Greetings All,
Everyone is up and ready for a 10:00 a.m. departure to Orvieto, a hill town which is approximately a hour and a half drive away. We hook up with Geoff and Tracy. Sandra, Keith and Amy are in another car with John and Adrienne leading the way. The convoy has Keith in the middle as he hugs Johns bumper so not to get lost. John take us through back roads to Orvieto through some spectacular countryside.
Orvieto and our first incident of the day. Keith mistakes John's hand signals and steals his parking spot. We of course see this a have a good laugh at their expense and remark we are sure John has a few choice words for Keith. Parking cost 2 Euros for two hours and Keith in his brillance uses his credit card rather than coin. You guessed it the card gets stuck in the machine. Well we all gather around push buttons trying to get the card to eject. No one has tweezers and they think because I have long nails I can get the card out. For anybody who has had acrylic nails, they are useless as they are too thick. Keith's luck is with him because he finds a flat thin wire which he fashions into tweezers and gets out his card. We all rib him saying that it happened because he stole Johns spot. The first stop of the day is at the Duomo (or Cathedral). The cathedral was built in 1330, has one of Italys most liveliest facades and has been compared to a medieval altar. The marble pillars tell a biblical storey starting from the creation of the world to judgement day and hell. The bronze statues represent the 4 evangelists, the Angel (Matthew), the Lion (Mark), the Bull (Luke) and the Eagle (John). Surprisingly the inside of the church is small in reference to the outside. There is a sign that appears to say "No Pictures" and we see someone inside taking pictures. Of course Fred and I comment about people who cannot follow instructions; this as it has been a thorn in our side on many occasions in various locations. We soon spy Adrienne taking pictures, she catches our look, smiles and asks what is wrong. So we tell her. It turns out that we did not read the sign properly. When the picture of the camera has a flash on it with the diagonal line, the sign means no flash photography and not no photographs. We then take a short walk around the town and have some gelato before heading off to our next destination.
Civita di Bagnoregio is the ultimate hill town in the area. In existence since Etruscan and ancient Roman times. The architecture in Civita is medieval as this is really two towns that were joined by a donkey path and bridge which were bombed in WW II. Today's bridge is a modern walking bridge built in 1965 and is quite the hike. Amy sits outside the Gelateria as she does not want to go back to the villa with John and Adrienne. The six of us troop off with three of the group uncomfortable with heights. I'm complaining because there is no place to really hang over and get a sense of how high we really are. The six of us grab sandwiches, wine, beer and water at a little cafe in Civita. It's here that we meet a group of Canadians from Richmond Hill, London, Mississauga , St Catherines and Windsor. I hear a camera clicking like mad and someone makes a comment about how many pictures are you taking? His answer is this way I know at least one will turn out, of course I shout "my kind of photographer!!" We order a sandwich for Amy who is still waiting on the other side of the bridge. Keith and Sandra have a quick walk about town and then head off to meet her. We continue to explore the town and a lady who is 80 plus offers us the use of her backyard to take pictures of the valley below. We kindly pass. Now we know how the old dears of the town make their money. The town was up until recently slowly dying because of the age of the population was 80 plus but rich Romans and Florentines are slowly buying up property and renovating for summer homes. As well we explore a cave like area that was a chapel in days gone by.
We are now head off to Spoleto with Geoff and Tracey to find one of the oldest churchs in the world. After much driving round through narrow streets we give up and head back to the villa having decided to try our luck finding it tomorrow.
Dinner is asausage risotto, salad of tomatoes, buffalo mozeralla, lettuce, basil, olive oil and balsamic vinegar. Dessert is fruit cake and stollen. Of course copious amounts of wine. It's now bed time and off to new adventures tomorrow.
Bouna Sera,
Sandy & Fred
Tuesday, September 30, 2008
Monday, September 29, 2008
Todi Bound with whole Family - Sept 28, 2008
Buon giorno All,
After breakfast we get a late start into Todi. Adrienne has booked a pizza place for lunch for the group for 1:00 p.m. John trys to get parking at the top of the town so that Amy does not have to walk too far, unfortunately because it is Sunday the parking lots are full with the churchgoers. So we all park at the bottom and take the funicular to the top and then have to walk up the hill and down to the pizza joint. A long slow process as Amy now tires easily. The view from the restaurant overlooks the valley and once again it is breathtaking. However it is chilly as we are outside and not in the sun and the wind comes across rather brisk. Margherita, prosciutto, prosciutto and funghi (mushrooms), porchini and salami and asparagus are the pizza's ordered. They are huge!! We end up taking home a box of leftovers of three different types.
We head back to the villa to relax and everyone does their own thing. Amy and I sit on the veranda out of the wind but in the sun and chat. She asks about Jonathan and Amy's Wedding plans and all about Christopher and Japan. I guess she has finally mellowed on that subject.
Supper is once again a three course special. I ask for a small portion of the appetizer, which is spaghetti with porchini and panchetta sauce, the main course is veal and roast vegetables. Fred and I got to do the veggies over a open wood fire. Of Course I did way to many veggies but my god were they good cooked over an open wood fire.
Dinner conversation was most interesting we talked about maids and the quality of their work. John and Adrienne have one and so do Keith and Sandra. Of course I jump in with both feet, fire them if they can't do their job!! Well then off to bed for everyone, tomorrow should prove to be an interesting day.
Buona Sera all,
Sandy & Fred
After breakfast we get a late start into Todi. Adrienne has booked a pizza place for lunch for the group for 1:00 p.m. John trys to get parking at the top of the town so that Amy does not have to walk too far, unfortunately because it is Sunday the parking lots are full with the churchgoers. So we all park at the bottom and take the funicular to the top and then have to walk up the hill and down to the pizza joint. A long slow process as Amy now tires easily. The view from the restaurant overlooks the valley and once again it is breathtaking. However it is chilly as we are outside and not in the sun and the wind comes across rather brisk. Margherita, prosciutto, prosciutto and funghi (mushrooms), porchini and salami and asparagus are the pizza's ordered. They are huge!! We end up taking home a box of leftovers of three different types.
We head back to the villa to relax and everyone does their own thing. Amy and I sit on the veranda out of the wind but in the sun and chat. She asks about Jonathan and Amy's Wedding plans and all about Christopher and Japan. I guess she has finally mellowed on that subject.
Supper is once again a three course special. I ask for a small portion of the appetizer, which is spaghetti with porchini and panchetta sauce, the main course is veal and roast vegetables. Fred and I got to do the veggies over a open wood fire. Of Course I did way to many veggies but my god were they good cooked over an open wood fire.
Dinner conversation was most interesting we talked about maids and the quality of their work. John and Adrienne have one and so do Keith and Sandra. Of course I jump in with both feet, fire them if they can't do their job!! Well then off to bed for everyone, tomorrow should prove to be an interesting day.
Buona Sera all,
Sandy & Fred
Sunday, September 28, 2008
Mandorelle, the Villa - Sept 27, 2008
Today was our first full day at the Villa (you can view the villa's website at http://www.lemandorelle.com/). The countryside is breathtaking. From the veranda on one side we overlook Todi and on the other and neighbouring farms. There are vegetable, herb, and flower gardens all for our use as well as fruit trees, including a pomegranate tree. There is a pool, however it is cold. It really is fall weather so sunbathing and swimming are out of the question.
In the morning John, Adrienne, Fred and myself head off to Perugia to do shopping for the family for three days of meals. We have a slight detour around town looking for the supermarket before we finally arrive. The place is massive and it takes us two hours to get supplies in for the gang. We just get things unloaded and put away when the balance of the family arrives. Fred's Mom, Amy is exhausted so we get her off to bed for some much needed rest while the rest fill in the afternoon by watching a footie match (Fred & John) Liverpool win 2-0, Tracey, Geoff, Sandra and Keith take Portia for a walk into nearby village of Monticello, Adrienne to the swing to read and myself down by the pool to catch some rays and read. Everyone doing their own thing.
Supper has everyone pitching in. Adrienne has organized the meal, I am the salad maker tonight, John has Fred and Geoff barbecuing the chicken and sausages on wood burning pits both inside and outside the villa, and Sandra and Tracey set the table. As Keith watches he'll be on clean up duty. This all being done while drinking copious amounts of wine. Fred and John figured that six bottles of wine should be enough for the nine of us, somehow I think they need to go back to the drawing board. Supper was three courses, starter was a truffle and sausage lasagna, extremely rich and delicious, main course chicken, sausage and salad. the dessert for Adrienne's birthday a profiterole cake and two other Italian cream cakes. We have enough dessert left over for future nights as it is all very decadent. Those who didn't cook get to clean up and I have managed to be on the team that cooks tonight so no KP duty. Keith, Sandra and Tracey are on duty tonight and do a fine job.
The new arrivals all head to bed by 9:30 as they flew in overnight so no real sleep on the plane.
Tomorrow we are all trooping into Todi at least that is the plan for now.
Ciao,
Sandy & Fred
In the morning John, Adrienne, Fred and myself head off to Perugia to do shopping for the family for three days of meals. We have a slight detour around town looking for the supermarket before we finally arrive. The place is massive and it takes us two hours to get supplies in for the gang. We just get things unloaded and put away when the balance of the family arrives. Fred's Mom, Amy is exhausted so we get her off to bed for some much needed rest while the rest fill in the afternoon by watching a footie match (Fred & John) Liverpool win 2-0, Tracey, Geoff, Sandra and Keith take Portia for a walk into nearby village of Monticello, Adrienne to the swing to read and myself down by the pool to catch some rays and read. Everyone doing their own thing.
Supper has everyone pitching in. Adrienne has organized the meal, I am the salad maker tonight, John has Fred and Geoff barbecuing the chicken and sausages on wood burning pits both inside and outside the villa, and Sandra and Tracey set the table. As Keith watches he'll be on clean up duty. This all being done while drinking copious amounts of wine. Fred and John figured that six bottles of wine should be enough for the nine of us, somehow I think they need to go back to the drawing board. Supper was three courses, starter was a truffle and sausage lasagna, extremely rich and delicious, main course chicken, sausage and salad. the dessert for Adrienne's birthday a profiterole cake and two other Italian cream cakes. We have enough dessert left over for future nights as it is all very decadent. Those who didn't cook get to clean up and I have managed to be on the team that cooks tonight so no KP duty. Keith, Sandra and Tracey are on duty tonight and do a fine job.
The new arrivals all head to bed by 9:30 as they flew in overnight so no real sleep on the plane.
Tomorrow we are all trooping into Todi at least that is the plan for now.
Ciao,
Sandy & Fred
Friday, September 26, 2008
Todi Bound A 3 Holy! Shit Day!!- Sept 26, 2008
Buon giorno,
Today was a travel day to Todi and the Villa, which is just outside Monticello a small village very near the town of Todi. The drive was highway for most part of the trip. The first Holy Shit of the day was when all of sudden Fred had to hit the breaks around North Florence. There was a accident north bound lanes unfortunately with a fatality. So here in Italy they stop, look and move on back to the speed limit. Had we been on the 401 traffic, would have been backed up for miles on both sides because of the rubberneckers. The drive is through the mountains and some through the valley. The farms have been harvested for the most part since our drive out to Florence and Venice.
Next Holy Shit, Holy Shit, Holy Shit!! was when we did not see any signs to indicate that the lanes were being reduced from 3 to 2. There are trucks on my side and cars on Fred side and no one is slowing down. The trucks are pulling into our lane and the cars are not allowing us to move over. Somehow we get through that unscathed.
We stop for lunch at a roadside rest area. Cheese, crackers, salami, grapes and cookies plus a glass of wine. Back onto the highway and forward to Todi. After leaving the autostrade (highway) we enter onto a two lane dual carriageway, which is not busy. We see a lake in the distance and I ask Fred to stop at the next pull over to get a picture. Well I can't see the lake or past the bushes as I am too short so I extend my arm and hope for the best. So can't tell until we download the pictures if I got the shot.
Last Holy Shit of the day is just near the villa. We climb up some steep hills towards the villa and the second last turn is a hairpin bend with no room for two cars. The car stalls and we start to go backwards. OMG!! Fred gets the car going again and lays rubber to get up going up and around the bend. We do arrive safe and sound.
The Villa is absolutely beautiful and the surrounding country side breathtaking. Vineyards, olive groves, herb and vegetable gardens. Wood burning ovens inside and out plus a pizza or bread oven and pool. Pictures to be taken tomorrow when we have better light. It is also very cool so we need to bring out the clothes for England. Definitely not shorts weather.
Ciao for now,
Fred and Sandy
Today was a travel day to Todi and the Villa, which is just outside Monticello a small village very near the town of Todi. The drive was highway for most part of the trip. The first Holy Shit of the day was when all of sudden Fred had to hit the breaks around North Florence. There was a accident north bound lanes unfortunately with a fatality. So here in Italy they stop, look and move on back to the speed limit. Had we been on the 401 traffic, would have been backed up for miles on both sides because of the rubberneckers. The drive is through the mountains and some through the valley. The farms have been harvested for the most part since our drive out to Florence and Venice.
Next Holy Shit, Holy Shit, Holy Shit!! was when we did not see any signs to indicate that the lanes were being reduced from 3 to 2. There are trucks on my side and cars on Fred side and no one is slowing down. The trucks are pulling into our lane and the cars are not allowing us to move over. Somehow we get through that unscathed.
We stop for lunch at a roadside rest area. Cheese, crackers, salami, grapes and cookies plus a glass of wine. Back onto the highway and forward to Todi. After leaving the autostrade (highway) we enter onto a two lane dual carriageway, which is not busy. We see a lake in the distance and I ask Fred to stop at the next pull over to get a picture. Well I can't see the lake or past the bushes as I am too short so I extend my arm and hope for the best. So can't tell until we download the pictures if I got the shot.
Last Holy Shit of the day is just near the villa. We climb up some steep hills towards the villa and the second last turn is a hairpin bend with no room for two cars. The car stalls and we start to go backwards. OMG!! Fred gets the car going again and lays rubber to get up going up and around the bend. We do arrive safe and sound.
The Villa is absolutely beautiful and the surrounding country side breathtaking. Vineyards, olive groves, herb and vegetable gardens. Wood burning ovens inside and out plus a pizza or bread oven and pool. Pictures to be taken tomorrow when we have better light. It is also very cool so we need to bring out the clothes for England. Definitely not shorts weather.
Ciao for now,
Fred and Sandy
Thursday, September 25, 2008
Venice (Venezia) - Sept 25, 2008
Buon giorno All,
Well today is our last day in Venice and we have once again headed into the historic town. A water bus down to the San Marco bus stop and then take a water bus to Murano. This is an island in the lagoon that happens to be on the very outer rim of old world Venice, due to it's industry glass making industry, which was due to fear of fire from the furnaces. We walk through the town and spend an hour on a tour of a glass making factory. This is a free tour and we see the glass being blown, sculptured and rowed in various shapes. A swan, balls and a vase are what we see from start to finish. As well as a flamingo that was just finished. The artisans work in teams of two or three depending on what is being created. What amazes me is that there is no protective gear being worn at all and the furnace's burn white hot. We purchase some Christmas presents today as well, so I will leave you all guessing as to whether we got anything for you!!
Lunch time was well past so we take a more direct water bus back, then walk some and then take a water bus back to the Rialto Bridge for a late lunch around 3:30 p.m. We again stop at a waterside cafe for Pizza all round and of course Vino Russo (red). Margherita for me and spicy salami for Fred. We meet a mother and daughter who are travelling around Italy and have rented an apartment in Florence along with other friends. They are Americans from Washington State and South Carolina. We also meet a English couple who were celebrating their 42nd wedding anniversary, the wife told her husband get your passport in order and have some euros as we are going away. She made all the arrangements, to stay in Venice off the Grand Canal and to take a water taxi from the airport. Unfortunately the water taxi driver was not very vigilant when they were docking, he didn't get the boat close enough to the pier and she fell between the boat and the pier. When we met them they had just got back from the hospital for their first dinner. They were rather cute as they asked us what part of America were we from and when we said Canada they were horrified and extremely apologetic. Canadians they said are definitely different then Americans, we are better :)!
Well not much done but a full slow relaxed day. Back to the hotel to prepare for the drive to Todi and the Family Reunion.
Ciao for now,
Sandy & Fred
Well today is our last day in Venice and we have once again headed into the historic town. A water bus down to the San Marco bus stop and then take a water bus to Murano. This is an island in the lagoon that happens to be on the very outer rim of old world Venice, due to it's industry glass making industry, which was due to fear of fire from the furnaces. We walk through the town and spend an hour on a tour of a glass making factory. This is a free tour and we see the glass being blown, sculptured and rowed in various shapes. A swan, balls and a vase are what we see from start to finish. As well as a flamingo that was just finished. The artisans work in teams of two or three depending on what is being created. What amazes me is that there is no protective gear being worn at all and the furnace's burn white hot. We purchase some Christmas presents today as well, so I will leave you all guessing as to whether we got anything for you!!
Lunch time was well past so we take a more direct water bus back, then walk some and then take a water bus back to the Rialto Bridge for a late lunch around 3:30 p.m. We again stop at a waterside cafe for Pizza all round and of course Vino Russo (red). Margherita for me and spicy salami for Fred. We meet a mother and daughter who are travelling around Italy and have rented an apartment in Florence along with other friends. They are Americans from Washington State and South Carolina. We also meet a English couple who were celebrating their 42nd wedding anniversary, the wife told her husband get your passport in order and have some euros as we are going away. She made all the arrangements, to stay in Venice off the Grand Canal and to take a water taxi from the airport. Unfortunately the water taxi driver was not very vigilant when they were docking, he didn't get the boat close enough to the pier and she fell between the boat and the pier. When we met them they had just got back from the hospital for their first dinner. They were rather cute as they asked us what part of America were we from and when we said Canada they were horrified and extremely apologetic. Canadians they said are definitely different then Americans, we are better :)!
Well not much done but a full slow relaxed day. Back to the hotel to prepare for the drive to Todi and the Family Reunion.
Ciao for now,
Sandy & Fred
Wednesday, September 24, 2008
Venice (Venezia) - Sept 24, 2008
Buon giorno All,
Well I have died and gone to heaven today, Venice has certainly measured up greater than my expectations to say the least. But now I must tell you about our day.
Breakfast is included here and the variety is very good. As well they know how to cook eggs (unlike the Novotel). Also, for those who drink coffee you can drink it without it dissolving your spoon when it is black. The Maitre d' was a pleasant man who seemed to really enjoy his job which is always a good start to the day rather then dealing with some sour puss.
We head out to get the 9:10 bus into Venice with a bit of a rush on our part. However, we need not have rushed as the bus just zoomed by leaving about 12 people with their mouths hanging open and asking what the hell! One women was particularly upset as they had a train to catch. You'd think if you have that kind of time table you would get your ass in gear so little set backs like this would not get in your way, leaving you with plenty of time to get where you're going. I joked with Fred that some tourists must have really ticked him off earlier so he was getting even :). When the next bus comes along 1/2 the group wave their arm frantically for the bus to stop. As luck would have it both Fred and I both get seats.
We take the water bus down to St. Marks Square, which is Venice's main square. Today we visit St. Mark's Basilica, the Doge's Palace, the Bridge of Sighs and the Frari Church. The Basilica is unbelievable and we bought post cards, which we will scan once we are home as pictures were not allowed. The pictures are not paintings as we've seen in other churches but rather mosaics (one piece as small a babies finger nail) thousands making up the various pictures of Saints, Madonna, and Christ. This is especially amazing to us at least when you take into account this was built in the 11th century, replacing a earlier church. The bones of Saints have been resting here since 830 A.D.We are able to climb up to the Loggia that is a parapet outside the dome which you can walk around. It allows for a great view of the lagoon and the square itself as well as a closer look of the horses, mosaics and statues that adorn the outside of the Basilica.
Next stop the Doge's Palace. This was the seat of the Venetian government and home of the ruling duke of the time. The Palace was built to show off the power and wealth of the republic at that time. What is interesting is the Doge was really just a figure head that was voted into the position by the rich and powerful of the time and could not act on any decisions on his own or even leave the palace once he was in this seat of power. Upon the death of a Doge, his seal was destroyed and a new Doge was voted in place before the previous Doge was laid to rest. The palace also housed a prison and the Bridge of Sighs. This bridge, which linked two sections of the palace was so named as the window's allowed the prisoner their last look of freedom out to the canal before they were imprisoned/executed. We have spent just over 4 hours at this site and decide it is lunch time as it is now approaching 2:00 p.m.
We board a water bus and head to the Rialto Bridge. This is a bridge that spans the Grand Canal and it also has a market area. We have lunch right by the canal in a open air restaurant called Ristorante Florida. Lunch is spaghetti all round. Fred has spaghetti bolognese and I Carbonara, plus a glass of red wine each. We relax and watch the world go by on the canal. After lunch I ask how much is it for a Gondola ride. Shocker here, 100 to 150 Euros, that's right you can do the math. I thank the gondolier and off we walk. I must have looked dejected as he came after us and said he would take us for 80 euros. I know a good ploy, Rick Steve's book said to expect to pay at least 80 euros in 2007. Fred's my knight is shining armour as he agreed and the one thing I really wanted to do while in Venice is now a reality. Luciano, our gondolier takes us along smaller canals and points out various points of interest, for example Casanova's home, which is being restored, Marco Polo's place of residence and a beautiful church whose outside is adorned with pink marble. Luciano himself lives near the train station on the water and does not drive a car or have a drivers licence he informs us. Fred quickly asks does he have a least a Gondoliers licence. Si Si is the reply. They do work long hours especially in the summer hours but he works 4 days a week with 3 off. Well we say our goodbyes to Luciano after a very relaxing and calming ride. By the way the canals themselves are very clean and do not stink as I have been previously told. I could see myself living here except for a couple of major restrictions. Price being the biggest 465,000.00 Euros for a one bedroom flat and secondly but not the least sun worshipping topless would get me hung and quartered I am sure given the religious severity of the area :) :).
Onward and forward as we head off to San Toma and a visit to the Frari Church. It's full title is Santa Maria Gloriosa Dei Frari, quite the mouth full. This church was first founded by the Franciscan Church of Brothers. Pictures are not allowed unfortunately, but the inside artwork and carvings in the structures of the portico and beams are just beautiful. Again the paintings are amazing .
Well we have spent a total of eight hours here today and head back to the hotel to plan our next day. I am sad to leave as we have only touched the major sites and there is so much more to see.
Our plan for tomorrow has changed, we had hoped to go to Bolzano close to the Alps but the drive is longer then Fred though so it's back to Old Venice tomorrow for more exploring!! Stay tuned for our new discoveries.
Ciao,
Sandy & Fred
Well I have died and gone to heaven today, Venice has certainly measured up greater than my expectations to say the least. But now I must tell you about our day.
Breakfast is included here and the variety is very good. As well they know how to cook eggs (unlike the Novotel). Also, for those who drink coffee you can drink it without it dissolving your spoon when it is black. The Maitre d' was a pleasant man who seemed to really enjoy his job which is always a good start to the day rather then dealing with some sour puss.
We head out to get the 9:10 bus into Venice with a bit of a rush on our part. However, we need not have rushed as the bus just zoomed by leaving about 12 people with their mouths hanging open and asking what the hell! One women was particularly upset as they had a train to catch. You'd think if you have that kind of time table you would get your ass in gear so little set backs like this would not get in your way, leaving you with plenty of time to get where you're going. I joked with Fred that some tourists must have really ticked him off earlier so he was getting even :). When the next bus comes along 1/2 the group wave their arm frantically for the bus to stop. As luck would have it both Fred and I both get seats.
We take the water bus down to St. Marks Square, which is Venice's main square. Today we visit St. Mark's Basilica, the Doge's Palace, the Bridge of Sighs and the Frari Church. The Basilica is unbelievable and we bought post cards, which we will scan once we are home as pictures were not allowed. The pictures are not paintings as we've seen in other churches but rather mosaics (one piece as small a babies finger nail) thousands making up the various pictures of Saints, Madonna, and Christ. This is especially amazing to us at least when you take into account this was built in the 11th century, replacing a earlier church. The bones of Saints have been resting here since 830 A.D.We are able to climb up to the Loggia that is a parapet outside the dome which you can walk around. It allows for a great view of the lagoon and the square itself as well as a closer look of the horses, mosaics and statues that adorn the outside of the Basilica.
Next stop the Doge's Palace. This was the seat of the Venetian government and home of the ruling duke of the time. The Palace was built to show off the power and wealth of the republic at that time. What is interesting is the Doge was really just a figure head that was voted into the position by the rich and powerful of the time and could not act on any decisions on his own or even leave the palace once he was in this seat of power. Upon the death of a Doge, his seal was destroyed and a new Doge was voted in place before the previous Doge was laid to rest. The palace also housed a prison and the Bridge of Sighs. This bridge, which linked two sections of the palace was so named as the window's allowed the prisoner their last look of freedom out to the canal before they were imprisoned/executed. We have spent just over 4 hours at this site and decide it is lunch time as it is now approaching 2:00 p.m.
We board a water bus and head to the Rialto Bridge. This is a bridge that spans the Grand Canal and it also has a market area. We have lunch right by the canal in a open air restaurant called Ristorante Florida. Lunch is spaghetti all round. Fred has spaghetti bolognese and I Carbonara, plus a glass of red wine each. We relax and watch the world go by on the canal. After lunch I ask how much is it for a Gondola ride. Shocker here, 100 to 150 Euros, that's right you can do the math. I thank the gondolier and off we walk. I must have looked dejected as he came after us and said he would take us for 80 euros. I know a good ploy, Rick Steve's book said to expect to pay at least 80 euros in 2007. Fred's my knight is shining armour as he agreed and the one thing I really wanted to do while in Venice is now a reality. Luciano, our gondolier takes us along smaller canals and points out various points of interest, for example Casanova's home, which is being restored, Marco Polo's place of residence and a beautiful church whose outside is adorned with pink marble. Luciano himself lives near the train station on the water and does not drive a car or have a drivers licence he informs us. Fred quickly asks does he have a least a Gondoliers licence. Si Si is the reply. They do work long hours especially in the summer hours but he works 4 days a week with 3 off. Well we say our goodbyes to Luciano after a very relaxing and calming ride. By the way the canals themselves are very clean and do not stink as I have been previously told. I could see myself living here except for a couple of major restrictions. Price being the biggest 465,000.00 Euros for a one bedroom flat and secondly but not the least sun worshipping topless would get me hung and quartered I am sure given the religious severity of the area :) :).
Onward and forward as we head off to San Toma and a visit to the Frari Church. It's full title is Santa Maria Gloriosa Dei Frari, quite the mouth full. This church was first founded by the Franciscan Church of Brothers. Pictures are not allowed unfortunately, but the inside artwork and carvings in the structures of the portico and beams are just beautiful. Again the paintings are amazing .
Well we have spent a total of eight hours here today and head back to the hotel to plan our next day. I am sad to leave as we have only touched the major sites and there is so much more to see.
Our plan for tomorrow has changed, we had hoped to go to Bolzano close to the Alps but the drive is longer then Fred though so it's back to Old Venice tomorrow for more exploring!! Stay tuned for our new discoveries.
Ciao,
Sandy & Fred
Tuesday, September 23, 2008
Venice (Venezia) Bound - Sept 23, 2008
Buon giorno,
After breakfast and signing out from the Novotel we are once again on the road. On the weekend the lights at a major intersection were not working and you can imagine the chaos to get across the road which is really busy. Thank god the lights are working as our way out takes us across this intersection. The drive up the highway takes us into a mountainous area. I am somewhat nervous as the truck traffic is unbelievable. Not just 20 or 30 trucks but 100 at least. I will say unlike North American truck drivers they do stay in their own lane except to pass slower vehicle's and they do have a speed limit that is lesser than cars. The drive takes us around and through the mountains; winding roads and tunnels. We can see that they are currently working on new tunnels through the mountains so in the future the trip may be faster and more direct. The landscape eventually levels off again to farmland and vineyards. The trip takes about 3 1/2 hours.
In Venice we again had a slight detour in getting to the Marriott, arriving at around 1:30. Our room is fantastic although we have separate beds but for 3 nights we can live with that as the rest in most elegant. We are far from the old town of Venice and its canals so we chose a room option that includes passes for the public transportation system. The bus ride into town takes approximately 45 minutes and then we to have transfer onto a water taxi to visit the local attractions. Prior to heading out we grab lunch in the hotel and head into Venice to get the lay of the land for tomorrow our first full day.
The pass while being paper like has a chip in it. The pass is held up to a reader that recognizes the fare on the buses as well as the water taxis. The bus ride into town took less than 45 minutes as the driver wastes no time and has few stops on the way in. We locate the slow boat that takes 40 minutes to get to the far end of the Grand Canal. It was a good way to see all that the Canal has to offer, getting off at the Piazza San Marco. We walk around the square were the buildings are both magnificent and undergoing repair and cleaning. There are three cruise ships in port, so the crowds are huge. We walk up into some small streets and alley ways and bridges over the smaller canals away from the crowds . Once back to the boat we head back to the Marriott as it is getting late. Getting off the water taxi we spot a supermarket and buy some crackers, cheese, cold cuts, grapes, beer and wine for the room as a break from pizza's, pasta and also a break to the pocketbook with restaurant food all the time.
Well I look forward to tomorrow as we are going for a ride in a gondola along the canal and to go into the museums and Church's.
Arrivederci,
Sandy & Fred
After breakfast and signing out from the Novotel we are once again on the road. On the weekend the lights at a major intersection were not working and you can imagine the chaos to get across the road which is really busy. Thank god the lights are working as our way out takes us across this intersection. The drive up the highway takes us into a mountainous area. I am somewhat nervous as the truck traffic is unbelievable. Not just 20 or 30 trucks but 100 at least. I will say unlike North American truck drivers they do stay in their own lane except to pass slower vehicle's and they do have a speed limit that is lesser than cars. The drive takes us around and through the mountains; winding roads and tunnels. We can see that they are currently working on new tunnels through the mountains so in the future the trip may be faster and more direct. The landscape eventually levels off again to farmland and vineyards. The trip takes about 3 1/2 hours.
In Venice we again had a slight detour in getting to the Marriott, arriving at around 1:30. Our room is fantastic although we have separate beds but for 3 nights we can live with that as the rest in most elegant. We are far from the old town of Venice and its canals so we chose a room option that includes passes for the public transportation system. The bus ride into town takes approximately 45 minutes and then we to have transfer onto a water taxi to visit the local attractions. Prior to heading out we grab lunch in the hotel and head into Venice to get the lay of the land for tomorrow our first full day.
The pass while being paper like has a chip in it. The pass is held up to a reader that recognizes the fare on the buses as well as the water taxis. The bus ride into town took less than 45 minutes as the driver wastes no time and has few stops on the way in. We locate the slow boat that takes 40 minutes to get to the far end of the Grand Canal. It was a good way to see all that the Canal has to offer, getting off at the Piazza San Marco. We walk around the square were the buildings are both magnificent and undergoing repair and cleaning. There are three cruise ships in port, so the crowds are huge. We walk up into some small streets and alley ways and bridges over the smaller canals away from the crowds . Once back to the boat we head back to the Marriott as it is getting late. Getting off the water taxi we spot a supermarket and buy some crackers, cheese, cold cuts, grapes, beer and wine for the room as a break from pizza's, pasta and also a break to the pocketbook with restaurant food all the time.
Well I look forward to tomorrow as we are going for a ride in a gondola along the canal and to go into the museums and Church's.
Arrivederci,
Sandy & Fred
Monday, September 22, 2008
Florence (Firenze) -Sept 22, 2008
We got a bonus last night. We had ordered a sandwich, chips and a bottle of wine. Everything but the bottle of wine arrived and when I went up to sign for the sandwich and chips the bar maid realized she never brought us our wine. She apologized and gave us a free a free bottle. She explained the restaurant side was so busy that she spent most of her time over there.
After breakfast we took the shuttle into downtown Florence and did a Renaissance Walk through Florence as recommended in Rick Steve's Guide book. I am happy to say Fred got confused
in navigating with the map and we ended up taking a couple of detours during the day :).
Our first stop was Basilica di San Lorenzo a church in a piazza and part of the core area of Renaissance Florence. In this area there are numerous stalls selling souvenirs of shoe's and leather goods.
Onward to Santa Maria del Fiore, a Gothic Cathedral of pink, white and green marble. The outside of the building was spectacular with all the carvings and sculptures that adorned the building. Inside was disappointing as is was very plain and sombre compared to the outside. We did do a very Catholic thing here though and lit a candle for the Pagazzani girls, Briangh, Michaela and Sophia.
We however do not know the significance of lighting a candle but hope it is a blessing of sorts.
You can climb stairs up to the very top of the outside of the dome but the line up was super long so we thought we would revisit it latter in the day. A total 0f 463 stairs to reach the top.
From here we continue our walk to the Piazza Della Signoria. There are numerous statues that have origin from Rome and others from Florence. As well these are rather gruesome in nature, rapes are depicted, beheadings of unfaithful females, murder of a centaur as well as some other questionable figures. The detail of the sculptures are very realistic in their human features. There is also a founatin were a lot of art students are trying to draw what they see.
Some seem quite good. The town hall is also in this area. We each grab a panini sandwich and a bottle of water and continue our walk.
We head down between the Uffizi Gallery which houses numerous statues to some of the great
personas of Florence. Leonardi DaVinci, Michangelo, two who come to mind immediately. At the bottom of this roadway we reach the Arno River and have our first taste of Gelato. I have chocolate and mint two separate kinds and Fred has mint and chocolate chip . His chocolate chip is vanilla with chunks of chocolate. Decandent to say the least. We sit on a wall and watch a vendor across the street on the river bank sell these little figures that dance to music. We get a lesson is supply and demand as Fred says. There are very few people walking by and two young girls ask about the figures and the cost for them is 1 Euro. About 15 minutes latter more people come along a good 8 - 10 have now gathered. The price is now 2 Euros. He doing a brisk business now.
Having devoured our gelato we retrace some steps we did our first night in Florence to retake pictures that did not turn out. I do a little shoppinmg and buy myself a Italian silk pachima made if Florence. Onward we go to the Palazzo Pitti a museum which however, was closed. Here we turn around and retrace our walk to see how the lineup is for the Duomo dome. By the time we get back I am totally knackered and decide that there is no way I can do the 463 step climb. I offer to wait but Fred says it it time to sit and get a glass of wine as he is parched. We have at this point of time been walking for 6 hours with only the gelato rest stop.
After a glass of wine at a little bar on the Via del Giglio and short rest we now head to the Church of Santa Maria Novella. This is a church that was run by The Dominican Order of Friars since 1221. The inside is beautiful with amazing stained glass windows. Some of the original paintings on the wall have funfortunately aded almost to just shadows while later paintings have upheld well. Here pictures and use of cameras are not allowed which we respected. Of course once again there are a few people who ignore the wishes of the church.
We stop for super at a cafe in the Piazza Santa Maria Novella. Fred has penne and I have spaghetti ragu. Red wine of course and water. Both dishes were very delciious and for desert we share a tiramisu. More decandance and I have a cafe latte. We decide to have more wine as we have a hour wait for the 6:30 p.m. shuttle and we are tired of walking. The shuttle does not arrive (we had booked for the 8:30 p.m. shuttle) so we took a taxi back to the hotel.
Our stay in Florence has been very enjoyable though we did not see all we had hoped. So many churches, museums and so little time. Well worthh another visit in the future.
Ciao
Fred & Sandy
After breakfast we took the shuttle into downtown Florence and did a Renaissance Walk through Florence as recommended in Rick Steve's Guide book. I am happy to say Fred got confused
in navigating with the map and we ended up taking a couple of detours during the day :).
Our first stop was Basilica di San Lorenzo a church in a piazza and part of the core area of Renaissance Florence. In this area there are numerous stalls selling souvenirs of shoe's and leather goods.
Onward to Santa Maria del Fiore, a Gothic Cathedral of pink, white and green marble. The outside of the building was spectacular with all the carvings and sculptures that adorned the building. Inside was disappointing as is was very plain and sombre compared to the outside. We did do a very Catholic thing here though and lit a candle for the Pagazzani girls, Briangh, Michaela and Sophia.
We however do not know the significance of lighting a candle but hope it is a blessing of sorts.
You can climb stairs up to the very top of the outside of the dome but the line up was super long so we thought we would revisit it latter in the day. A total 0f 463 stairs to reach the top.
From here we continue our walk to the Piazza Della Signoria. There are numerous statues that have origin from Rome and others from Florence. As well these are rather gruesome in nature, rapes are depicted, beheadings of unfaithful females, murder of a centaur as well as some other questionable figures. The detail of the sculptures are very realistic in their human features. There is also a founatin were a lot of art students are trying to draw what they see.
Some seem quite good. The town hall is also in this area. We each grab a panini sandwich and a bottle of water and continue our walk.
We head down between the Uffizi Gallery which houses numerous statues to some of the great
personas of Florence. Leonardi DaVinci, Michangelo, two who come to mind immediately. At the bottom of this roadway we reach the Arno River and have our first taste of Gelato. I have chocolate and mint two separate kinds and Fred has mint and chocolate chip . His chocolate chip is vanilla with chunks of chocolate. Decandent to say the least. We sit on a wall and watch a vendor across the street on the river bank sell these little figures that dance to music. We get a lesson is supply and demand as Fred says. There are very few people walking by and two young girls ask about the figures and the cost for them is 1 Euro. About 15 minutes latter more people come along a good 8 - 10 have now gathered. The price is now 2 Euros. He doing a brisk business now.
Having devoured our gelato we retrace some steps we did our first night in Florence to retake pictures that did not turn out. I do a little shoppinmg and buy myself a Italian silk pachima made if Florence. Onward we go to the Palazzo Pitti a museum which however, was closed. Here we turn around and retrace our walk to see how the lineup is for the Duomo dome. By the time we get back I am totally knackered and decide that there is no way I can do the 463 step climb. I offer to wait but Fred says it it time to sit and get a glass of wine as he is parched. We have at this point of time been walking for 6 hours with only the gelato rest stop.
After a glass of wine at a little bar on the Via del Giglio and short rest we now head to the Church of Santa Maria Novella. This is a church that was run by The Dominican Order of Friars since 1221. The inside is beautiful with amazing stained glass windows. Some of the original paintings on the wall have funfortunately aded almost to just shadows while later paintings have upheld well. Here pictures and use of cameras are not allowed which we respected. Of course once again there are a few people who ignore the wishes of the church.
We stop for super at a cafe in the Piazza Santa Maria Novella. Fred has penne and I have spaghetti ragu. Red wine of course and water. Both dishes were very delciious and for desert we share a tiramisu. More decandance and I have a cafe latte. We decide to have more wine as we have a hour wait for the 6:30 p.m. shuttle and we are tired of walking. The shuttle does not arrive (we had booked for the 8:30 p.m. shuttle) so we took a taxi back to the hotel.
Our stay in Florence has been very enjoyable though we did not see all we had hoped. So many churches, museums and so little time. Well worthh another visit in the future.
Ciao
Fred & Sandy
Sunday, September 21, 2008
Pisa - Sept 21, 2008
Well today we had a late start as we tried to catch up on pictures which turned out to be a painful process for Fred. We drove to Pisa to view the Field of Miracles. Once we found the parking spot that was near the site we spent a good four hours here. The only sad thing about this site is that you run a gauntlet of hawkers of cheesy junk. Sunglasses, toys, cheap jewellery and inside the grounds there is a more of the same cheap souvenir stalls.
As you walk through the gate the overall sight of the three main building is awesome. The Baptistery, Cathedral or Duomo and the leaning Tower which is the Bell Tower are all in white marble and adorned with beautiful sculptures and carvings in the stone. Here is an example of the different time periods that the structures were built as well as the influence of the people of the time. The style as been dubbed Pisan Romanesque. Outside, the walls have a heavy fortress look with few windows to light the inside. The buildings were inspired by Gothic and Byzantine mosaics and Muslim spires. There are also two museums and a cemetery on the site.
Here you can spend your whole life; be christened in the Baptistery, married in the Duomo, awarded in the Tower and last but not least buried in the cemetery. After a lunch at La Buca a pizzeria we toured the grounds itself and went inside the Duomo and Baptistery. Words really
cannot express the beauty of the Duomo or the simplicity of the Baptistery and the wonder of the Leaning Tower itself. The first stone of the tower was laid in 1173 and the last 1372 over two centuries with each architect trying to solve the problem of the leaning. The tower is 200 feet tall, 55 feet wide and weighs 14000 tons and currently leans at a 5 degree angle. The site was built on marshy multi layered unstable soil. In fact all the buildings tilt to one side but are not as noticeable as the tower itself. In the Baptistery we are treated to the acoustics of the building. One of the guards demands silence the sings single notes. They vibrate and echo until it sounds like notes hitting each other in a beautiful resonance of tone and tune. You musical people will understand I hope.
We had intended to visit Lucca as well but it was clouding over and was already 4:30 so we headed back because neither one of us had a desire to be driving Italian roads in the dark.
Due to uploading difficulties pictures will be a while in getting posted,.
Ciao,
Sandy & Fred
As you walk through the gate the overall sight of the three main building is awesome. The Baptistery, Cathedral or Duomo and the leaning Tower which is the Bell Tower are all in white marble and adorned with beautiful sculptures and carvings in the stone. Here is an example of the different time periods that the structures were built as well as the influence of the people of the time. The style as been dubbed Pisan Romanesque. Outside, the walls have a heavy fortress look with few windows to light the inside. The buildings were inspired by Gothic and Byzantine mosaics and Muslim spires. There are also two museums and a cemetery on the site.
Here you can spend your whole life; be christened in the Baptistery, married in the Duomo, awarded in the Tower and last but not least buried in the cemetery. After a lunch at La Buca a pizzeria we toured the grounds itself and went inside the Duomo and Baptistery. Words really
cannot express the beauty of the Duomo or the simplicity of the Baptistery and the wonder of the Leaning Tower itself. The first stone of the tower was laid in 1173 and the last 1372 over two centuries with each architect trying to solve the problem of the leaning. The tower is 200 feet tall, 55 feet wide and weighs 14000 tons and currently leans at a 5 degree angle. The site was built on marshy multi layered unstable soil. In fact all the buildings tilt to one side but are not as noticeable as the tower itself. In the Baptistery we are treated to the acoustics of the building. One of the guards demands silence the sings single notes. They vibrate and echo until it sounds like notes hitting each other in a beautiful resonance of tone and tune. You musical people will understand I hope.
We had intended to visit Lucca as well but it was clouding over and was already 4:30 so we headed back because neither one of us had a desire to be driving Italian roads in the dark.
Due to uploading difficulties pictures will be a while in getting posted,.
Ciao,
Sandy & Fred
Friday, September 19, 2008
Firenze (Florence) Bound - Sept 20, 2008
To start off I must digress back to our arrival in Italy. As were get off the plane we board a bus to take us to the terminal building. The bus drove for maybe three bus lengths if we were lucky and then we had to disembark as we had arrived at the terminal building. We could have walked in less then two minutes. Not sure if they have a rule about walking on the runway so reason for the bus.
Today we pick up the car after breakfast. A short cab ride to the Hertz office at the Hilton, Montmatre. I am somewhat anxious as the Italian drivers are absolutely crazy. They do not believe that the lines on the road serve any purpose at all. Three lanes quickly become four as they drive where ever they can squeeze in a car. Also double parking in Italy has a whole new meaning. No space, who cares just leave the car parked beside whatever car that is legally parked. All in all we get out of Rome unscathed. Only got shouted and sworn at once, not bad considering we had to complete a detour as the Tom Tom's directions were blocked off by the police. The highway was very well maintained and busy. Fred was doing 120 kph and cars were still flying past us.
The country side was gentle rolling hills at first with sheep, cattle, vineyards, some olive groves and fields of sunflowers and tobacco. The drive took three hours in total with a slight detour at the end as Fred had trouble getting the hotel address recognized by the Tom Tom.
I did not realize that Firenze and Florence where the same place so once we reached our destination of Firenze I thought we had to go further. Duh! Once checked in we took the shuttle downtown to do some exploring. With Rick Steeves guide book and a map in hand we set out. As it is late around 5:00 p.m. most of the sites are closed so we walk to get the lay of the land.
The church Basilica di Santa Novella looks magnificent form the outside but we cannot check it out until Monday. Fred then leads us down to the Arno River and along the the Lungarno Corsi. We walk along the river bank exploring narrow streets along the way until we reach the Ponte Vecchi. This bridge has gold and silver jewellery stores on either side of the bridge. My first impression was that Florence did not have the character of Rome. But once we walk along the streets into the old section I quickly change my mind. We stop for a drink in a little pub before heading back to the hotel.
Just a quick note to you all the internet connection is a bit of a hassel in this location as WiFi is only available in the lobby. So the pictures may not get posted until we get to the Marriott in Venice as it seems to have better service.
Ciao
Fred & Sandy
Today we pick up the car after breakfast. A short cab ride to the Hertz office at the Hilton, Montmatre. I am somewhat anxious as the Italian drivers are absolutely crazy. They do not believe that the lines on the road serve any purpose at all. Three lanes quickly become four as they drive where ever they can squeeze in a car. Also double parking in Italy has a whole new meaning. No space, who cares just leave the car parked beside whatever car that is legally parked. All in all we get out of Rome unscathed. Only got shouted and sworn at once, not bad considering we had to complete a detour as the Tom Tom's directions were blocked off by the police. The highway was very well maintained and busy. Fred was doing 120 kph and cars were still flying past us.
The country side was gentle rolling hills at first with sheep, cattle, vineyards, some olive groves and fields of sunflowers and tobacco. The drive took three hours in total with a slight detour at the end as Fred had trouble getting the hotel address recognized by the Tom Tom.
I did not realize that Firenze and Florence where the same place so once we reached our destination of Firenze I thought we had to go further. Duh! Once checked in we took the shuttle downtown to do some exploring. With Rick Steeves guide book and a map in hand we set out. As it is late around 5:00 p.m. most of the sites are closed so we walk to get the lay of the land.
The church Basilica di Santa Novella looks magnificent form the outside but we cannot check it out until Monday. Fred then leads us down to the Arno River and along the the Lungarno Corsi. We walk along the river bank exploring narrow streets along the way until we reach the Ponte Vecchi. This bridge has gold and silver jewellery stores on either side of the bridge. My first impression was that Florence did not have the character of Rome. But once we walk along the streets into the old section I quickly change my mind. We stop for a drink in a little pub before heading back to the hotel.
Just a quick note to you all the internet connection is a bit of a hassel in this location as WiFi is only available in the lobby. So the pictures may not get posted until we get to the Marriott in Venice as it seems to have better service.
Ciao
Fred & Sandy
Rome - Sept 19, 2008
Today we started off a bit late as we slept in until 8:00 a.m. However after breakfast we made the 10:00 a.m. shuttle to the metro. As it was very overcast we ditched the bus tour and did another walk. It has cooled off significantly from yesterday and is better walking weather though raining lightly. The street sellers sure have things covered very well and as we get off the shuttle bus they are there with umbrella's for sale. 5.00 Euros and we grab one.
On to the metro again with a quick subway ride to Barberini and short walk to the Trevi Fountain. The statues are unbelievable and huge. From here we go into a small church across the street from the fountain. We then walk along to the Pantheon with a slight detour as we get slightly misdirected (lost) this time duie to Fred's navigational skills not mine. His excuse the map is very hard to read as the print is so small in reality there are so many small narrow streets and alleys that it is very easy to get turned around. Once on the right track and going in the right direction after pulling out the big map one would think Fred had been here before as he knew exactly where to go.
The Pantheon is a major architectural feat when you consider when in was build and that it is virtually intact today. The Pantheon became a church dedicated to martyrs after the fall of Rome so was not pillaged by the barbarians and the locals did not use it as a stone quarry as they had with other historic sites to use. The one piece columns are granite shipped in from Egypt and are the biggest in Italy. The doors into the Pantheon are the original bronze doors. The portico is called Romes umbrella during rain as many gather there as we saw today. The dome inside is 142 feet high and wide and was one of Europes biggest until the Renaissance and Michelangelo's dome at St. Peter's Basilica which while higher is narrower. Raphael and Italy's first two kings are buried here. The tapestries and scuptures are breathtaking especially when youu realize the age of the works. We spent over a hour in the Pantheon alone. Fred was also approached by a cute little old couple I would say in their late 80's who wanted their picture taken in front of the tomb to Umberto the First (a King we think, to be googled to verify). He spoke only Italian but Fred got the deed done.
We next walked onto Basilica di Santa Maria Sopra Minerva. This is a church that houses a little know Michelangelo statue, Christ Bearing the Cross from 1514. We spent just over a hour here. I asked the priest if we were allowed to take pictures without flash and we were. Down each side of the church were chapels or burial sites of saints, well to do people with amazing sculptures, paintings, tapestries and carved crypts. This is also the first church that we have been in that has had stained glass. It was also nice to see that people here were respectful of were they were unlike those in the Sistine Chapel.
As it was now pouring rain we decided on lunch at a cafe on the street near the Pantheon. I had lasagne and Fred a margherita pizza plus a litre of red wine. We sat for about two hours for the heavy rain to pass and watched the world go by. Once the rain subsided some we walked back to the metro and made our way back to the shuttle and back to the hotel. A less hectic day today but we did get in some major sites.
Overall our stay in Rome has been a sucess. We have seen all the major sites with the exception of the The National Museum of Rome and Borghese Gallery which needs a reservation to get into. Also we missed the Circus Maximus by the Colosseum. Definately a return trip to Rome as there is still much more to see and do. Tomorrow we head to Florence (birth place of Michaelangelo) by car which should prove very interesting given how the Italians drive.
Photos are in the process of being uploaded to our flickr account;
www.flickr.com/photos/fredparkins.
Ciao.
Fred & Sandy
On to the metro again with a quick subway ride to Barberini and short walk to the Trevi Fountain. The statues are unbelievable and huge. From here we go into a small church across the street from the fountain. We then walk along to the Pantheon with a slight detour as we get slightly misdirected (lost) this time duie to Fred's navigational skills not mine. His excuse the map is very hard to read as the print is so small in reality there are so many small narrow streets and alleys that it is very easy to get turned around. Once on the right track and going in the right direction after pulling out the big map one would think Fred had been here before as he knew exactly where to go.
The Pantheon is a major architectural feat when you consider when in was build and that it is virtually intact today. The Pantheon became a church dedicated to martyrs after the fall of Rome so was not pillaged by the barbarians and the locals did not use it as a stone quarry as they had with other historic sites to use. The one piece columns are granite shipped in from Egypt and are the biggest in Italy. The doors into the Pantheon are the original bronze doors. The portico is called Romes umbrella during rain as many gather there as we saw today. The dome inside is 142 feet high and wide and was one of Europes biggest until the Renaissance and Michelangelo's dome at St. Peter's Basilica which while higher is narrower. Raphael and Italy's first two kings are buried here. The tapestries and scuptures are breathtaking especially when youu realize the age of the works. We spent over a hour in the Pantheon alone. Fred was also approached by a cute little old couple I would say in their late 80's who wanted their picture taken in front of the tomb to Umberto the First (a King we think, to be googled to verify). He spoke only Italian but Fred got the deed done.
We next walked onto Basilica di Santa Maria Sopra Minerva. This is a church that houses a little know Michelangelo statue, Christ Bearing the Cross from 1514. We spent just over a hour here. I asked the priest if we were allowed to take pictures without flash and we were. Down each side of the church were chapels or burial sites of saints, well to do people with amazing sculptures, paintings, tapestries and carved crypts. This is also the first church that we have been in that has had stained glass. It was also nice to see that people here were respectful of were they were unlike those in the Sistine Chapel.
As it was now pouring rain we decided on lunch at a cafe on the street near the Pantheon. I had lasagne and Fred a margherita pizza plus a litre of red wine. We sat for about two hours for the heavy rain to pass and watched the world go by. Once the rain subsided some we walked back to the metro and made our way back to the shuttle and back to the hotel. A less hectic day today but we did get in some major sites.
Overall our stay in Rome has been a sucess. We have seen all the major sites with the exception of the The National Museum of Rome and Borghese Gallery which needs a reservation to get into. Also we missed the Circus Maximus by the Colosseum. Definately a return trip to Rome as there is still much more to see and do. Tomorrow we head to Florence (birth place of Michaelangelo) by car which should prove very interesting given how the Italians drive.
Photos are in the process of being uploaded to our flickr account;
www.flickr.com/photos/fredparkins.
Ciao.
Fred & Sandy
Thursday, September 18, 2008
Italy Bound - Sept 17 & 18, 2008
Before telling you about our Italian adventure I am going to digress back to day two as I forgot to tell you about the English lesson I received. While walking back to John's and passing the Tate Art Gallery there was a street person is selling papers. Here in England they (street people) buy papers which they can then sell to make money rather than beg. He approaches a women coming out of the Tate who by the way looks like a street person herself to buy a paper. Well she tells him to F off and gives him two fingers. I said to Fred look at that she is swearing at him but gives him the Peace sign. She kind of has her signals mixed don't you think. Well apparently not, because in England the two finger sign is not Peace but you know what! So ends the lesson for the day.
Our flight to Italy was uneventful other they they took forever to show the boarding gate on the screen and our pre-boarding priority was a waste as we got to the gate they were boarding everybody. Still we got decent seats together right near the front so turned out not too bad. With easyJet you sit were you want, it's a first come first serve arrangement with no seat assignments, movies etc. Also as two people did not board we were penalized and our take off time was delayed by 45 minutes. Upon arrival in Italy we took a cab to our hotel. The cabby was very friendly and spoke good English. They drive like crazy in Italy and he must of saw me grab Fred's leg at one point in his mirror cause he said I think madame does not like to drive too fast! He then asked a couple more times if I was okay with his driving. We arrive safe and sound at Central Park Hotel which is a Marriott but there is no signage so Fred was a bit concerned as once we paid the 70 Euros he was gone. Well it is a Marriott so no problem.
Day four and our first full day in Italy. After breakfast in the hotel we hop on a shuttle bus that takes us into Rome proper as we are a considerable distance away from the main sites.
Our first stop is Vatican City. We sign up for a tour of the Vatican Museum and the Sistine Chapel and an explanation of the architecture and changes in Saint Peter's Square. Our guide Anthony has been doing this tour for 4 years and was very well informed. The tour in total was 40 Euros each and worth every penny. The catholics are funny though. I wore a tank top but did have a shirt to go over it as when we left at 10:00 a.m. it was cool where the hotel is located. In the city proper it was hot so off came the shirt. I would not have been allowed to enter Vatican City with the tank top as it was not considered decent, yet all around there are nude satutues and paintings. One statue in particluar is a man holding a scroll in one hand and his chopped off penis is the other and they are worried about decent. Oh well good thing I had the shirt.
As you will see from our pictures the museum is amazing. The art and sculptures are truly a site to behold. One ceiling loks like it has been carved but is in fact a style of painting that with the use of shadows and light and dark colours gives it a three dimensial look of being carved. The cistine chapel which Michaelangelo painted is breath taking. As it is a church we were asked not to take pictures, both Fred and I respected that however the number of people who did not was astounding.
The Swiss guards are hand picked and must be Swiss and attended a religious school as well as a regular college and be nominated to attend the vatican as a guard by their priest. The swiss guards were known to be so loyal and fierce that they would fight to the death in the very early days of the church so one of the Popes had them installed as a permanent guard. Sorry can't recall which Pope. Near the end of the tour I got separated from the group and my earphones stopped working so I was lost. I wondered on my own into Saint Peters Basilica. Talk about impressive.
Statues to Saints are huge and the detail in the marble is amazing. Paintings, ornamental crosses, tombs and canopys. Here pictures were allowed to be taken and as I was looking for Fred and the group I took some but not enough. You could easily spend two hours exploring all the nooks and crannies here but I am sure by now I was missed so I had to find Fred. We caught up with each other outside the Basilica and once I answered his questions like were the #$% did you disappear too we headed off to lunch.
Lunch was a panni sandwich and water. The panni in Italy is not at all like ours. The bread is almost like a pita though thicker and very tasty.
We then travel on Romes subway system to the Colosseum. Fares are cheap 1 eruo one way each, The system inself is however is very dark , dingy and somewhat dirty. All the cars seem to be covered in graffity on the outside. The cars inside are very long and articulated so you need to watch were you stand. They are effcient though as we got to the Colosseum across the Tiber River in about 15 minutes and that also included a change in lines.
We walk the Palatine Hill which is the legendary birthplace of Rome. It is here that Romulus and Remus were said to be found by a shepherd. This was the site of the residence of the Emperors Nero and Augustus and many gardens. We do not even cover half of this archeological site in the three hours we spend here. I am starting to fade and want to go into the Colosseum itself. So this is a return spot to see the balance of the site.
The Colosseum was built by Jewish slaves on a marshy lake bed that was recalimed from Nero's garden after his death. The original circumference measured 1/3 of a mile and the four story mass was supported by a ring of concrete 43 feet high. There were 76 entrances to the place, were spectators could make their way in and out to watch the games and horrors of the day, slaughter of both men and beasts. The stairs up to the second level which is still mostly in tact are extremely steep. Thank god for sturdy hand rails as I had to pull myself up the stair way . Getting down I would worry about once we explored this archtectual marvel. Well in the end I was saved from probably having to go down bum style as we found a lift so we rode down in comfort.
Supper was at a road side cafe across from the Coliseum. Pizza and wine. Now a glass of wine in Italy is truly a glass of wine. I think about 8 oz was served in a proper drinking glass. Well I think I have died and gone to heaven. It was a full day as we got back to the hotel at 8:00 p.m. to shower off the days dust down load pictures and relax. By the way I have spelled Coliseum two different way and both are correct spelling. Stay tuned for more Rome adventures as we head out on a City Bus Tour tomorrow.
Arrivederci
Our flight to Italy was uneventful other they they took forever to show the boarding gate on the screen and our pre-boarding priority was a waste as we got to the gate they were boarding everybody. Still we got decent seats together right near the front so turned out not too bad. With easyJet you sit were you want, it's a first come first serve arrangement with no seat assignments, movies etc. Also as two people did not board we were penalized and our take off time was delayed by 45 minutes. Upon arrival in Italy we took a cab to our hotel. The cabby was very friendly and spoke good English. They drive like crazy in Italy and he must of saw me grab Fred's leg at one point in his mirror cause he said I think madame does not like to drive too fast! He then asked a couple more times if I was okay with his driving. We arrive safe and sound at Central Park Hotel which is a Marriott but there is no signage so Fred was a bit concerned as once we paid the 70 Euros he was gone. Well it is a Marriott so no problem.
Day four and our first full day in Italy. After breakfast in the hotel we hop on a shuttle bus that takes us into Rome proper as we are a considerable distance away from the main sites.
Our first stop is Vatican City. We sign up for a tour of the Vatican Museum and the Sistine Chapel and an explanation of the architecture and changes in Saint Peter's Square. Our guide Anthony has been doing this tour for 4 years and was very well informed. The tour in total was 40 Euros each and worth every penny. The catholics are funny though. I wore a tank top but did have a shirt to go over it as when we left at 10:00 a.m. it was cool where the hotel is located. In the city proper it was hot so off came the shirt. I would not have been allowed to enter Vatican City with the tank top as it was not considered decent, yet all around there are nude satutues and paintings. One statue in particluar is a man holding a scroll in one hand and his chopped off penis is the other and they are worried about decent. Oh well good thing I had the shirt.
As you will see from our pictures the museum is amazing. The art and sculptures are truly a site to behold. One ceiling loks like it has been carved but is in fact a style of painting that with the use of shadows and light and dark colours gives it a three dimensial look of being carved. The cistine chapel which Michaelangelo painted is breath taking. As it is a church we were asked not to take pictures, both Fred and I respected that however the number of people who did not was astounding.
The Swiss guards are hand picked and must be Swiss and attended a religious school as well as a regular college and be nominated to attend the vatican as a guard by their priest. The swiss guards were known to be so loyal and fierce that they would fight to the death in the very early days of the church so one of the Popes had them installed as a permanent guard. Sorry can't recall which Pope. Near the end of the tour I got separated from the group and my earphones stopped working so I was lost. I wondered on my own into Saint Peters Basilica. Talk about impressive.
Statues to Saints are huge and the detail in the marble is amazing. Paintings, ornamental crosses, tombs and canopys. Here pictures were allowed to be taken and as I was looking for Fred and the group I took some but not enough. You could easily spend two hours exploring all the nooks and crannies here but I am sure by now I was missed so I had to find Fred. We caught up with each other outside the Basilica and once I answered his questions like were the #$% did you disappear too we headed off to lunch.
Lunch was a panni sandwich and water. The panni in Italy is not at all like ours. The bread is almost like a pita though thicker and very tasty.
We then travel on Romes subway system to the Colosseum. Fares are cheap 1 eruo one way each, The system inself is however is very dark , dingy and somewhat dirty. All the cars seem to be covered in graffity on the outside. The cars inside are very long and articulated so you need to watch were you stand. They are effcient though as we got to the Colosseum across the Tiber River in about 15 minutes and that also included a change in lines.
We walk the Palatine Hill which is the legendary birthplace of Rome. It is here that Romulus and Remus were said to be found by a shepherd. This was the site of the residence of the Emperors Nero and Augustus and many gardens. We do not even cover half of this archeological site in the three hours we spend here. I am starting to fade and want to go into the Colosseum itself. So this is a return spot to see the balance of the site.
The Colosseum was built by Jewish slaves on a marshy lake bed that was recalimed from Nero's garden after his death. The original circumference measured 1/3 of a mile and the four story mass was supported by a ring of concrete 43 feet high. There were 76 entrances to the place, were spectators could make their way in and out to watch the games and horrors of the day, slaughter of both men and beasts. The stairs up to the second level which is still mostly in tact are extremely steep. Thank god for sturdy hand rails as I had to pull myself up the stair way . Getting down I would worry about once we explored this archtectual marvel. Well in the end I was saved from probably having to go down bum style as we found a lift so we rode down in comfort.
Supper was at a road side cafe across from the Coliseum. Pizza and wine. Now a glass of wine in Italy is truly a glass of wine. I think about 8 oz was served in a proper drinking glass. Well I think I have died and gone to heaven. It was a full day as we got back to the hotel at 8:00 p.m. to shower off the days dust down load pictures and relax. By the way I have spelled Coliseum two different way and both are correct spelling. Stay tuned for more Rome adventures as we head out on a City Bus Tour tomorrow.
Arrivederci
Tuesday, September 16, 2008
England Bound - Sept 15 & 16, 2008
The flight had some great movies to while away the time in the air. We both watched the latest Indiana Jones movie, then I watched Ironman and Fred Leather Heads. We only got half way through What Happens In Vegas when they announced we were on our approach to Heathrow. We got through customs in record time, as I went with Fred through the Brits/ European line rather than the huge all other passports line. We were greeted by John and Adrienne with Portia waiting in the car to greet us. We got back to John and Adrienne's place with enough time to head off for a night cap at the White Swan a local pub. Then off to bed 11:30 p.m. english time 6:30 p.m. ours but overall a long day since we were up at 4:00 a.m.
After breakfast and a good read of the sports news for Fred we head out to the shops on Oxford Street. Fred's watch had died and needed a new battery so we go to Debenhams. While they are fixing the watch we head along to Primark. I want to check out prices for sheets,towels etc for when we make our move over here. The prices are very reasonable so I get to check one little job off my list. Also I score a nice pair if flat ballerina style leather shoes for $20.00 Canadian. Back to pick up the watch only to find out they would not install a battery as it needs a complete overall 50 to 60 pounds (not happening) so Fred is watchless as he has two more good ones at home.
We walk back to the flat and stop for lunch at a pub called the Clarence just off Picadilly. Our luck we are beside a loud pompass ass who keeps telling his buddy what a great person he is and how nobody appreciates it. I wonder why. NOT! Carrying on with our walk we cut through Greenpark. Now I know I have said this before but is still continues to amaze that you can take about 100 steps of a very busy street into a park and all the city noises disappear and you feel like you are in the country. We continue past Buckingham Palace and up the far side of St James Park and the Horseguards are being put through their marching steps. Guess who listened to Fred for once and did not bring her camera. The guardsmen were fairly new as they did not always line up and the commander pulled men out and moved them around the three groups that were on the parade ground. We the cut through Westminster School and decided to walk up to Queen Annes Square. This is a section we have not previously visited and the old buildings and architecture is amazing. We eventually are on old stoping grounds up Millback by the Thames and home to the flat.
Supper of Fish and Chips at the White Swan and back for the footie match. Liverpool versus Marseille.The boys are in their element though somewhat docile, not too much shouting at the TV.Liverpool win with Steven Gerrard scoring both goals.
Tomorrow we are off to the airport and headed to Italy.
Ciao for now
After breakfast and a good read of the sports news for Fred we head out to the shops on Oxford Street. Fred's watch had died and needed a new battery so we go to Debenhams. While they are fixing the watch we head along to Primark. I want to check out prices for sheets,towels etc for when we make our move over here. The prices are very reasonable so I get to check one little job off my list. Also I score a nice pair if flat ballerina style leather shoes for $20.00 Canadian. Back to pick up the watch only to find out they would not install a battery as it needs a complete overall 50 to 60 pounds (not happening) so Fred is watchless as he has two more good ones at home.
We walk back to the flat and stop for lunch at a pub called the Clarence just off Picadilly. Our luck we are beside a loud pompass ass who keeps telling his buddy what a great person he is and how nobody appreciates it. I wonder why. NOT! Carrying on with our walk we cut through Greenpark. Now I know I have said this before but is still continues to amaze that you can take about 100 steps of a very busy street into a park and all the city noises disappear and you feel like you are in the country. We continue past Buckingham Palace and up the far side of St James Park and the Horseguards are being put through their marching steps. Guess who listened to Fred for once and did not bring her camera. The guardsmen were fairly new as they did not always line up and the commander pulled men out and moved them around the three groups that were on the parade ground. We the cut through Westminster School and decided to walk up to Queen Annes Square. This is a section we have not previously visited and the old buildings and architecture is amazing. We eventually are on old stoping grounds up Millback by the Thames and home to the flat.
Supper of Fish and Chips at the White Swan and back for the footie match. Liverpool versus Marseille.The boys are in their element though somewhat docile, not too much shouting at the TV.Liverpool win with Steven Gerrard scoring both goals.
Tomorrow we are off to the airport and headed to Italy.
Ciao for now
Saturday, September 13, 2008
Soon to Be On The Road Again
Greetings All,
Fred and I decided to get with it and do a blog of our travels this time rather than a daily e-mail so those who really are interested can check out what adventures we are up to as we globe trot.
While we do not leave until Monday I thought it would be good idea to test the blog out.
This adventure started last year when John , Fred's brother invited the family to spend a week in Italy at a friend's villa in Todi. Everyone jumped on board needless to say.
As this year is our 35th Wedding Anniversary we are taking extra time to do some touring on our own.
We (really Fred) started planning well in advance for cheap flights and connections that would also allow us time in England so we booked on Zoom Airlines. As you know Zoom ain't zoomin no more so hence about three weeks ago the scramble to get new flights. Well Fred was successful but it's a hardship as we have to now spend an extra week in England.
Three more sleeps and we take off on Monday morning at 9:00 a.m. Stay tuned.
Fred and I decided to get with it and do a blog of our travels this time rather than a daily e-mail so those who really are interested can check out what adventures we are up to as we globe trot.
While we do not leave until Monday I thought it would be good idea to test the blog out.
This adventure started last year when John , Fred's brother invited the family to spend a week in Italy at a friend's villa in Todi. Everyone jumped on board needless to say.
As this year is our 35th Wedding Anniversary we are taking extra time to do some touring on our own.
We (really Fred) started planning well in advance for cheap flights and connections that would also allow us time in England so we booked on Zoom Airlines. As you know Zoom ain't zoomin no more so hence about three weeks ago the scramble to get new flights. Well Fred was successful but it's a hardship as we have to now spend an extra week in England.
Three more sleeps and we take off on Monday morning at 9:00 a.m. Stay tuned.
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