Italy! Just the name of this country elicits a smile on everyone's face! From the ancient cities, their vast empire, wine and food, and impact on western civilization, Italy has something for everyone. One area I have noticed since my first visit in 1978 is the level of chaos (for American's) has decreased significantly. I recall having to run as drivers dodged traffic by driving on sidewalks, different money for each area of the country, and knowing that prices changed between listed prices and what was actually charged. Now, Italy has joined the rest of Europe with more rational driving, standardized money and pricing, while retaining their unique culture.
We visited 4 cities this November- Rome, Cinque Terre, Florence, and Venice. I had never been to Cinque Terre or Venice, so was thrilled at visiting these areas. Returning to Rome and Florence was, of course, a thrill. Sadly, it was a quick trip with 3 nights in each. But in that time, we were able to cover a lot of territory! And Diana and Cody joined us. Because this was their first time, we saw the renewed beauty through their eyes! There are joys to traveling in the way-off season- fewer crowds (but still crowded!). But the weather became a factor- cold and rain, but that did not stop us from exploring! But it did encourage us to drink more- coffee, wine and proseco!!
Rome! 2 full days led to seeing all the big sights, helped by the Hop On- Hop Off bus.
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| Entry into Rome airport- our first moments! |
As Cody slept, Diana, Rich and I explored the Spanish Steps
The first morning Rich and I walked the area around our hotel near the train station.
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| Us on the Hop On Hop Off, with the Colluseum in the background |
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| At Castello Angelo and their wonderful bridge |
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| Trevi Fountain! |
Goofing off:-)
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| At the Pantheon |
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| Piazza Navarro |
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| Colluseum- hungry and too many photos- LOL |
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| Dinner!!! |
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| Of course!! Truly descriptive:-) |
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| Stopping for Proseco at the Vatican Museums! |
Sneaking photos in the Sistine Chapel! (no photos)
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| St. Peters |
Cinque Terre! So beautiful! We stayed in Monterosso!
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| Our hotel! |
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| Cody goofing off in our room:-) |
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| Wine at sunset |
Monterosso at night
and in the morning
Vernazza!
Walking the Cinque Terre trail from Vernazza to Corniglia. Of course, it is the hardest trail, taking over 2 hours of actual strenuous uphill stairs and trails.
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| I love this picture- Diana pointing out the sign says the trail is closed |
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| On the trail |
Riomaggiore!
Saying good-bye to Cinque Terre. We had to leave a day early because of a train strike. This is a place I will definitely return to!!
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| St. Francis statue over-looking a Roman tower and the Mediterranean |
Florence- one of the most beautiful cities EVER!!
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| Goofing off- again:-). The David aprons were everywhere! |
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| Il Duomo |
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| Climbing the bell tower |
Sunset (and wine!) in Michelangelo park overlooking Florence!
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| Ponte Vecchio at night! |
The David- the actual, real David!
Rich and I climbing the Duomo Dome (no climbing for Diana and Cody)
Sunset and wine overlooking the River Arno!
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| Diana and her Tuscany steak! |
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| and Cody with his chicken |
Venice!!!! Can you tell it was cold? LOL
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| St. Marks Square |
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| On a canal in Murano |
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| Breakfast mamosa's with Proseco and blood orange- breakfast of travelers! Well, these travelers:-) |
St. Marks Square, Basilica climbing the Basillica, climbing the tower, and sneaking pictures of St.Marks (no photos!)
Sunset on the St. Marks Promenade- our last night:-(
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