Yesterday, we took the train to Pisa, about an hour, to see the leaning tower. We met a couple of sisters from Utah, and had fun talking with them and hearing about their travels as well. It was fun to see someone from the states.
Bev and I hiked to the top of the tower, and the views from the top were great. After a little shopping in the stores and picking up our lunch of some sandwiches and some dessert, we were back to Florence and hit the Archeological Museum, which has a tremendous collection of Egyptian artifacts. Next on to the Ufizzi museum to see "The birth of Venus" and "The Holy Family" and some others followed by a meal at La Rotunda and back home to crash for another day.
Today we leave for Venice, and as I look back on the time here, we had so much fun, it is such a beautiful city, and the views get even better at night with the light reflecting on the water. So fortunate to have been able to experience it.
Wednesday, January 23, 2008
Tuesday - Pisa
Wine Country - Monday
Sorry for not posting sooner, we have been busy and the internet has been slow.
Monday we spent the day at a little winery/farm upon the hill. We had a fabulous time. Aside from a little motion sickness on the way, due to the windy roads, we had so much fun. It was good to see a farm family working together. After the tour of the farm, we had lunch in the oldest part of the farmhouse, which had a fabulous fireplace with little benches that you could sit in to warm yourself, it was huge! And the meal was fabulous. Bruchetta, and Crostini with liver pate. Pasta and meat sauce was the second course and followed by four types of meat, pork they had grown there, liver or something (I didn't try), Rosemary chicken (both fresh) and a pork sausage. We were of course full by the second course, but didn't shy away from the rest, followed by a rich and creamy chocolate mousse and a desert liquor with biscotti. It was all so delicious, and we had a really good time just sitting around the table and laughing.
The view was spectacular and our host, Sarah, was so nice and it was obvious she was doing something she loved.
Monday, January 21, 2008
A bit of local flavor
I have really enjoyed the food here. Here is one of the pastries we sampled at a little cafe. We have tried a number of things including pasta with a wild boar sauce, penne with shrimp (complete with pinchers and eyes...ewww) and it has all been pretty good. Also, plenty of pizza.
Thank heavens for all of the walking, or I may have needed two seats on the return flight.
When in Rome!
Yesterday, we took the train to Rome, my first train ride ever. While a day isn't nearly long enough to see everything in the beautiful city, we did our best to pack it all in. Starting at the Colosseum which was amazing, the size and the guides quite graphic details of what took place in this building.
Next we ventured to the Vatican and St. Peters, which was absolutely breathtaking, in many ways. I was able to see the pieta, which was definitely a highlight, I only wish it was better lit and you could get closer. The soft sunlight was shining through the cupola and as we were leaving a group was singing, and the sound was absolutely heavenly.
Following, we stopped off at the Pantheon, which was really interesting, the size and the age, you couldn't help thinking of those who had visited for centuries.
Next we moved on to the Trevi fountain, which was my favorite of the day. A fountain freak, I was in awe of how upon approach, you are walking through the city, like any other block and around the corner, viola, massive fountain. It was really incredible.
And on to the Spanish steps, which was a bit less impressive than I had imagined, but they were doing construction at the top and I think that was a bit distracting. However, some of us drank from the fountain at the base of the steps, while others referred to it as the "colera fountain." Still alive today, so I guess that is a good sign.
Today, on to wine country!
Saturday, January 19, 2008
David
This is a replica of Michaelangelo's David high on a hill overlooking Florence. While we did visit the original (no photos allowed) this was similarly impressive.
View of Florence
While the treck to the top of the mountain was a bit exhausting, the view from the top was worth every breath. This was taken just as the morning fog shrouding the city was lifting.
Alter in church upon the hill
This is a photo of the alter and dome above. The mosaic was absolutely breathtaking.
