San Gimignano & Dinner with Cooking Demo – May 2, 2023

It was a beautiful drive through Tuscany to San Gimignano from Florence. There is a small bus parking lot part way up the hill. The tour group had to walk from there. Pancrazio could only spend a short time in the small lot while with unloaded the bus. We walked from this lot up the hill to the site of the town This is a UNESCO heritage site. The towers atop the hill attract the eye as you drive and walk toward it. These towers were used as refuge during battles. In those times, the doors where partway up the tower, and the access was removed so during battles the enemy could not enter.

Just before we entered the town. Barbara had us walk to a lookout over the Tuscan countryside. She said that we are now travel family and should take pictures for one another. It was a beautiful spot to stop and enjoy the view. After we got some great shots, I gave Barbara the headband I had knit from Fleece and Harmony wool. The other day she told us she skied so I thought she would use it. She loved it.

Barbara gave us each a postcard for a free gelato from Gelateria Dondoli. The world champion gelato maker, who now judges the championship. He says that the gelato is good because the cows are happy. It is located in the central Piazza della Cisterna in San Gimignano. I did not go for the signature dish as I was not sure that saffron would appeal to me. I chose the Michelle, made for Michelle Obama, and a dark chocolate. It was lovely. Tim chose the signature world champion winner but was not as much of a fan. After the gelato, we went to the main square. There are two open places in the main piazza. The locals sit in these and watch the tourists. There is also a tower that could be climbed. We thought that climbing up the hill was enough for today.

We had some free time to wander before we had to leave. We went down through the square where the gelato place was and turned left down an alley. Barbara had told us to get off the main streets to see the real town. We walked down to another beautiful overlook of the Tuscan countryside. We could also see into some yards below. Then we wandered down through the shops. I stopped in a textile shop and picked up a dishtowel for me and one for Mom. We went down to the shop that Barbara recommended for almond cookies. We each got one and agreed that they tasted very good. There was powdered sugar on them. I managed to wear a bit of that.

We chatted with Steve while Becky shopped. They decided to do some back streets before going back to the bus. We took a different back street and found this really quiet road. The house on the corner at the end of the block had some beautiful plates on the steps up to the door. Coming back around to the main street we walked by a quaint little restaurant. The noise of the main street hit us a soon as we left the alley. It is a stark contrast to the busy tourist street.

We met wandered back to the parking lot with another couple from our tour. We had a great chat with them. Some people checked out the local grocery store. Tim and I waited on the bench. Barbara called the bus. Between the time she called and when we all got loaded on. Somehow Mark got lost. We had to wait for him. Eventually, he arrived in a local van. Man he must have been lost. For the rest of the trip Barbara called him Waldo. We now have the seven dwarves and Waldo on our tour.

On our way back I even saw a Pilates studio. Mom and I usually go to Pilates on Tuesday nights, I will have to send her the picture. There were such beautiful fields and vineyards on the way back. We left the main road to get to the inn where some of us had booked supper and a cooking demonstration. Pancratizo turned the bus at the Florence American War Cemetery because there was no way to get the tour bus up the road to where we were having supper. This was the first time I knew we were stopping at another war cemetery later in the trip.

There was a bit of a drizzle when Pancratizo stopped the bus at the end of the road where the chef, Emilio Marchitti, and another driver picked us up for supper at Ristorante Montebuoni. The view was WOW. It was so fun to see the dome in Florence from dining room. I loved the cooking demonstration. He was so full of energy and fun. I think he was trying to embarrass Barbara a bit. I really wished I had learned more Italian to chat with Emilio or any of the the other staff at the place. The woman in the photos was so friendly to point out the dome of the cathedral to me, so I could show it to everyone else. It was so friendly and such a fun evening.

Pancratizo picked us up at the road again. It was a quiet bus back to our hotel for our last night in Florence.

Lo Stuzzichino

We opted to book the optional dinner in the hills above Surrento. I am so glad Pancrazio was driving. I hate heights and sharp turns. People did not give the bus room. Wow what a view.

Lo Stuzzichino is a family run business with a Michelin star. We started with amazing appertains: bruschetta, stuffed pepperoni (green peppers), and others. It was the best bruschetta I have ever had. The next course was a breaded fish (whit). We had pasta and it mussels and small clams. The salad and red snapper were served together. The lemon cake was a yummy dessert. Everything was topped with limoncello,

Last Full Day of the Best of Italy Tour April-May 2023

Up early bags out. I want down for breakfast. Antonio gave me coffee right away. Maybe enjoying a relaxing evening at the hotel lobby bar does have some perks. Breakfast was good but quick. We had to be on the road by 8 am to get to Rome for the Vatican tour. I brought Tim up a croissant sandwich. He was less focused on a morning coffee than I. There were two tours leaving the hotel around the same time. Open seating on the bus to Mount Vesuvius, we chose near the front. It sprinkled most of the way there. A mist of rain is good on a driving day, but was glad we had the sun yesterday.

Casa Barone is an organic farm located in the Mount Vesuvius National Park. The volcanic ash and nutrients in the rich soil allow for growing of piennolo tomatoes. They have a thick skin and remain ripe for up to a year after harvest. The new plants are still small but there were fresh tomatoes from last season there. The two girls, nine and eleven, practiced their English with us. The whole family was sweet. She apologized so much for the rain. I am sure the farm needed it. It was only sprinkling when we were outside. The walk up the hill to the farm was refreshing. They had homemade snacks of lemonada, bread with tomatoes, and a cake with apricot jam. They were all so fresh and refreshing. Yum! I so loved seeing this farm in action. It was even lovely in the rain. Tim and I took a quick walk down to the facilities. Then I had to buy some tomatoes and Limoncello. We wandered a bit quicker down the hill back to the bus, the rain was getting a bit more persistent.

Pancrazio was diligent about keeping the bus clean for us throughout our trip. We came on the bus with our dirty shoes and wet jackets. He did not say a word but I felt for him. We were not helping with the soil from the farm tracked down the aisle. Almost as soon as we hopped back on the bus, the heavens opened and the rain really came down. We had a long drive so out came my knitting as we hung up our wet jackets.

Walking from the road to the farm

I love poppies!

New plants

Tiered farming. Trees shade lower plants. In Sorrento it was: olive trees, lemon trees, then garden.

Lava stone

Bridge to eating area

Mmm… snacks from the farm Barbara enjoys

Working while we toured

Walk to the washrooms

These tomatoes were picked last harvest

Tomatoes planted between trees

Farm taxi

Leaving in the rain with our picnic pasta.

The rain stopped long enough for us to take a break Cassino War Cemetery. There are a number of Canadian solders buried there. I talked to Mom. She thinks that Mickey was here during the war. The clouds parted long enough for me to get a picture of saint Benedict Abbey on top of Monte Cassino. I chatted with Mom. She thought Micky was there. We had our picnic lunch. It is what Italians do with leftover pasta for picnics, pasta a frittata (fried pasta). It was good, and very filling. I was hungry but could only eat one piece. Italians seem to like natural flavours, not much spice and a few fresh herbs.

I sent Karen pictures via text. Clair said that Mickey was not there but she thought Cletus Sharkey was buried there. By the time I got Karen’s message we were on the road again so I did not get to check for it. As you can see from the link on his name, the paperwork online says he is at the Argenta Gap War Cemetery. I was really moved by the quotes on the bottom of some of the gravestone inscriptions.

St. Benedict Abby above the WWII cemetery in Cassino, Italy

Entrance to Cassino war cemetery

Back on the road. It took a few hours to get to Rome. We stopped at an Esso station for last rest stop before the Vatican. I got a caffe (espresso). It really helped to wake me up. Tim got some chips. Traffic around Rome was busy. Barbara said we would go right to dinner from the Vatican. She and Pancratizo would bring the bags to the Hotel Romanico Palace while we were with our local tour guides at the Vatican. It took them some time to get through the traffic to the hotel and back to pick us up after our tour.

Our Vatican tickets were for 3:30 pm on Monday. Traditionally a busy day there. Usually the Vatican is done on the first day of the tour, earlier in the day, but because of the May 1 holiday we got it the last day of our trip at 3:30 pm. Elana was back as our local tour guide for the Vatican, because our group was so large we had another guide as well. We got inside as we waited for the tickets. Wow the people! Elena said it was not so bad she could stretch her arms out, but I had my doubts. Barbara came back with the tickets. I was so glad that insight vacations dealt with the booking of tickets and tours of the sites. We went up the escalator to get our Vatican headsets. Tim had issues getting the set to stay on, but once that was settled our main problem was staying together and with the whole group. You could tell they were getting a bit too far away when our radios went to static. I just took pictures where I could. I tried just looking up and experiencing the art, but the crowds were so overwhelming to me.

Elana kept saying look up to experience the wonder. But being jostled around made it difficult to stay in the moment. All the tickets had been sold for that session. The art was amazing. I felt rushed by things that I might have stayed longer to admire. The mosaics blew me away, the floors and papal seals were particularly good. Tim and I came upon our group as we were shunted by the Sistine Chapel. There were too many people inside so we got a tour of some of the papal apartments and back rooms and some modern art sections that are not normally part of the guided tour. It did add more stairs though.

It was a marathon through there on the last day. I think we were all ready for a rest after it.

Gregorian Egyptian Museum – Terrace of the Niche

Chiaramonti Museum for Pope Pius VII

Chiaramonti Museum

Hall of Muses

Sala Rotonda (the Round Hall)

Love the big doors

Coat of arms of Pope Leo XIII inlaid in marble

Roman Emperor Augustus ?

Gallery of Maps ceiling

Mosaic floor Vatican

St. Peter’s Basilica too close to see the dome

Sistine Chapel and Papal offices

St. Peter’s Square

Inside St. Peter’s Basicila

Just finished our Vatican tour

Statues above the pillars around St. Peter’s Square

One of the twin fountains. Bernini’s I think

Umbria

Bags out early. It was interesting watching the porters load them on the boat to take to our bus. We had breakfast at the hotel. I had a warm jam filled pastry, some, eggs, green beans and of course a caffe (espresso). Back to the room for clean up an early water taxi to the bus.

We passed by the dory dock where they build cruise ships.One was almost complete. It looked huge and there were a number of cranes around to help build. Barbara explained that most people lived on the mainland, driving and parking on the island parking place. They pay to park then pay to get to the Venice by water bus. We drove into Umbria. Rich green farmland of: tobacco, olives, and grapes.

We could see A

Fish Market Venice, Murano & Burano

We got up early to head over to see the fish market before it got busy. The advantage of staying on Venice is that you get to bridges before the are packed. There were less than a dozen people on the Rialto Bridge when we went across. It was to the right, we saw a fruit stand first then a shot and finally the tables where the fish sellers were setting up. There were carts and packages everywhere. The men were careful about how to display everything. It was so interesting to watch. I found mackerel and scallops, but must fish I did not recognize. We took a few more pictures on our way back over the Rialto Bridge.

Breakfast at the hotel and a water taxi to Moran tomorrow see the glass. We met our guide on the shore. The master showed us how to blow glass then how to make a horse. It was incredible. Then of course the sales pitch in the store. No pictures allowed in store but I picked up some earrings.

The horse the master made

Master working glass

From Murano, we sailed to the fishing island of Burano. Here thy also make beautiful lace, embroidery, and woven cloth. We did a bit of a tour with Barbara, then free time before lunch. I made a beeline to the lace shop Barbara pointed out. The knit baby clothes were beautiful. The demonstration was embroidery. I was allowed one picture. There was a purple reversible table runner I considered buying. Tim waited for me for ten minutes to then we walked. It was so quiet wandering the back streets. Their wash an rubber boots were all outside drying.

We went for lunch at a seafood spot. I loved the appetizer and the fish. It was so good. We finished with a limoncello as a digestive. So good. After lunch, we picked up a few souvenirs and just wandered the island until we had to meet the water taxi back to Venice. I love islands. I really relate to islanders from around the world.

Lost in Venice – May 4

The water taxi dropped us off in Venice after touring Murano and Burano. I decided we should try to find the bookstore that I saw online with the gondola inside. I thought that we did not need to go back to the hotel. We could just figure it our from where we were. Venice is not straightforward for wandering. We went in circles. When I saw the same Virgin Mary twice I decided we should ask where the store was. I was sure it was near. Unfortunately, I was three bridges and a couple of islands away. We were deep in the residential area of Venice. It was beautiful and quiet, but no bookstore. He gave us a map and we were on our way again.

A few right turns and a couple of wrong ones and we finally found it. We also found a couple of the canals that we rode on the gondola yesterday. It was very different seeing them from the streets. At one point Tim said, “I cannot believe I am saying this but after all of this work you will have to buy a book there”. We found the store it was really neat being inside but all the books were in Italian, or at least in the section I was in. I also got stuck in a line to get a picture on the book stairs. I took a picture of it but needed to get out of the crowd before I got too overwhelmed. It was great to see but again the crowds. We walked back to the first square of our tour from yesterday. Tim was looking for a landmark that we could not find so we stopped for a Spritz. It was an eco cafe. The spritz was really good. Tim got a local cola. It was nice to sit and relax for a bit after being lost.

Florence (May 2, 2023)

Breakfast at the hotel, NH Firenze was yummy. There were individual small glass bottles of jam to choose from. So many options. I even made an espresso. I love the breakfast buffet and how close our room was. It looked nice but I did throw my jacket in my bag with my radio for the morning.

On the bus for 8 am, drive to the same drop off point. I decided not to take my jacket. It was a bit cool but I thought fine. Tim left his jacket on the bus too. We took the same route back to the same square from last night for the gold demonstration. Such beautiful craftsmanship. I loved the ‘elastic’ 18 caret gold bracelet. I thought it was a perfect piece for Victoria, then I asked the cost. Sorry Vicky not for you. But, the workmanship there is bar none.

Outside the gold store, we chatted with Robert and Kelli from Queensland. They are on a seven week vacation. The wind blew up so we parted ways. Then all of us ended up at the same coffee shop that had a sheltered patio. We got fresh squeezed orange juice, a cappuccino, and two croissants, one filled with Nutella and the other with jam. Yum… Italy is not good for the waistline. But it is the best way to make a quick stop to the facilities before meeting our local guide for Florence.

We were divided into two groups with different local tour guides for our tour of Florence. Tim and I moved from one side to the next then back to the original group, as Barbara got the group sizes correct. Our guide started with the history of the Santa Croce Basilica. It was commissioned and built by the people of Florence. It has many works of art and as I said earlier the tombs of many prominent Italian artists: such as Michelangelo, and Galileo. The museum opened where there had previously been a convent, and had to be restored after massive flooding in 1966.

We walked from the ‘Pizza di Santa Croce’ to the ‘Piazza dela Signoria’. They say “In Florence, all roads lead to Pizza dela Signoria”. It is an outdoor sculpture gallery. This is outside of the ‘Plazzo Vecchio‘, a beautiful 18th century palace. Today it is the seat of Florence Town Hall and a museum. One of the people on our tour had written a paper on the palace, so our guide went into a bit more detail on it. We did not go inside the museum, but did spend a few minutes taking pictures around the square. This is where Michelangelo’s David, well a replica, is displayed outdoors. Our tour was to finish in the gallery where the original is displayed.

As we moved towards the Piazza del Duamo, I could really tell that Tim was beyond chilly. I convinced him to stop at one of the vendors to buy a hoodie. He said that he would catch up, so as we walked I stayed to the back of our group. I found a lego store so of course had to take a picture. We arrived at the Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore. It is very large and beautifully decorated on the exterior. We did not go inside but spent a few minutes admiring the extensive art and statues. Tim found the other group. Through text we realized he was with the wrong group. He found us as our guide began to describe the Baptistry of St. John. I loved its golden doors. It was undergoing restoration, but we had not planned to go inside.

We walked via Ricasoli up to the ‘Plazzo Medici Riccardi‘ whose museum houses Michelangelo’s David. Before we even got close to the entrance we hit the crowds. Some were in lines to buy a ticket, other lines were for times entries. We walked past that chaos to lines for tour groups. As we waited for our tickets, and to get into the appropriate line, we looked at the paintings by artists displaying their wares on the street. They were quick to pick everything up move alone than come back and put it down again. Our guide said that they were illegal vendors, and would move if they saw authorities coming, but also when it started to sprinkle rain. We got into our line and ran the security gamut, it was almost as bad as at the airport but we could leave our shoes on. Then we waited in the lobby for our entry time.

The first room was filled with paintings on wood. Beautiful works. Then we moved into the room with the unfinished works of Michelango. They were so interesting. You could see the rough to detailed work with the series of works. Finally, we got to see David. I did not realize how large the statue is. I was intrigued by the detail and by how his eyes moved. There was so much other art around us that we were not hearing about. It is kind of overwhelming the sheer volume of art, that you have to focus on the tour. We were given some time to wander before leaving the museum.

As we walked back to the ‘Piazza dela Signoria‘, I decided that we would not go back to the bus but walk back to the hotel through Florence. I really wanted to walk on Ponte Vecchio and our tour was not going there. It did not look to be that far. Maybe I am becoming more Italian. It looked to be just a short way. We talked to Barbara to determine when to meet for our afternoon tour, then wandered away to find something to drink. Somewhere between our drink and the bridge, we found a little market with lots of leather and other crafts. Tim found an amazing leather jacket. We looked at it. Wandered away to think about it, then went back and got it. It looks so good on him!

The vendor pointed us towards the bridge. It was a quick walk to Ponte Vecchio, or old bridge. It is a symbol of Florence that I wanted to see and walk on. I took some time to admire shops, and get some tourist shots. Then we walked back towards the hotel. I thought it was only a bridge or two away. It was a MUCH longer walk. Eventually we made it back for a break in our room before our afternoon adventure.

Leaning Tower of Pisa & Florence (May 1, 2023)

Basically it is all tourists here, so Barbara said to be aware of pick pockets. I just took my jacket and put things in my pockets. I did not plan my outfit to go well with my raincoat, but it is rainy. The rain is warm and there is no wind. I am comfortable and the pictures are so much better with and overcast sky. The busses park half an hour away from the site. We took a train trolley from there to the site. It reminded me of shuttles to the beach on the larger resorts in the caribbean. We felt every bump, but was a fine drive.

We got off the train and walked along the wall to the entrance closest to the tower. I liked how Barbara took us around to the back so the first thing we saw was the tower. It created what she calls ‘a WOW moment’. Yes I did say wow. Tim thought he might walk up to the top but no tickets were available for the time we were there. The tower had such intricate details. Even the drainage holes had designs. It was much larger than I thought it would be.

I had my first experience paying to get into a public washroom. It only cost a euro, and was clean. Like all tourist spots it was busy. The site had lots of vendors. Many were trying to sell us umbrellas. We wandered around the site. One of the girls, Adrienne (I think), on our tour took our picture. She was so much better than attempting selfies. Barbara reminded us to take pictures from the tower from different angles. It does lean more depending on the direction you take the picture from. It was so interesting.

We grabbed a quick bite from a food truck. Tim got pizza with spicy salami (it is probably called something fancy) and I got a pork sandwich. Both were good. Then we found the bakery, PoSto. I got an espresso and an éclair. Tim got a brownie. We wandered and then got back to the meeting spot to take the train back to the bus. By this time it is spitting rain rather than just misting rain.

When we got back on the bus, Barbara shared a treat with us. She had been telling us about southern Italy during the drive. We only go to Sorrento on this tour. She said she decided to bring a southern Italy to us via fresh Sicilian cannoli. She had ordered it from the bakery that Tim and I ate at. They were so good. Tim shared his with me.

We backtracked back into Florence. We stopped at an overlook on our way in. Even in the slight drizzle we got a some great pictures. Our hotel was nh Frienze. It was quite modern compared the hotel in Rome. We left again for the leather demonstration. Walking from the drop off area to Peruzzi, we saw where we were having dinner, Baldovino Firenze. We walked by the outside of Santa Croce Basilica. I love the Jewish star and Dante’s statue outside. This is where a number of artists, including Michelangelo, have tombs. It would be wonderful to go back take a tour inside but there was not time.

We walked across the square to the Peruzzi leather demonstration. It is a family company and the manager told us about the history. Then an employee showed us how he embossed leather with gold. Then they moved into the store where they showed us the jackets. I fell in love with how soft they were. Natalie tried on a blue one. It was my favourite! After the demonstration, I tried on about five or maybe eight. I loved the reversible jackets, similar to what Barbara wore. They were so comfortable, but did not need a new jacket? It was the first one that I loved, but I had not really planned to buy anything.

We left the store to make sure it was not a pressure buy and something I really wanted. This is when Tim and I discovered the spritz. I needed a deciding spritz and a walk before I returned to buy the jacket. Of course by then it was near supper and closing time. Ever the professionals the sale was made. Tim and I were the last customers in the store and we even got an amazing video of putting my initials in white gold on my jacket.

By now we were late for supper, Tim had already sent a message to Barbara. We rushed in to Baldovino in the middle of the first course. We grabbed a table with Mark, Yvonne, Natalie, and Adrienne, from California. They were so fun to chat with. The food was very good. I really relaxed over this meal and loved the atmosphere here. The Bavarian moose for dessert was so good. I was so ready for bed when we got back to the hotel.

Touring Rome April 30th 2023 – Insight Vacations Best of Italy

We got up seventeen minutes before the bus was to leave. Maybe we should set an alarm tomorrow? We made it and were not even the last ones on the bus. We watched a safety video and checked our radios. It was so nice to be able to hear the guides through the earpiece. Since, it was Sunday traffic was light and we did a bit of a tour on the bus.

View to the Vatican. Love the dome, especially how it appears and disappears.

The Temple of Vesta is the popular name given to the round temple near the Tiber River in Rome (now Piazza Bocca della Veritá). 

First glimpse of the Colosseum

Elena was our local guide for Rome. She is a tiny firecracker. She said that she will protect us with her tongue. At one point another group was taking up too much of the sidewalk, she was assertive in making room for her group. Walking around the Colosseum, she would call out to other guides as she told us the history.

Elena, local expert Rome

The Colosseum was so good. We walked around the outside. I could not believe we were actually standing there. We got so much history and took time for pictures. We had no problem keeping up. The guides are good to pace us by telling stories and answering questions while everyone catches up. The temperature is perfect for me so far.

Another selfie attempt

Those of us going on the walk-in tour of the fountains and pizzas got off the bus first. We walked up a hill. Barbara showed us how and how not to drink from the ‘Nasone’. The top of the hill was a special addition, an overlook into some ruins where Julius Caesar’s funeral, ‘the friends, Romans,’ speech occurred. It also had a temple to a goddess, and contained a church that had the dungeon that St, Peter was imprisoned in.

We then came onto Campidoglio square: https://www.rome.net/piazza-campidoglio (posting from my phone is harder than I thought sorry for typos). A couple was just leaving their civil wedding ceremony, so we cheered for them. Then went to the back of the museum for a bathroom break. I was one of the first two up the stairs I turned into the first door. When I came out it was all the men lined up to go in. I laughed and washed my hands. I will be more careful next time. It was nice to sit in the shade and wait for everyone.

We walked down the steps and learned a number of facts about Rome. We stopped at the turtle fountain. Then wandered by the ruins where Julius Caesar was killed (back by the trees). It is now a stray cat sanctuary. On Saturday or Sunday people are granted access.

We walked around the back of the pantheon to wait for our entrance at 11:45 am. We had to wait for mass to finish, the incense wafted over us. That counts for mass right Mom?

The Pantheon overwhelmed me. I took lots of pictures . I just was amazed to be standing there. Elena even showed us how the light changes on different dates. So beautiful and precise architecture.

We wandered from the Pantheon through the streets to the Fountain of the Four Rivers by Bernini. We had opted out of the tour of the catacombs, so this was the end of the guided tour. Tim and I opted to stay in the square for lunch. Missing breakfast is a bad idea for me.

Lunch in Rome

Tim ordered bruschetta as soon as we sat down. Such a smart guy! It may have been self protection as I was getting beyond just hungry. We were both pretty hungry by now. I asked for sparkling water. I do not even know what the spot was called. Tim got the fettuccine Alfredo. I ordered a caprese salad with buffalo cheese. The cheese was so smooth. We shared and had lots for both of us. Just as we were paying it started to rain. We grabbed a cab back to our hotel.

The cab driver was great. I forget his name. He was telling us about the holiday tomorrow (May 1) and how he takes his French bulldog for a walk in the Borghese park. Rome he said is a lot like Central Park in New York but in his opinion prettier. I do love the umbrella pines and agree with him that Rome feels like a busy metropolis.

We both showered and had a nap. Jet lag is a thing. I slept a bit longer than Tim. He went on his own little journey while I slept. We check out tomorrow so spent time packing up because our bags need to be outside our door at 7am. Then we dressed for drinks on the roof top terrace. Unfortunately, it was pouring rain. So drinks in the lobby for us. We had opted out of dinner tonight to relax a bit, then did not feel like wandering in the rain. Tomorrow is the leaning tower of Pisa and lunch before we check into our hotel in Florence.

Meet the Group April 29th, 2023 Best of Italy

We met in the lobby at 5:30 pm. It is a group of 40 people, so we were a bit crowded in the lobby. Barbara, our tour director, handed us each a our luggage tags, headset and lanyard with the radio. We were supposed to go to the Vatican on Monday, but it is an Italian holiday on May 1st. The Vatican is closed. This meant that Barbara had to rearrange our tour to fit everything in but in a different order. We do the Vatican when we come back to Rome at the end. So for anyone who saw our itinerary, it is out the window. We are doing all those things but not on those days. We went over some basic rules of bus tour travel. The most important one, be on time for the bus!

The group walked to supper around the corner. We sat with a couple from Texas, Becky and Steve, and a couple from Pennsylvania, Delrey and John. The conversation was good. Becky and Steve had been to PEI and loved it. Delrey and John were interesting to chat with. The meal started with Caprese salad and another salad. So good! I feel like my plan to overdose on tomatoes and cheese is well in hand. We had ravioli and lasagna as the main and tiramisu for dessert. The time flew by.

We wandered after supper. Somehow we found the gelato shop, again. I got vanilla and lemon, and Tim had lemon and strawberry. We found the fountain of Triton. Note my sneakers, I realize all the people who say do not wear sandals in Rome might have known what they were talking about. Leave it to me to have to test it instead of taking people’s suggestions.

Tomorrow we meet the group at 8 am. I should head to bed.