Family trip report - France, Switzerland and Italy...
Jul 14th, 2007, 04:30 PM
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Family trip report - France, Switzerland and Italy...
Greetings and GIANT thank you to everyone. My family sang my praises all through the vacation and that was in great part to you all for your amazing advice and resources.
I will write a little today - and share more -
Day one:
We are picked up by the limo much to the girls (10 and 13 delight) and head off for LAX for our flight to Paris. We are all in rare form. I am so excited and it is hard to believe we are finally going. My first long dreamt of and long awaited trip to Europe.
Not off to a good start... bad weather all over the country is holding up flights.. I start to worry a tad about our connection to Paris - we only have a 50 minute layover...
We leave 45 minutes late and I am quietly praying for made up time... we dash to the counter in Dallas - plane it still there! Fantastic!!! Oh wait... too quick... not so good.. they will not let us on??? They gave away our seats? :::
eep sigh::: We are told to go to the counter ....
Counter is not helpful or encouraging - ask for supervisor. Not going well - we are being told it will be 4 days before they can get us on a flight... we can fly to New York, or Miami or Boston (I am asking them all these routes) Can we get to London? Can we get to Zurich? Where can you get me? little cooperation. They finally after about 45 minutes say that we can fly to Santigo Chile??? and then head to Paris on a flight the next day. I am very nervous about this routing - my dh says let's do it.
Okay...
We fly 9 hours to Santigo - arriving first thing in the morning. Our flight to Paris is late in the afternoon. We head to Admira's Club and shower - and dh buys us all Chile t-shirts (making mental note to buy my own shirt in the future - a 39 year old woman with a pink tshirt that says "Chile" with a pengiun on it is NOT a pretty picture).
It is winter in Chile..we have sandals et on - no use in even attempting to go out and explore - and frankly none of us where in the mood.
I busy myself emailing the hotel in Paris, our tour guide for the following day and our friends we were to met for dinner for their 20th wedding anniversary - everyone recieves the messages and that is a relief in part to me.
We head to the counter after a rather long uneventful day of cards (if I play UNO again I might scream) and alas..the Airfrance counter shares with me that if they do not find our luggage (which is MIA 7 hours after arrival) that they will not let us on the plane??? I have honestly never heard of such a thing in all our travels.. she also shares that American Airlines did not "pay" enough for our tickets so their is an issue there.
Not really feeling great right now. Dh and I are staying cool and do not want to alarm the girls et... so we wait it out while they are sorting this mess out...
All works out and we end up on a flight to Paris and arrive 13 hours later making it about 48 travel tim to get from LAX to Chile...
The airport was seamless, our bags DID get there (we were thrilled) and our driver that the hotel Du Lourve arranged arrived no problem. Yippeee! We are off. Our driver was delightful. Watching he and my dh speak was a hoot in itself (dh trying to speak French and the driver trying to understand him!)
The hotel Du Lourve was fantastic. They welcomed us and our rooms were ready. We got 2 adjoining rooms - one Jr. Suite and one connecting standard room - on the corner over looking the Lourve. The location worked great for us. The hotel had a special of 50% of the second room including a very nice breakfast daily.
We headed out to explore a little and get our bearings...walking around the outside of the Lourve and then doing the river Sienne. We had a nice if not great lunch/dinner at a little cafe across from the river. Nothing to write home to Mom but at this point I am thrilled to be in Paris.
Dh and youngest dd (who has been very sick) are tired and want to sleep. I am not going to fight them but am worried they will be up at 3:30 am ... they head back to the hotel and my 13 year old and I go out and explore some more. We headed to the shopping galleries - oh I have to recall the name. La Fayette?? They were having an amazing sale and we were overwhelmed. The very beauty of the ceiling was something else. We did not purchase anything - but had a good time window shopping. We were rathering boring and grabbed a starbucks (yes, we are fans) on the way back to the hotel. By now it is after 7:00 pm and we are ready to call it a night. I know rather boring but happy to be in Paris!
Day 2: Paris - we wake up but not too early... head down to a lovely buffet breakfast - the french toast was to DIE for (and I am not even crazy about french toast) someone here I think recommded bringing your own sweetner (equal/Splenda) and I am glad I did - I used it in my coffee all over Europe. Anyway - we headed out for the day - with no real plan. I am slightly off schedule as we were supposed to tour with a lovely man named Scott - Micheal's partner on Sat but I had to cancel due to our flight issues. That was going to give us an idea of Paris and what we wanted to follow up on.
The Lourve is free today and for this reason I want to avoid it - we stroll through the grounds and the parks and head to the Eiffel tower - shopping and eating along the way.
The day is glorious - the sun is shining and it is cool and brisk - a perfect sight seeing day in Paris if you ask me! The girls love the buidlings and the shopping. I am in awe of it all. They do not want to go "up" the Eiffle tower - so we do head back... tomorrow we decide to go to the Lourve first thing in the morning before our 4:00 pm train to Switzerland. Dinner tonight was at another small cafe - again nothing to write home about...but the company was great - we love chatting with everyone and are all truly happy to be there.
Day 3: Opppss... we over sleep horribly. Jetlag is really getting to us. We did not use a wake up call and slept till 11:00 am!!! I double check the train tickets and we have an issue - we ARRIVE in Montruex at 4:00 something... not leave at 4:00 something. I feel horrible. We are scrambling to leave - our youngest is very sad as she was dying to see the Mona Lisa as she has studyied it in her "meet the masters" program in school.
We have a pretty grouchy group over all and manange to get to the train station and on the train just on time.
Side note -- I know that it is often shared here that it is not a good idea to buy your train tickets while still here in the states - I know I paid more for them - having said that - it was worth it to me. As a first time Europe traveler - being with children - it made it less stressful (in theroy if one reads the schedule right LOL)
The train ride itself proves to be very relaxing... lovely scenery and we play more cards (Uno of course)...
We change trains in Switzerland and end up in Montruex at around 4:00 pm. We checked into the Grand Suisee-Majestic and are pleasantly surprised. It recieved mixed reviews on Trip Advisor and I am a little nervous. We have again a Jr. Suite which connects with a regular room over looking the lake. I had read no A/C but there was AC in our rooms and the terrace is so nice to sit out on and over look the lake. I am concerned that there is a street below us but that does not prove to be noisey at all and you cannot see it from the terrace and it does not imped the view of the lake and mountains at all. I am in awe of the majesty and how breathtaking everything is...
we head out for a fondue dinner that proves to be the best meal thus far - the kids loved it - the staff was so outgoing and helpful. We are having a great time.
Day 4: A lovely day in Switzerland.. a little cold for this Southern California girl but over all very nice weather - it starts to rain on and off but we walk down to the Castle of Chillon and we all LOVED it. The walk along the lake was so pretty - and not too far about a 45 minute walk.
The Castle itself was a blast for all. They have a basic self guided written tour and it made the castle that much more interesting. I definately suggest taking the time to read it. The girls were in awe as were dh and I. We took a few hours in the Castle and then headed back by boat to Montreux. It was raining much harder now and we are still really jet lagged. I decide to rest in the room and dh takes the girls - out to find a movie or bike ride - neither of which appeal to me (bike ride in the rain?). We have a great dinner at La Rouvenaz - the first resturant worth noting by name. It was an Italian resturant right up the street. Great food and service.
Day 5: We are planning a trip the a cheese factory and a chocolate factory. The front desk was very helpful with figuring out the train schedules et. We are still waking up late?? And struggle to get to the train on time - we arrive to purchase the tickets and are told that due to the rain the tracks were washed out on the way to Guryer (I know I am spelling that wrong) and Broc (I think I never got that far on understanding) but we can take a bus and then a train, blah, blah. I am VERY reluctant to do this - my mind is saying "rain, washed out track, do not really know where I am et et - have two children with me" Dh is saying "oh great an adventure." I manage not to say a word and go along with it. We get onto a very over crowded bus with no seats left and barely room to stand. I am really thinking this is a BAD idea. We are dropped off in what we think is Guryer but the bus driver says "I do not know where the train station is" okay... now we are standing in the rain on a street corner. I am NOT happy - still not saying anything. I see a Castle up on the hill and say "maybe it is up there?" as we have no other altenative - no one we approached spoke english- we trudge up the hill in the rain. Our 10 year old has been very sick and I am worried... she starts to cough et. Ugh. We get up to the top and there is a cute little town - we head into a hotel/resturant to eat and I am trying to decide if I should ask for a room? LOL - we manage to find the cheese factory after lunch (that was by luck definately!) and take a tour - of which I would definately pass on in the future. Still very confused on how we are going to get back to Montreux. Dh is still intent on going to the chocolate factory in Broc. It is getting late.. 2:00 or so and I am concerned and finally voice it. Dh agrees we should just try to head back - that was another adventure and we finally after a few trains and a long bus ride get back to Montruex after 6:00 or so. Not the best day eh? We opt to be boring and eat at the same Italian resturant and call it a day.
Day 6: Off to Italy! I am stressed out over the train situation and we do get a wake up call this day (gee - we are slow learners eh?) I head to the desk first thing to see if they can tell me if the trains are running to Milan and get a "no problem" I have since learned it is VERY unusual for Swiss trains to be out - and that was I am sure why everyone at the train stations et were so harried and confused. We head out to Milan and I am happy to be on a train headed in the right direction.
More Uno to be played and a lovely train ride passed the northern lake region and through the Alps - breath taking. Change trains in Milan and head to Florence no problems (side note: baggage - while there is plenty of space - be sure you can lift your own bags over your head and that it is not too large to fit in the over head area. We had WAY too many bags and it was a little stressful).
We arrive at the train station and head to the hotel to pick up the keys to our apartment (if after 6:00 pm this is how they arranged the key pick up). This goes seemlessly - I am a little freaked out by the driving in Florence - much worse then even Mexico! - The apartment was amazing in Florence - fresco painting on the ceiling. In the center of the city - we truly loved it
It is on Via della Vigna Vecchia, 7 - second floor - very quiet - with AC -
http://www.rentvillas.com/PropertyDe...?Catalog=11983
Working with the rental company here in the states went very well. There was also an added pull out couch up in the loft where one of the AC units is and that was nice - our girls each got their own pull out sofa bed.
We had a wonderful dinner that night at a resturant from my fordors guide. I have not completely unpacked but when I do I will find the name for everyone. It was the best meal and least expensive thus far on our trip and I am enchanted, I mean just in love with Italy. The people, the food, the feeling in the air. I decide I LOVE Florence.
Day 7:
I will write later or tomorrow.. jet lag is setting in
Dawn
I will write a little today - and share more -
Day one:
We are picked up by the limo much to the girls (10 and 13 delight) and head off for LAX for our flight to Paris. We are all in rare form. I am so excited and it is hard to believe we are finally going. My first long dreamt of and long awaited trip to Europe.
Not off to a good start... bad weather all over the country is holding up flights.. I start to worry a tad about our connection to Paris - we only have a 50 minute layover...
We leave 45 minutes late and I am quietly praying for made up time... we dash to the counter in Dallas - plane it still there! Fantastic!!! Oh wait... too quick... not so good.. they will not let us on??? They gave away our seats? :::
eep sigh::: We are told to go to the counter ....Counter is not helpful or encouraging - ask for supervisor. Not going well - we are being told it will be 4 days before they can get us on a flight... we can fly to New York, or Miami or Boston (I am asking them all these routes) Can we get to London? Can we get to Zurich? Where can you get me? little cooperation. They finally after about 45 minutes say that we can fly to Santigo Chile??? and then head to Paris on a flight the next day. I am very nervous about this routing - my dh says let's do it.
Okay...
We fly 9 hours to Santigo - arriving first thing in the morning. Our flight to Paris is late in the afternoon. We head to Admira's Club and shower - and dh buys us all Chile t-shirts (making mental note to buy my own shirt in the future - a 39 year old woman with a pink tshirt that says "Chile" with a pengiun on it is NOT a pretty picture).
It is winter in Chile..we have sandals et on - no use in even attempting to go out and explore - and frankly none of us where in the mood.
I busy myself emailing the hotel in Paris, our tour guide for the following day and our friends we were to met for dinner for their 20th wedding anniversary - everyone recieves the messages and that is a relief in part to me.
We head to the counter after a rather long uneventful day of cards (if I play UNO again I might scream) and alas..the Airfrance counter shares with me that if they do not find our luggage (which is MIA 7 hours after arrival) that they will not let us on the plane??? I have honestly never heard of such a thing in all our travels.. she also shares that American Airlines did not "pay" enough for our tickets so their is an issue there.
Not really feeling great right now. Dh and I are staying cool and do not want to alarm the girls et... so we wait it out while they are sorting this mess out...
All works out and we end up on a flight to Paris and arrive 13 hours later making it about 48 travel tim to get from LAX to Chile...
The airport was seamless, our bags DID get there (we were thrilled) and our driver that the hotel Du Lourve arranged arrived no problem. Yippeee! We are off. Our driver was delightful. Watching he and my dh speak was a hoot in itself (dh trying to speak French and the driver trying to understand him!)
The hotel Du Lourve was fantastic. They welcomed us and our rooms were ready. We got 2 adjoining rooms - one Jr. Suite and one connecting standard room - on the corner over looking the Lourve. The location worked great for us. The hotel had a special of 50% of the second room including a very nice breakfast daily.
We headed out to explore a little and get our bearings...walking around the outside of the Lourve and then doing the river Sienne. We had a nice if not great lunch/dinner at a little cafe across from the river. Nothing to write home to Mom but at this point I am thrilled to be in Paris.
Dh and youngest dd (who has been very sick) are tired and want to sleep. I am not going to fight them but am worried they will be up at 3:30 am ... they head back to the hotel and my 13 year old and I go out and explore some more. We headed to the shopping galleries - oh I have to recall the name. La Fayette?? They were having an amazing sale and we were overwhelmed. The very beauty of the ceiling was something else. We did not purchase anything - but had a good time window shopping. We were rathering boring and grabbed a starbucks (yes, we are fans) on the way back to the hotel. By now it is after 7:00 pm and we are ready to call it a night. I know rather boring but happy to be in Paris!
Day 2: Paris - we wake up but not too early... head down to a lovely buffet breakfast - the french toast was to DIE for (and I am not even crazy about french toast) someone here I think recommded bringing your own sweetner (equal/Splenda) and I am glad I did - I used it in my coffee all over Europe. Anyway - we headed out for the day - with no real plan. I am slightly off schedule as we were supposed to tour with a lovely man named Scott - Micheal's partner on Sat but I had to cancel due to our flight issues. That was going to give us an idea of Paris and what we wanted to follow up on.
The Lourve is free today and for this reason I want to avoid it - we stroll through the grounds and the parks and head to the Eiffel tower - shopping and eating along the way.
The day is glorious - the sun is shining and it is cool and brisk - a perfect sight seeing day in Paris if you ask me! The girls love the buidlings and the shopping. I am in awe of it all. They do not want to go "up" the Eiffle tower - so we do head back... tomorrow we decide to go to the Lourve first thing in the morning before our 4:00 pm train to Switzerland. Dinner tonight was at another small cafe - again nothing to write home about...but the company was great - we love chatting with everyone and are all truly happy to be there.
Day 3: Opppss... we over sleep horribly. Jetlag is really getting to us. We did not use a wake up call and slept till 11:00 am!!! I double check the train tickets and we have an issue - we ARRIVE in Montruex at 4:00 something... not leave at 4:00 something. I feel horrible. We are scrambling to leave - our youngest is very sad as she was dying to see the Mona Lisa as she has studyied it in her "meet the masters" program in school.
We have a pretty grouchy group over all and manange to get to the train station and on the train just on time.
Side note -- I know that it is often shared here that it is not a good idea to buy your train tickets while still here in the states - I know I paid more for them - having said that - it was worth it to me. As a first time Europe traveler - being with children - it made it less stressful (in theroy if one reads the schedule right LOL)
The train ride itself proves to be very relaxing... lovely scenery and we play more cards (Uno of course)...
We change trains in Switzerland and end up in Montruex at around 4:00 pm. We checked into the Grand Suisee-Majestic and are pleasantly surprised. It recieved mixed reviews on Trip Advisor and I am a little nervous. We have again a Jr. Suite which connects with a regular room over looking the lake. I had read no A/C but there was AC in our rooms and the terrace is so nice to sit out on and over look the lake. I am concerned that there is a street below us but that does not prove to be noisey at all and you cannot see it from the terrace and it does not imped the view of the lake and mountains at all. I am in awe of the majesty and how breathtaking everything is...
we head out for a fondue dinner that proves to be the best meal thus far - the kids loved it - the staff was so outgoing and helpful. We are having a great time.
Day 4: A lovely day in Switzerland.. a little cold for this Southern California girl but over all very nice weather - it starts to rain on and off but we walk down to the Castle of Chillon and we all LOVED it. The walk along the lake was so pretty - and not too far about a 45 minute walk.
The Castle itself was a blast for all. They have a basic self guided written tour and it made the castle that much more interesting. I definately suggest taking the time to read it. The girls were in awe as were dh and I. We took a few hours in the Castle and then headed back by boat to Montreux. It was raining much harder now and we are still really jet lagged. I decide to rest in the room and dh takes the girls - out to find a movie or bike ride - neither of which appeal to me (bike ride in the rain?). We have a great dinner at La Rouvenaz - the first resturant worth noting by name. It was an Italian resturant right up the street. Great food and service.
Day 5: We are planning a trip the a cheese factory and a chocolate factory. The front desk was very helpful with figuring out the train schedules et. We are still waking up late?? And struggle to get to the train on time - we arrive to purchase the tickets and are told that due to the rain the tracks were washed out on the way to Guryer (I know I am spelling that wrong) and Broc (I think I never got that far on understanding) but we can take a bus and then a train, blah, blah. I am VERY reluctant to do this - my mind is saying "rain, washed out track, do not really know where I am et et - have two children with me" Dh is saying "oh great an adventure." I manage not to say a word and go along with it. We get onto a very over crowded bus with no seats left and barely room to stand. I am really thinking this is a BAD idea. We are dropped off in what we think is Guryer but the bus driver says "I do not know where the train station is" okay... now we are standing in the rain on a street corner. I am NOT happy - still not saying anything. I see a Castle up on the hill and say "maybe it is up there?" as we have no other altenative - no one we approached spoke english- we trudge up the hill in the rain. Our 10 year old has been very sick and I am worried... she starts to cough et. Ugh. We get up to the top and there is a cute little town - we head into a hotel/resturant to eat and I am trying to decide if I should ask for a room? LOL - we manage to find the cheese factory after lunch (that was by luck definately!) and take a tour - of which I would definately pass on in the future. Still very confused on how we are going to get back to Montreux. Dh is still intent on going to the chocolate factory in Broc. It is getting late.. 2:00 or so and I am concerned and finally voice it. Dh agrees we should just try to head back - that was another adventure and we finally after a few trains and a long bus ride get back to Montruex after 6:00 or so. Not the best day eh? We opt to be boring and eat at the same Italian resturant and call it a day.
Day 6: Off to Italy! I am stressed out over the train situation and we do get a wake up call this day (gee - we are slow learners eh?) I head to the desk first thing to see if they can tell me if the trains are running to Milan and get a "no problem" I have since learned it is VERY unusual for Swiss trains to be out - and that was I am sure why everyone at the train stations et were so harried and confused. We head out to Milan and I am happy to be on a train headed in the right direction.
More Uno to be played and a lovely train ride passed the northern lake region and through the Alps - breath taking. Change trains in Milan and head to Florence no problems (side note: baggage - while there is plenty of space - be sure you can lift your own bags over your head and that it is not too large to fit in the over head area. We had WAY too many bags and it was a little stressful).
We arrive at the train station and head to the hotel to pick up the keys to our apartment (if after 6:00 pm this is how they arranged the key pick up). This goes seemlessly - I am a little freaked out by the driving in Florence - much worse then even Mexico! - The apartment was amazing in Florence - fresco painting on the ceiling. In the center of the city - we truly loved it
It is on Via della Vigna Vecchia, 7 - second floor - very quiet - with AC -
http://www.rentvillas.com/PropertyDe...?Catalog=11983
Working with the rental company here in the states went very well. There was also an added pull out couch up in the loft where one of the AC units is and that was nice - our girls each got their own pull out sofa bed.
We had a wonderful dinner that night at a resturant from my fordors guide. I have not completely unpacked but when I do I will find the name for everyone. It was the best meal and least expensive thus far on our trip and I am enchanted, I mean just in love with Italy. The people, the food, the feeling in the air. I decide I LOVE Florence.
Day 7:
I will write later or tomorrow.. jet lag is setting in
Dawn
Jul 14th, 2007, 05:43 PM
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For some reason - it's great to hear about others' "everything goes wrong days" I have been laughing out loud for the last 10 minutes (though i know at the time it was not funny in the least - hopefully it is now)... I still cannot believe you flew to Chile to get to Paris - really??? We flew ATL - Prague - Paris and I complained! And the day about Gruyeres --- i totally understand! But, just so you know, we did it when the trains were running with our 3 kids in June and it is still quite a day to go Montreux - Gruyeres - Broc - Montreux. -- Move, Move, Move -- not enough time enjoy where you are - just get to the next destination.
Keep writing - I can't wait to hear about the rest.
Keep writing - I can't wait to hear about the rest.
Jul 14th, 2007, 05:55 PM
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Veebee,
I was delighted to read your report and got many chuckles out of it as well~ yes, many mishaps when traveling - and made more interesting by having two children with us. I have to share something that my 10 year old wrote in her journal (I got them both travel journals to log on the trip and have the memories hopefully always)... well, of course, being sisters and 10 and 13 - there can be some bickering that goes on between them. Dh and I had spoken to them endlessly about being loving to each other, speaking in kind voices et.
Well, in Chile - I guess I snapped pretty bad at dh (okay it happens - looking sheepishly around) - and dd wrote in her journal "Mom was worried about Julianna and I fighting and she and Daddy are the one fighting"
Ack... not exactly what I was dreaming of for her journal!
I was delighted to read your report and got many chuckles out of it as well~ yes, many mishaps when traveling - and made more interesting by having two children with us. I have to share something that my 10 year old wrote in her journal (I got them both travel journals to log on the trip and have the memories hopefully always)... well, of course, being sisters and 10 and 13 - there can be some bickering that goes on between them. Dh and I had spoken to them endlessly about being loving to each other, speaking in kind voices et.
Well, in Chile - I guess I snapped pretty bad at dh (okay it happens - looking sheepishly around) - and dd wrote in her journal "Mom was worried about Julianna and I fighting and she and Daddy are the one fighting"
Ack... not exactly what I was dreaming of for her journal!
Jul 15th, 2007, 02:57 AM
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that is really funny...and you can't imagine fighting until you have my three. I lectured them on manners ad nauseum before our trip - told them that European children are very well mannered, etc.. every time they saw a small child misbehave - they said "See, it isn't true!"
For me, the difficult part with the boys was keeping them their voices down - seemed we were the loudest family everywhere we went including the beach!
For me, the difficult part with the boys was keeping them their voices down - seemed we were the loudest family everywhere we went including the beach!
Jul 15th, 2007, 06:53 AM
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veebee - I am literally LOL - my 13 year old is loud here in the states... we have always been telling her "use your inside voice" but I felt like at the crowded dinners sitting right next to others we were always the loudest. I was always saying shhhh...
but I felt like at the crowded dinners sitting right next to others we were always the loudest. I was always saying shhhh...
Jul 15th, 2007, 07:11 AM
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Day 7: Florence - I am really happy to be in Italy - the weather is lovely - not too hot (I am told over and over again over the next week how lucky we are to have the weather we did - it really was not too hot - even in Rome). Dh woke up and went out for coffee and breakfast supplies - we are in an apartment now!
The rental agency came by to make sure we got in okay and see if we had any questions - no issues. We really love the apartment - the orginal frescos on the ceilings and walls - it was amazing.
We head out this morning and I am on a mission. I feel like we missed out in Paris and Montreux and it is bothering me slightly. I want to get to the museums and see the art history - not sure how the crew is going to hold up but we are off! First stop was to drop off dh's laundry - found a great place that was only 13 Euros of several bags of his clothing. It was done by nightfall. Good move.
We headed directly to the IL BARGELLO which was right by our apartment. No one in the family is as enchanted as I am - but they appear slightly intested at least. We spend an hour or so and move on -
Off we go to the Duomo - my dh is VERY moved by this - he actually got teary eyed - he is Italian and being to his "home land" for the first time is over whelming him - it is very sweet to see. Youngest dd and Dad decide they want to climb up - I am going to pass - and my 13 year old and I go downstairs to check out more - and then go outside to sit on the steps and take it all in.
Unfortunately dh and youngest decide after the line that they do not want to climb up. We head off for lunch - another amazing meal in Florence - Fodors really had great suggestions on where to dine. This was a very minimal place with a daily menu that they wrote out. Most of the dinners where Italian there on lunch - it is only open for lunch and cheap and wonderful. DD has the best ravilios we have ever tasted.
I want to head to the Accademia, I am in the midst of reading "Agony and Ecstacy" and entralled with Michelangelo... no one else is feeling the love. LOL
We end up shopping till we drop at the street fares - everyone is having a blast and I am sure they are done with musuems for the day. Great leather, lots of goodies to bought today.
Dh decides he would like fish tonight - no more pastas (never thought I would hear him say that) We find another resturant in the fodors guide and it is a home run on the fish. Not as great for the pasta dishes the rest of us continued to indulge in but dh is happy.
More gelato and calling it a night...
The rental agency came by to make sure we got in okay and see if we had any questions - no issues. We really love the apartment - the orginal frescos on the ceilings and walls - it was amazing.
We head out this morning and I am on a mission. I feel like we missed out in Paris and Montreux and it is bothering me slightly. I want to get to the museums and see the art history - not sure how the crew is going to hold up but we are off! First stop was to drop off dh's laundry - found a great place that was only 13 Euros of several bags of his clothing. It was done by nightfall. Good move.
We headed directly to the IL BARGELLO which was right by our apartment. No one in the family is as enchanted as I am - but they appear slightly intested at least. We spend an hour or so and move on -
Off we go to the Duomo - my dh is VERY moved by this - he actually got teary eyed - he is Italian and being to his "home land" for the first time is over whelming him - it is very sweet to see. Youngest dd and Dad decide they want to climb up - I am going to pass - and my 13 year old and I go downstairs to check out more - and then go outside to sit on the steps and take it all in.
Unfortunately dh and youngest decide after the line that they do not want to climb up. We head off for lunch - another amazing meal in Florence - Fodors really had great suggestions on where to dine. This was a very minimal place with a daily menu that they wrote out. Most of the dinners where Italian there on lunch - it is only open for lunch and cheap and wonderful. DD has the best ravilios we have ever tasted.
I want to head to the Accademia, I am in the midst of reading "Agony and Ecstacy" and entralled with Michelangelo... no one else is feeling the love. LOL
We end up shopping till we drop at the street fares - everyone is having a blast and I am sure they are done with musuems for the day. Great leather, lots of goodies to bought today.
Dh decides he would like fish tonight - no more pastas (never thought I would hear him say that) We find another resturant in the fodors guide and it is a home run on the fish. Not as great for the pasta dishes the rest of us continued to indulge in but dh is happy.
More gelato and calling it a night...
Jul 15th, 2007, 07:16 AM
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another thing I noted and wanted to comment on was this dress thing. It comes up so often here - what to wear - not to look like a tourist? I saw everything all over the map - I think you wear what you wear when you are at home - your choice. People have said here no sneakers - saw them all over Europe.
The biggest thing for me was having very comfortable shoes and a few pairs of them to switch out. Flats of course.
The biggest thing for me was having very comfortable shoes and a few pairs of them to switch out. Flats of course.
Jul 15th, 2007, 07:28 AM
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mms - how long were you in Paris? We really never got to experience it imo. Too short of a period of time. Everything I had planned and researched sort of fell to the side. I know that happens at times but I felt a little short changed.
Jul 15th, 2007, 07:50 AM
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Dawn--We arrived the morning of the 25th, and stayed for 3 days, then went to Bayeux for a few days, then came back to Paris for another 5 days. This was our second trip, but still, no matter how much we plan we still do a lot of winging it. Did your DD ever get very sick? I caught a nasty cold before we left and I have to say the pharmacie gave me some good stuff, lol!
Jul 15th, 2007, 09:10 AM
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yes, actuallly she did get very sick. I had posted a while ago, orginally we were to travel to Paris, and then to Jo'burg South Africa to work in orphanges for 5 days, do a safari, head to rome and then home. Our 10 year old got really sick and missed well into 3 plus weeks of school. Her doctor ended up saying no travel to Africa.
So we went Paris, Montreux, Florence, Rome. Interesting because Montreux and Florence were our favorites.
She did get sick and one day coming up in Florence I looked for a Dr. and ended up at the pharmacy - they called a Dr. for me, he was there in 20 minutes - examed dd in the back (with me of course) and wrote 3 perscriptions for her. She had a double ear infection and broncitis.
Glad you got your medication too! I found them to be very helpful in Italy.
So we went Paris, Montreux, Florence, Rome. Interesting because Montreux and Florence were our favorites.
She did get sick and one day coming up in Florence I looked for a Dr. and ended up at the pharmacy - they called a Dr. for me, he was there in 20 minutes - examed dd in the back (with me of course) and wrote 3 perscriptions for her. She had a double ear infection and broncitis.
Glad you got your medication too! I found them to be very helpful in Italy.
Jul 15th, 2007, 04:51 PM
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I think the trip planner - especially with kids - is likely to feel shortchanged - at least i definitely did. I spent all this time reading about all these things that were "must dos" and didn't get to see them at all or only run through barely glancing at them... The others - dh and kids - who had no expectations - weren't disappointed at all! Part of the problem was totally underestimating what can be done in a trip with kids. This was our first overseas adventure together - i honestly think i'll have more realistic expectations next time.
Jul 16th, 2007, 07:27 AM
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Veebee- I could have written that. I think that there is an aspect of me feeling shortchanged and I think I was too stressed in many ways because I had done all the planning et. If it was just dh and I; not sure I would have felt that way.
Mms - yes, she is doing a lot better - still not 100 percent. It has been a tough season so to speak - but it could be so much worse. Thank you again.
Mms - yes, she is doing a lot better - still not 100 percent. It has been a tough season so to speak - but it could be so much worse. Thank you again.
Jul 16th, 2007, 07:42 AM
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Day 8: Florence - It was a Sat. and I am struggling to recall what we did in the morning! I hate that. I will share our afternoon as it was obviously more memorable!
At 3:00 pm we met Emily Wise Miller - a tour guide booked through Context Tours to do a "food crawl". What fun this was! The family went a little begrudgingly - I was silently praying it was going to be a good experience... It turned out to be fantastic.
We spent 2 hours with Emily - doing tastings in various resturants - I was a little concerned as it was 3:00 pm and I know many resturants are closed - but my fears where put to rest.
We went to about 5 or 6 different places all with the focus on authentic Tuscan recipes et - the food was all coupled with an Italian wine to complement it (other then the Gelato we ended with).
Emily has a book called "The food lover's guide to Florence" with Cluinary excuriosn in Tuscany. I ended up purchasing it at a book store in Florence (there are two good English bookstores - one on Borgo Ognissanti - which had a larger selection then the other (which I cannot recall). I read a lot and had already gone through my books so this was a great thing for me to know!
Emily added more to her tour then just food - sharing a lot about Florence as we walked around. She has been living there for several years - and really knows her food. I recommend the tour for something a little different.
We purchased our tickets to see David that day - I was very excited about that. I highly recommend you do reservations if you are there in a high season like we were. There was a couple sitting next to us at lunch the day before who had waited 4 hours in line? We were not up for that.
We had a nice dinner in one of the many squares - with a very funny Italian waiter - and more gelato and called it a night!
Tomorrow we are seeing David and then training to Pisa.
At 3:00 pm we met Emily Wise Miller - a tour guide booked through Context Tours to do a "food crawl". What fun this was! The family went a little begrudgingly - I was silently praying it was going to be a good experience... It turned out to be fantastic.
We spent 2 hours with Emily - doing tastings in various resturants - I was a little concerned as it was 3:00 pm and I know many resturants are closed - but my fears where put to rest.
We went to about 5 or 6 different places all with the focus on authentic Tuscan recipes et - the food was all coupled with an Italian wine to complement it (other then the Gelato we ended with).
Emily has a book called "The food lover's guide to Florence" with Cluinary excuriosn in Tuscany. I ended up purchasing it at a book store in Florence (there are two good English bookstores - one on Borgo Ognissanti - which had a larger selection then the other (which I cannot recall). I read a lot and had already gone through my books so this was a great thing for me to know!
Emily added more to her tour then just food - sharing a lot about Florence as we walked around. She has been living there for several years - and really knows her food.
I recommend the tour for something a little different. We purchased our tickets to see David that day - I was very excited about that. I highly recommend you do reservations if you are there in a high season like we were. There was a couple sitting next to us at lunch the day before who had waited 4 hours in line? We were not up for that.
We had a nice dinner in one of the many squares - with a very funny Italian waiter - and more gelato and called it a night!
Tomorrow we are seeing David and then training to Pisa.
Jul 17th, 2007, 02:54 PM
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Day 9: after a nice breakfast in our apartment (btw, one of my favorite parts of Florence was being up in the morning before the family and just wandering the streets a little - it is very quiet in the am and a true delight). We are off to our reservations to see David. We arrive at 11:45 am - our reservations are for between 12:00 - 12:15 - They let us right in.
One of my highlights of the trip. We did get the audio portion that is offered through the museum. I would most likely not do that again for my girls. They like it better when I share with them out of books or my own knowelge. I did enjoy the audio portion as I do not know that much.
I am reading The Agony and the Ecstasy, the story about Michelangelo and it really brought his works to life for me. David seemed to be breathing - the veins in his hands...of course I am the only one of our family having this wonderous experience - they are actually staring at me like I am a little off my rocker ;-).
We got through the rest of the museum rather quickly and headed over to the train station - but not without futher shopping. We did a lot of shopping in Florence. The girls really enjoyed it.
Off on a train to Pisa -- took a little while for me to figure out the self service at the station (all our other tickets I had in advance).
We went to Pisa without anyone ever checking our tickets on the train. Definately should not have bothered with first class on this train. Not sure what the difference is - I never did find it.
Take a cab from the train station to the leaning tower. We had lunch in a very forgettable place - saw the tower and went back. I am glad we went but can say that it was not remarkable and I certainly would not ever stay in Pisa or would I recommend it. I know other differ in that opinion but it was our experience.
We head back on the train... this time they do check our tickets and I have completely purchased the wrong ones - pushed for 20 percent off. When they asked why I got 20 percent off - I smiled and said "because it let me" I still am not sure who qualifies for the 20 percent off but it was apparantly not us. LOL I had to pay the difference in cash.
The air conditioner did not work on the train but I have to say it felt like more of what I imagined an "Italian" train to feel like - with the commuters on the train and the windows open et. Not good for a long distance but I felt like it made it a bit of an adventure.
It is our last night in Florence and we return to the resturant we dined at the first night upon the girls request. Fantasic food again - wonderful service as well.
Afterwards the girls and I head over for some Gelato - and run into some very charming Italian men - one turns out to claim to be a "famous" tour guide noted on Fodors - Allasandro - shares he does tours of Tuscany et. Sure enough I looked him up upon coming home and their is mention of him.
My daughters are literally LOL as they insist these two men are flirting with me and find this to be the funniest thing they have ever seen. I assure them they are simply being kind.
Back to the apartment to pack up - we have to be out by 9:30 am and our train for Rome is not till almost 1:00 pm. Still struggling with how I did not request a later check out.
One of my highlights of the trip. We did get the audio portion that is offered through the museum. I would most likely not do that again for my girls. They like it better when I share with them out of books or my own knowelge. I did enjoy the audio portion as I do not know that much.
I am reading The Agony and the Ecstasy, the story about Michelangelo and it really brought his works to life for me. David seemed to be breathing - the veins in his hands...of course I am the only one of our family having this wonderous experience - they are actually staring at me like I am a little off my rocker ;-).
We got through the rest of the museum rather quickly and headed over to the train station - but not without futher shopping. We did a lot of shopping in Florence. The girls really enjoyed it.
Off on a train to Pisa -- took a little while for me to figure out the self service at the station (all our other tickets I had in advance).
We went to Pisa without anyone ever checking our tickets on the train. Definately should not have bothered with first class on this train. Not sure what the difference is - I never did find it.
Take a cab from the train station to the leaning tower. We had lunch in a very forgettable place - saw the tower and went back. I am glad we went but can say that it was not remarkable and I certainly would not ever stay in Pisa or would I recommend it. I know other differ in that opinion but it was our experience.
We head back on the train... this time they do check our tickets and I have completely purchased the wrong ones - pushed for 20 percent off. When they asked why I got 20 percent off - I smiled and said "because it let me" I still am not sure who qualifies for the 20 percent off but it was apparantly not us. LOL I had to pay the difference in cash.
The air conditioner did not work on the train but I have to say it felt like more of what I imagined an "Italian" train to feel like - with the commuters on the train and the windows open et. Not good for a long distance but I felt like it made it a bit of an adventure.
It is our last night in Florence and we return to the resturant we dined at the first night upon the girls request. Fantasic food again - wonderful service as well.
Afterwards the girls and I head over for some Gelato - and run into some very charming Italian men - one turns out to claim to be a "famous" tour guide noted on Fodors - Allasandro - shares he does tours of Tuscany et. Sure enough I looked him up upon coming home and their is mention of him.
My daughters are literally LOL as they insist these two men are flirting with me and find this to be the funniest thing they have ever seen. I assure them they are simply being kind.
Back to the apartment to pack up - we have to be out by 9:30 am and our train for Rome is not till almost 1:00 pm. Still struggling with how I did not request a later check out.
Jul 18th, 2007, 01:57 AM
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Keep writing.. i'm enjoying it. Unfortunately, my own trip report has been "on hold" for awhile due to work... I also got up almost every morning before family (sometimes w/ 9 yo son) and went for early walk/hike. Best time of the day.
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