tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-56774712011-07-08T03:27:45.287-07:00The RizzFam's Travel AdventuresCELEBRATING OUR 8TH YEAR OF BLOGGING!!
We've been around the world, from London to the Bay... Can't touch this!
It's onto '10 and the RizzFam is doing great!
This year brings us back to the Caribbean after a year of staying in California. First up, two days at Disneyworld prior to stepping on board the Freedom of the Seas for a week in the Western Caribbean!Davehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00114196228310781008noreply@blogger.comBlogger821100tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5677471.post-79785472772036317192010-06-22T19:09:00.000-07:002010-06-22T21:25:30.915-07:00Mi Amici Italiano - Watching the World Cup on BoardJuly 14, 2010 2:30pm eastern timeOn Air Club - Deck 3.Freedom of the SeasItaly v ParaguayI arrived at the bar at 2:15pm hoping to get a seat. I was alone except the animated bar tender eager to talk soccer with someone. I ordered a diet rum and coke and he talked about is beloved Honduran team. By 2:20pm several others had arrived. Perhaps Davehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00114196228310781008noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5677471.post-61363219739117069582010-06-21T08:06:00.000-07:002010-06-21T23:09:09.562-07:00Too Much Ship, Not Enough Time - the Freedom to do it allWe had a fairly smooth ride from Orlando across to Port Canaveral. From the highway you can easily see all of the massive buildings and launch towers of Kennedy Space Center. I can only imagine what it must be like to see a shuttle launch from here. Guess time is running out for that experience.We were pretty much on board the Freedom ofDavehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00114196228310781008noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5677471.post-13921998616362860462010-06-20T11:42:00.000-07:002010-06-21T08:04:35.415-07:00Adventures in Fantasyland and BeyondOur day at Disney World was most certainly an adventure, a fantasy, and a futuristic experience out of this world in a new frontier. I think that just about covers all of the lands of Disney World except Liberty Square (DWorld version of Disneyland's New Orleans Square). We started the day with a visit and a picture with Daisy Duck at Main Street and boy did Davehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00114196228310781008noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5677471.post-81656445193489765382010-06-20T07:48:00.000-07:002010-06-20T07:56:09.319-07:00Me And the SailorWe've made it to our hotel in Cocoa Beach, FL and the rooms are not yet ready. So I've parked it at the bar to watch Italy play New Zealand and much to my shock, NZ has scored! WTF? At least Italy scored an equalizer.Anyway I arrived at the bar and the second thing I noticed was the Sailor Jerry sign! Mi amigo en Mexico, no esta los same! Oh boy, having crappy blue label Davehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00114196228310781008noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5677471.post-43358991732020716442010-06-20T03:56:00.000-07:002010-06-20T04:04:25.486-07:00Happy Valentines Day, Daddy!Maria just wished me a happy Valentines Day. Close enough. She's wide awake at 630am est today as we've arrived in port. The other kids are knocked out next door in "the kids room". First time on a cruise we've used the optional bunk beds for the kids and they really rock! Oh I was just wished a happy birthday by Maria...getting warmer.So I promised a recap of goodDavehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00114196228310781008noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5677471.post-51955234270355471342010-06-19T18:30:00.000-07:002010-06-19T18:45:57.873-07:00Last Day at Sea - No Amigo, No Los 'Same'It's been over a week since the last blog, mostly because I did not get wifi service on the high seas and I wasn't going to try my luck at internet cafes in Haiti or Jamaica. Cayman Islands? Maybe. Mexico, hell no. Dios mio!The kids are nearly tucked in bed as we must be off the ship by 930am Sunday. Tonight I took Alyssa with her cousins Jake and Davehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00114196228310781008noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5677471.post-69052112474139108452010-06-12T06:12:00.000-07:002010-06-12T06:43:53.494-07:00Oh man, it is hot!Friday brought us to the so called Taj Majal of theme parks - Disney World. Specifically we visited the Magic Kingdom park. Visiting this place in June means huge crowds and blazing hot weather. To get into the park, you have to first navigate an impressive transportation hub that links parking lots and resort hotels to the various theme parks with an intricate, yet highly Davehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00114196228310781008noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5677471.post-79436753341942336472010-06-10T07:04:00.000-07:002010-06-10T07:05:18.811-07:00Darn I am oldBonus post to say:I graduated from high school 18 years ago today!Davehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00114196228310781008noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5677471.post-50007336334583175052010-06-10T06:56:00.000-07:002010-06-10T07:04:30.613-07:00Hey, the plane is upside down!We've arrived in Orlando and are getting ready to head to our condos at LIKI TIKI VILLAGE. How cheesy a name is that? Oh well, it is near Disneyworld and it was cheap and looks fun.Yesterday was the long haul from the west coast to the space coast. We traveled through Denver, across the plains, and through a few thunderstorms and arrived in Orlando around 11pm Davehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00114196228310781008noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5677471.post-24939938282533327292008-12-15T01:12:00.000-08:002008-12-15T09:33:23.118-08:00Barbados - home of rum (malibu or gay)Wednesday brought us to Barbados and probably the most anticipated port for me. One reason, RUM. Barbados is home to two big rum distilleries - Mount Gay and Malibu. I am fans of both versions and was excited to be able to tour one of the two distilleries, if not both.Another reason - caves! Barbados, like most of the West Indies, has a volcanic past. This Davehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00114196228310781008noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5677471.post-58670345068419627572008-12-14T16:20:00.000-08:002008-12-15T09:35:11.324-08:00Dominica the rainforest IslandTuesday brought our arrival to our first real volcanic/rainforest island. It seems as you travel south from Puerto Freako the islands become a bit more volcanic and tropical - but some of this might be lack of development. Then as you get to the furthest south (on this trip at least) which was Barbados, the island is relatively flat again.Anyway, Tuesday brought Davehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00114196228310781008noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5677471.post-32840002143680086262008-12-12T10:20:00.000-08:002008-12-15T09:36:14.621-08:00Puerto Freakins estan muy cornholios -As an aside from catching up, please allow me to comment on Puerto Ricans.Puerto Rico apparently doesnt educate their children the entire mnth of December, so they are all on vacation, and half the effing bario is on this ship. Screw A Rod.Puerto Ricans are rude sobs. They are pushy, they take over, they are loud, they disobey rules pretending not to speak Davehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00114196228310781008noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5677471.post-24919379622504929732008-12-12T10:07:00.001-08:002008-12-12T10:20:08.224-08:00Catching up is hard to do....happy Friday y'all!Hey everyone - today we are in St Lucia in the Lesse Antilles or more commonly known as the West Indies. I've either been too busy or incapable of finding good internet service to post all week. However, St Lucia is the place.To catch you up, lets chat about St Thomas, last Monday, and the last place I posted.We took advantage of Camp Carnival's Davehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00114196228310781008noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5677471.post-11760107287722180102008-12-08T09:31:00.001-08:002008-12-08T09:58:12.199-08:00San Juan-t to Get On the Ship! And Big A$$ Fans -Well, we made it to the port just fine after leaving the Embassy Suites. A portage bagger took our bags to check them in, we waltzed up to the terminal after dad inquired where our luggage went 3 or 4 times, and were told that instead of allowing us to board at noon, we would be boarding at 330pm! Ugh, another delay. San Juan's cruise ship Davehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00114196228310781008noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5677471.post-14324058756092894402008-12-07T07:04:00.000-08:002008-12-07T07:23:00.624-08:00Dallas hell - American Airlines bungholios:Well, what Dallas did for my colon, it did little for our patience and heart rate. Not long after my movement, the time came to board the plane. So the American Idiots called us up, asking for priority and pre board customers. So of course the entire plane crowds to the front. There we all stand for about 7 or 8 minutes before the lady announces thatDavehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00114196228310781008noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5677471.post-16469912669773730702008-12-06T11:06:00.000-08:002008-12-06T11:10:44.531-08:00Dallas AirportWell, we had a wonderful fliight to Dallas... Alysssa was a gem. maria slept and was mostly playful until the very end, but even then, typical Maria, gripes with smile.the plane wasnt full, so we could spread out a little bit.gotta be quicck since I am on a pay perr use machine.Wanted to give a traveler's handy tip.Dallas fw airport - if you are departinng out of d terminal thereDavehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00114196228310781008noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5677471.post-30564487722882637752008-12-03T12:54:00.000-08:002008-12-03T13:46:41.502-08:00THANKSGIVING DAYThe most wonderful holiday of the year - Thanksgiving Day - has come and gone once again. Although one would think that this holiday is probably the most likely to be exactly the same from year to year, I have learned that it is the subtle differences that make each one unique.Yes, we eat turkey and stuffing like everyone else. Yes, there is football and parades to watch on TV.Davehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00114196228310781008noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5677471.post-6972956558740098262008-12-02T13:15:00.000-08:002008-12-02T13:48:03.158-08:00Thanksgiving Weekend RecapTuning up for the cruise next week, I figured I had better do a few blogs to sharpen my blogging skills.There is been so much since my last posting almost a year ago when Maria was born. Too much to talk about really, so I won't try to cover it all. We just finished Thanksgiving weekend, and what a full weekend it was. As I write this, I am wrapping up lunch at work Davehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00114196228310781008noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5677471.post-24742080414563889892007-12-18T21:39:00.000-08:002008-12-11T13:37:09.214-08:00INTRODUCING MARIA GEOVANNA RIZZARDO!December 16, 2007 - Sacramento, CA Well Maria finally joined the party known as the Rizzardo family! After about 12 hours at the hospital including 10 hours of labor, several football games, some PBA Bowling, and the first two thirds of the Lord of the Rings movies all on TV. Maria arrived at 7:02pm, weighing 7 lbs. 12.6 oz. and measuring 20 inches in length. Davehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00114196228310781008noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5677471.post-78905712994367891852007-06-14T12:15:00.000-07:002007-06-14T13:11:42.339-07:00Postscript: The End of the SailSo we have actually been back from our trip for almost a week and a half, but finding time to finish off this latest round of blogs has not been easy. It would have been a bit easier if our laptop was not at Fry's for the past week being examined for obscenely short battery life.Anyhow, when we last left off, I had just completed the dolphin moment of my life (no,Davehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00114196228310781008noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5677471.post-45751253196197586642007-06-05T19:50:00.000-07:002008-12-11T13:37:12.478-08:00Flippin it in Costa Maya I'm not really sure how to describe Costa Maya -because it is really something that is non existent in many regards. I don't know where the people who work there come from, but essentially Costa Maya seems to be one of those old Hollywood facades. If you look at it from the front, it appears to be a small bustling port - but poke beyond the front door and it is nothing Davehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00114196228310781008noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5677471.post-63167383740743909562007-06-04T07:12:00.000-07:002008-12-11T13:37:13.463-08:00Theme Nights and Decor Editor's note: I promised a discussion on decor to some folks at DWR. So here you go:Two things about this cruise - there are theme nights for dinner and such and the overall theme of the ship being named the Legend, is all of history's popular legends.Lets discuss decor. The dining area at first reminds one of a fancy Asian restuarant with dark maples or perhaps mahogany Davehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00114196228310781008noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5677471.post-14596774077655402182007-06-04T07:03:00.000-07:002007-06-04T07:10:19.310-07:00Ubi-won UpdateUbi-won has perked up a bit. She still shows no real Jedi potential, but after those flashy dance moves the other night, we view her in a different light altogether. Perhaps more of a slave dance to Jabba - but we are not sure if she has been to Tattoine.She does continue to bring Alyssa a high chair instead of a booster seat and now brings two trays for the one high chair which Davehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00114196228310781008noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5677471.post-84297797162984104922007-06-04T06:49:00.000-07:002008-12-11T13:37:14.496-08:00Believe it or Not we are in BelizeHmmmm. I will be quite honest here. On the list of places to visit in my lifetime, Belize probably would not have ranked much before age 90 on the order of importance. I’m personally fascinated with the history and cultures of Europe, the beauty of the tropics and Alaska, the opportunity for adventure in Australia and New Zealand, the mystique of the Orient, and Davehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00114196228310781008noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5677471.post-34712980702833407902007-06-03T09:10:00.000-07:002008-12-11T13:37:15.815-08:00Cozy in CozumelToday we arrived in Cozumel - the largest island in the country of Mexico is located just about 15 miles off shore from the famous Cancun resort area. At this port, we docked at a pier that is still being completed. The functional part was long enough for our ship to dock to, but it looks like they are building a much longer pier. As in Grand Cayman, much is under construction Davehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00114196228310781008noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5677471.post-69717978063693944952007-05-31T20:10:00.000-07:002007-05-31T20:12:30.968-07:00Ubi-won UpdateA Jedi she is not, in fact she never even brought my diet Coke today, but it turns out Ubi-won can dance pretty well. Doesn't do much for the council, and in fact they may just remove her from the training all together, but it turns out that the entertainment squad may be hiring.Ubi-won, you may not be a jedi like your cousin Obi... but dance sister..dance!Davehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00114196228310781008noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5677471.post-15918663511764017062007-05-31T20:02:00.000-07:002008-12-11T13:37:16.602-08:00Miscellaneous Pictures from Hell and other places Due to poor internet connection, I am posting first and worrying about photos later.Grand Cayman Turtles:HELL This is the rock formation in HELL. Gas Prices in HellNo Smoking in Hell!Davehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00114196228310781008noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5677471.post-7125910086793772572007-05-31T19:57:00.000-07:002007-05-31T20:02:25.763-07:00To Hell and Back - Grand Cayman Adventures In HellEditor's Note: this will be the 3rd time I have tried to post this @$#$$@#$$!!! message. I'm two days behind on posting thanks to lack of internet connection. We left Belize a few hours ago. Hope you are enjoying this...I'll do my best to catch up. Now, go to hellTuesday brought our first port, Grand Cayman Island - a part of 3 islands known Davehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00114196228310781008noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5677471.post-84508388421872318382007-05-31T14:19:00.000-07:002010-06-21T08:06:30.067-07:00To Hell and Back - Grand Cayman Adventures In HellTuesday brought our first port, Grand Cayman Island - a part of 3 islands known as the Caymans which are part of the British West Indies. The coral surrounding this island makes it impossible for the ships to dock at the piers (unless they built a pier that was 2 miles long - and then no one would want to walk that far anyway). Because of this, weDavehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00114196228310781008noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5677471.post-40887963117112295252007-05-30T02:30:00.000-07:002008-12-11T13:37:17.510-08:00The Mighty Adventures of Towel-Pig and his sidekick OinkerIf you have ever been cruising, you know that there are a few standards or experiences that you come to appreciate, expect, and look forward to. Cheesy pictures at piers is one. Lots of food is another. Being treated like near royalty is another. But one of the fun things is looking forward to the turn down service by your room steward andDavehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00114196228310781008noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5677471.post-46247073771563042932007-05-30T02:11:00.000-07:002008-12-11T13:37:18.517-08:00Rockin’ The Night Away - Full Day At Sea Editors Note: Hi Folks! I'm about a day behind here in posting. This one roughly outlines our full day at sea headed towards Grand Cayman. As I type, it is actually Wed. morning 5:30am local time (we went to bed early last night - long, busy day) and we are about 50 miles east of Cozumel. I'll try to get in a few posts today to catch up. Hope you Davehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00114196228310781008noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5677471.post-4840144764156000972007-05-28T19:24:00.000-07:002008-12-11T13:37:20.326-08:00Help Me Ubi-Won, Your’re My Only Hope When we last left our heroes, we were off to our first experience in the formal dining hall expecting joke telling waiters with accents, mixed company at our tables, and loads of good food. One of three ain’t bad - thankfully it was the food.We arrived at the dining hall for the 545 seating (main seating for dinner) and were promptly brought 10 feet to our Davehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00114196228310781008noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5677471.post-52381426977707112642007-05-27T21:09:00.000-07:002008-12-11T13:37:20.938-08:00Embark, Muster, and Pass OutWoke up this morning feeling fine, and going to the mall across the street was on our minds. Since we were informed by Carnival that they do not start boarding until 1:30pm, we figured we would leave the hotel at noon to get to the port an hour early, figuring that they would be boarding. This meant a long morning with keeping Alyssa from going bonkers. As it were, sheDavehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00114196228310781008noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5677471.post-61952442219444892202007-05-27T20:52:00.000-07:002007-05-27T21:05:28.836-07:00Flights, Drives, and Puerto Rican GigglersToday we woke up in sunny Tampa, Florida after traversing the United States yesterday on American Airlines cramped older planes. We arrived a few hours early to the Sacramento Airport to find that 3 upgrades to First Class were available at a minimum charge – so we took them! It never occurred to ask if the three seats were together (or at least two of Davehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00114196228310781008noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5677471.post-21369670892338495512007-05-25T14:09:00.000-07:002008-12-11T13:37:21.449-08:00Our Cruise Details Incase you are wondering where we are going, what ship, where is our room, etc. I thought I would show you.We'll be sailing to and from Tampa, Florida - home of the Buccaneers, the Devil Rays, the Lightning, and Bill Mork.The name of the ship is the Carnival Legend - lets hope it is legendary in its service and fun. Here is a picture:And here is our room per the deck plan (weDavehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00114196228310781008noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5677471.post-33407186201758836572007-05-24T22:17:00.000-07:002008-12-11T13:37:21.777-08:00AC MILAN are CHAMPIONS OF EUROPE!!23 May 2007 - Athens, GreeceAC Milan 2 - Liverpool FC 1Inzaghi scores twice to give the Rossoneri their 7th championship of Europe!Let's all sing together....Rossoneri siamo noima chi cazzo siete voinoi del Milan siamo quàe per voi non c'è pietàquando il Milan segneràquesto stadio esploderàdalla curva s'alzeràla canzone degli ultrà...Siamo l'armata Rossonerae maiDavehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00114196228310781008noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5677471.post-57325679619488936322007-05-24T22:11:00.000-07:002008-12-11T13:37:21.877-08:00Testing Photo PostsHope we can post some photos while on vacation.Here is a cute one... Davehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00114196228310781008noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5677471.post-1167095679907788362006-12-25T16:34:00.000-08:002006-12-25T17:14:39.920-08:00Christmas 2006What a Christmas season we have had!It all begins each year the minute Thanksgiving Dinner is in our bellys. Dave likes to brave the frosty air and the 5am crowds to hit the sales the day after Thanksgiving. Meanwhile, Cyber-Jule ponders the same deals online.This year, Dave met up with his best friend Jamal for the estimated 18th year in a row to play tennis on Thanksgiving Day. Davehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00114196228310781008noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5677471.post-1148529776947833262006-05-24T20:39:00.000-07:002006-05-24T21:02:57.013-07:00MIAMI AND THE MALL OF FAMESo our last night on the ship was pretty quiet. For the second time, we went and had some family photos taken while we were all looking nice. We attended dinner in the formal dining room and once again met up with the nice young couple from Indianapolis. Once again we were treated to some singing from the wait staff, and our waiter, Fahim, was as charming as always. Davehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00114196228310781008noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5677471.post-1148410582413855522006-05-23T11:54:00.000-07:002006-05-23T11:56:22.430-07:00Key West is Southern Most…It’s Thursday, the third day of our journey aboard the Majesty of the Seas and finally we’ve found bright, sunny Caribbean weather. Bright and early this morning, we arrived at Key West, Florida – the western most of the Florida Keys, yet the Southern most point in the Continental United States (the south-east coast of the Big Island of Hawaii if furthest south of any Davehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00114196228310781008noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5677471.post-1148084470599916162006-05-19T16:49:00.000-07:002006-05-19T17:21:10.686-07:00SHIP LIFE...To fill you in a bit on what ship life seems to be like - the crowd is fairly mixed, we being a young family with a toddler are in the vast minority. Not a lot of families in general, so not a lot of kids, which means those on board have full reign of the activities meant for them.They did a kids scavenger hunt one night where they all went and made pirate costumes and then stormed Davehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00114196228310781008noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5677471.post-1148046246644775992006-05-19T06:21:00.000-07:002006-05-19T06:44:06.756-07:00COCO B. WARE ...Coco Puffs, Coco Loco, Coco Krispies, Coco Cay.Our day to arrive in Coco Cay, the private mile of sand that Royal Carib. owns and lets it's guests party and swim and play on for a day, had come. Much to our surprise, Coco Cay is right next to Another Cay owned by Norweigan Cruise lines. We made it up to the Windjammer for breakfast, fought off a rude beyotch for a prime viewing Davehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00114196228310781008noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5677471.post-1148043730371046052006-05-19T05:49:00.000-07:002006-05-19T06:02:10.430-07:00MORE NASSAU ...We left Nassau behind, quite peacefully. Jule, Alyssa and I ventured out for some shopping and were disappointed. I made my way to Senior Frogs while Jule took Alyssa back to the ship, just as the rains came in. It poured pretty good at one point, Jule said she had just made it onto the ship. Meanwhile, I was still two delapidated blocks away from the Frog Bar.So, I frogged itDavehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00114196228310781008noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5677471.post-1148042967064894092006-05-19T05:43:00.000-07:002006-05-19T05:49:27.076-07:00YA TINGS ...Funniest thing I have seen so far was while on the city tour in Nassau. The bus was winding its way through the busy areas of downtown Nassau, going past their version of the capital building, the supreme court, the senate chaimbers (all in two two-story buildings next to each other), then their version of the White House, which was pink, of course. Then came the giggles starting Davehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00114196228310781008noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5677471.post-1147879810669440792006-05-17T08:14:00.000-07:002006-05-17T08:30:18.100-07:00SHIVER ME ALYSSA - AquaBabies and Pool Time and then Nassau-nothing to buySo how did Alyssa do? AquaBabies went from 9:30-11:30, but she was so happy and overwhelmed with glee that she ran out of energy by 11am. Jule took her back to the room for a nap and Jule did the same. I returned from scallywaggin and scurvy in yonder Nassau around 12:30 after a bit of a hike from the Pirate life.After Davehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00114196228310781008noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5677471.post-1147878681861589612006-05-17T07:50:00.000-07:002006-05-17T08:11:22.030-07:00ARRGGHH!! SHIVER ME TIMBERS - AVAST YE MATEYSNassau here we are!! So, now I can officially add The Bahamas to the list of countries I have been to, and British commonwealth nations as well. Today was a blast... and a blast of afternoon rain again.. and evening rain, again.... but a blast nonetheless.We ate breakfast in the main dining room rather than the Windjammerful of Rude People Cafe. Davehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00114196228310781008noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5677471.post-1147877374128399792006-05-17T07:43:00.000-07:002006-05-17T07:49:34.546-07:00Departure - A Second AttemptSorry that you have not heard from me, and I wish I could say it was because we were too busy. I actually posted a message two days ago, but this crappy system on board timed out on me after I finished typing and then the entire system went down. REFUND!So, we departed from Miami - an hour late due to the most amazing thunderstorm I have ever seen - or at least in aDavehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00114196228310781008noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5677471.post-1147708778961348882006-05-15T08:44:00.000-07:002006-05-15T08:59:41.390-07:00Happy 32nd! Bon Voyage!Well, I had not planned on updating the blog this morning, but rather came down to use the computer to print our online boarding passes - but according to Royal Caribbean's website, our sailing date has already passed. Not a big deal according to the rep on the phone.So, its just about noon here, and we are about to catch a cab and head to the port, all of 2 miles away. Davehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00114196228310781008noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5677471.post-1147657656024280952006-05-14T18:17:00.000-07:002006-05-14T18:47:36.076-07:00Day 2 - Mother's Day in MiamiSo, our restless day of flights and fights gave way to the best night of sleep any of us, including Alyssa, has had in a long time. Alyssa stirred around 6am, but promptly went back to sleep. So did Jule and I. I finally crawled out of bed at 8am and let the ladies sleep for at least another 30-40 minutes before Alyssa had really had enough sleep and stood up Davehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00114196228310781008noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5677471.post-1147655731311409242006-05-14T18:05:00.000-07:002006-05-14T18:15:31.326-07:00The Big D then the Mighty MOur first leg of the trip stopped us in Dallas/Ft Worthless airport for a few hours.Actually the airport was quite nice, with an efficient transit system between terminals. Of course, we went to the wrong gate at first, that would be the OTHER flight to Miami an hour before ours. Nonetheless, we found our mistake within 30 min. of landing and peacefully found our way Davehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00114196228310781008noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5677471.post-1147411877363631602006-05-11T22:14:00.000-07:002006-05-11T22:33:13.890-07:00Packing With a Fever Pitch and Just Not Being Able To Sink My Teeth into this Vacation Yet T-minus one day til liftoff of our first ever full family vacation. Alyssa is just drumming with excitement. Today, like every day, she ran to the slider door and yelled "Ball??? Dada?? Ball??!!" and pointed outside to indicate where she wanted to be and what she wanted to bounce.I must say, the build-up toDavehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00114196228310781008noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5677471.post-1147229862899534232006-05-09T19:37:00.000-07:002006-05-10T12:37:40.236-07:00Setting Sail on Some New Adventures...Well, it has been two years since the most amazing vacation experience of our lives. Memories of bella Italia are still ringing in both of our minds, and the call back to the Veneto and Toscana are as strong as ever.However, since that amazing trip, we've been blessed with the addition of the most wonderful little daughter one could ask for. As most of you Davehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00114196228310781008noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5677471.post-1082134129771684592004-04-16T09:48:00.000-07:002008-11-23T22:00:10.132-08:00Jule's post-script....The day after returning from Italy
A few excerpts from the wicked Italian book we bought and should have used during our trip...
You Can Win at Hotel Negotiation:
"Allora dormiamo nella lobby" - Then we will sleep in the lobby
"Mi chiami un taxi" - Get me a taxi
Ending Taxi Terror
"Rallenti, per favore" - Please slow down!
"Se non rallenta, vomito" - If you don't slow Davehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00114196228310781008noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5677471.post-1082099707387180032004-04-16T00:15:00.000-07:002008-11-23T22:00:10.158-08:00There and Back Again - A Rizzardo Tale
Weeeeeeeeeeeee're back! The flight from Rome to Atlanta was a bit better than the one over there. I still don't understand why we fly from Rome all the way up over France, up into Nova Scotia, down through BAHR HAHBAH (On the Cape, in Mass., near P-town and Dennis (not Denba, but the town of Dennis and West Dennis, which is actually north of Dennis)), Davehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00114196228310781008noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5677471.post-1081967871206813232004-04-14T11:37:00.000-07:002008-11-23T22:00:10.188-08:00Giovanni Paolo!! Giovanni Paolo!!
What a great day...what a great way to finish our trip. Well, ok, we still have tomorrow. (that sounds like a love song....we've got tonight, who needs tomorrow..)
The morning started early, but it was worth it. I had booked everyone a ticket to the Papal Audience - a chance to sit in with the Pope!! The tour took us through some Rome places we had not Davehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00114196228310781008noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5677471.post-1081920292149914032004-04-13T22:24:00.000-07:002008-11-23T22:00:10.200-08:00Conversations With a Pigeon
There are a lot of pigeons in Italy, especially around the public squares and tourist spots. This obviously has made Jule a bit nervous having been shat on twice while in London last September. I wonder what these pigeons think of life.
Waiting for our train in Florence, I witnessed a maintenance guy come up and feed a dozen or so pigeons a whole slice of bread. Davehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00114196228310781008noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5677471.post-1081886889738733782004-04-13T13:08:00.000-07:002008-11-23T22:00:10.209-08:00Roman Holiday
I just couldn't stand the thought of my fans not getting a rare triple posting, so here I am, back at it.
As you might be figuring out, I have worn out the group. Hey, you travel with me, you better expect to make the most of your time. You can eat and sleep at home.... hop to it!
After going to the Colosseum and the Roman forum, etc this afternoon, we returned to the hotel to Davehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00114196228310781008noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5677471.post-1081875779509023042004-04-13T10:02:00.000-07:002008-11-23T22:00:10.217-08:00HOLY Roman Empire!
Another post in just one day. What will all you fans do with yourselves? Squeel with glee... ready... one, two, three..... wheeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee!!!!
I may have cut in line for the computer, if that is the case, I may eject really quickly. Oh well, everyone cuts in line in Italy. Strike that comment.. there are NO lines in Italy. There are gatherings. Yes, when it is Davehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00114196228310781008noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5677471.post-1081855811874212222004-04-13T04:30:00.000-07:002008-11-23T22:00:10.223-08:00Rome where you want to...
Howdy. We've arrived back in Rome. Back to Hotel Aberdeen and FREE email use - which means the only trouble I will have is fighting everyone else for the one computer.
Let me try to catch up on whats been going on..
We spend a week in Cavaso visiting all kinds of family. That was a lot of fun and, as expected, a lot of food and wine and grappa and coffee with Davehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00114196228310781008noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5677471.post-1081760410337531652004-04-12T01:49:00.000-07:002008-11-23T22:00:10.244-08:00Buona Pasqua
I'm having trouble finding many internet place..especially ones that are open at reasonable hours. Right now I am jammed into a tiny spot in a Tourist Info booth in Lucca awaiting a rental car guy who was supposed to be here an hour ago (italian timing.. might as well be in Hawaii).
Our trip in Venice ended in rain all day Friday. We saw San Marco and went up on the Campanile, Davehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00114196228310781008noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5677471.post-1081437532675198982004-04-08T08:18:00.000-07:002008-11-23T22:00:10.293-08:00Faramcia ROCKS!
Saluti da Venezia! What an awesome day we have had. The weather is tremendous.. so sunny and clear.. but its cooling down now that 5pm has arrived. Venice is gorgeous! Unlike some other people, we figured out how to get off the island of Murano just fine. It turns out that you need to buy a ticket at the vaporetto stop. Shocker. (just kidding Manuel).
There are a LOT of Davehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00114196228310781008noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5677471.post-1081335775943418242004-04-07T04:02:00.000-07:002008-11-23T22:00:10.300-08:00Poste Italiano e male male male!
Saluti da Montebelluno and Mail Boxes Etc. Yes, thank you for Mail Boxes Etc.
The Poste Italiano sucks. They wont ship anything over the size of two shoe boxes side by side. Let me explain why this matters.
Back to Monday. Rosie arrived at the airport no problem and we took a vaporetto (water bus) to Murano, where they make the famous Venitian glass (Murano Davehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00114196228310781008noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5677471.post-1081153433645943702004-04-05T01:23:00.000-07:002008-11-23T22:00:10.309-08:00Saluti da Cavaso Del Tomba!
Well, actually we are sitting in the Veince airport. Rosie's flight is due to arrive in about 15 minutes, so we had a chance to make a quick posting. If you ever fly into Italy, come to Venice.. the airport seems smaller than Sac Intergalactic.
Anyway, we have been in Cavaso since Thursday, but there is not one computer in that town, so we have not posted. So far Davehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00114196228310781008noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5677471.post-1080766089489881562004-03-31T12:23:00.000-08:002008-11-23T22:00:10.331-08:00Jule's Top 10 Reasons Why Italy is Fun
(yes, this is a posting from Julia Rizzardo)
10. The locals in any city we visit love to pronounce our name and they say it with such flair! ....like "Ritzardo"!
9. You need a degree to find the special characters on the computer keyboard
8. There is suspense in every WC...what kind of toilet flushing device will be installed this time and how does Davehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00114196228310781008noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5677471.post-1080757401836068612004-03-31T10:00:00.000-08:002008-11-23T22:00:10.353-08:00Milan - The Good, The Bad, and Hotel Speronari (THE UGLY)
We left Rome via Air One (Lufthansa express flights) to Milan yesterday (March 30) and arrived no problem. Dad got stuck sitting next to a really smelly fellow on the plane, which was mostly full. Luckily we were able to scoot mom over to our row so dad could get some much needed oxygen. Can I ask one thing.. if you are traveling on a Davehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00114196228310781008noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5677471.post-1080586480389012592004-03-29T10:54:00.000-08:002008-11-23T22:00:10.359-08:00Holy See
Holy crap! Jule and I made it to the top of the dome!
What dome? Well, today we conquered the Vatican - also known as the Holy See (or literally, the Holy Seat), and I am talking about the dome that sits atop the largest church on the planet! Yes, the infamous St. Peter's bascillica in Rome - the same dome that was designed by Michealangelo himself.
The dome itself is 420 feet tallDavehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00114196228310781008noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5677471.post-1080506881926249942004-03-28T12:48:00.000-08:002008-11-23T22:00:10.378-08:00Napoli, Pompeii, e Sorrento
Today we left Rome behind and traveled 3 hours south to the beautiful Italian coastline. Our first stop was Naples. Thank GOD we never got off the bus other than a few random picture spots. Naples is straight GHETTO... its like Oaktown 357. We got stuck in a traffic jam because of some giant Ukrainian flea market. I'm not kidding.
We toured the highlights of Davehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00114196228310781008noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5677471.post-1080506348536945112004-03-28T12:39:00.000-08:002008-11-23T22:00:10.388-08:00Rome Continued
I had to be short this morning as we were waiting for our tour bus to Naples, Pompeii, and Sorrento to arrive. We are back from that (more later) so I stood in line to use the computer and now its mine....all mine.. ..whoooo hhahahahahahahahahahah hwhooooohwhhahahahaah....
Sorry. I lost control.
More about Rome.
Rome is a delight to walk around. Off the main streets are tonsDavehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00114196228310781008noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5677471.post-1080450628363172032004-03-27T21:10:00.000-08:002008-11-23T22:00:10.431-08:00More Rome - Less Internet
Its been tough getting online since the hotel has only one computer and it is free. Oh well, more time for the sights. We've conquered most of Rome already - I think I walked everyone to death yesterday. Don't they say that what doesn't kill you only makes you stronger? Good, we are still alive if that means anything.
Yesterday started with an exciting cab ride to Davehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00114196228310781008noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5677471.post-1080333791707756652004-03-26T12:43:00.000-08:002004-03-26T12:45:43.543-08:00Roman Holiday
After a quick snooze this afternoon, we plunged back into Rome.
We saw many things... first the statue of St. Teresa In Ecstasy - and original work by Bernini.
After that we high stepped it to Piazza della Republica, got on the overcrowded Metro (the scioporo was over), went to see the Holy Stairs, San Giovanni in Laterano (St Peter's head is amongst the many neat things here), Davehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00114196228310781008noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5677471.post-1080312427125843602004-03-26T06:47:00.000-08:002004-03-26T06:49:38.686-08:00Buon Giorno ROMA!!
Arriviamo a Roma a le dieci! We arrived in Rome at 10am - or about an hour later than we were suppsed to. The pilot claimed it was the head winds - I think it had more to do with leaving Atlanta and flying over DC, NYC, Boston, Iceland, etc etc before coming back down through central France.
The trip so far is going well. Four capital cities in one trip (Sac, Salt Lake Davehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00114196228310781008noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5677471.post-1080190680173932192004-03-24T20:49:00.000-08:002004-03-24T21:00:30.170-08:00On the Verge of a Life's Dream
Well, its nearly time to go to sleep in time to wake up damned early to start our adventure. I thought it might be fun to jot down how things are when we left and compare to how they are when we return.
1) Kings apparently getting skunked by the Lakers. Luck the Fakers! Whats up with that? Kings sit 2 games atop the West. Better be there when I get back.
2) Davehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00114196228310781008noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5677471.post-1079981403202176752004-03-22T10:50:00.000-08:002004-03-22T10:52:31.686-08:00'King Louis' at the Uffizi? English Reservations for 'Il Cenacolo'
No, we haven't left yet. But, I thought this experience was funny enough to share.
I woke at 2am to make reservations for us to see both 'The Last Supper' (known as "Il Cenacolo') in Milan for next Tuesday and the world famous Uffizi Gallery in Firenze for Easter Sunday.
Experts claim that the brain works best when it is not Davehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00114196228310781008noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5677471.post-107932695517208992004-03-14T21:02:00.000-08:002004-03-14T21:04:55.950-08:00We Start Anew
Get your skis shined up, grab a stick of juicy fruit.. the taste is gonna moooove ya!
Just horsing around and making the first of a practice posting or two. We are t-minus 10 days til our trip and its getting exciting!
Momma called Italy today and spoke with Elida (cousin Beppe's wife) and she said there was light SNOW in Cavaso.. I cannot imagine how pretty that must be. Davehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00114196228310781008noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5677471.post-1063979402406788482003-09-19T06:50:00.000-07:002003-09-19T06:50:01.873-07:00Fin
How's that for a fancy movie industry word.
Back home now, and I suppose if I publish that very fact the phone will start ringing...from telemarketers.
Our last leg home was a pretty good one.. filled with a few annoyances.
Back to the British.
I mentioned they apparently like to do things the hard way. I have more historical facts to back this up along with our own experiences.
History Davehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00114196228310781008noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5677471.post-1063827681605777442003-09-17T12:41:00.000-07:002003-09-17T12:41:21.306-07:00Bloody England
Cheerio.. back in London...and second post today. In fact, here we are on the eve of our return. Jule and I are taking it easy tonight and are currently chilling at a Internet cafe next to our hotel.. the one with running water and other comfy things.
Man, did that whole no water and smelly hotel incident ever work out... as I mentioned several posts ago..we had to move the Davehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00114196228310781008noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5677471.post-1063801710076537032003-09-17T05:28:00.000-07:002003-09-17T05:28:47.270-07:00More Food, More Fun... and a Donk Load of Wine
Last time we left our stars (Dave and Jule) - we had finished up our meal and visit with Zio Angelo, Nico, and those Sartors... if I recall for the rest of Saturday, we digested. I managed to pick up a cold somewhere...I think it was flying over Germany just to spite me for my gripes about their airport. I failed to mention in the past message Davehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00114196228310781008noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5677471.post-1063727762122923382003-09-16T08:56:00.000-07:002003-09-16T08:56:01.700-07:00We ARE NOT Leaving Italy!!
Back in London...so you know the title is not right. But we both felt that way. Had a great time about London prior to leaving for Italy, but the real fun began once we arrived in 'Il bel paise'! Cavaso Del Tomba, where my family lives..and has lived for eons... is gorgeous! It did remind me a lot of the Mt. Shasta area (minus the 14000 ft volcano).. and the peopleDavehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00114196228310781008noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5677471.post-1063354315123509642003-09-12T01:02:00.000-07:002003-09-12T01:14:07.016-07:00LONDON UPDATE
When we last left off....I mentioned having to switch hotels. Yes, well we crashed the first night about 8pm....roughly 30 hrs after leaving Roseville. We woke up early to go to the Tower of London to find low power and NO water pressure! After some 'charming' of our hosts, we discovered that its more a chronic issue than a temporary thing. So, onto the Yellow pages...hilton Davehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00114196228310781008noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5677471.post-1063311373166389592003-09-11T13:16:00.000-07:002003-09-11T13:16:13.206-07:00FINALLY AN UPDATE ~ Crazy Germans
OK, I already typed this once and it went away.. without posting.. so now I will do a quick quick version.
First of all, we are having a blast and are in good spirits (less so that my 30 min. work is gone) and healthy and such.
Now the bad stuff (no worries, it gets good)
1) SW Air loses my luggage lock. :-(
2) I lose my week long tube pass. :-(
3) Davehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00114196228310781008noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5677471.post-1063084640236525262003-09-08T22:17:00.000-07:002003-09-08T22:17:20.326-07:00DEPARTURE DAY:
OK, so I send out an email telling all of you about this URL and that you can check up on me, and that I won't be checking email so don't clog my inbox, and what do I find in my inbox?? A huge file from Chris! But at least they were London photos. And yes, I lied, I did check my inbox.
Anyhow, we are packed and ready to go! I can't tell you how excited we are.
The only problem Davehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00114196228310781008noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5677471.post-1060804638552268322003-08-13T12:57:00.000-07:002003-08-13T13:07:38.643-07:00TEST Post:
Sitting here at work, during lunch, dreaming about my upcoming trip to London and Italy, I stumbled across this opportunity to create a trip diary for those at home to read and see how we are doing. I figure this is better than sending mass emails every now and then. So this is a test of the Dave Broadcast system. Hopefully I figure it out by the time we leave for London.
Davehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00114196228310781008noreply@blogger.com0