Good nights sleep off for a quick cappacino and to the post office. Stamps and postcards.
Get to the water bus and the train station.
OOOps wrong water bus we are going the wrong way. Long way to the station.
Quick get tickets lets go. OOPs we forgot to stamp the tickets. Run Chris run. Train to Milano.
We met a very nice South African Couple. Cindy and George. They were on their way home to Johanisburg. They were entertaining. 12 to 1 conversion for their money. Wow makes the dollar look good. They had their laundry done at the hotel. George says it was the cost of a washer at home. YIKEs. Cindy had to keep the receipt as a reminder for the next time she wants to make a bad decision.
They invite us to South Africa and recommend the Garden Tour, wine country near Cape Town.
We arrive in Milano and tell them goodbye. They are going on to Zurich.
No much to see only in the station for a transfer. No Gelato.
OOPS again we miss the stamp. Run Chris Run. All running and no gelato makes Chris a sad boy.
Quick nap on the train and we awake to the most spectacular mountains we have ever seen.
5/17/08
Catching up on the blog
Day 6 and we are spending our last real day in Venice. Tomorrow we must leave.
Beautiful people everywhere we go. Maybe it is because we are trying to take it all in before we leave. We have noticed the italians take a lot of pride in their sunglasses, watches and shoes. I did find a lovely dress in a window that could be mine for 1,900 euros. hhhmmm
We make a quick snack and we are off to San Marco Basilica. We get in the Q early. The line got quite long. But we were in without any problems.
What a magnificent sight. Beautiful Beautiful Beautiful. Time for prayers and reflection. Nice to stop and think.
Venetian History Museum is the next stop. We grab a birra and slice.
We go back to find the Irish Pub. We had a Guiness for Richard and toasted him. Saw a great irish tombstone saying we cant wait to share with him. No sign of the Notre Dame Fighting Irish.
Next stop open air market near the Rialto Bridge. Grab the water taxi to the Acadamia museum. It dawns on us. Enough Renessaince art for one day. Maybe we should go to the Peggy Gugenheim Museum, for a taste of modern art.
Gelato for us. Carmel for Trish. Chris orders Pesca. The young italian girls, go back and forth is this one peach? Is this one? Girl number 1 takes a taste and says yes pesca. Girl 2 takes a bite no banana. Girl number 1 double dips in what is banana, oh si this other is pesca. Chris got the Pesca. No worries we didnt get the double dip.
Nap on Canal. Back to hotel. Out for the nights. Internet Cafe to make some plans.
The Florian for cocktails. Thank you Karyn, and G & G Knisely. Great recommendation, we lift our drinks to you as we listened to the Orchestra play in the courtyard. Lovely.
We beleived and still mostly beleive you can never have a 2nd, 1st night in Venice. Common phrases we keep hearing "I found it" "Here it is".
We run across a non descript bar but are amazed to see a Minnesota Wild flag flying. A shout out to our MN family and friends.
Stumble across or chris would say he found our wine bar from the 1st night in Venice. Polleria. The bartender remembers us. Is that a bad thing or a good thing? We go with the later as he pours us a drink upon entrance. Sad to see more tourists, but still mainly the locals are enjoying the food and drink here. We have 4 new wine recommendations. Good night in Venice. Maybe you can have a 2nd, 1st night. We are not sure. But we did have a great night.
Beautiful people everywhere we go. Maybe it is because we are trying to take it all in before we leave. We have noticed the italians take a lot of pride in their sunglasses, watches and shoes. I did find a lovely dress in a window that could be mine for 1,900 euros. hhhmmm
We make a quick snack and we are off to San Marco Basilica. We get in the Q early. The line got quite long. But we were in without any problems.
What a magnificent sight. Beautiful Beautiful Beautiful. Time for prayers and reflection. Nice to stop and think.
Venetian History Museum is the next stop. We grab a birra and slice.
We go back to find the Irish Pub. We had a Guiness for Richard and toasted him. Saw a great irish tombstone saying we cant wait to share with him. No sign of the Notre Dame Fighting Irish.
Next stop open air market near the Rialto Bridge. Grab the water taxi to the Acadamia museum. It dawns on us. Enough Renessaince art for one day. Maybe we should go to the Peggy Gugenheim Museum, for a taste of modern art.
Gelato for us. Carmel for Trish. Chris orders Pesca. The young italian girls, go back and forth is this one peach? Is this one? Girl number 1 takes a taste and says yes pesca. Girl 2 takes a bite no banana. Girl number 1 double dips in what is banana, oh si this other is pesca. Chris got the Pesca. No worries we didnt get the double dip.
Nap on Canal. Back to hotel. Out for the nights. Internet Cafe to make some plans.
The Florian for cocktails. Thank you Karyn, and G & G Knisely. Great recommendation, we lift our drinks to you as we listened to the Orchestra play in the courtyard. Lovely.
We beleived and still mostly beleive you can never have a 2nd, 1st night in Venice. Common phrases we keep hearing "I found it" "Here it is".
We run across a non descript bar but are amazed to see a Minnesota Wild flag flying. A shout out to our MN family and friends.
Stumble across or chris would say he found our wine bar from the 1st night in Venice. Polleria. The bartender remembers us. Is that a bad thing or a good thing? We go with the later as he pours us a drink upon entrance. Sad to see more tourists, but still mainly the locals are enjoying the food and drink here. We have 4 new wine recommendations. Good night in Venice. Maybe you can have a 2nd, 1st night. We are not sure. But we did have a great night.
5/16/08
5/15/08
So little time so many flavors
We are behind on the blogging. Sorry. Thanks to everyone that has been emailing us. We are so happy you are enjoying our travel blog.
We must sign off for now. So little time and so many Gelato flavors.
Grabbing the fast train.
Ciao.
We must sign off for now. So little time and so many Gelato flavors.
Grabbing the fast train.
Ciao.
How many twins in one country
We are so far from home and the distance from our friends and family. Seems to be little. We have seen the twins of the following people:
Ryann Williams
Eli Deeb
Brian Gresh
Chris Pearson
Makes us feel at home.
Who will be around the next corner.
Ryann Williams
Eli Deeb
Brian Gresh
Chris Pearson
Makes us feel at home.
Who will be around the next corner.
Waking up in Venice
The hotel which seemed so quaint is not as quant this morning. We were awoken by construction workers at 7:30 am
Breakfast of Melba toast, where are our crossaints and danishes?
We are off to explore.
Bell Tower, should be cool with a view of the entire square and surrounding area. We pay our 8 Euro and we are in the Q. Sudden activity. The elevator door is broken. It will not open. The workers run in circles, phones are ringing, Mossimo Mossimo the person in the elevator joins in the yelling. Tourists are not sure what to do. The French couple in front of us demands a refund, the woman looks alarmed. Chris says we are still in. The worker grabs a ladder and what looks to be a yard stick. Finally the door is opened, but the ride has been closed for the morning. We get a refun and are on our way.
Murano. Glass Furnaces and factories. Quiet inviting. Walk walk walk. Abacus of glass in the square. Makes even me like math. Enter Church with entire floor and celing made of Mosaic. Glass Crucifix on the wall. This includes teh cross and jesus being made of glass. Amazing.
We must power up, we have glasses to find. Birra and a panini to go. We walked the entire island and still cant find the glasses. Mary where in the hell did you get those glasses?
Back to the water bus, heading back to San Marco Square.
Check the Doges palace for tickets and times for tomorrow. Shit it is open and no line. We are dragging but we better go now. We go right in. Amazing art and architecure. Big money with the rulers that ruled until death. Old and new prisons, not somewhere you want to live. Across the bridge of sighs..............................
Back to the bell tower. The elevator has been fixed, we think. Chris says we are Kenny Rogers. Gamblers, lets take a chance, roll the dice. What is the worst that can happen. Stunning views and great photos.
The engine needs fuel. Market for wine, salami, olives and pecorino cheese. Sesame crackers and we are off to our hotel. Relax, sit, eat on the canal.
Discuss Lake region plans as we prepare to go out for the evening.
Birra and pizza while we stroll the city. Still looking for Gelato. Cafe Modonna off the bridge rialto. No reservations. We will go late. Dinner after 10 pm. This is a vacation.
Stumbled upon the Irish pub unexpectantly. Didnt we look for this last night. Right there on our path. Tomorrow we return.
Bad day no Gelato. Chris says if you miss a day, the next day you get to have it four times. HHMM What flavor he will choose!!!
Good night.
Breakfast of Melba toast, where are our crossaints and danishes?
We are off to explore.
Bell Tower, should be cool with a view of the entire square and surrounding area. We pay our 8 Euro and we are in the Q. Sudden activity. The elevator door is broken. It will not open. The workers run in circles, phones are ringing, Mossimo Mossimo the person in the elevator joins in the yelling. Tourists are not sure what to do. The French couple in front of us demands a refund, the woman looks alarmed. Chris says we are still in. The worker grabs a ladder and what looks to be a yard stick. Finally the door is opened, but the ride has been closed for the morning. We get a refun and are on our way.
Murano. Glass Furnaces and factories. Quiet inviting. Walk walk walk. Abacus of glass in the square. Makes even me like math. Enter Church with entire floor and celing made of Mosaic. Glass Crucifix on the wall. This includes teh cross and jesus being made of glass. Amazing.
We must power up, we have glasses to find. Birra and a panini to go. We walked the entire island and still cant find the glasses. Mary where in the hell did you get those glasses?
Back to the water bus, heading back to San Marco Square.
Check the Doges palace for tickets and times for tomorrow. Shit it is open and no line. We are dragging but we better go now. We go right in. Amazing art and architecure. Big money with the rulers that ruled until death. Old and new prisons, not somewhere you want to live. Across the bridge of sighs..............................
Back to the bell tower. The elevator has been fixed, we think. Chris says we are Kenny Rogers. Gamblers, lets take a chance, roll the dice. What is the worst that can happen. Stunning views and great photos.
The engine needs fuel. Market for wine, salami, olives and pecorino cheese. Sesame crackers and we are off to our hotel. Relax, sit, eat on the canal.
Discuss Lake region plans as we prepare to go out for the evening.
Birra and pizza while we stroll the city. Still looking for Gelato. Cafe Modonna off the bridge rialto. No reservations. We will go late. Dinner after 10 pm. This is a vacation.
Stumbled upon the Irish pub unexpectantly. Didnt we look for this last night. Right there on our path. Tomorrow we return.
Bad day no Gelato. Chris says if you miss a day, the next day you get to have it four times. HHMM What flavor he will choose!!!
Good night.
5/13/08
Venice here we come!!!!
Check in with Mom's = Happy Mothers Day from Bologna.
Finally a good nights sleep. It is nice to catch up. Vacation can be tiring. Even a hard bed didnt keep us from getting necessary zzzz's
Wow Astoria puts on a good spread. Grab our cappacino's and we are off.
on the move for info on Bologna, anything to see befor we head North?
Go to the square - it is amazing how many men in italian suites are taking advantage of a bike. It is alarming to see all class of people on bikes. Why don't we embrace public transportation in the states? The Haas couple feels at home. We wish we lived somewhere that cruisers were so popular. Heels, italian loafers. jeans, nothing keeps an italian from a bike. All of you americans need to embrace bike to work week this week.
Grab the train. a little siesta but we are missing the afternoon nap. Send Chris to the drink cart. 1-2 liter will make the train ride fabulous.
More great views and we arrive in San Lucia Train station.
It only takes a few minutes to realize that despite some recommendations to skip Venice. We love it. It is chaotic yet exciting.
We find our hotel with little problem. It is quaint and lovely. Narrow marble steps lead to the Piano level. Room 6 - little room, with wooden shutters, open to the courtyard.
Off to explore.
Turn, turn, turn, turn over canal, turn, getting lost and loving it. Lost never felt so good. Small walkways with bright buildings and fabulour doors. Photo opps all around.
Barcero - locals only. no one speaks english. Excellent. Lovely food and wine. Small plates with local Toscano vineyard.
Must continue. Turn , turn, turn, over canal tunr over canal. We find ourselves at Rialto - bella but to many tourists. We must return after their bedtimes.
Look another Barcero - perfecto. Trish must think of Terri at this local. Duran Duran and Depeche Mode on DVD- Flat Screen. You would love it.
Finally Gelato. This time for Trish and Chris.
Jewish Ghetto for a carafe of Vino Rosso and Scallops.
Back to Bus system (boats) #1 boat down the Grand Canal. Slow and easy - lovely.
Bed more lovely.
Good Night.
Finally a good nights sleep. It is nice to catch up. Vacation can be tiring. Even a hard bed didnt keep us from getting necessary zzzz's
Wow Astoria puts on a good spread. Grab our cappacino's and we are off.
on the move for info on Bologna, anything to see befor we head North?
Go to the square - it is amazing how many men in italian suites are taking advantage of a bike. It is alarming to see all class of people on bikes. Why don't we embrace public transportation in the states? The Haas couple feels at home. We wish we lived somewhere that cruisers were so popular. Heels, italian loafers. jeans, nothing keeps an italian from a bike. All of you americans need to embrace bike to work week this week.
Grab the train. a little siesta but we are missing the afternoon nap. Send Chris to the drink cart. 1-2 liter will make the train ride fabulous.
More great views and we arrive in San Lucia Train station.
It only takes a few minutes to realize that despite some recommendations to skip Venice. We love it. It is chaotic yet exciting.
We find our hotel with little problem. It is quaint and lovely. Narrow marble steps lead to the Piano level. Room 6 - little room, with wooden shutters, open to the courtyard.
Off to explore.
Turn, turn, turn, turn over canal, turn, getting lost and loving it. Lost never felt so good. Small walkways with bright buildings and fabulour doors. Photo opps all around.
Barcero - locals only. no one speaks english. Excellent. Lovely food and wine. Small plates with local Toscano vineyard.
Must continue. Turn , turn, turn, over canal tunr over canal. We find ourselves at Rialto - bella but to many tourists. We must return after their bedtimes.
Look another Barcero - perfecto. Trish must think of Terri at this local. Duran Duran and Depeche Mode on DVD- Flat Screen. You would love it.
Finally Gelato. This time for Trish and Chris.
Jewish Ghetto for a carafe of Vino Rosso and Scallops.
Back to Bus system (boats) #1 boat down the Grand Canal. Slow and easy - lovely.
Bed more lovely.
Good Night.
5/12/08
Sunday is a holy day in Italy
Early morning and we were off to St Peters Basilica. We stopped for a quick cafe latte and croissant, we were at the front of the line. 15 minutes later and a much longer line, we were informed we were in line for Mass. Wont my mom be proud. Long story short, we needed a ticket. No pope for us.
We decided to make the most of the early start. Back to the train station. We are going to head south to go biking at a park with Roman roads. The bikes were little euro and very ghetto, but who needs a low gear in Italy. The park was spectacular. We road to the catacombs and saw beautiful scenery. We stopped for lunch that consisted of a 1/2 liter of wine, procuito sandwich and an apple. Lovely. The ride back we went by some spectacular villas. A few seemed to be having parites. hhhmmm how do we get an invite?
Acoording to Chris the only thing missing from this perfect day was gelato.
Time to pack and get on the move. The train is leaving for Bologna. We enjoyed a birra and a slice of pizza before boarding. No gelato. Line is to long, still waiting for the daily gelato.
1st class train was empty, plenty of room to stretch out and relax. The train went through Umbria and Tuscany. The views were amazing. So lush and green. Everything you would imagine. We have to pinch ourselves. This is beautiful.
We make it to Bologna. Now we just need a hotel. Stow the luggage and take what you need we are on the move. Around and around we go. We might have walked the entire city Twice.
Finally an available room at Hotel Astoria. The lovely lady could recommend a restaurant. Might be the best meal yet. Benessimo! Great. Gorgonzola and walnut pasta. I wonder how much we will gain on this vacation. The carafe of wine helps.
23:30 Finally Gelato - just made it.
Back to Astoria and a good nights sleep. No alarm clock. Vacation is good.
We hope to update the blog with photos soon.
We decided to make the most of the early start. Back to the train station. We are going to head south to go biking at a park with Roman roads. The bikes were little euro and very ghetto, but who needs a low gear in Italy. The park was spectacular. We road to the catacombs and saw beautiful scenery. We stopped for lunch that consisted of a 1/2 liter of wine, procuito sandwich and an apple. Lovely. The ride back we went by some spectacular villas. A few seemed to be having parites. hhhmmm how do we get an invite?
Acoording to Chris the only thing missing from this perfect day was gelato.
Time to pack and get on the move. The train is leaving for Bologna. We enjoyed a birra and a slice of pizza before boarding. No gelato. Line is to long, still waiting for the daily gelato.
1st class train was empty, plenty of room to stretch out and relax. The train went through Umbria and Tuscany. The views were amazing. So lush and green. Everything you would imagine. We have to pinch ourselves. This is beautiful.
We make it to Bologna. Now we just need a hotel. Stow the luggage and take what you need we are on the move. Around and around we go. We might have walked the entire city Twice.
Finally an available room at Hotel Astoria. The lovely lady could recommend a restaurant. Might be the best meal yet. Benessimo! Great. Gorgonzola and walnut pasta. I wonder how much we will gain on this vacation. The carafe of wine helps.
23:30 Finally Gelato - just made it.
Back to Astoria and a good nights sleep. No alarm clock. Vacation is good.
We hope to update the blog with photos soon.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)