Amalfi Coast & Ancient Pompeii

Pizza oven in Ancient Ruins of Pompeii

Weather predictions are the same ALL over the world. I guess partly cloudy means brings an umbrella OR poncho for the WHOLE day:(
But that didn't stop our ambitious trek starting at 7 am to view one of the MOST beautiful coastal regions of Italy. South of Napoli (Naples), our tour began in Salerno with a 45 minute motor boat launch to the seaside village of Amalfi. There we climbed the 62 steps to view the inside of Cathedral de Andrew, the church of St Andrew. Incidentally, Dave & I were married in St. Andrews UM Church.
The quaint village is surrounded by hillside groves of lemon trees. A popular liquor of Limoncello could be sampled, as well as wonderful pastries and a cappuccino! Then it was back onto the launch and a short drive to Pompeii for a 4 course lunch with vino:)
The rain still did not curb our enthusiasm for the guided tour of the ancient walled city that has been uncovered from the volcanic ashes of Mt Vesuvius 2000 years after eruption - yes thousands.
Walls, sidewalks, pottery, paintings and even bodies show life plainly as wealthier Roman families lived, worked and played. Pizza ovens, road reflectors and rain sis terns were just a few of the many inventions plainly evident in daily use.

Dave & I agreed this was a place like no other.

The Mariner of the Seas is a magnificent ship we are being treated like Royalty; so don't feel bad that we weren't invited to London.
Ciao...

Rome & Port of Civitaveccia 4/28 & 4/29

ROME HIGHLIGHTS

The Colosseum , Trevi Fountain & GELATO!

Our group photo inside the Colosseum...

Our English-speaking guide Ornella was wonderful and made sure we did not become road kill on some of the busiest streets in the world.

The chocolate gelato (surprise?) was worth the price of admission while I threw my coin into the Trevi fountain for luck (a wish for a return trip)!

The Friday am excursion to the Mariner of the Seas was UNEVENTFUL!!!!!

Dave arrived right on cue and we both watched the Royal Wedding in the 19th Hole lounge with a cocktail.

LIFE IS GOOD! (God is good - all the time)!!

Gotta go - the birthday party starts soon:) I must admit, we're the BEST 50 year old couple on the ship!!
Deb

Great Destinations Travel ROCKS! (Airlines Don't)

I have learned 2 important things since leading group travel :

1) Use a qualified & licensed travel agency. There is NO substitute for the service provided! Julia Wadsworth and her staff of Joe, Helen and Mandy in MUNCIE are truly there and available to see you through the WHOLE way. AWESOME and thank you so much!!!

2) Always, always, always buy travel insurance offered by the carrier or provider. I won't bore you with the whole "WHY I dislike certain air carriers", but we will get reimbursed for all of our costs associated with being delayed and missing part of our Rome days.

That said, our eventful journey to Italy (this chapter) ends on a positive note. ALL 21 travelers are here safe & sound and taking in the sights before heading to the cruise ship Friday. Dave join us at then!

ARRIVEDERCI! Deb & weary ones...

Airport Update - Will Try Again tomorrow

Rich & Gloria passing the time in Indy airport

Well, our US Air flight was NOT to be today!

Lord, grant me patience and understanding.

Our group of 20 will try again on Wednesday.

Please keep our safe travel in your prayers...

Deb & Travelers

4/26 CRUISERS ARE OFF!

O God, you called Abraham, your servant, out of peril and kept him safe and sound in all his wanderings. If it is your will, protect us - YOUR servants. Be for us a support, friend, shield from elements, crutch on slippery paths, and haven against peril.

Under your protection, let us fulfill the purpose of our trip and retrun safe and sound to our homes.

In Your name we pray, AMEN

2011/ 2012 Travelers Schedule Now Enrolling

The Lord is the Strength of my Life... PSALM 27:1

SINCE 1974

The typical High Street Traveler likes easy to light activity; enjoys the camaraderie and fellowship of a group over time alone; prefers finding value over pampered indulgence; and seeks to combine cultural highlights with safety and security.

WED MAY 25 FLEA TO SHIPSHEWANA,IN $ 75 per person


WED JUN 8 CHICAGO CUBS @ CINCINNATI REDS $90 per person


WED JUL 13 BOGGSTOWN CABARET $60 per person


WED SEPT 7 MYSTERY TRIP $ 75 per person


SEPT 10 - 15 BEST OF NEW YORK CITY $1,150 per person


WED OCT 5 BROWN COUNTY, IN $ 75 per person

WED NOV 9 LA COMEDIA THEATRE - A CHRISTMAS CAROL $ 75 per person

JAN 13 - 21, 2012 SOUTHERN CARIBBEAN ESCAPE Starting at $1,795 per person
Cruising out of San Juan, Puerto Rico on Royal Caribbeans
SERENADE OF THE SEAS


Tours are open to the public, clubs and groups. All trips are deluxe motor coach unless noted. High Street Travelers is sponsored by and a mission of High Street UM Church 219 S High St Muncie, IN 47305.
Reservation Policy: 1) Contact High Street Church at 765/747-8500.
2) Payment MUST accompany reservation.
3) Cancellations made within 7 days are not guaranteed a refund.

For more information contact Deb Heeter at dheeter@ballstate.bsu.edu

4/13 MYSTERY TRIP

Last week's day outing was our Spring Mystery trip to Wayne County and Richmond, IN. Our first stop was to greet and pick up Maxine Chenowith, our guide for the day before venturing into Warm Glow Candle Factory. Conveniently located off I-70, we had time to browse, shop and LOVE a new product.

Webb's Antique Mall in Centerville, IN was our next stop. Aisles and aisles of treasures fill acres of real estate in hundreds of booths. Many travelers, including me, had never visited this establishment before and we most certainly will return.

A bountiful lunch was enjoyed in downtown historic Richmond's Olde Richmond Inn. The travelers had time to rest a bit and appreciated the served selection of plates available before moving onto our afternoon stop.

The historic Gaar Mansion and Farm was a treat for our private party. The Abrahm Gaar family built the home in 1897 north of downtown Richmond. Many of the original furnishings have been returned and restored to authenticity. Our guides were knowledgable and thorough with the tour of the 3-story home. In addition , the barn contains an original steam engine (#2) manufactured by the Gaar-Scott Company.

The day was treat for us all! GOD IS GOOD...ALL THE TIME!