Exploring in Siena, Bologna and Florence...

We spent the beginning of the week exploring Tuscany...

On Monday, Ray Maggie Julie, Dave and I took off for Siena.  It's another walled city that Danny and Bev had been to earlier in their travels.  They have a huge horse race that they were setting up for, so the main Piazza had a dirt track laid around it.  Here is a picture of the main Duomo that we saw.  There was a gorgeous chapel inside with 4 amazing Belini sculptures...

Tuesday, we took the Eurostar Train up to Bologna.  I like the feel of the city.  Didn't have near the amount of tourists that we had seen before, but still had great architecture.  Most of the sidewalks are covered with arches, so it was much cooler exploring.  We found a cool little side street that had tones of produce, cheese and fish markets.  Gotta tell ya... I was running past the fish market.  To say it smelled strong was an understatement.  Do you know how embarrassing it is to be gagging in the street?  We finshed up our tour with an amazing lunch followed by Gelato!  Here are a couple of pictures from there... Ray plotting out day on the map and my favorite cheese market!

Wednesday, all 17 of us headed to Florence for the day.  We had tickets for the Uffizi Museum in the afternoon, so we broke up in the morning and explored the city.  Maggie and I got out of the museum first, so we got some gelato (in case you haven't noticed, that's a theme on this trip) and wandered around the river and peeked in some shops.  We met up with Ray, Tony, Danny Bev and Dave for a beer at the Hard Rock.  I know... I didn't want to go in either, but they had air conditioning and beer!  All of us ended up staying in Florence for dinner and headed back that night.  Tony, Paul, Jenn, Sara and Tim climbed to the top of the Duomo and said it was quite the hike, but the view from the top was pretty amazing.

Okay, I think I've got you up to date!  I have to get going.  Stephano, our host, is making us wood fire pizzas for dinner tonight and he's about to make the dough... a must see.

Ciao!

Our Villa in Tuscany...

Sunday we got to spend the whole day relaxing and cooking in the villa.  We went to church in the morning and headed to the grocery store.  We didn't realize they closed at 12:30p so we got kicked out before we got everything we wanted.

It was a nice afternoon... there were a lot of naps and conversations with everyone catching up with what they'd been doing on their adventures.  Tim, Sara's fiance, flew in that day, so Sara, Paul and Tony ventured to the train station in Empoli to get him.

We pooled our resources for dinner since some people didn't have a chance to shop.  It was a lot of fun and I have to say, we made a great meal.  Maggie had picked up a small cake in town, so we got to celebrate Ray's birthday.  We didn't sing though... That was his one request!

The trip from Assisi to our Villa...

First off, I'm sorry I've been slow to post... We've been very busy little beavers.  Somehow staying up past midnight to blog when I'm getting up before 6a doesn't seem to be very condusive to walking all over Italy!

We spent the morning on Saturday exploring Assisi.  We didn't have to check out untill 11a, so I walked over to St. Francis' Basilica and then wandered around peeking in shops and down alleyways...  It really is some of my favorite views of Italy...

Regardless, the drive from Assisi to our villa at Borgo Cassorele will definitely live in infamy for those of us who made the trip!  We had three cars caravaning on the trip... Ray, Tony Maggie and I were in one car, Dave, Julie, Becky and Kristine were in another and Paul, Jenn and Sara were bring up the proverbial rear.  We were doing really well until we stopped to get gas.  You see, we went past our exit to get to the gas station.  You would think it wouldn't be a big deal... go down, turn around and take the right exit.  That would work great in America!  We, however were on a paid Italian motorway (kinda like the turnpike), so we had to go to the next exit, pay the toll, take a CRAZY detour to get back on the motorway... missed the exit again, went to the next exit, paid AGAIN, did another CRAZY detour to get back on and then finally got off at the right exit... WHEW!

Now the fun really begins... Paul's GPS, aka Francesca, which had been a mute Italian girl, decided to wake up.  Paul took off on his own for the Villa.  Ray's GPS, named Lovey, got a bee in her bonnet and took us on a crazy adventure.  Now Dave was following us because he figured Ray knew where he was going... Long story short, we ended up in a cornfield with Lovey directing us down a dirt road that had a chain across it.  Being the observant people we are, we knew there was something wrong.  So, we turned around meanwhile Lovey was recalculating.  We started on our way again, until Lovey tried to direct us over a bridge that wasn't big enough for a kids big whell, let alone the ENORMOUS cars us Americas were driving (we kinda did look like a mafia hit squad).  So once again, we went another way and Lovey started recalculating.  We finally found the road we needed to be on that started to lead us over the mountain.

Here's where the fun really starts.  Not only are we driving over a mountain, but the road has hairpin turns and is a favorite for bike riders!  Now we are going over the mountain, trying not to pick off the bikers, Maggie's trying not to be sick and asking Ray to go slow and steady.  For anyone who's ever driven in Italy, they all think they are Formula One drivers... slow and steady isn't something they do!  Ray is trying to start down the hill with the Italians on his heels while Maggie keeps saying, "Ray!  Slow and steady or I'm gonna puke."  By this time, I'm laughing so hard I can't see straight!

We finally make the turnoff for the villa.  It road up to the villa is one lane at best!  Maneuvering the Mafia cars up that hill is a true psychology test in the making!  I'll try to post picture of it... We are gonna risk death and try walking in town tomorrow!

Once we arrived, I have to admit... This is truly God's country.  We are on the side of a mountain!  We overlook a town called Lamporecchio.  I would post a picture, but the internet is being finicky and won't let me at this point.  We braved the "driveway" again to go in town for groceries.  We got back and made a great dinner and drank LOTS of wine to celebrate our arrival.  Maggie's brother and his family met us at the villa so our little group grew to 16.  A wonderful night was had by all!

Tomorrow I'll post our adventures starting from Sunday on.  For now, I'm going to bed!  It's 12:30a and we spent about 12 hours on our feet today... I have a blister between my toes!  Ciao my friends!

Assisi!

Sorry I haven't posted in a while... The past few days have been a little nuts!

Friday morning we headed to Rome airport to rent cars for our adventure to Assisi and beyond.  All went well until our car (Paul, Jenn and I) began a ticket challenged ride!  First, we couldn't get out of the parking lot...  Sure, Ray's car got out no problem.  Our car was a different issue.  The machine ate our ticket and refused to let us leave.  After playing busser tag with the airport and backing up and pulling forward severl times (under their direction), we finally made it out after about 20 minutes!

Two hours later, we arrive at Assisi... We pull into the parking lot (the GPS guided us there) to call and meet up with everyone else.  Well, as it turned out, we were in the wrong parking lot.  We drive to the directed lot.  Ray shows up and tells us to follow him.  Once again... he puts in his ticket and is on his way.  We are stuck with the machine not taking our ticket, or Dave's for that matter.  About 15 minutes later after a very interesting exchange with the ticket guy who spoke no English, we got out of the lot and found the lot Ray sent us to.  Finally!

We unpack the car and head up the hills of Assisi to our hotel.  This place was gorgeous!  It used to be a monestary.  The rooms and views were amazing.  Here are Ray and I about to enter the courtyard followed by Sarah and Paul contemplating life...

After arriving and getting settled, it was about 3:30-4:00.  Maggie, Ray, Julie, Kristen, Becky and I decided to make the trek to Eremo delle Carceri.  Little did we know that it was 4km all uphill!  After literally walking up the mountain for over an hour (Maggie was determisned to get there at this point), we arrived hot and sweaty to our destination!  Here is Maggie looking happy to have arrived!

Gotta admit, the walk was worth it... It was beautiful.  Too bad we got there at 5p and they closed at 6p. I could have spent a couple hours there walking thru the woods and caves.  Needless to say, Maggie told Ray to get a cab for the ride home... took us about 10 minutes to get back!

We went to dinner at an amazing little restaurant.  We were some of the first to get there and the last to leave... the food was THAT good.  Our server was so impressed with how much food Sarah was ordering that she gave her free soup (zuppa)!  We all walked away fat and happy then spent some time wandering Assisi after dark.  It was just beautiful!  Definitely a place that seems untouched by time!  Peeking into doorways and alley ways leads to beautiful sights.  Yep, I could learn to like it here!

I have to hit the hay!  We are getting up at 6a to go to Siena in the morning.  I'll have to catch you up on our trip to Borgo Casorelle tomorrow when we get back... It was quite the adventure!

Bueno sera!

Our last day in Roma!

So... what a day!  I think all of us have tired feet and legs, not to mention some sunburn!

I started out the day with Tony and Sara.  We made our way to the ruins and to the Colosseum.  It was really cool to see everything, but I gotta say... It was HOT!  Luckily, Sara led us to the secret door to get tickets, otherwise the line for the Colosseum was crazy long.  It really is amazing to see that place close up and personal.  Must admit, it freaks me out a little that people used to go there and "make a day" of watching people be ripped apart by wild animals... Literally, they would go, have a great meal and the women would do each others hair while gladiators and prisoners were being eviscerated on the colosseum floor!  "Hey, this is great entertainment!  Can you pass me that pork shank?"

In the afternoon, we took the Metro back over to Vatican City to meet the gang for a tour of the Vatican Museum and the Sistine Chapel.  The museum was pretty amazing, but the Sistine Chapel is unforgettable!  To see the paintings by Michelangelo on the ceiling of the Chapel should be on everyone's bucket list.  It truly is breathtaking in person.  They kept saying no photos, but a picture can never do it justice.  It has to be seen to be truly enjoyed.

After the tour, Ray, Maggie, Sara, Tony, Julie, Dave and I all headed to a cafe to get some water and a bite to eat.  Did I tell you it was HOT!  Thank God, Rome is the city of fountains and water, because you can't get enough of it!

Afterwards, we split up again.  Paul and Jenn had headed to the Colosseum since they didn't get there earlier.  Dave, Julie, Tony and Sara headed off to St. John's Church outside the wall.  Make sure to ask me about the conversation we had regarding the fountains... It was quite interesting!  And Ray, Maggie and I went to explore some markets and Piazza's.  We wandered down side streets and peered into the local shops.  At one point, we came across a water station and I had to cool my poor feet...

After some Gelato (a necessity), we explored some more and headed to the Hotel to clean up and meet up for dinner.  We ate at a restaurant called La Buvette.  Gotta say, it was some of the best food we've had so far!  There is nothing but love in the food in Italy!  If you go hungry here, it's no one's fault but your own.

Tomorrow we are off to Assisi in the morning.  It will be a totally different experience from Rome, but I gotta say, I've had a great time in Rome!  Trevi Fountain, work your magic!

Tuesday in Rome...

So, yesterday, we headed to Vatican city.  We started out the day with an audience with the Pope.  We and a few thousand people were seated in chairs in St. Peter's Square to hear the Pope speak.  Let me tell you... it was HOT!  As Ray said, it felt like we were sitting in a slow cooker.  Still, it's the Pope!

Yep, that's him in the middle.  The service lasted about an hour and a half.  We immediately headed for shade and water when it was over.  We had "lunch" at a cafe close by.  I say lunch, but really it was large bowls of gelato (soooo good) along with lots of liquid.

After lunch we headed back over to the excavation offices for the Scavi Tour of the ancient tombs below the Vatican.  It was very impressive.  Hard not to be awed by architecture and tombs that were built around 150 A.D.  After the tour, we headed up to St. Peter's.  It is awe inspiring!  You can't not be impressed with the art, sculptures and tombs.  Michelangelo's Pieta brought tears to my eyes.  Here's a shot of just one of the domes...

Last night we ventured out to the Trastevere neighborhood for another fantastic meal.  Do they have bad food in Italy?  We finished at the restaurant around 11p.  Ray and Maggie got a taxi due to the hour.  I walked back to the hotel with Sara, Tony, Jenn and Paul.  We detoured by the Trevi Fountain on the way back.  The tradition is that you throw a coin over your left shoulder into the fountain to ensure your return... I wanted to toss in paper money to make sure the fountain knew I was serious, but Sara convinced me to throw a penny.  Here they are, ensuring their return!

Then we headed back to get ready for Thursday.  We have more stuff to see!

Our first day...

So, Sara and I arrived early Tuesday.  We got some lunch... Mmmm pizza!  Then explores some around where we are staying.  We are located right in the heart of old Rome.  We are staying on a cute street called Via Margutta located between the Piazza de Spagna and the Piazza de Popolo.  Sara and I explored around both of the piazzas and climbed some stairs so we could eat more!

We met up with the rest of the merry travelers back at the Hotel and after wandering around for a while, we had a great dinner at a restaurant called Suge.  Wonderful food and wine was had by all.  I will say that mussels in this country need to be afraid!  Paul and Tony both ate the biggest bowls of mussels I've ever seen!  It was a great meal with great company!

We all made it!

Well, we all made it to Italy!  Our luggage... that was a whole different story!  Ray, Maggie, Tony and I all had our luggage go missing!  After phone calls and pleading, we all got our luggage Wednesday afternoon... Yep, that meant all of us were in the same clothes we'd been wearing since Monday morning.  Let me tell you, a shower and a change of clothing has NEVER been more appreciated!

The journey begins...

So, I'm sitting at the airport in Orlando.  My flight's been delayed by 47 minutes, but I can't complain...  My brother and his clan had their flight cancelled today!  They (the airlines) tried to tell them they wouldn't be able to leave until tomorrow, but they had no idea who they were up against.  My brother, knowing that Maggie REALLY had to be in Rome tomorrow to pick up tickets for the Papal visit and the museum, went to work on the airlines.  They are now getting into Rome tomorrow at approximately 3p Rome time.

So, Sara (who gets in about 45 minutes after my arrival at 8:25a) and I will be left to find our way to the hotel and entertain ourselves until their arrival.  Somehow I don't think that will be much of a problem!

I'm going to Italy!

Yep, I'm one of those people... Italy was definitely on my bucket list.  So, when my sister-in-law, Maggie started talking to me about the possibility of taking at trip last year, I was hooked!  And now, over a year later, I'm heading to Italy on Monday.

Maggie has been the mastermind of this adventure.  At this point, I think there are about 17 people that are partaking in the adventure.  We are starting out in Rome for 3 days, heading to Assisi for a day and then on to Tuscany (Pistoia to be exact) for a week!

I had a few people (Kim, Chris, David) who said I should create a blog so they could see what I'm up to while I'm there.  So, I'm gonna give it a shot.  What the hell, ya only live once!  I'll be posting pictures when I can and trying to update you on what's happening on my little adventure.  Of course, postings will depend on having access to free Wi-Fi while I'm out and about, so if I don't get something up for a while, that's probably the hitch.

Wish me luck and I'll be in touch soon!
Ciao!