a small

Working it down

Reaching the end

Almost there !

The end !

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