My Heart Was Made To Travel

Cinque Terre

travelingherbie — Mon, 11 Jul 2016 06:40:00 GMT

July 10th & 11th

Sunday was spent traveling most of the day on our way to Monterosso al Mare, one of the towns of Cinque Terre. We had a 3 1/2 hour layover in Pisa. Since it was only a 1/2 hour walk, most of us ventured out to play tourist. It was pretty neat to see and we did a couple of typical pics trying to hold it up! 🇮🇹

Once in Monterosso, some of us explored the upper hills and ventured to the Monastery which had a great view of the city below.

Then on the recommendation of Heda our land lady, we went to dinner way up in the hills at a family owned restaurant named Il Ciliegio. OMG it was fantastic and the view was Amazing!

Our tour of the Cinque Terre cities continued on Monday. We took the boat down to the farthest one and worked our way back. Cinque Terre is made up of 5(Cinque) lands/cities(Terre). They are RioMaggiore, Manarola, Corniglia, Vernazza, and Monterosso al Mare. They are all so beautiful and colorful! The towns are connected by walking paths up and over the hilly terrain. However parts of the paths were closed from rock slides. And since we only had one full day here, it was best to take the boat from town to town.

The two famous views you find when googling Cinque Terre are located in Manarola and Vernazza. Both are very pretty walks uphill, but I was able to take my version of those pictures, which I had really been looking forward to!!!! 📷

After visiting 4 of the 5, Corniglia is currently closed by boat, we came back to Monterosso and went swimming in the Ligurian Sea which is part of the Mediterranean Sea! Another body of water I can check off my list! 🌊🏊🏻

Ciao Italia!!! Until next time....and there will be a next time.

Off to Paris we go....

Under the Tuscan Sun

travelingherbie — Sat, 9 Jul 2016 05:47:00 GMT

July 9th

Off to explore some Tuscany towns. ☀️☀️

First stop San Gimignano. It was an older town on the hill. Known for its towers. At one time there were 70+ towers. Making the town look like it had a bunch of medieval skyscrapers. Only 14 are left standing.

Next stop Siena. We had a guided tour thru the city and learned about the many Contrades that make up the culture of Siena. Contrades are designated sections of town and some are arch rivals. Your Contrade is assigned according to where you lived when you were born and is your same one for the rest of your life no matter where you live. Every July 2nd and August 16th the town holds a horse race. All 17 Contrades have an entry in the Palio(horse race). They go 3 times around the city square and even if the rider falls off the horse could still win the race for the Contrade. I would love to come back and see that some day!

Our final stop was in the heart of Chianti in a little town called Greve. Here we drove to a small vineyard where we got to taste their creations. They produce 4 types of wine and are certified organic for their extra virgin olive oil production. They are one of the regions highly ranked Chianti Classico wine producers but still remain a smaller family run operation.

Next stop..... Cinque Terre

Walking tour of Florence

travelingherbie — Fri, 8 Jul 2016 06:14:00 GMT

July 8th

Walking tour of Florence. Our tour guide Valentina was super adorable and full of knowledge of the rich history. We visited the Galleria Accademia which houses the famous Statue of David. He is definitely a lot bigger and way more detailed than I expected.

Then we continued on throughout the city. Visiting the Duomo, Piazza della Signoria, Palazzo Vecchio, and Ponte Vecchio. All with very rich history dating back to the 13th century or older.

The afternoon was spent wandering on our own. We ventured down to the San Lorenzo market in search of some Italian leather goods. Mom and I both ended up with a new one. 👜👛

Off to Florence We Go!!!!

travelingherbie — Thu, 7 Jul 2016 08:00:00 GMT

July 7th

Today was mostly spent traveling to Firenze(Florence). Mom and I sat behind these adorable little boys from New York(their family was on vacation to celebrate their grandparents 50th anniversary and they hadn't been back to Italy since they moved to the US many years ago). They each needed a window seat and some entertainment. Mom made the "mistake" of pulling out some Oreos for us to eat. Even though the little one had been completely content to eat Nutella and bread, he now was focused on Oreos. So we gave each of them one but little Luca wanted more. So his Dad went back to the catering cart to find some. Oh man did that set off melt down city since Dad left and didn't take him with. Of course there were no Oreos and the surprise cookies Dad brought back were not good enough. So Mom slyly slipped the rest of ours to Luca's Mom and all was right with the world again! Needless to say his Mom was ready for a couple of glasses of wine. 🍷

After a little bit of a walk, we found our hotel and all of us were a hot melty puddle. Florence tonight at 6:30pm was still 97 degrees and 42% humidity. It's going to be a drenched couple of days here. But I'm excited to see the sights and go on the winery tour in a few days.

Ciao! Until tomorrow....

Culture and History

travelingherbie — Wed, 6 Jul 2016 08:30:00 GMT

July 6th

Today was the history/culture adventure of Venice.

Our morning started out with a Gondola ride thru the canals. It was a neat experience. Something checked off the bucket list. ✔️ Our driver said he didn't sing but he did whistle some and it was very intriguing to watch him maneuver along the route.

Next stop the Campanile di San Marco. We went up into the bell tower and wow the view of Venice was amazing! Really puts into perspective the size of this place.

Then it was onto the tour of the Palazzo Ducale (Doges Palace). The paintings in this building were very detailed and covered most ceilings and walls. On the tour we crossed the Bridge of Sighs. This was the entry to the attached prison.

The rest of the day was spent wandering/getting lost in the little streets of Venice. We did manage to find the store named Dani after only a few wrong turns. 🛍

Off to Florence we go....

Glass, Lace and the Grand Canal

travelingherbie — Tue, 5 Jul 2016 07:30:00 GMT

Off we went to explore some of the other islands. First stop Murano! Well known for its hand blown glass. We came upon a shop where we watched glass being shaped. Very interesting to see something slowly take shape. Then we were off to explore the little shops to find some treasures for those back home. It's amazing to see some of the works of art from big and small that are all made of glass. Many beauties were purchased and will be making the trek back home.

Next stop Burano! Well known for its hand made lace. The striking colors of the buildings were my favorite. They were all very vibrant. And as most of you know I like color in photos!!

After venturing back to Venezia we meandered thru the streets to see what we could see. We found a cute little place to stop and have a glass of wine and some caprese. And then walked some more.

After dinner we caught the water bus and took the big tour of the Grand Canal. It was very interesting to see other parts of Venice besides the main touristy area we are staying in. We even saw a few cars in the industrial area of the island which is rare. Boats are their main source of transportation.

It's still very surreal to be strolling around Venice, Italy. We have one more full day here before moving on.

Ciao!!! Until tomorrow!

P.S. More Gelato was had! 🍨

Off to Venice We Go!

travelingherbie — Mon, 4 Jul 2016 16:00:00 GMT

July 4th

Happy Independence Day to everyone back home! 🎉🇺🇸

Bright and early this morning we headed off to Venice, Italy. After a meandering 6 hour train ride later through the Swiss and Italian countryside, we arrived in Venezia!!!

After a very cool water taxi ride to our part of Venice, the guide walked us through some narrow side streets to our hotel. We then set out to find some pizza that we had been smelling since we arrived. And it was very very good! A little house wine and pizza is exactly what we needed.

Off to Piazza San Marco we went and Gelato we did have!!!! Dani and I have been saying this whole time that we couldn't wait to have Gelato in Italy! It was very surreal making that dream come true. I'm sure there will be more still to be enjoyed!!!!!🍨

Later in the evening we walked around the less crowded areas and will definitely be going back with my actual camera, as there were many dream pictures to be taken.

Happy 4th again! Sorry to miss the fireworks back home but not sorry I'm here experiencing all of this adventure!

Chocolate, Cheese and a Castle

travelingherbie — Sun, 3 Jul 2016 08:00:00 GMT

July 3rd

Off to Gruyere we went. First stop the Cailler Chocolate Factory. The tour was a fun and interesting walk through the history of the Cailler and Nestle brand. After a Willy Wonka like beginning we then got to venture thru watching the production line of one of their signature chocolates. It was on to my favorite part, the tasting room. We got to taste quite a few of the signature pieces they make.

Onto the Chateaux de Gruyeres on top of the hill. Another castle full of history and some spectacular views of Switzerland. The gardens were lovely to walk thru.

The final stop was La Maison du Gruyere Cheese Factory. Cherry the Cow was our lovely audio tour guide. She guided us through the process from the fields to the cheese production. It was pretty cute and interesting

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Chateau de Chillon and Fondue

travelingherbie — Sat, 2 Jul 2016 23:52:00 GMT

After getting a good nights sleep for all, we were off to see one of my favorite things in the world, a Castle. The Chateau de Chillon is one of Switzerlands most visited historic monuments. It was worth the walking tour and climb up many many many narrow steps. Dani and I sitting in the Chateau window.

View from the Top of the town of Montreux

After adventuring around the Chateau, it was time to have fondue! We ventured over to a restaurant Kevin had heard great things about, Le Chalet Suisse. The food was fantastic!!!! With the help of Kevin's friend we were able to order a yummy meat tray appetizer and of course a big pan of fabulous Cheese! The wine recommendation was great as well!!!

Well off to bed I go. Busy day planned for tomorrow. However considering all of the noise outside after the Germany/Italy Soccer game tonight, apparently this area has a lot of Germany fans!!! They are honking horns and chanting as loud as they can.

Long Journey but Worth It!

travelingherbie — Fri, 1 Jul 2016 19:12:00 GMT

As I sit here looking out the window of our hotel room in Lausanne, Switzerland, I am incredibly excited to explore this beautiful place. And even though I am batting my eyes from lack of sleep as I write this, it was worth every minute of the sleepless 24 hours we spent to get here.

We arrived in the Geneva airport at 10am local time. Caught a train to Lausanne and saw some beautiful country side! There are many vineyards in the area and they are absolutely breathtaking.

We arrived in Lausanne to a wonderful greeting party of Kevin, Dani and Dan! Kevin, bless his heart, said our hotel was only a little ways away so we decided to walk. That "little ways away" ended up being mostly uphill on cobblestone streets lugging 4 big suitcases and some tired and hot people. But hey we survived and ARE HERE!

The view from our room consists of a lot of neat buildings and a gorgeous old cathedral. The Cathédrale Notre-Dame finished in 1257.

Since it was a long trip for most of us, I think we are heading to bed early so we are well rested and clear headed for the rest of our 2 week vacation! So off I go.

Until tomorrow!!! Guet Nacht!

Photos: Europe Trip 2016

travelingherbie — Fri, 1 Jul 2016 07:38:00 GMT

Off we go!!!

travelingherbie — Thu, 30 Jun 2016 18:27:00 GMT

Woke up at 2am to drive to Calgary and off we go! 4 1/2 hour flight to Montreal so far! Everything is going great!

6 Days and Counting!!!!!!

travelingherbie — Fri, 24 Jun 2016 21:17:00 GMT

The excitement is finally setting in! I have 3 days of work left to get through but I plan on being mostly packed by the end of the weekend so I don't have to stress about that also next week.

Watching the movie Under the Tuscan Sun and it is making me so excited to get over there and take pictures.

Photos: Just Me

travelingherbie — Fri, 24 Jun 2016 20:54:00 GMT