Frazier Blog

**thank you all for the many comments. I enjoy reading them. I hope these entries are still interesting to read.*****

After a good nights sleep I woke up feeling refreshed and my back finally felt better after a nice stretch session the night before. Threw clothes in my backpack to go get laundry done. First place was self serve only. Second looked that way and had a line so I left. Asked the front desk if I could leave a little late and they were fine with that.

At breakfast laundry came up and it turns out that second place doesdo full service. Got almost all my clothes washed for 10 Euro. Off to the Vatican again to climb the dome and take a photos of St. Peterswithout the sun setting behind it.

As I approached the Vatican I got offered at least 10 tours. At first I just walked past them, then changed to a strong NO. Not sure whichmethod is better. When I said no they would lie to me and say therewas a 2.5 hour wait for St. Peters. I replied to one guy, you know that is not true.

Got there and there was about a 25 minute wait to get through security,somehow I made it 10. A little confidence and walking straight goes along way.

Found my way to the dome entrance and waited to buy my ticket. I took the easy way out and took the elevator and 323 stairs versus 600 plus.Great view from the top. Gave me an image of how big Rome really is. Iwas hoping to be able to see the Coliseum but Capital Hill blocks it I believe. The view confirmed my theory. Rome is HUGE and most of it is just ugly buildings.

Came down and checked out St. Peters again. It was nice to be able totake my time and not be exhausted from the heat and crowds. I was also glad that I was there for the mass yesterday. They turn on more lightsand it makes the throne of the altar look even more impressive.

I took photos as I left and made sure to turn the right way. My search for a good lunch began. I almost bought pizza from a street cart but could not stomach the 5 Euro price and the day old look. I turned down arandom street off the main drag and found a hole in the wall pizza place. I made my selection of amazing looking pizza and she cut me waytoo big of a slice. She told me it cost 2.50! Half the price and double the pizza. Amazing what 200ft can do.

Once at termini I still had time to check out the national museum. While I flew though it I’m glad I did. Amazing the art the Romans created. This one piece took up a whole room. Reminded me of Monet. In the basement was a coin collection large and valuable enough to warrant vault doors. By finishing this visit my Roma pass really paid off!

Collected my bags and laundry and was off to the train station. Got a huge last gelato in Rome for a good price and boarded my four hour train to Venice. I played a bit of musical chairs as we went to different stations to always have more room. The window seat when seated next to a bigger person is not that comfortable. Did lots of blogging on this ride. Worked on day 11-14. I hope my iPhone screen does not wear out!

In Venice I tried to take a water bus to the real bus station for my shuttle to the camping hostel. I had a cabin. But the teller laughed and said it’s a one minute walk, so I walked. Had 50 minutes til the shuttle. Found a dinner place with a great place to sit. My photo of the day comes from this spot.

Upon the shuttle I asked how the place was. People said fine as long as they get your reservation right. The pool was nice but it closes at 9, we got there at 9. Upon check in there was some issue with my reservation still not sure what. Get to my place. Good deal for

only 17 Euro. The mosquitoes were an unwelcome surprise thou.

Found out there was a pool party so I got to swim after all. Yeah!. Met a group of Aussies, as always and a group from England. Talked to the English girls for a while and had a big conversation about the University system with Hailey or Lilly. Good night.

When I made my bed the fact that my top sheet was used as a toga the night before, should have tipped me off that my female Roommate was a bit wild. Don’t worry I got on a new one after I asked my other Roommate Scotty why it was all wadded up. A minute after

I got into bed I hear her struggling to open the door. The area is so small though I could not be certain it was our door. I also heard a male voice. They both came stumbling in. As I prepared to put in my ear plugs she noticed I was new and awake. She said hi and then kept

asking if I was the silver fox. I guess there was a grey haired man at the pool party tonight. They quickly realized it was not me but insisted on calling me that over 15 times. All I could think about was white fox from houseboat camp aka Steven Strott.

I put my earplugs in and went to sleep. I woke up cold too many times in the middle of the night because the girl put the ac on full blast when she came in.

Excited for Venice,

Paul