Goodbye Italy!

We are ready to go home. Italy, you are "magnifico." And we will think of you forever as we look back on this once in a lifetime trip. We said our goodbyes to our Italian family and shared with them gifts of Arizona souvenirs. Guiseppe and Pamela, their three kids, and Guiseppe's mom and dad, Sienna and Antonio. They were so kind to us for this past month.



Goodbye Torre del Lago!



We landed in London about 4 pm on October 15th. We had an overnight stay before flying home the next day at 230pm. We were so disappointed we weren't able to connect with Megan and Johnny because of a little problem with "left luggage" at Gatwick airport. Word of caution if you ever fly into London, don't land at Gatwick and leave from Heathrow. They are a long way apart! And transportation can be quite expensive. Tuesday morning we were able to see Hyde park and the walk there from our hotel was beautiful, but briskly cool. We all celebrated the place of Jeri's birth and her first return since she was a toddler. We got just enough of a taste of London to let us know that we absolutely do have to return.











This picture of the phone booth reminded me of a lot of movies






Thanks for following us on our journey. A trip we will remember for years to come. We are so glad to be be home!

Italy, more is better

With Malia and her friends arrival also came a whirlwind of activity. Naturally we felt a need to show them all of Tuscany in just one week. They brought great energy with them. Every second of our time with Malia, Erika, and Jamie was bellisimo.




They had a flair for drama




And enormous energy!




It was fun to share Italy with one of our kids. But also made me miss Conor, Justin, Marlene, Christina, Laurel, Brielle, Cy, Kelly, and Eric. And my Mom! Wayne and Mike and families, you too! And all you guys at work too!




I would like to share a few pictures from that week.
Right before Malia arrived, Mike and I had a romantic day in Fierenze together, just the two of us.




The Duomo








A view of Florence from the top of the Duomo, 640 steps up!




I




The square "de Campo" in Sienna with Kd, Malia, Erica, and Jamie.




A beautiful Piazza where fabulous musica entertained us for quite some time.








Sienna streets




I just had to add some additional favorite views of mine
























Not sure if you can tell but I am starting to miss home and my family. But doesn't stop me from trudging forward to enjoy, enjoy, enjoy.
Cinque Terre was amazing even on the third day. We went the day before Malia and friends left Italy. My favorite town was Corniglia. I will dream of it for years to come.








We are leaving for London so will share those adventures and wrap all this up tomorrow. For now, Arrivaderci!

Location:Torre del Lago, Florence, Lucca, Riomaggiore, Manolla, Corniglia

Ah, Venice! October 1-3

Words fail to capture the essence of this magical city. Even pictures are pale in comparison to the lively watery poem of canals and islands and narrow passageways to get from one place to another.




Catching a vaporetto from the train station to Piazza San Marcos was a beautiful introduction to the watery "ins " and "outs" of Venice.



Now to find our hotel??? The online site said only 100 steps from St. Mark's Square, but in which direction? After meandering for well over 100 steps through the narrow busy streets we finally found it. Tucked away amidst seemingly fortress walls we found Ca' del Campo - a very old renovated palace that would become our attic home for the next three days.







The first night we went to a Vivaldi Opera alive with violin and cello voices blending and floating with rich tenor and silky soprano arias. Our Italian Opus ... Bravi!



Our second day brought us, via tour boat to three islands, each with its own distinctive and unique personality. The first island, Murano, included a tour of a glass factory where the famous Murano glass is produced.



The next island, Burano, is famous for making lace and this lace artist has been making lace since she was 12 years old.


Burano is also an old fishing village where a "watercolorista" would find every lively color in her palette to convey only one single long narrow street.



The 3rd island, Torcello, is almost unspeakable in its peaceful silence. They say only 11 people live here and the 7th century cathedral that quietly greets you at the end of the path contains the most stunning mosaic floors ever seen.



A savory Italian meal and fine wine brought us to more of a wine tour in our attic space and another happy birthday toast to Janet followed by a good-night and Arrivederci until tomorrow.

They say the best time to explore Venice and beat the crowds is early morning, so after an incredible breakfast with cheeses, prosciutto, fruit and bread we took off over bridges through the gallery of corridors of Venice to find a market ... An absolute festival of fresh fish, fruits vegetables, mushrooms and etc. (etc. is especially delicious).















All I can say is eat your heart to the finish ... Pictures can't convey...

Sadly, it was time to leave. Yet, the great adventure was still ahead ... A water taxi ( oh, thank you thank you, Jeri!) the grand canal carried us back to the train station and "home away from home" in Torre del Lago.

Frances Mayes, in Bella Tuscany, says it best: "Yes, if there's no Venice in the real heaven, I don't want to go there,"

Location:Venice, Italy

Lucca and bike rides in Torre de Lago

Lucca city wall


Lucca from the walk around the city on the wall


Lucca, strolling above the city







Fire truck in Torre del Lago along the bicycle path to Viareggio. It made me miss Justin! The fire trucks are so tiny, as was the hose they were using to put out the fire.

Location:Lucca, Italy

Contrasts

We quickly forgot the hustle and bustle of Rome just a short train ride up the coast from Torre de Lago to Cinque Terra. We took a day trip to Monterosso and Verranzza. On the train ride up the coast we saw the famous marble town of Carrara and could see the mountain tops where marble has been extracted for centuries. Michaelangelo got his marble for his magnificent sculptures from this same area. We also enjoyed the view of many small hill towns with colorful villas, unique and quaint churches and old towers from years past, surrounded by vineyards and farmlands. Later as we approached Cinque Terra the ocean views and terraced farm lands enchanted us- no cars, taxis, motorcycles, buses, or bicycles. The train traveled through long tunnels with just short breaks to display magnifico views of the ocean and small villages. The food and wine experience was one of our favorites. Cinque Terra is known for it's famous il Vino Bianco and I have never had such amazing white wine, but the local red wine was also one of our favorites. My best discovery was the anchovies! They served a bruschetta with fresh tomatoes, garlic, capers, olive oil and anchovies that I will always dream about with longing. The anchovies are not like any I have ever experienced, milder, less salty and simply scrumptious. Then to top off perfect, the most delightful assortment of shops where we browsed and spent our £'s. I found myself wondering what trade I could sell so that I could just stay forever.

Location:Cinque Terra