Naples, Italy

I spoke too soon about my cold, it has taken offense and has reared it's ugly self.  After a long night of sleep, I woke to what I refer to as "bobble head" syndrome.  Always the ornery one, I did not let it stop me.  Though, my cold did earn two well planned points at the gym.  My bobble head self hit my head twice, first on the smith machine bar and a second time on an opened locker door.  Nice job cold, nice job.....you've earned respect and I will be more willing to give you credit.

I also had a nail appointment today.  I thought my manicure would help to relax me, negative.  Alicia, my manicurist, kept trying to get me to relax my hands.  In my broken Russian, I tried to explain to her I had a cold (tapping on your head, and sniffing your nose always helps with the explanation), she was very concerned for my health and began explaining different tablets to take.  I responded I have DayQuil and NyQuil from America.  But, I must admit, my shiny, red, "Dorothy's slippers from the Wizard of Oz" nails look fantastic as they click away on the keyboard. :)

Ok, sorry for the long detour from the original beginning of this post.  NAPLES.  As I mentioned in previous blogs, Ryan and I spent 2 nights in Naples, but the majority of our days were spent on day trips outside Naples.  After our first day trip to the Amalfi Coast, and our later return, we decided to simply grab dinner (including gelato, obviously) and head to bed.  After our second day trip to Pompeii and Mount Vesuvius and an earlier return to Naples, we decided to go out and explore the city a bit more.  We made reservations at Brandi's Pizzeria, birthplace of the Margherita pizza (mozzarella, tomato, and basil, also Italian flag colors), and spent the hours at dusk strolling along the harbor.

Probably the smallest photo album you will view from our trip to Italy, but still very worthwhile.

Enjoy a stroll through Naples and a meal fit for a queen.  

Naples, Italy

After arriving late Friday night and boarding a train early Saturday morning to Naples, we were excited to board a train back to Rome and take time exploring all its wonder.

Next stop, Rome!

Pompeii and Mount Vesuvius

I retuned to Novorossiysk today, Ryan remained in Moscow.  I am suffering from a cold, it started during our last day in Venice.  No worries, and no negative feelings towards Italy for the cold.  I thought, after the early flight this morning, I would return to our apartment, dig through our American pharmacy stash, medicate myself and get some sleep.  I should have known better, unless I am near death (see Russian plague post) I cannot sit still.  I was off to the gym (trying to work off some of that delicious pizza that attached to my hips), the "optical pharmacy" to buy more contact solution since mine was confiscated during airport security (120 ml when 100 ml is the max), and the grocery store.  Third load of laundry is currently in the washer, and I have finished the Pompeii and Mount Vesuvius photo album.

Now, about that coming home to rest.........

Rest can come later, I have to tell you about our next Italian adventure.  Our second day in Naples was not spent in Naples, but on a trip to Pompeii.  What an incredible area!  I am so thankful we chose to travel to Pompeii.  I decided to book a group tour, rather than private and it turned out nicely.  We only had 3 other people on tour with us, a couple from Texas and a young lady from Chicago, what a coincidence, love Chicago and Texas.  We all got along very well, and it was fun to chat with new people.  I was a super nerd during the tour, took many pictures, and purchased a "Art and History of Pompeii" book.  Luckily for you, I was able to provide captions for the pictures.

A small sneak peak...

After Pompeii, the other three people left, they didn't sign up for the Vesuvius climb.  Ryan and I, along with our guide were off to lunch.  A carbohydrate meal of pizza and pasta to prep for the climb, and a shot of espresso to fuel our energy.  We were now ready to climb.  Again, what a wonderful experience.  Vesuvius has been sitting, restlessly since the last eruption in 1944.  The crater was quiet during our visit, only visible sign of activity was an area that gave off puffs of smoke.  The view of Naples and Bay of Naples was excellent.

Take a tour of Pompeii and climb Vesuvius with us!  

Enjoy the photos!  

Click on "Enjoy the photos!"

Another great day in Italy!!!  After our day trip we were back to Naples to enjoy time exploring the city, and a delicious dinner.

This little blogger is off to our pharmacy stash in the closet to locate our supply of Nyquil.  A little medication and an early bedtime is just what I need.

Amalfi Coast, Italy

We have reluctantly returned from an incredible trip to Italy.  I spent a lot of time planning our trip, and with anything that is planned, there is always a bit of apprehension as to the outcome.  Everything turned out very well.  It was a full 9 days.  We did not spare or waste a minute, and made the most of each moment in Italy.

As I walked around Moscow today (I was on the hunt for another Starbucks).  I found myself reminiscing about the warm, Italian weather of the Amalfi Coast.  I did not plan to begin the Italian posts so soon, but I could not help myself, and wanted to share the pictures with everyone.

We arrived in Rome late Friday night.  Saturday morning we boarded the train to Naples.  We were to spend 2 nights in Naples, with day trips to the Amalfi Coast and Pompeii/Mt. Vesuvius.  Our driver, Gianni collected us at the train station and our Amalfi Coast tour began.

Destinations included, Ravello, Amalfi Town, and Positano.  What a beautiful, warm beginning to our Italian getaway.  I love looking through all the pictures, my favorite were of Ryan and I together.  After he was away for over 2 weeks, it was nice to have Ryan back.

Ravello

Amalfi Town

Restaurant near Positano

Positano

Click here to see the rest of our Amalfi Coast pictures!

We could not have asked for better weather or more beautiful towns.  Our Italian vacation was off to a fantastic beginning.  We were extremely tired after our late flight, early train and fun-filled day.  Quick dinner (pizza, duh) and off to bed.  Both of us were excited for the next day's plan, visiting Pompeii and climbing Mt. Vesuvius.

The happy expat wife....

A few weeks ago I had 'The sad expat wife' post.  If you missed it, click here.  Consider this the sequel.

I arrived in Moscow yesterday evening.  As always, I was a bit apprehensive about a couple days in Moscow, I usually try to spend as little amount of time here as possible.  Take note of this next statement, I know consider Moscow a friend.  I had a wonderful morning!  Ryan, knowing I was in dire need of some retail therapy, scheduled to have a car take me to one of the large shopping malls.

You may ask yourself, what caused the 'happy expat wife' (besides the obvious).  Shopping was the cake, but THIS was the icing:

A pumpkin spiced latte!!!!!!  Before leaving the mall, I found a Starbuck's,  I resisted the urge to break out in happy dance, and carefully ordered. My Russian was top-notch today because I was able to explain to the barista I wanted it made with skim milk.  Major points Moscow, major points.  Even the awful traffic coming back to the hotel couldn't ruin my spirits, I sat in the backseat, let the driver handle the traffic mess, and I sipped away in my little bit of heaven.

The complete picture, cake and icing.....

Now, I sit in the executive lounge, typing this blog, and rapidly kicking my feet and fidgeting from the large amount of caffeine I have consumed in the past few hours (latte and Nespresso samples).  I am on a retail, caffeine high.  I was planning to sneak in a nap this afternoon, but it looks like that will not happen.  And, since I had the camera out, uploading the pictures I decided to get a picture of the newly redecorated lounge:

This happy little expat wife anxiously awaits Ryan's return from work, and our dinner reservations tonight.  Not to mention, we leave for Italy tomorrow....

An October Beach Day...

Each morning, autumn makes its presence known with cool, refreshing air, and each evening, it brings chilly, stroll-worthy weather.  The sun is rising later each morning, and setting earlier each evening.  But summer is still holding on, the day temperatures having been consistently in the upper 70s or low 80s each day.

We all know winter will arrive eventually, and with it, bring unfriendly weather.  I see no reason in wasting perfectly beautiful weather while we still have it.  Whether it's walk along the sea, an extra day of tennis, or a day at the beach, anything to get me outside, in the sun.

Yesterday, a few of us ventured to an area known as Abrau Dyurso.  You may remember me previously blogging about this area, it is where the local champagne is produced.  

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Abrau-Dyurso

Just a short drive from Abrau Dyurso is the Dyurso Beach.  This was where we planned to spend a few hours reading, enjoying the sun.  I spent some time walking around, taking a few pictures to share.  For your benefit, and viewing pleasure, I cropped out the pleasantly plump, bikini clad, Russian beauties.  :)  You can use your imagination about what an "interesting" sight that was, but there is no need to show actual photo documentation.  My goal was to capture the "resort" feel of our area, and photograph the pleasant aspects of our surroundings.  

One reason we are living in Russia.
Ship working offshore, installing new buoy and underwater pipeline.  

Photo opportunity on the ride home.
Much gratitude to these two ladies, Tami and Linda (also Kim, not in picture) for keeping me entertained and busy while Ryan was away.  

I was told she normally has water running out of her pitcher.

Lake Abrau

Another reason we are living in Russia.
The tank farm.  Current tanks with new tanks being built.  

Trying to capture the autumn colors.  

My bag is packed, I leave for Moscow today.  Friday, we are off to Italy.......

A Very Special Birthday....

Today is Macy's 2nd birthday!!!  Lil' punkin butt is growing up.

Unfortunately, I am in Russia and she is Indiana, but no worries, my family threw her a wonderful birthday party!  I ordered a few items online and had them sent to my parent's house.  My Mother was awesome and baked the puppy birthday cupcakes, along with collecting other party supplies (you wonder where I get it from).  Chad, my brother was the photographer and photographed the party so I was able to view the festivities!  I have included a few of my favorite...

Happy 2nd Birthday to Macy!

Wearing the Birthday Girl bandana I found online and crowned in a tiara (thank you, Mom) she was ready for her party!

The peanut butter flavored cake mix I found online.  My Mother found the other essential party supplies.  What is a birthday party without the appropriate napkins and plates?!?!

Of course there had to be a candle. :)
And you think I spoil her.  

But it only gets better.  My Mother has Macy eating off a fork.
I have some serious shoes to fill when we bring her back to Russia.
Poor lil punkin butt is going to go through spoil withdrawals.  

Eating (inhaling) her birthday treats.  Chad and Carrie's cats were also able to attend the birthday celebration.  

The musical birthday cake I found online.

Again, thank you to my family for throwing an awesome birthday party for Macy!!!  

In regards to where I get all my spoiling tendencies from, I am sure all questions have been answered.... 

An Unintentional Collection

As I begin to gather my various travel staples in preparation for our trip to Italy (FRIDAY!!), I found myself browsing through our "money box."

Shortly after our move to Russia, Ryan and I travelled to Istanbul for a long weekend.  The Istanbul trip was closely followed by a Chevron training session in Aberdeen, and the beginning of our first R&R.  It was after our return, as I was sorting through our various currency, trying to organize (my middle name) that a friend gave me a wonderful suggestion.....start a money box.  It was simple, keep all your "leftover" currency from a trip in a baggie or envelope, then, if you visit that country (or a country using the same currency) again, you simply grab the leftover and use it to begin your next trip.  Wonderful idea!

We currently have a collection of 9 different currencies, not including the U.S. Dollar or Russian Rouble.  The organization tool has proven itself very handy on many occasions.  After our Honeymoon, Ryan was carrying four country's currencies in his wallet (Canada, French Polynesia, U.S., and Russia).  I was easily able to clean out the wallet (HA, not by spending).

It also has been easy to gather the few Euros we have stashed (leftover from our trip to Greece):

I have gathered some money, now I just have to start packing.....