Graffiti of Rome

Graffiti on an awning at Rome

Rome has graffiti everywhere. They say that graffiti goes back to Ancient Roman times, and I can believe that. Even today, the Romans like to express themselves on buildings, trucks and anywhere they can find a space.

Graffiti of security door at Rome

Rome is no different than most European cities. The security doors that cover the shops are filled with graffiti. In Barcelona, it is an art. Rome ... not so much.

Graffiti on truck at Rome

Even the trucks are covered with graffiti. Express yourself, Rome!

Sofitel London Heathrow

London Heathrow Sofitel Guest Room courtesy of their Facebook page

The London Sofitel Heathrow Hotel is one of the best hotels I have ever stayed at. For an airport hotel in an expensive city, it is superb. JFK doesn't even have a hotel at the airport anymore. The London Heathrow Sofitel is connected to Terminal 5, but even if you land at another Terminal ... I came in to Terminal 3 ... you can reach it by using the Heathrow Express. The transfers between terminals is free, and the train service is top-notch. If you would like more information on the Sofitel at Heathrow, please click here.

my room at the Sofitel Heathrow May 2013

One tip though, leave extra time. I left my room a bit late in May, and I really sweated making the flight as there was a 20 minute delay for the train, and then  the lines for security in Terminal 3 were really long. I arrived harried and out of breath, which is not the best way to start a long flight home.

Heathrow Express courtesy of their Facebook page

The Heathrow Express Facebook page can be found here. The train interior is high tech with wonderful TVs showing current news. The seats are comfortable and there is ample luggage storage. There is nothing not to like, except the price. It is quite expensive if you pay to travel to Paddington Station, but the good news is the trip only takes 15 minutes from Heathrow. I plan to use this service to venture in to the city for the first time next May. 

My photo of the interior of the Heathrow Express train

Celebrity Eclipse

Bergen, Norway

Sorry for the time that has elapsed since my last post, but I have been a girl on a mission. I wanted to locate a cruise for next year and lock it in. It gives me something to look forward to when I am working so hard. I am going to Norway and decided to try out Celebrity Cruise Lines again. I have not cruised with them since May of 2004, when Moises and I went to Alaska.

I angsted over whether to do a Transatlantic, but I know me. I love ports, hate sea days and look forward to my time off the ship. I guess I may  have settled down and read some books, but I truly believe I would have spent most of the time thinking of all I could have been doing if I had picked a different cruise.

Another view of Bergen, Norway

So now I am heading to Norway, kind of a compromise between a Transatlantic and the Med cruises I dreamed of going on. We loved our Alaska cruise and this should also be spectacular scenery. It also goes out of Southampton, so every place I go will be new to me.

I can begin to count down the days!