Trip Report; TRSW's First Time In Italy!!
Oct 30th, 2005, 02:52 PM
#24
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First off, I am sorry everybody that the link doesn't work. If you email me I will send out invitations so you can get in.
Carol - Is there anything I can do to make it up to you? I just didn't have your phone number programed into my cell phone.
Carol - Is there anything I can do to make it up to you? I just didn't have your phone number programed into my cell phone.
Oct 30th, 2005, 03:43 PM
#25
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Well, yes, Tom, actually there is.
Post the next part of your trip just as soon as you can. This is great reading and I needed a positive read after wading through a bunch of posts I had missed.
Can't wait to get the next installment! NOW! NOW!
(I was just messing with you, Tom - you know my weird sense of humor!)
Post the next part of your trip just as soon as you can. This is great reading and I needed a positive read after wading through a bunch of posts I had missed.
Can't wait to get the next installment! NOW! NOW!
(I was just messing with you, Tom - you know my weird sense of humor!)
Oct 30th, 2005, 03:56 PM
#26
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Day 3 Venice/Florence
The plan was to get up early and watch the sun come up over the city. Sorry to say, it didn't happen. I slept until 7. Packed my bags and went over to the hotel for breakfast.
Since my train for Florence wasn't leaving until 10:30, I decide to take the #1 to the station so I can cruise the Grand Canal one last time. When I get there, there are about 10 police officers milling around the entrance and they all have riot helmets attached to their belts. I never did find out what it was all about.
My only regret is that I didn't have at least one more day in Venice. I feel like I just scratched the surface of this beautiful city!!
The train ride to Florence was nice, especially the scenery as we got closer to Florence. I find my hotel, Pensione Ferretti with ease. After I get settled in, I head out to find the Duomo. I had mentioned on this board months ago that the Duomo was THE one thing in all of Italy that I wanted to see the most.
So with map in hand, I somehow end up at Piazza Signoria. Go figure. I eventually find the Duomo and make the long climb to the top. On the way up there is a spot where you come out of the stairwell and walk around the inside the dome. The mosaics are just phenomenal. But the view the city and the countryside from the outside is even more breathtaking. They make the climb more than worth it.
After climbing back down, I just start to explore the city for a couple of hours. I have read posts here that some people find Florence dirty and noisy. I just didn't see it that way. After wandering around I head back to the hotel to get ready for dinner.
I am given a recommendation by Susy, one of the Pensione owners, to try Ostiria Belle Donne just down the street. When I get there about 8 the place is already packed. They only have a table outside left that I take.
I order the antipasti plate of Tuscan meats and crostinis. This is followed by cheese ravioli in a meat suace and an order of meatballs in a pinenut sauce. All this with a 1/2 liter of the house red, bread and water for 23 euro. Very large portions and all very tasty.
After dinner I just walk the city and take it all in. I go over to the Ponte Vecchio and there are some street musicians playing. I hang out there for awhile then head back to the hotel and call it a night.
Tomorrow - Museum day.
The plan was to get up early and watch the sun come up over the city. Sorry to say, it didn't happen. I slept until 7. Packed my bags and went over to the hotel for breakfast.
Since my train for Florence wasn't leaving until 10:30, I decide to take the #1 to the station so I can cruise the Grand Canal one last time. When I get there, there are about 10 police officers milling around the entrance and they all have riot helmets attached to their belts. I never did find out what it was all about.
My only regret is that I didn't have at least one more day in Venice. I feel like I just scratched the surface of this beautiful city!!
The train ride to Florence was nice, especially the scenery as we got closer to Florence. I find my hotel, Pensione Ferretti with ease. After I get settled in, I head out to find the Duomo. I had mentioned on this board months ago that the Duomo was THE one thing in all of Italy that I wanted to see the most.
So with map in hand, I somehow end up at Piazza Signoria. Go figure. I eventually find the Duomo and make the long climb to the top. On the way up there is a spot where you come out of the stairwell and walk around the inside the dome. The mosaics are just phenomenal. But the view the city and the countryside from the outside is even more breathtaking. They make the climb more than worth it.
After climbing back down, I just start to explore the city for a couple of hours. I have read posts here that some people find Florence dirty and noisy. I just didn't see it that way. After wandering around I head back to the hotel to get ready for dinner.
I am given a recommendation by Susy, one of the Pensione owners, to try Ostiria Belle Donne just down the street. When I get there about 8 the place is already packed. They only have a table outside left that I take.
I order the antipasti plate of Tuscan meats and crostinis. This is followed by cheese ravioli in a meat suace and an order of meatballs in a pinenut sauce. All this with a 1/2 liter of the house red, bread and water for 23 euro. Very large portions and all very tasty.
After dinner I just walk the city and take it all in. I go over to the Ponte Vecchio and there are some street musicians playing. I hang out there for awhile then head back to the hotel and call it a night.
Tomorrow - Museum day.
Oct 30th, 2005, 05:57 PM
#27
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Tom, I'm really enjoying your report. I had to laugh when you said that you intended to get up early but "slept in" until 7:00. Getting up at 7:00 would be very early for me! (Can you tell I'm not a morning person?) Looking forward to more.
Oct 30th, 2005, 06:41 PM
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Hey Tom, this is Jerry. I'm sooo glad you enjoyed your trip, especially after cancelling the tour. I told you you would enjoy it immensely.
The pictures you sent me were great; glad you made the switch to digital. Are you planning your return yet?
The pictures you sent me were great; glad you made the switch to digital. Are you planning your return yet?
Oct 30th, 2005, 07:34 PM
#31
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Susan P - I am not a morning person either. Unfortunately I head back to work tomorrow and they have put on the breakfast shift which means that I have to get up at 5:30! OUCH!!
viaggio_sempre - I hope June comes fast for you. You are going to love Florence.
Jerry - You were right about canceling the tour and yes, the digital camera too. And yes I am planning the next trip already for sometime in 2007, hopefully with my sisters for a part of it.
JeanneB - Glad to hear you finally got your 'key'. I just sent out the Florence album, I hope you like them.
Tom
viaggio_sempre - I hope June comes fast for you. You are going to love Florence.
Jerry - You were right about canceling the tour and yes, the digital camera too. And yes I am planning the next trip already for sometime in 2007, hopefully with my sisters for a part of it.
JeanneB - Glad to hear you finally got your 'key'. I just sent out the Florence album, I hope you like them.
Tom
Oct 31st, 2005, 05:07 AM
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Just anote to those of you that I sent the Florence photo album to. There is a flaw that I dont know how it happened. Seems like some of the pictures did not transfer.
In the meantime, if you click on the little blue boxes that appear under the first picture, you can pull the ones that did make it through one at a time.
I will be fixing the album and continue my report after work today(my first day back, and I dont want to go)
Sorry
Tom
In the meantime, if you click on the little blue boxes that appear under the first picture, you can pull the ones that did make it through one at a time.
I will be fixing the album and continue my report after work today(my first day back, and I dont want to go)
Sorry
Tom
Oct 31st, 2005, 05:39 AM
#34
I can't get the pictures either; I am signed in, but the link is no longer active. When I posted pictures on Kodakgallery I shared the album with myself, got an e-mail sent to me with the link to the album and posted that link on the message board. In the e-mail there will be a picture of your album to click on, but there will also be a link you can copy and paste to access the album. This is what I shared.
Oct 31st, 2005, 11:49 AM
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Hi Tom,
I am SOOOOOOOOOO enjoying your trip report. There is something about a trip report written by someone that has never been to that particular destination before that is so appealing to me.
<"is this really happening, am I really here".>
This quote of yours said it all. I can't wait to read more!
Tiff
I am SOOOOOOOOOO enjoying your trip report. There is something about a trip report written by someone that has never been to that particular destination before that is so appealing to me.
<"is this really happening, am I really here".>
This quote of yours said it all. I can't wait to read more!
Tiff
Oct 31st, 2005, 04:18 PM
#37
Hi Tom,
Tom...great report.
As someone who thoroughly enjoyed a three week trip to Italy recently, it is nice to read another trip report about Italy that has upbeat and positive comments, instead of harping on negative upon negative.
Your report proves (again) that a good attitude means that a few minor inconveniences along the way are just that...minor.
By the way, loved the line about the "Dueling Orchestras." Venice at night is Magicland.
I'll look forward to more of your report.
Tom...great report.
As someone who thoroughly enjoyed a three week trip to Italy recently, it is nice to read another trip report about Italy that has upbeat and positive comments, instead of harping on negative upon negative.
Your report proves (again) that a good attitude means that a few minor inconveniences along the way are just that...minor.
By the way, loved the line about the "Dueling Orchestras." Venice at night is Magicland.
I'll look forward to more of your report.
Oct 31st, 2005, 05:34 PM
#38
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Day 4 - Florence
Once again I wake up at 7. This time it is due to the fact that it seems like EVERY church bell in the city is ringing. I prefer this to my regular alarm clock any day! I go down the hall to the shared bathroom. Seems like I am the first to use the shower today. What is with the small showers in Italy? Being slightly "girthly challenged" it is like standing in a coat closet. At least the water was hot and the pressure was strong.
After the shower I head to the breakfast room. The food is basic, rolls, cereal etc. The coffee is nice and strong. But here is whatI really liked, not just orange juice, but blood orange juice! Very very tasty. During breakfast I meet three other solo travelers and we all decide to have dinner together tonight.
Thanks to Luciano and Susy, the owners of the Pensione, I have reservations for both the Uffizi and the Academia today. And it is a good thing that I do. When I get there about a half hour before my slot, the end of the line is nowhere to be seen.
I decide to get the audioguide to help me understand what I am looking at. I must admit it helped somewhat, but it is kind of hit and miss. It was very interesting to watch how the art progressed through time. Then I enter the Botticelli room. All I can say is WOW!!! I had seen most of these works in books but had no idea just how large they were. Just amazing!! I spend about 2 hours here.
After leaving I decide it is time for my first pizza while in Italy. I find a little outdoor spot near the Duomo. I order one with spicy ham and tomatoes and a glass of wine. All for 6 euro. It was good, the ham was just spicy enough to give it a kick.
After lunch I still have 2 more hours until my resevations for the Academia so I head over to the San Lorenzo markets. I have never seen so many leather goods in one place in my life!
With about an hour until my reservation, I decide to head towards the Academia. I suprise myself and actualy find it right away without getting lost. There is no line what soever so I head on in and just buy a ticket.
I see 'David' up ahead of me but I am intigued by the statues leading up to him. To me they look a little like plaster casts of people. Very unusual and very fascinating.
I move on and have "the moment". It is just so hard to believe this great work of art was once just a block of marble!! The details are just amazing! I take a seat and marvel at it and try to figure out what inspired Michelangelo to create this.
After about 20 minutes I move on and tour the rest of the museum. When I am done I am thoroughly 'arted' out for the day. I head back to the hotel and use their computer for a bit then get ready for the group dinner.
Next - Making new friends
Once again I wake up at 7. This time it is due to the fact that it seems like EVERY church bell in the city is ringing. I prefer this to my regular alarm clock any day! I go down the hall to the shared bathroom. Seems like I am the first to use the shower today. What is with the small showers in Italy? Being slightly "girthly challenged" it is like standing in a coat closet. At least the water was hot and the pressure was strong.
After the shower I head to the breakfast room. The food is basic, rolls, cereal etc. The coffee is nice and strong. But here is whatI really liked, not just orange juice, but blood orange juice! Very very tasty. During breakfast I meet three other solo travelers and we all decide to have dinner together tonight.
Thanks to Luciano and Susy, the owners of the Pensione, I have reservations for both the Uffizi and the Academia today. And it is a good thing that I do. When I get there about a half hour before my slot, the end of the line is nowhere to be seen.
I decide to get the audioguide to help me understand what I am looking at. I must admit it helped somewhat, but it is kind of hit and miss. It was very interesting to watch how the art progressed through time. Then I enter the Botticelli room. All I can say is WOW!!! I had seen most of these works in books but had no idea just how large they were. Just amazing!! I spend about 2 hours here.
After leaving I decide it is time for my first pizza while in Italy. I find a little outdoor spot near the Duomo. I order one with spicy ham and tomatoes and a glass of wine. All for 6 euro. It was good, the ham was just spicy enough to give it a kick.
After lunch I still have 2 more hours until my resevations for the Academia so I head over to the San Lorenzo markets. I have never seen so many leather goods in one place in my life!
With about an hour until my reservation, I decide to head towards the Academia. I suprise myself and actualy find it right away without getting lost. There is no line what soever so I head on in and just buy a ticket.
I see 'David' up ahead of me but I am intigued by the statues leading up to him. To me they look a little like plaster casts of people. Very unusual and very fascinating.
I move on and have "the moment". It is just so hard to believe this great work of art was once just a block of marble!! The details are just amazing! I take a seat and marvel at it and try to figure out what inspired Michelangelo to create this.
After about 20 minutes I move on and tour the rest of the museum. When I am done I am thoroughly 'arted' out for the day. I head back to the hotel and use their computer for a bit then get ready for the group dinner.
Next - Making new friends
Oct 31st, 2005, 06:04 PM
#39
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Keep the great report coming, TRSW. I love Florence and really enjoyed the description of your experiences there. I can really relate to what you describe as "moments," because I have them too. Those moments become my most treasured memories.
Oct 31st, 2005, 06:39 PM
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Day 4 - Florence part 2
Like I said, at breakfast I met three other people traveling solo. Pat and Bob are from Australia and both are on the tail end of eight weeks in Italy. Bob got in from Rome and Pat had just spent the last four weeks in Tuscany taking Italian and cooking lessons(I hate her LOL). The third is Cheryl, a young lady from Boston who is staying in Florence for a month(I hate her too LOL) doing some writing.
At 7:30 we all meet up in the breakfast room to pick a place to eat. We decide to just go down to Osteria Belle Donne. I had dinner there the night before and liked the food and was actually Cheryl's regular spot. We grab an outside table and settle in.
To be honest I really don't remember what I had for dinner. We all were just having a good time getting to know each other when a strolling accordion player stops by and starts playing. Well Pat has just got to have her picture taken with him. I am chosen to do this with her camera (for some strange reason this is the only time I don't have my camera with me, oh the shame LOL)
We spend about two hours here and all decide to call it a night and head back to the hotel. A very nice way to end my second day in Florence.
Like I said, at breakfast I met three other people traveling solo. Pat and Bob are from Australia and both are on the tail end of eight weeks in Italy. Bob got in from Rome and Pat had just spent the last four weeks in Tuscany taking Italian and cooking lessons(I hate her LOL). The third is Cheryl, a young lady from Boston who is staying in Florence for a month(I hate her too LOL) doing some writing.
At 7:30 we all meet up in the breakfast room to pick a place to eat. We decide to just go down to Osteria Belle Donne. I had dinner there the night before and liked the food and was actually Cheryl's regular spot. We grab an outside table and settle in.
To be honest I really don't remember what I had for dinner. We all were just having a good time getting to know each other when a strolling accordion player stops by and starts playing. Well Pat has just got to have her picture taken with him. I am chosen to do this with her camera (for some strange reason this is the only time I don't have my camera with me, oh the shame LOL)
We spend about two hours here and all decide to call it a night and head back to the hotel. A very nice way to end my second day in Florence.
