Yes! I found the last plate--Hawaii! Last year was the worst year for the game, and this year was one of the best. In addition, I was out-of-town for three weeks. Amazing. Another great collage by Aaron Foster.
Wednesday, July 29, 2009
License Plate Game - Done!
Yes! I found the last plate--Hawaii! Last year was the worst year for the game, and this year was one of the best. In addition, I was out-of-town for three weeks. Amazing. Another great collage by Aaron Foster.
Monday, July 20, 2009
Arrivederci Roma!
After traveling throughout Italy for the past 14 days, it is time to go home. I am happy to be going home as I am beginning to resemble some of the plump women in the paintings I've seen these past weeks. The pastries, bread, cheese, wine, pasta, etc. have been delicious. The great works of art, the ancient ruins, the well-maintained monuments and buildings and the not-so-well maintained monuments and buildings are amazing. The people from each city and region have been interesting to interact with. It will take me quite a while to process this experience. I feel very fortunate to have had the opportunity to visit this extraordinary country--much thanks to Dad and Marka for bringing us along.
Arrivederci Roma!
Arrivederci Roma!
Sunday, July 19, 2009
Liar!
Buon Giorno! Since we are off tour, we had to get our own breakfast for the first time in ten days. We walked from the St. Regis to Piazza Della Republica and onto Via Nazionale, where we found an Irish Pub and had breakfast. Since it is Sunday, there weren't any Tobbachi's open that early.
After breakfast, we went back to Vatican City and surrounding area to do a little shopping. Mailed a postcard from Vatican City. Apparently, Vatican City sends their mail to Switzerland to be processed. Italy's mail system if supposed to be unreliable. Had a gelato at an outdoor cafe and off to keep our reservation at the Borghese Gallery.
The Borghese Gallery is considered by many to be the best private art collection in Italy. You are only allowed to stay in the gallery for two hours. We were joined on our visit by a celebrity, but you will need to click on this picture to read who joined us. Very nice tour, but Laura and Dad were disappointed in the garden.
Back to the hotel and off again to La Bocca della Verità or "The Mouth of Truth." The sculpture is thought to be part of a 1st century ancient Roman fountain. The most famous characteristic of the Mouth is its role as lie detector. Starting in the Middle Ages, people believed that if you told a lie with your hand in the mouth of the sculpture, it would be bitten off. The sculpture was placed in the portico of the Santa Maria in Cosmedin in the 17th century. This church is suppoed to contain relics of Saint Valentine. It was a beautiful church in need of repair.
Back to the hotel for rest and relaxation. Tonight, our final dinner in Italy.
Arrivederci!
After breakfast, we went back to Vatican City and surrounding area to do a little shopping. Mailed a postcard from Vatican City. Apparently, Vatican City sends their mail to Switzerland to be processed. Italy's mail system if supposed to be unreliable. Had a gelato at an outdoor cafe and off to keep our reservation at the Borghese Gallery.
The Borghese Gallery is considered by many to be the best private art collection in Italy. You are only allowed to stay in the gallery for two hours. We were joined on our visit by a celebrity, but you will need to click on this picture to read who joined us. Very nice tour, but Laura and Dad were disappointed in the garden.
Back to the hotel and off again to La Bocca della Verità or "The Mouth of Truth." The sculpture is thought to be part of a 1st century ancient Roman fountain. The most famous characteristic of the Mouth is its role as lie detector. Starting in the Middle Ages, people believed that if you told a lie with your hand in the mouth of the sculpture, it would be bitten off. The sculpture was placed in the portico of the Santa Maria in Cosmedin in the 17th century. This church is suppoed to contain relics of Saint Valentine. It was a beautiful church in need of repair.
Back to the hotel for rest and relaxation. Tonight, our final dinner in Italy.
Arrivederci!
Saturday, July 18, 2009
Piazza Navona
Buona Sera. We took it easy today. Had breakfast with some of our tour-mates and said good-bye as they headed home. We visited the Spanish Steps, which were built by the French, but the Spanish Embassy is at the bottom. We walked along Via Condotti, which is the "Rodeo Drive" of Rome. Same shops but fun to see in these ancient buildings along ancient streets with shops, and restaurants sprinkled about.
Then, we went to Piazza Navona. According to our tour guide, Debi, this is THE place to "see and be seen" for both tourists and Romans. don't know why she said that. The piazza is the exact shape of the original Roman "agones," which were 1st century athletic competitions. Ruins of the original stadium can be seen from outside the piazza. Gian Lorenzo Bernini's Four Rivers Fountain (of Angels and Demons fame) is at one end of the piazza. Really intersting fountain to contemplate. Artists can be found selling their work in the center of the piazza, and there were also a couple musical groups performing. The piazza has many restaurants with outdoor seating. Tre Scalini restaurant is where Sophia Loren recommends the Tartufo, chocolate-chocolate fudge ice cream with a surprise inside. Very nice place to relax with a glass of wine and have lunch or dinner.
A little more shopping along the Via Nazionale and then back to the hotel.
Tomorrow, we are going back to the Vatican area to shop a little, have lunch and then visit the Borghese Gallery. Our trip is winding down.
Arrivederci!
Then, we went to Piazza Navona. According to our tour guide, Debi, this is THE place to "see and be seen" for both tourists and Romans. don't know why she said that. The piazza is the exact shape of the original Roman "agones," which were 1st century athletic competitions. Ruins of the original stadium can be seen from outside the piazza. Gian Lorenzo Bernini's Four Rivers Fountain (of Angels and Demons fame) is at one end of the piazza. Really intersting fountain to contemplate. Artists can be found selling their work in the center of the piazza, and there were also a couple musical groups performing. The piazza has many restaurants with outdoor seating. Tre Scalini restaurant is where Sophia Loren recommends the Tartufo, chocolate-chocolate fudge ice cream with a surprise inside. Very nice place to relax with a glass of wine and have lunch or dinner.
A little more shopping along the Via Nazionale and then back to the hotel.
Tomorrow, we are going back to the Vatican area to shop a little, have lunch and then visit the Borghese Gallery. Our trip is winding down.
Arrivederci!
Creation of Adam
Mama Mia, yesterday was a big day. I attended Mass at Santa Susanna (Home of the American Catholic Church in Rome). The Mass was said in Italian, but I could tell what was happening, of course. There was no homily. At communion, the priest dipped each communion wafer in wine before distributing it. A nun assisted the Priest by holding a brass plate under your chin. Interesting.
Then, we walked from the hotel to the Treve Fountain. Back to the hotel and took a cab to the Pantheon, wow (see Flickr for more detailed description of my visit to the Pantheon)! Had a 'private tour' of the Sistine Chapel. We were even allowed to take pictures in some parts of the museum\chapel. In other parts of the chapel we needed to have our cameras on museum setting...no flashes! As usual, some 'ugly Americans' did not follow the rules and were taking pics with flash. Disturbing.
Remarkably, Michelangelo did not like to paint because he was a sculptor. He said he could only complete this amazing work 'by the hand of God.' His depection of 'The Last Judgement' was extremely interesting see in person. Your eyes can go from one story to the next. Perhaps the most curious is Bartholomew holding his own skin. This is where Michelangelo inserted his self-portrait. Raphael's tapestries were unbelievably beautiful, as well.
After the Sistine Chapel, we took a tour called 'Rome by Night.' Rome is absolutely gorgeous all lit up! Our driver took us to a couple of the highest points in Rome to see the panoramic views. My camera could not do any of these justice, so I just have to try and remember what I saw. The driver took us by 'The Mouth of Truth,' but it is closed at night. We'll try to get there before we leave. He also took us to Aventine Hill where St. Peter's Basilica may be viewed through the famous "keyhole"...bella! It is going to take a while to process everything I saw yesterday.
Arrivederci from Roma!
Then, we walked from the hotel to the Treve Fountain. Back to the hotel and took a cab to the Pantheon, wow (see Flickr for more detailed description of my visit to the Pantheon)! Had a 'private tour' of the Sistine Chapel. We were even allowed to take pictures in some parts of the museum\chapel. In other parts of the chapel we needed to have our cameras on museum setting...no flashes! As usual, some 'ugly Americans' did not follow the rules and were taking pics with flash. Disturbing.
Remarkably, Michelangelo did not like to paint because he was a sculptor. He said he could only complete this amazing work 'by the hand of God.' His depection of 'The Last Judgement' was extremely interesting see in person. Your eyes can go from one story to the next. Perhaps the most curious is Bartholomew holding his own skin. This is where Michelangelo inserted his self-portrait. Raphael's tapestries were unbelievably beautiful, as well.
After the Sistine Chapel, we took a tour called 'Rome by Night.' Rome is absolutely gorgeous all lit up! Our driver took us to a couple of the highest points in Rome to see the panoramic views. My camera could not do any of these justice, so I just have to try and remember what I saw. The driver took us by 'The Mouth of Truth,' but it is closed at night. We'll try to get there before we leave. He also took us to Aventine Hill where St. Peter's Basilica may be viewed through the famous "keyhole"...bella! It is going to take a while to process everything I saw yesterday.
Arrivederci from Roma!
Friday, July 17, 2009
Pantheon, oh Pantheon, what time is it?
What a day! I was able to visit the Trevi Fountain AND Pantheon.
Both experiences exceeded my expectations. I have found that it is a good thing if you think you know everything from pictures and that pictures can tell the whole story because then, you are never disappointed. Pictures may speak a thousand words, but you would need millions and still not do these amazing sites justice.
I want to find a picture shot from the ceiling of the Pantheon to the floor so I can see how the floor is marked for the 'sun dial.'
This evening we have a private visit to the Sistine Chapel, I can not wait. Afterwards, we are going on a 'Rome by Night' tour. Much more later.
Tour over tomorrow. Then, two days on our own.
Both experiences exceeded my expectations. I have found that it is a good thing if you think you know everything from pictures and that pictures can tell the whole story because then, you are never disappointed. Pictures may speak a thousand words, but you would need millions and still not do these amazing sites justice.
I want to find a picture shot from the ceiling of the Pantheon to the floor so I can see how the floor is marked for the 'sun dial.'
This evening we have a private visit to the Sistine Chapel, I can not wait. Afterwards, we are going on a 'Rome by Night' tour. Much more later.
Tour over tomorrow. Then, two days on our own.
Thursday, July 16, 2009
Hey, where's Ben Hur or Russel Crow?
Rome. Wow, how do I describe what I experienced today. First of all, St. Peter's Basilica was stunning. The construction by Michelangelo, the unfortunate expansion, the statues, the mosaics, the various chapels, the floors, the ceilings, the symbolism. I was amazed at it's size and the beauty of the images. I want to go back because I thought we were going to have free time after the tour, but we had free time in the gift shop...coincidence? I would have taken more pictures.
Then, we went on a tour of the city on our air-conditioned bus. That is important because it is HOT here. We got out at the Flavian Amphitheatre better known as the Colosseum. Another amazing architectural accomplishment. In some ways it felt like a movie set. I have seen it so many times that much of it seemed familiar. What I didn't understand was the magnitude of its size. How could people in the 1st century AD build something with so grand? The Colosseum seated 50,000 people. Do you know why there are so many holes around the Colosseum?
One of the most interesting things about Rome is that when they are building, if they run into a ruin, construction has to stop. Many times you will see that a building is built either above the ruin or right next to the ruin. In the case of being built on top of the ruin, they either have the ruin enclosed in glass or just open to the air. Very interesting.
We are told that many Romans leave Rome and head to the beach for the weekends in the summer time. So, we are told that Rome is not too crowded with Romans right now.
Tonight is our tour's farewell dinner. Tomorrow morning, we will walk to the Trevi Fountain, and the rest of the day is free until 5:15 when we have a private Vatican Tour. Can't wait!
Ciao!
Then, we went on a tour of the city on our air-conditioned bus. That is important because it is HOT here. We got out at the Flavian Amphitheatre better known as the Colosseum. Another amazing architectural accomplishment. In some ways it felt like a movie set. I have seen it so many times that much of it seemed familiar. What I didn't understand was the magnitude of its size. How could people in the 1st century AD build something with so grand? The Colosseum seated 50,000 people. Do you know why there are so many holes around the Colosseum?
One of the most interesting things about Rome is that when they are building, if they run into a ruin, construction has to stop. Many times you will see that a building is built either above the ruin or right next to the ruin. In the case of being built on top of the ruin, they either have the ruin enclosed in glass or just open to the air. Very interesting.
We are told that many Romans leave Rome and head to the beach for the weekends in the summer time. So, we are told that Rome is not too crowded with Romans right now.
Tonight is our tour's farewell dinner. Tomorrow morning, we will walk to the Trevi Fountain, and the rest of the day is free until 5:15 when we have a private Vatican Tour. Can't wait!
Ciao!
Wednesday, July 15, 2009
Siena
Yesterday afternoon Marka and I met our tour guide at Piazzale Michelangelo for some photos of the stunning landscape of Florence. After the photos, we had dinner at Il Profeta, one of the best meals, yet.
Got up early and took off for Siena. The drive to Siena was gorgeous. Our tour guide Debi said we were not spending enough time in Siena to really see everything, but at least we would see enough to decide if we would ever want to come back. I was able to see the head of St. Catheriniana, one of the the patron saints of Siena. She look pretty good for being dead for almost 700 years! I also stood in the middle of the Campo and learned about this strange custom that the Sienese are fanatical about.
Onward to Rome. The road to Rome was mostly rolling farm land. This time of year, the landscape if blanketed with sunflower fields which were in full bloom. We got here around 5:30 pm and had 7:30 dinner reservations at a restaurant called Taverna Flavia...another great meal. The St. Regis Hotel is located in the heart of Rome and it is amazing.
Tomorrow, St. Peter's Bascilica and even more!
Ciao!
Got up early and took off for Siena. The drive to Siena was gorgeous. Our tour guide Debi said we were not spending enough time in Siena to really see everything, but at least we would see enough to decide if we would ever want to come back. I was able to see the head of St. Catheriniana, one of the the patron saints of Siena. She look pretty good for being dead for almost 700 years! I also stood in the middle of the Campo and learned about this strange custom that the Sienese are fanatical about.
Onward to Rome. The road to Rome was mostly rolling farm land. This time of year, the landscape if blanketed with sunflower fields which were in full bloom. We got here around 5:30 pm and had 7:30 dinner reservations at a restaurant called Taverna Flavia...another great meal. The St. Regis Hotel is located in the heart of Rome and it is amazing.
Tomorrow, St. Peter's Bascilica and even more!
Ciao!
Tuesday, July 14, 2009
Best wine, so far!
Today, had a wonderful buffet breakfast at the hotel. Boarded a bus and headed off to the Accademia to see the real David...fantastic! After listening to someone who is passionate about this extrordinary work of art explain it in detail, I now have a new appreciation of this piece and can understand the pride the people of Florence feel for it.
Onward to the Uffizi to see a painting by Michelangelo (The Holy Family?) and many other amazing works of art too numerous to mention. After lunch at a weird cafe that turned out to be Moroccan or something and very forgettable, I went to Santa Croce, where the who's who of Florence are entombed: Michelangelo, Galileo, Machiavelli, and Rossini, to name a few.
So far, this is my favorite city in Italy. Love it! Want to spend lots more time here, but tomorrow, we're off to Siena, the rival of Florence.
Buona Sera!
Onward to the Uffizi to see a painting by Michelangelo (The Holy Family?) and many other amazing works of art too numerous to mention. After lunch at a weird cafe that turned out to be Moroccan or something and very forgettable, I went to Santa Croce, where the who's who of Florence are entombed: Michelangelo, Galileo, Machiavelli, and Rossini, to name a few.
So far, this is my favorite city in Italy. Love it! Want to spend lots more time here, but tomorrow, we're off to Siena, the rival of Florence.
Buona Sera!
Monday, July 13, 2009
Debbie & David
After breakfast we boarded a water taxi to the train station. This was my first experience with the train system in Europe. How very efficient, comfortable, and clean this experience was! As we traveled along the Italian countryside, at first it did not look that different than the views along highway 70 between St. Louis and Kansas City...corn fields, etc. Then, it was apparent that the scenery was changing. Tuscany is beautiful just like the many paintings you have seen of rolling hills and quaint homes surrounded by those tall evergreen trees (cypress?).
After we arrived at our hotel, The Excelsior, we were treated to a very interesting introductory art lecture by a Syracuse professor. Lunch was delicious. Debi, our tour guide, told us that the food in Florence is the best. The buffet we had did not disappoint. After lunch we went on an orientation walking tour with a Whisper Guide. We learned about the city and how absolutely lovely it is. The people take great pride in their city. Our guide told us Sienna is the rival city to Florence, and that they hate each other. We go to Sienna on Wednesday. Florence is very clean, in contrast to Milan and Venice (though Venice was cleaner than I thought it would be). The wrought iron lamps on the buildings, the cobbled streets, the gates, flower boxes on windows, wine shops, restaurants, shops...all unique.
I am really enjoying the whisper guides. This is where you wear an earpiece and have a transmitter. The guide talks into the mic and these actually have pretty good range. Then, you do not have to stand so close together just to hear what the guide is saying. Very cool.
One thing did not change throughout Italy, so far, the cars and Vespas, motorcycles, bicycles will ALL run you down.
On our walking tour today, we saw The Duomo from the outside. I would like to see the inside, though our guide said we would probably be let down because the outside is much more beautiful than inside. Tomorrow, a tour of Accademia, the Uffizi Art Gallery and lots more. Stay tuned!
Arrivederci!
After we arrived at our hotel, The Excelsior, we were treated to a very interesting introductory art lecture by a Syracuse professor. Lunch was delicious. Debi, our tour guide, told us that the food in Florence is the best. The buffet we had did not disappoint. After lunch we went on an orientation walking tour with a Whisper Guide. We learned about the city and how absolutely lovely it is. The people take great pride in their city. Our guide told us Sienna is the rival city to Florence, and that they hate each other. We go to Sienna on Wednesday. Florence is very clean, in contrast to Milan and Venice (though Venice was cleaner than I thought it would be). The wrought iron lamps on the buildings, the cobbled streets, the gates, flower boxes on windows, wine shops, restaurants, shops...all unique.
I am really enjoying the whisper guides. This is where you wear an earpiece and have a transmitter. The guide talks into the mic and these actually have pretty good range. Then, you do not have to stand so close together just to hear what the guide is saying. Very cool.
One thing did not change throughout Italy, so far, the cars and Vespas, motorcycles, bicycles will ALL run you down.
On our walking tour today, we saw The Duomo from the outside. I would like to see the inside, though our guide said we would probably be let down because the outside is much more beautiful than inside. Tomorrow, a tour of Accademia, the Uffizi Art Gallery and lots more. Stay tuned!
Arrivederci!
Sunday, July 12, 2009
Buon Giorno from the Rialto Bridge!
This is Debi, our tour director, and I on the Rialto Bridge. Venice is the most unique city I have ever visited. It is an even more exciting experience than I thought it was going to be. I didn't realize it covered so much area. Everywhere you wander, you come across a quaint little winding street that has shops and restaurants.
Debi took us on a vaporetto ride up part of the Grand Canal this morning (off tour). Along the way we got to see prime examples of Gothic, Renaissance and Baroque Palaces. It was a great way to sort of interact with the locals because the ride was early, leaving the dock in front of our hotel at 8:30 a.m. Most of the people boarding and disembarking were locals going to and from work or perhaps, Mass. We disembarked at the Rialto Bridge and walked back to St. Mark's through the city's charming alleyways. Then, Debi escorted us to the Murano Glass mainland shop and demonstration facility. The glass blowing demonstration was very interesting. I learned how to spot an authentic piece of Murano glass, what chemicals are used to change colors, two techniques for creating mosaic glass, how to make a sculpture, etc. Then, I was bullied into picking out a piece for my birthday. The piece is being mailed home and should arrive in 4 to 6 weeks. I can't wait to see it. To see a picture of the piece, go to my Flickr account by clicking on the picture of Debi and me on the Rialto Bridge and click on the Italy set.
The rest of the day we walked around Venice, soaking up the city and enjoying a glass of wine here and there along the way. Tomorrow we're off to Florence!
Debi took us on a vaporetto ride up part of the Grand Canal this morning (off tour). Along the way we got to see prime examples of Gothic, Renaissance and Baroque Palaces. It was a great way to sort of interact with the locals because the ride was early, leaving the dock in front of our hotel at 8:30 a.m. Most of the people boarding and disembarking were locals going to and from work or perhaps, Mass. We disembarked at the Rialto Bridge and walked back to St. Mark's through the city's charming alleyways. Then, Debi escorted us to the Murano Glass mainland shop and demonstration facility. The glass blowing demonstration was very interesting. I learned how to spot an authentic piece of Murano glass, what chemicals are used to change colors, two techniques for creating mosaic glass, how to make a sculpture, etc. Then, I was bullied into picking out a piece for my birthday. The piece is being mailed home and should arrive in 4 to 6 weeks. I can't wait to see it. To see a picture of the piece, go to my Flickr account by clicking on the picture of Debi and me on the Rialto Bridge and click on the Italy set.
The rest of the day we walked around Venice, soaking up the city and enjoying a glass of wine here and there along the way. Tomorrow we're off to Florence!
Saturday, July 11, 2009
Volare, Oh, Oh...
We left Lugano this morning and arrived in Venice this afternoon. After a quick lunch at the Hotel Danieli, where we are staying, we were off on a tour of St. Mark's Basilica and Doge's Palace. St. Mark's was another spectacular cathedral. Lots of history and symbolism. What struck me the most were the beautiful mosaic designs on the floor. Doge's Palace was okay, the ceiling in the main staircases were unbelievable as was the structure of the roof/ceiling in the 'largest single room without pillars in all of Europe' (almost sounded like largest ball of twine). Very impressive engineering feet, especially given that it was built in the 14th century.
We had a delicious dinner at Antico Martini's.
On a sad note, my computer was damaged in transit. I will try to keep these posts coming as Internet access is available. Ciao!
We had a delicious dinner at Antico Martini's.
On a sad note, my computer was damaged in transit. I will try to keep these posts coming as Internet access is available. Ciao!
Friday, July 10, 2009
Lake Como and Bellagio, Bellisimo!
Wish I could upload a pic for today because Lake Como and Bellagio are indescribably beautiful. As they say, a picture is worth a thousand words. Internet is not reliable, and I am working from a hotel computer and can not upload my pics from here.
We drove to Lake Como from Lugano this morning on very narrow mountainside roads. Took a tour of Villa Carlotta, a beautiful palace completed in 1690. The grounds and gardens were fantastic and contained over 500 species of plants and flowers. Carlotta was a party animal, but she died young during childbirth. The museum inside was impressive and contained many paintings and scupltures of a young woman dying and being comforted by an angel. Interesting place. From here we boarded a tour boat and headed to Bellagio.
I can see how Bellagio, Las Vegas was inspired by Bellagio, Lake Como. However, the original Bellagio wins on all counts. It is more beautiful, quaint, and many more affordable shops and restaurants are available. The main street goes straight up. You need to climb many stairs to get up to the top of the town. There are shops and restaurants along the way. At the top of Bellagio is a very narrow street that can only fit a smaller car going one way. Pedestrians have to stand in doorways to allow the cars to pass. The apartments have flowers boxes hanging from the windows. The town is very neat and clean. The only bad experience we had was the waitress that served us at an adorable lakeside cafe hated Mooie and was shockingly rude to her.
After we left Bellagio, we took an hour long boat ride to Como. Along the way we passed the George Clooney (and the one he bought his parents located next door) and Richard Branson (Virgin Records owner) villas. We also saw the villa of Virsace. The scenery was breathtaking.
Tomorrow, off to Venezia!
We drove to Lake Como from Lugano this morning on very narrow mountainside roads. Took a tour of Villa Carlotta, a beautiful palace completed in 1690. The grounds and gardens were fantastic and contained over 500 species of plants and flowers. Carlotta was a party animal, but she died young during childbirth. The museum inside was impressive and contained many paintings and scupltures of a young woman dying and being comforted by an angel. Interesting place. From here we boarded a tour boat and headed to Bellagio.
I can see how Bellagio, Las Vegas was inspired by Bellagio, Lake Como. However, the original Bellagio wins on all counts. It is more beautiful, quaint, and many more affordable shops and restaurants are available. The main street goes straight up. You need to climb many stairs to get up to the top of the town. There are shops and restaurants along the way. At the top of Bellagio is a very narrow street that can only fit a smaller car going one way. Pedestrians have to stand in doorways to allow the cars to pass. The apartments have flowers boxes hanging from the windows. The town is very neat and clean. The only bad experience we had was the waitress that served us at an adorable lakeside cafe hated Mooie and was shockingly rude to her.
After we left Bellagio, we took an hour long boat ride to Como. Along the way we passed the George Clooney (and the one he bought his parents located next door) and Richard Branson (Virgin Records owner) villas. We also saw the villa of Virsace. The scenery was breathtaking.
Tomorrow, off to Venezia!
Thursday, July 9, 2009
A View from our Balcony
Lugano, Switzerland is gorgeous! The homes are nestled in the mountains and along the shore of Lake Lugano. The water is a beautiful blue-green and the air is crisp. There is even a little snow left on the mountains, the Alps. I walked the length of the lake and back to our hotel. There were lots of people walking their pets, strolling along, eating gellato, sitting on park benches, and relaxing. I could get used to living here! Lake Como tomorrow. Ciao!
Wednesday, July 8, 2009
Leonardo Da Vinci
Took a tour of Milan. Got to see Piazza Duomo, Teatro Alla Scala (WOW!), Basilicia S.M. delle Grazie, where 'The Last Supper' is displayed, and the Galleria, a fashion mall with an iron and glass arcade that links Milan's Cathedral to its opera house.
Tuesday, July 7, 2009
I'm in Milan!
It was a long day of travel, but we're finally here. Trying to stay awake in order to prevent jet lag. We walked around a bit, but don't really know what we saw. Tomorrow, we are taking a tour that will include "The Last Supper".
Monday, July 6, 2009
Up, up and away!
I'm sitting in JFK airport in New York waiting for my flight to Milan, Italy! I can't believe my trip has finally begun. License Plate Game update: 47/50 plates. I only need Hawaii, New Hampshire, and North Carolina. Next game update in two weeks. I'll get some pics up as soon as I find something interesting. (Happy Birthday, Jeanne!)
Saturday, July 4, 2009
Two Days to Go!
Only two days to go and it's Italy here I come! License plate game update: 45/50 plates. Remaining plates - Hawaii, Louisiana, Mississippi, New Hampshire, and North Carolina. I know I must have seen LA, MS and NC. I just need to concentrate more. Pic uploaded to Flickr and directly to Blogger from Flickr...pretty cool! Happy 4th of July!
Wednesday, July 1, 2009
Five days to go!
Only five days to go, and I can't wait! I found North Dakota today. That means the grand total, so far, is 43/50 states. I'm trying to figure out the best way to take and upload images quickly. There are so many options, it's making my head spin. This one was taken, downloaded to my desktop and uploaded directly to Blogger. Isn't Gracie cute?
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)