Viva Italia 2013

The Real Deal - Full Circle April 26, 2014

stix — Sat, 26 Apr 2014 19:08:00 GMT

Well during Easter 2014, my niece and her dauughter were visiting Italy and stopped in Florence.

The day I realized they were in Florence, I texted my niece to pick up a pair of unlined leather gloves-army green, size 7.

Lo and behold she found them and now I have the exact same gloves that were taken from me back on my hands.

Hooray.

Now I can start planning my next trip to Italy.

Tying up Loose Ends December 20, 2013

stix — Fri, 20 Dec 2013 11:57:00 GMT

Alas, I finally was able to replace my army green gloves that I purchased in the market in Florence. I have been waiting on them since I lost them in April.

Until the next time March 2, 2013

stix — Sat, 2 Mar 2013 09:01:00 GMT

Up early. Slept ok, so glad a took a "sleeper" last night. Grabbed a big breakfast, ove those hotel breakfasts. Took the taxi to the airport. Even tho' costly it is worth it. Got checked in and boarded. Not able to rest much on flight home. Got through customs easily and then had difficulty checking bags again at JFK to Columbus. Unable to carry on both bags because of damned bottle of olive oil. Ok now I am getting extremely tired and inpatient. I refuse to throw away my $40 bottle of olive oil. Please just get me home.

This has been a wonderful holiday. Thank you Perillo for great arrangements.

Arrivederci, until the next time.

Viva Roma March 1, 2013

stix — Fri, 1 Mar 2013 08:59:00 GMT

How to see Roma in eight hours. Planned to start out at 8:30, but didn't get away until 9:30 am. Then it took me 1 1/2 hours to get to Pantheon while on bus 116-what a waste. Oh well that's how it goes somethimes. I enjoyed the Pantheon and all that is around it. Had a cappucino at-----for John Stickley. Finally found a puffy coat on sale that I've been admiring since I arrived. Where will I pack all of these purchases?

Here I am now at Piazza Navona. The Four Rivers Fountain was being repaired on my last trip so it was a treat to see it running and clean. It's hard for me to make it out of the piazza without purchasing a work of art. This time is no different. A cute artist with a sign reading, "Feed a Vendor" caught my attention. Off I go with a picture of a bicycle in doorway. Va bene. Ok, I'll try the bus again. Bus 87 dropped me off at the Forum. The line to get in was too long so I moved on to Capitoline Hill for my favorite view of the forum. I love the stairs of Campodioglio with the twin statues at the top of the men with the gumdrop hats. I looked out over Theatre Marcello and Sophia Lorene's apartment. I climbed the steps to ----------Church next to Victor Emanuel. I enjoyed the church. Unlike many people I like the Victo Emanuel Monument, frequently referred to as the "Wedding Cake". This time I explored inside the monument.

On my way to Trajan's Market, Ricardo stopped me for directions to the Colessium (which was just around the corner.) His English was comparable to my Italian! lol Anyway I learned that he lived in Firenze and was visiting his uncle in Rome (really, and you can't find the Colessium?) He went on to tell me that his wife is teaching at a university in Paris. He asked if he could go with me to see Moses. Hmmmmm. I don't think so. When I said no thank you, he asked why not, it would be so nice! Bye bye, got to go.....

Lunch at restaurant looking over Trajan's Market. The view is great. My bill would have been half as much if I'ld skipped the plate of veggies and got a glass of water instead of a bottle. Some day I will learn... I told the waiter I've visited this restaurant on each visit since I was there with my brother, Tom, in 1974. The waiter told me he started working there in 1975 and will retire next year!

I stopped back at the Forum and learned that it now costs to visit it. I decided to view it from afar and visit it the next time I am there. I made my way to see my very favorite scultpture, Moses, at St. Peter in Vincolo. It is magnificent. I just have to sit and stare and absorb as much as I can. Next I just came upon Saint Maria Maggiore. i love when that happens. Next stop is the Quirnale and then down to Trevi Fountain another favorite. I love the roar of the fountain and the grandeur of the statues. I think the sculptor would be amazed by the number of people who visit it daily. It's hard to believe that it was not well known until the movie "Three Coins in a Fountain."

Things are winding down and the sun is setting. I guess I will go into Borghese Gardens which sit directly behind my home at the Vittoria Hotel. I walked around a bit and decided to end with a magnificent Italian Ciaccolato Caldo. I stopped at Caffe al Cinema and got my Ciaccolato Caldo AND brownie "to go"and chose not to sit at the table and pay more. See I did learn something.

Bye bye Roma.....now the fun begins-packing, repacking and packing again. I tried to print my boarding pass, but no luck. This has been the greatest adventure ever. I am totally exhausted and happy.

San Larenzo Market and Santa Croce February 28, 2013

stix — Thu, 28 Feb 2013 08:58:00 GMT

Today was a true adventure for me. I returned to Firenze. The reason: to buy the satchel backpack purse. Seriously? Seriously! The same one I chose not to purchase on February 15th. So I arrived at the termini in plenty of time to board the fast train to Firenze. I found my train but not my assigned seat. This is strange. After confirming the train with many passengers, a very nice Italian man said that I was not on the fast train. He said that is clear on the side of the station and I must hurry. Hurry I did and found my seat just in time.....whew.

The ride was beautiful. As soon as I arrived in Florence I went directly to the market in San Lorenzo Plaza. Fortunately is was still there. Ahhhh yes, sweet success. I also returned to the booth where I purchased the other bag to show him how it was coming apart. He said because it was too heavy. I told him that is how it was when I purchased it and did not notice it at the time. And he said that, of course, he would stand by purse and exchange it.

I also stopped at shop to check on the coat I ordered. Of course Armani was not there. Another clerk told me that it will take longer because of the brown trim. Huh? Now what? Wait and see I guess.

Now 4 hours left to explore Florence. First stop was Santa Croce. This is where Michelangelo, Machiavelli, Dante, and Galileo are all buried. It is amazing. There are also several monuments with bodies carved into marble and laid onto the floor. (I discovered later that this is not unusual and serveral churches have this in Roma as well). As I was wandering around the church I discovered a leather workshop for apprentices. It was very impressive to see how focussed the apprentices were on learning their craft, something that has been passed down for hundreds of years.

Made a quick stop at McDonald's for burgers and boarded the fast train (the correct one) home-Hotel Vittoria. I am so happy I made this adventure and I LOVVVVE my soft leather satchel backpack purse.

Walked back from the train station. Spent the evening packing, repacking, and packing again. I'll never get everything back. Helicopters were buzzing about everywhere....Il Pappa left Roma today and John Kerry was arriving. Such an eventful time.

Very, very tired but sooooo happy I took this risk and adventure today. Definetly a day I won't soon forget.

The Appian Way February 27, 2013

stix — Wed, 27 Feb 2013 08:57:00 GMT

So now for today's journey. My bus skills are improving. I love travelling this way once I figure it out. It's like a puzzle. So I ride Metro A to Metro B to Piramide. Then I take the bus round trip which goes on the appian way. I love imagining all of the people who have traveled here for hundreds of years. Half way along the way, the driver hoped off and took about a 10 minute break. It just seemed funny to me.

Believe it or not I had difficulty seeing the Pyramide, really. It is being repaired and cleaned and surrounded by scaffolding. Not what I was looking for. Expectations! Next discovery is the Protestant/NonCatolic Cemetary where Shelley and Keats are buried. Of course I walked almost around the entire cemetary before finding the enterance. This cemetary is so lovely and a real treat to find.

I returned to Santo Stefano Rotundo-another favorite site. The lighting (day light) has a beautiful affect on the inside. Here too reapairs and cleaning were taking place. I took a peak at this cute little boat stature in front of the Georrifica Societa.

Trinita del Monti Church is at the top of the Spanish Steps. Since I have never visited this, I travelled on my favorite little bus 117 to see this. It was very nice.

I returned to the cafe where I had the tiramisu to inquire about my charge. The owner said the tiramisu was 7E no matter if I ate it at the bar or the table. Ridiculous. Next time I will get the price before I take a bite.

Today was Pope Benedict's last audience and last papal appearance. The media coverage for this event was a lot more than that of Sunday's sermon. It also looked like alot more people attended the event.

Tomorrow is my BIG spontaneous adventure.

Il Vaticano February 26, 2013

stix — Tue, 26 Feb 2013 08:56:00 GMT

I am visiting everything I want, just not in the order I planned. Such is Roma.

Ok, I have to confess I have been on a mission ever since I left the market in Florence. I found unique satchel bag and decided not to purchase it because....anyway I have been looking for another one ever since I left. Damn I should have purchased it. Today started by visitng the market in Via Sannio on my search for the bag. Of course I couldn't find it there either.

So on to more adventures. I boarded my very favorite little bus #117. A great way to see lots of the city and save walking. (By the way I am averaging at least 10 miles a day on foot which helps make up for all of the cheese and sweets and bread and....). I visited San Fiovanni in Laterno. It is so grande and spectacular and one of my favorite finds.

Now back to the Vatican-no line, yea. But first I decided to make my way to the Cupolo. I decided to be lazy and take the elevator for the first 250 steps. After exiting the elevator I found myself looking out over the Vatican. I can't believe how huge it all is. It was fun to be able to get so close to the mosaics. On to the Cupola and just 350 more steps to go. I should add that the stairwell is only wide enough for 1 person. It was a hefty climb and very narrow at places. And I had to slant my body to the dome the higher I went. The view is spectacular. You see the floor of the second level where the people look like toys and the ground floor where folks look like ants. Wow. I am so glad I made this little adventure.

Now into the Vatican. Once again I am totally awed by the beauty of....well of everything. Each time I see the Pieta I see something else, mostly pure beauty and perfection. Have I mentioned yet how much I love Michelangelo?

A hop back on the bus and a visit to Trevi Fountain. Some how the rush of the water matches the magnificance of the figures. Had some great pizza and headed back to little home to appreciate all that I've had the privilege of experiencing.

Back to the satchel bag. What would I do if I were home? Well I would go back and make my purchase. But it's not just hopping in my car and traveling on the interstate. This is a crazy idea. I would have to take the train back to Florence. This is crazy. I can't possibly go back and get the bag, can I? Ok, I will just see how much a ticket is tomorrow.

Ah the Sistine Chapel February 25, 2013

stix — Mon, 25 Feb 2013 08:35:00 GMT

Today is a a very special15 year anniversary and I am celebrating by visiting the Sistine Chapel. I was concerned that I might not be able to enter the Chapel because of the possiblity of the Conclave meeting to vote on the Pope. Fortunately for me I was able to visit the Chaple. Each time I visit the Sistine Chapel I am completely awed. The paintings are just so beautiful. The people just seem to step out of the ceiling like the slave in captivity stepping out of the marble in Florence. My God, Michelangelo was brilliant. I stood by the altar and looked out over the chapel, to see where all of the bishops will be selecting the new pope in just days. I try to soak in all that I can but it is never enough.

The Vatican is very crowded today so I'll come back another day. Instead I visited some more of my previous digs. First was the cafe' where i got my daily cappucino from Antonio. No more Antonio back the cappucino was great. I then walked by Tosca's home (my prickly host) and the polizia were there. Who knows what was going on. As I traveled through Plaza Argentina, I went to the office supply store. Here I found ink cartridges for my cute little fountain pen that I purchased there 5 years ago.

I spent the rest of the day familiarizing myself with the bus system again. It came back to me. To reward myself I treated myself to a tiramisu and cappucino. When I went to pay I found out it was 15E, ridiculous. Damnit I was taken, I should have just stood at the bar. When the waiter told me to sit down I just did, forgetting the price hike to sit at a table. I am going to stop back and complain.

Succes for the day-I found a supermarcarto near my hotel, yea. They have inexpensive fresh fruit and acqua minerale.

The Bells Rang and Rang February 24, 2013

stix — Sun, 24 Feb 2013 06:38:00 GMT

This was a very unique day. Pope Benedict is scheduled to deliver his last sermon before leaving the Vatican.The day began with the bells ringing all over the city. I think they rang for 20 minutes. It was so beautiful and felt like it would go on forever. Such a treat.

I decided to go to the Vatican to hear Pope Benedict present his last sermon. There seemed to be about 120,000 people and it was not packed. i thought that there would be a lot more people and a lot more pomp and circumstance. The last sermon was very brief, 15 minutes and then that was that. The crowd was fascinating to watch.

On my way back, I decided to find Scuola Leonardo di Vinci. I found it with no problems. Then I visited my favorite bookstore, La Fraternelli, which was on my bus route. I ended up walking home because I couldn't remember details of busroute. I did stop at my favorite cafe near the hotel to buy some aqua frizzante and a banana. It was 4 euros. 2 for water and 2 for banana. Are you kiddin' me? No thank you. So I set out to find a cheaper bottle of water. After walking and walking I purchased a bottle of water for 2.50E. So there.......

A Roma February 23, 2013

stix — Sat, 23 Feb 2013 10:39:00 GMT

Yes, I did get everything packed that I am going to take. I left alot clothes behind to make room for new purchases. It is sad to leave my cozy little home here at Il Chistro di Carmine. After a huge breakfast and saying good bye to Davide.

Decided to take earlier train to Chiusi so not to miss connection for Rome. Surprise the train turned out to be a bus-it's a mystery. I arrived at Chiusi in pleanty of time to make my train. A little extra time to just relax. People watching was great-some strange characters here. Had a chance to tally my receipts and regroup with my spending.

The train ride to Rome was great. I arrived at Termini Stazione about 3:30pm. Took taxi to my new home for a week, Hotel Vittoria. I stayed in this same hotel in 2005. It is just the same and still very, very nice. The staff was impressed that I had stayed there in 2005. The head desk clerk said he has been there since 1972!

After unpacking and reorganizing I set about to checkout the neighborhood to see how much I remember. I remember alot. I happened upon Bus 116, one of my favorite little buses that loops through the city.

Tomorrow Pope delivers his last Sunday service.

The Duomo February 22, 2013

stix — Fri, 22 Feb 2013 14:33:00 GMT

On my last full day in Siena, I decided to visit the Duomo. Interestingly enough this stucture has never been completed as designed. The plague hit the city in the middle of the 15th century and it just has never been completed. I made my way to the top of-----------------. The view was amazing. The climb was on very tiny curving steps.

I treated myself to lunch at restaurant where Christina's friend Maria worked. I got to sit in a very special table and look out over the plaza where the Palia occurs every July and August. It must be crazy. Today I had pasta with wild boar sauce again and a lovely salad. Yum. Now I get to shop a little. I just love walking on the strrets without cars. Everything is right there just like it has been for a long time. I just love stopping by for a quick cappucino and gelato.

Siena has been very special to me. I never thought I would enjoy it so much. It has been a real surpise and I would definitely like to return.

Will I ever get everything packed?

Just hangin' out February 21, 2013

stix — Thu, 21 Feb 2013 14:54:00 GMT

Today is just for relaxing. Yea. I awakened on my own and and enjoyed a lovely breakfast. I talked with a couple who are visiting from England and staying at the convent all week. Davide volunteered to do my laudry! I can't believe it. So I just headed out into the city to leisurely look about. I met Christina and we had lunch together. I walked back to her school to make sure I know where to meet her tonight.

After leaving her I just happened to find a couple of inexpensive stores nearby. So for 25E I got some knee high boots and and sweater dress. I love it.Searched for some souveniers. So nice not to feel rushed to be some place and just wander around.

Upon my return to the convent, I learned that Davide had just taken my clothes out of the dryer and returned them to my room. Life is good. After I brief rest I made my way back to Christina's school. We finalized my schedule for Roma on Saturday. We caught to the bus to her boyfriend's (Peirpalo's) apartment for dinner. He seems very nice and Christina seems very happy. I think it would be very difficult to relocate to Italy permanently. We had a great dinner and conversation even though he speaks little English and me little Italian. They drove my back to the wall of Siena and parked. We had to walk in from there since Peirpalo did not have a permit to drive in the city.

Thank you Christina

Along the Coast February 20, 2013

stix — Wed, 20 Feb 2013 14:11:00 GMT

Slept in a bit. Fixed myself breakfast - pasta and fruit from last night's dinner. Had to check out at 11:00 (I'm sure no one else was chcking in, but...). I found a little bus (mostly for locals) which drove up and down the main street, the very steep street. It did go outside the main village. We dropped off a lady at her stop. Her house was straight down the hill and she went down several steps to get there from the bus. The view is spectacular.

Hope on the train to next village, Veranza, for lunch. I did venture up to a restaurant atop a mountain-it was closed but great climb. Had a yummy pizza with a group of students from Boston area. They were studying art in Italy with their teacher. The day was cold and drizzly and most all of the stores are closed so I headed back to Riomaggiore to collect my things and then on to station in La Spezia. La Spezia looks like a nice little town. I was back on the train at 3:00. The car was freezing because the door didn't shut completely. Finally looked for a warmer car and found one. I changed trains in Empoli, another nice village, and then to Siena. Took taxi back to my little home in Siena, Il Chistro del Carmine. There was Davide waiting with a big smile. He told me that all of my things that I left were in my room (the same room I had before.) Just like coming home.

Christina came by shortly after I arrived. We went to a charming little restaurant for pizza (everywhere is pizza). The view of the city was wonderful.

Early to bed. I am totally exhausted.

Mama Mia Tuesday, February 19, 2013

stix — Tue, 19 Feb 2013 11:14:00 GMT

Of, course another night of fitful sleeping, because lots of connections to make again. However, I awakened early to go out on an added adventure. Last night, while reading up on where I was yesterday, I ran across a suggestion to visit the fresh fish market. This market has been operating for hundreds of years in the same way. I found my way to Per Riglotto and there was the market. The fish were absolutely beautiful. A sight to behold. I just walked around and admired the each of the stands. Of course there were lots of fresh fruits and vegetables. Not sure who buys it all.

After a huge breakfast and last minute purchases, I headed back to the water bus to the tain stazione. Challenge-the superfast train arrived late and I just made the train to La Spezia. Unfortunately, I neglected to get my ticket validated because I was agraid I would miss my connection. Unforutnately, on the next-to-last stop the train conductor checked my ticket and found out it wasn't validated. Besides a fine of 5Euro he blew his whistle. Oh my.....

Next challenge-purchasing ticket and boarding the right train. Fortunately, the nicest man took me under the trains to get to my right station. Ahhhh. I got on train to La Spezia about 4:30 pm and arrived at Riomeggiori about 4:40. When I got off the train I saw the most spectacular view of the sea. It was like stepping into a movie. I asked a lady where to get a taxi and she looked at me funny and said none available now. I showed her the address of my hotel and she said that it was a short way up the street.

There were very few people around. Anyway I saw the sign of Appartementi Edi on a sign above a door. Inside was a clerk waiting for me, must be Edi. So she led me down the street, through the tunnel and down to the water. We climbed and climbed up the stairs of a building. I felt bad because Edi seemed to have difficulty walking. Anyway we arrived at my apartment and she showed be around the bedroom and then up more steps to my kitchen. OMG the view is spectabulous. Mama mia, I have died and gone to heaven. I just can't believe how gorgeous the view is. I look out over the sea and across from my apartment are beautifully colored buildings (apartments and homes, I'm certain) which are built into the side of the mountain.

This surpasses any expectations I had about Cinque Terra. Seeing that everything was fairly shut down, I thought it was best to go back to little grocery and fix my own dinner. What did I fix.....well, of course, I had pasta with pesto made right there in Riomaggiore.

Going to sleep with the sound of the waves. I am in heaven.

Gondolas Monday, February 18, 2012

stix — Mon, 18 Feb 2013 10:21:00 GMT

I am so nervous today. I hope I get to where I need to be when I need to be there. Great breakfast and then onto train station. Thank heavens I could leave part of my things at hotel until I return on Wednesday. Taxi ride to train station was $3.50 more than on Saturday. What is that about? Train from Siena to Firenze was 30 minutes late. This is not good. Was able to catch train in Firenze to Venizia. Thank heavens I was familiar with the Firenze Stazione. The train was beautiful and fast, I loved it. If only I make it to my tour on time, but first I have to find my way on the water taxi and then to my hotel. Oh dear. Water taxi was right there and left for San Marco. Venezia is beautiful. It's hard to believe this is a real place with people living their lives here. Ok, got off at my stop. Next hotel. Just stop and ask. No I don't know where that is. Ask again, ah succeess. "Go through the arch under the blue clock in San Marco Plaza. Take the street all the way until it deadends at the Firarri store. You know Firarri? Yes. Take a right and go behind the chuch. There you will find your hotel." Ok, here goes wish me luck. I must have circled the church 3 or 4 times. I even started over from the Firrari store. (BTW, I forgot to mention, google has the hotel in 3 locations.) At last, there is Ca' del Campo. Just a doorway in the street. I hurriedly checked in, found my beautiful room, unloaded bag, and started out to find my tour.

Of course all of streets look the same. Somehow I made it back to San Marco Plaza and found the museum office. And there is my tour. Yea, I made it 15 minutes early. The tour started with a gondola ride. No singing. It was surreal to ride through the streets and see all of the houses. It really was beautiful.
Guido, our guide met us as the dock. He was great and told us lots of interesting side stories. I learned that the city was built in the water to escapr Attila the Hun. The way the buildings are constructed to survive the water is very clever and constantly being updated to preserve the city. It only takes 7 minutes to walk from one side of the city to the other. If you need to find your way just look for the signs 'Per San Marco' and you will go back to the center. If only I had known this when I arrived. We visited Palazza Contarini with Bovolo (spiraling staircase). We also got to see La Fenice Teatro where one can hear a variety of concerts, many of which are written just to be performed here. I would have liked to attended an event here had I known.

No bicycles or skateboards are allowed here. It would be almost impossible to use a wheelchair in the streets. Artisian water from the mountain feeds into city, is free to the people and safe to drink from any taps. There is only one piazza in Vinezia and this is San Marco. All others are Campos, or camps, and were used for farming.

After the tour, I explored on my own. I found Rialto Bridge and wandered a nearby market. Here I found a gondolier's shirt and another cup of ciaccolato caldo. The waiter was so excited that I was from Ohio because he had family there. I love it.

Last week Mardis Gras occured here. I can't imagine. Oh my gosh. I can't believe I made it Yes!

Tuscany Sunday, February 17, 2013

stix — Sun, 17 Feb 2013 10:49:00 GMT

Today was an unkown that turned our to be terrific. I had booked a day tour through the hotel and with _________ .I asked the front desk of the hotel for directions to start the tour. I was told, "Just follow the main street". Well that would be fine if the streets didn't zigzag or all look alike. Anyway, I made my way to the correct Piazza. I must have looked lost because Ellio, my tour guide, found me. I learned that I was the only tourist that day. Plus another tour guide would be shadowing Elilo. That would be Andreea. We had soooo much fun. They were great kids and treated me like a princess. I loved it. We boarded a minivan and headed out to the winery_______. One little drawback, I don't drink wine. Why did I sign up for a tour with a winery.....well I wanted to go to the other places on the tour. So there I sat in the wine cellar being served oils and vinegars with delicious cheeses and perscutto. Had I been thinking I could have said that I gave wine up for Lent. Instead I left the lady at the winery totally befuddled...silly Americano!

Now for the real tour. Off we went, driving through the Tuscan Valley. It was everything I imagined. Unlike many folks, I did not get caught up in craze regarding the book and movie, "Under the Tuscan Sun". So I did not really have any expectations. That being said, I fell in love with the area. I know that Ellio took me on an very scenic route of the valley. They both shared multiple stories about Siena, The Tuscan Valley, and their homes.

Next stop was San Gimignano, village of towers. These towers were symbols of status and power. Unfortunately the Plague reduced the city's the population to 4,000 from 12,000. It never really recovered. More than likely the plague was caused from sanitation practices. (Persons would sit on special window sills and ...... well you know.) So if you were walking under the window at the wrong time.....oh, well.

Today there are approximately 12,000 persons residing within San Gimignano. Hard to believe. Most of the residents work in Florence and Siena. This was my first look at the Wild Boar (it was stuffed). I found a handmade silver and copper ring, which I was looking for.

On to Monteriggioni. This is another little village close to Siena. I love this because yet again, I believ I get a real sense of what it was like in this area hundreds of years ago.

Thank heaven, Elio offered to drop me off at my hotel. Thank heavens because it was dark, I was tired and it would have taken a long time to find my way back to my hotel. A perfect day with Elio and Andreea. I highly recommend this tour group.

I hope I sleep tonight. I am so anxious about making connections tomorrow and arriving on time to my tour in Venizia.

A Siena Saturday, February 16, 2013

stix — Sat, 16 Feb 2013 10:35:00 GMT

After a restless night, I had a huge breakfast and then took a quick nap. Anxious about train ride. Decided to hop on a little bus and loop around the Florence. Great way to see the city.

Checked out of Hotel Adler Cavilleri and headed to the train station. Here I go on my first train ride in Italy. It made several stops and then there I was in Siena. And then there was Christina waiting for me. I was so happy to see her. We took the taxi to my hotel Il Chiostro del Carmine It is a converted convent and absolutely beautiful. The hotel was very clean and simple. The rooms are quite roomy.

So we headed out to see Siena. I really didn't know what to expect. It didn't take me long to fall in love with Siena. The population within the wallls is about 60,000. To me it seems to depict my perception of an Italian village not consumed with tourism. first stop is Palazzo Salimbeni, which houses the Bank of Siena, the oldest bank in the world which is going bankrupt. Then we went on to visit Fortezza Medicea. Christina also showed me the Church of San Domenico (which houses PART of the remains of Saint Catherine), her school, and Piazza del Campo which is where the Palio occurs every July and August amongst the 17 contradas. We saw the oldest street in Siena, Vicolo delle Carrozze

We ran into her girlfriend, Maria, and she invited me to join her and Christina for drinks at 11:00 pm after she gets off work. lol Christina and I stopped at a lovely cafe for a cappuccino-yum. Lots of people are just walking about and shopping. There are very few cars within the walls because the streets are so narrow. Even tho' the streets are hilly everyone walks. I wish that we were set up like this at home. It really doesn't take long to walk across the city here. As always the men and women are dressed very classy and stylish. it matters.

Christina took me to Taverna di Cecco, a lovely little restaurant for dinner. Tonight I tasted wild boar for the first time. It was yummy. I had a pasta dish with a wild boar sauce. I ate every bit of it. Wild boar is hunted and not raised on farms for the most part. Who knows what these wild boars have had to eat?

I am exhausted.

Davide Friday, February 15, 2013

stix — Fri, 15 Feb 2013 22:45:00 GMT

Ahhhh well-rested and excited to get started. After a huge breakfast, I headed out to see the sites. I joined a tour to visit the Duomo and the Academia.

I find the Duomo to be a bit overwhelming. The intricacy and detail are remarkable. For me, though, Florence is about Michelangelo's Davide and and the Slaves in Captivity.

I am in such awe of Michelangelo-everything he's done but mostly the sculptures. I never tire of appreciating their beauty. I rubbed the Wild Boar to return to Firenze.

After my brief tour, I decided to go shopping in the San Lorenzo market. I ended up spending all of my budget in one day. It just happens. I ordered a beauliful leather jacket to be delivered in 10 days. Walking on thru the market I found a beautiful bag, kid gloves, belt, a scarf and very stylish cape. What a silly girl I am but I love it all. Now I remember just how stylish the women in Italy are. I wish I could replicate it easily and hopefully I'll be in the swing of things quickly.

Ok, I have to stop shopping now. So I decided to tackle the train station. I do not have access to public transportation where I live. I am anxious about meeting this challenge. Fortunately the train station is close to my hotel and the size is not overwhelming. I figured out how to print out my tickets where to board the train to Siena tomorrow.

My stay here has been wonderful.

Caldo Cioccolato Thursday, February 14, 2013

stix — Thu, 14 Feb 2013 20:00:00 GMT

I arrived in Firenze on Valentine's Day. On my taxi ride to the hotel, I was able to talk with the driver in Italian!

I stayed at the Hotel Adler Cavillieri. My room was amazing-Il Glicini (the wisteria). It was like a little apartment with my own

garden patio. After sleeping for a couple of hours I ventured out into the streets and found my way to the Ponte Vecchio.

On the way back to the hotel I ran across a Chocolate Festival. So I treated myself to a hot chocolate. OMG it's like nothing I've ever

had before. Thick as pudding, so rich, I can't possibly eat it all....just a couple of bites....I'm going to have to throw the rest out. Just a couple

more bites. This is heaven. I don't think I can eat any more chocolate!

Ok, I am exhausted and it's only 8:30 pm. I can't help it I have to go to sleep.After what seemed like at least 8 hours, I awakened and looked at clock-11:00. Yes, I still have 8 more hours of sweet sleep. Ahhh jet lag.

Taking Off Wednesday, February 13, 2012

stix — Wed, 13 Feb 2013 12:00:00 GMT

So many last minute details-drives me crazy. As soon as I walked in the airport I knew my luggage was all wrong.

First purchase a rolling back pack. Took me an hour to fit everything into it but much more manageable than the shoulder bag.

Now my little bag is too small and must replace it.

Trip from Columbus to Detroit was perfect and found a new tote bag. Now I am set to travel!

The flight to Amsterdam was perfect. It wasn't full which made it very comfortable.

Threat of a snowstorm in Amsterdam and flights were being delayed and cancelled. Fortunately it did not effect flight to Florence.