girl with razor sharp wit and intellect; classic over achiever. i'm a work in progress trying to learn more about life, feed those around me, and work to remain an eternal optimist.
Friday, March 25, 2011
Travel Details Part 1
Friday, March 18, 2011
Wedding
Turns out the area is heavily guarded by the military police after an attack by the PLO 25 years ago and we must have looked suspicious. Really?
We then got dolled up and met the gang at their place and headed off to nearby tivoli in a Benz. Our poor driver, Mauro, dealt with Roz, Steve, and I playing 20 Italian questions while everyone else was in a different van.
From what we could see, tivoli was gorgeous. We got lost and saw a lot at 45mph in narrow alleys! I was pretty woozy after that.
The ceremony was at city hall and performed by the Mayor. We had a rotten translator but we got the gist of it. Roz looked gorgeous.
Then back to Rome for dinner at a restaurant at the campo di fiori. The restaurant opened into the plaza so we were able to watch the transformation from open air market to bar nightlife. And watch the sudden rain deluge that lasted all of ten minutes. Paul and I ate mixed bruscetta, two different pasta dishes, artichoke roman style, and pork saltimbocca. And house red. It was great. Followed by ... gelato!
Great walk back to the apartment as the sun set and temperature dropped. And now for a quiet night to prepare for more exploring tomorrow.
Buena notte!
Wednesday, March 16, 2011
In Rome
We settled in and had lunch at Nonna Betta. The artichoke was a-mazing. I mean AMAZING! Fried in olive oil. Yum!
Found groceries and settled in until dinner as tonight is "bachelor/bacelorette" night. At a steakhouse. :-/. Better be super amazing to go out in this mess.
Walking around plans need to be changed so we don't get soaked or sick. Good thing we are a stone's throw from the jewish district and all their food offerings. :-)
Time for a quick nap.
Tuesday, March 15, 2011
Last day in Florence
Crossed the Old Bridge which is the last original Arno River bridge in Florence. Back in the day it was all food and meat markets but it stank so much the ruling class threw them out and installed jewelers. These remain today and it was nonstop gems and gold and the like. Not for the small wallet!
Must wave walked 8 miles today exploring Florence. Forgot to reserve tickets to Ufizi and the line was over an hour long - fail. Wandered the market areas, lots of leather goods and such. Bought some gifts, though many would be upset that I didn't buy any handbags. Bought spices and such in the central market - poor Paul having to deal with me wanting to see and smell everything. Sadly, I had to refuse most samples of cheeses and meats but I took lots of awesome pictures.
Saw the Duomo and was awestruck by the beauty of it - google it. Didn't climb to the top as I didn't want to tire so quickly.
Instead wandered around some more, had an awesome lunch - black truffle rissoto - and headed to the Piazza Republica to partake in treats at a historic cafe. That was unexpectedly closed - fail #2. Found another cafe for cappuccino and tiramisu. Soldiered on to find the Galileo museum. Which closed at 1- fail #3.
Walked some more up to michalangelo piazza for the most spectacular view of the city. It was a long, uphill walk. I have burned off everything I have eaten! So, going here for dinner: www.ristoranteilgusciofirenze.com/menu.html
My handy restaurant menu translator and the internet has saves us from embarrassment.
Off to Rome tomorrow for a day of rest and planning.
Ciao!