Venice Day 9

As we left our wonderful hotel, we saw Francesco, the hotel owner, and he wished us farewell to Venice. The train station was just a short walk away and we quickly found the 3 1/2 hour train headed to our final destination, Venice.

We bought 2nd class tickets, so of course, we see a 2 on the side of the train and assume this is where we should be sitting. We get on board only to realize 20 minutes into our ride that we are indeed sitting in first class. Not wanting to get fined or penalized by the police on board, we sat patiently annoyed the remained of the trip in the diner. Why did we sit in the diner? Oh, that's because all of the 2nd class seating was taken. Here's a picture of JT sneakishly watching as the police walked by.

Once we arrived in Venice, we took a water taxi (So fun!) down the canal and headed toward St. Mark's Square to find a hotel. That's right, spur of the moment planning for us. Who needs to book hotels in advance?! As we walk down the alley with tons of seafood, we got hungry and decided to find a place for lunch.

Jack was thirsty and he also loves beer.

We took an afternoon stroll around St. Mark's square, which is home to St. Mark's Basilica, pigeons, cafe's and couples getting engaged (we actually saw a proposal!). And as usual, we listened to our audio tour by Rick Steves! St. Mark's Basilica is famous for is elaborate decorations which were made possible by all the booty brought back from wars. The most famous being the four bronze horses on the top (look close and you can see them).

Venice is by far one of the most beautiful cities I've been to. I love watching the boats on the water and look at all of the pretty architecture.

That evening, my love and I had the evening to ourselves. First, we went on a Gondola ride and then we had a romantic dinner right by the Rialto bridge, one of the most famous bridges in Venice. We had a fabulous dinner and enjoyed our last evening together in Italy. Of course, dinner was Lasagna for me and Spaghetti for JT. We had our usual side of bread, olive oil, and the best balsamic you've ever tasted. And what meal in Italy would be complete without some red wine! It was a fabulous dinner with even better company. I love him so much!

After dinner, we met up with Jack at St. Mark's Square. Each of the three main cafe's in the square have their own 6-7 piece orchestra that play well into the night. We found a side table, listened to the fabulous music, and talked for about 3 hours. I didn't get in pictures while we were there, but it was an evening I'll never forget. It was by far my favorite evening on the whole trip. I love traveling with these two men!

Tomorrow we have a morning left of sightseeing and then it's off to the airport!

Read more...

Florence Day 8

Our day started off going to the Accademia, which is home to Michelangelo's David and unfinished soldiers. This was another museum that you were not allowed to take pictures in, but that was okay because I don't think I'll ever forget the view of the statue of David. Of course, we sat down and listened to Rick Steves audio tour on the statue and learned so much about the work of Michelangelo. It is said that Michelangelo would not make his own images out of marble, but he would reveal what God had already placed inside the block of marble. It was up to him to remove the excess and use his God given talents to reveal what God had designed on the inside.

Also inside the Accademia is the Museum of Musical Instruments. Coming from a very musical family, I especially enjoyed this exhibit. There were various versions of the piano, violin, trombone, flute, and countless others. Very interesting to see how far our designs have come!

On leaving the Accademia, we walked around and found a great place for lunch. We decided to catch a shot of JT's jellyfish wound. Looks like it's getting better!

After lunch, we headed on a Renaissance audio tour of Florence. Lead by none other than... Rick Steves. We started at the Duomo, covered in nothing but red, green, and white marble.

We also saw Uffizi and walked along the Via de Calciuolli, the main street to do shopping between the religious and political center. We finished our tour at the Ponte Vecchio, where there are lovers and live serenades every night.

Read more...

Florence Day 7

Our day started out bright and early meeting outside at 6:50 AM... only to find out that our train wasn't coming until 8:15 because of it was a holiday, The Assumption of Mary. So, we decided to incorporate Snuggs into some pictures.

Snuggs is JT's stuffed animal from when he was a kid and he has taken him on every trip with his dad. So, for old times sake and to make for some hilarious pictures, we try to see how we can get snugs into a picture and make a "Where's Waldo" game. Can you find him?

Our train ride was less than "cooling", but once we arrived to Florence, all was well. We stayed at a wonderful family run hotel named the Katti House. After a quick clean up and naps to recuperate from a long day traveling, we headed out to the streets of Florence to watch the street vendors, tourists, and do a little bit of shopping as well.

Jack and I bought sunglasses in Italy. Here were are modeling in the streets outside the store.

For sunset, we went to the highest hill on the south side of town and watched the sun go down. It was absolutely breathtaking. We stared right at the sun and watched it sink over the Tuscan hills.

For dinner, we walked down the hill and ate a wonderful restaurant and of course, ate more carbs of pasta and bread. Delicious!

This is a night view of the most famous bridge in Florence, the Ponte Vecchio.

Florence is known to have the best Gelato in all of Italy. I'm am happy to testify that the books are correct. Can you see how excited I am?

Built in 1296, the Duomo cathedral is a lit up at night and there are tons of people all walking around the city enjoying all that Florence has to offer in ambiance and charm.

Read more...

Vernazza Day 6

Cinque Terre is made up of 5 small coastal towns all just a few miles apart from each other. There is a hiking trail that you can take between each, but we decided to just hike to the one nearest us and enjoy the best views.

We woke up early to a cool morning of 68 degrees. After a quick breakfast we started on the trail and within 5 minutes were realizing that this is not your paved-easy-breezy walk. This might as well be a hike in the mountains of Colorado, but you have the views of the ocean right next to you.

About half way through the 90 minute hike, Jack’s shirt was soaked. If you’ve seen along came Polly, you’ll be able to notice the scene we’re reenacting. “Let it rain!”

Monterosso might as well be the beaches of Mexico. It is by far the most commercialized town in Cinque Terre and you can happily rent an umbrella and two chairs for a small fee of $200. Back to Vernazza it is! The beach and sun are calling our names….

Too bad no one told us to look out for the Jellyfish. JT was stung after we were only there for about an hour. Let me go ahead and answer your question... no, he did not pee on it. A very nice italian lady gave us some cream and I went to the pharmacy to get more medicine. Later, JT said that this is the worst pain he's ever experience in his life... ouch.

So, we sat in the shade, read our books, and people watched the entire afternoon. For dinner, we decided to grab a local bottle of wine, wood fire oven pizza made to order, and sit out on the rocks for our last dinner in Vernazza. It was a cheap dinner, but so tasty and the views were once again priceless.

Oh, bella Vernazza!

Read more...

Pisa & Cinque Terre Day 5

It’s clear when you get off the train that the only thing Pisa can be known for is its leaning tower. We checked our bags at the train station and hiked to the leaning tower to get the famous “push or prop” photos. Some of them didn’t turn out so accurate… but hey, we tried.

After 30 minutes of taking pictures, we headed back to the train station to our final destination for the day, Vernazza, in Cinque Terre. This quaint city is full of local charm and breathtaking views.

We met Egy at the train station and he showed us to our rooms (more like a sweat box). Italians are known for not having A/C in smaller coastal towns… but holy moly. Jack, by far had the best room with his views of “dirty laundry”, an 85 degree room, and no A/C or fan to circulate any air.

After taking showers to try to cool ourselves off, we headed just a few hundred yards down the main and only street in the city to the pier. To think of the locals that live here and these views are normal to them every day.

We had dinner at the top of the city and enjoyed gelato as we strolled the town throughout the evening.

Tomorrow, hiking to the nearby town of Monterosso and relaxing in the sun!

Read more...

Rome Day 4

Since Jack was unable to visit St. Peter’s Basilica with us, he decided to go there in the morning, while JT and I went to the catacombs, outside the city walls of Rome. The Catacombs are underground Christian burial sites. Christians refused to practice the pagan act of cremation because they believed that one day the Lord Jesus will come back one day and raise the dead. The Catacombs are on the outside of the city walls and go 7 stories deep. Out of the 60 catacombs that are around Rome, only 5 of them are available for tourists to visit. The particular catacomb that we went to had 7 kilometers of graves! Sorry, no photos. Cameras were not allowed.

That afternoon we caught a train and headed south about an hour and a half to a small town called Tremonsoulli. Let’s just say the upkeep of the trains (cleanliness), is a little underwhelming. Marcy, you would’ve had your windex and paper towels out the entire time. J We road along the coast looking at the beautiful country side and filled our time with reading.

Oh, how I love the views of the Italian coast!

Tremonsoulli is set along the cost among the hills. When we arrived to the memorial, no one said a word and we looked at and pondered what it was like for Grandpa English to fight in the war in Italy. In the far off distance you could see where the Gustav Line was and the trek that his company faced to push them back and break down the line. The fighting that was done essentially pushed the Germans to the north and out of Rome entirely.

It was a quick visit, but the time that we were there was moving and very impactful. Our taxi driver even gave us a brief overview of the landscape and where the war was fought.

Once back in Rome, we had dinner near the Coliseum and enjoyed its beauty for the last time.

Tomorrow, taking the train to Pisa & Cinque Terre!

Read more...