TRSW's Trip Report: 3 Amazing Weeks In Amsterdam, Venice, Bologna, Florence and Paris
Nov 19th, 2006, 11:24 AM
#22
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Gads Tom, the mosquitos had a feast it seems. I hope you were not allergic to the bites, some people are.
Your favorite photo is my daughter's and my favorite photo also although you know we loved all of them!!
Your favorite photo is my daughter's and my favorite photo also although you know we loved all of them!!
Nov 19th, 2006, 01:38 PM
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I just had time this morning to look at your photographs - how lovely they all are! I especially love Florence at night. We were there in February and it was too cold to truly appreciate how beautiful the city is at night. Thank you so much for sharing them.
I am very much looking forward to the rest of your trip report.
I am very much looking forward to the rest of your trip report.
Nov 22nd, 2006, 12:24 AM
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First off - Very funny Tiff, I get the hint. But I just put in my third straight double at work.
Second - Thank you all for the nice comments about my photos.
Now to answer a couple of questions
Dayle - No I didn't get to visit the Van Gough Museum. The brownie pretty much shot that to hell!! Guess I will have to just go back to Amsterdam.
susiedq - Yes, some of the shots were taken with a wide angle lens. I am shooting with a Nikon D50 DSLR. The standard lens is a 18-55mm. I also have a 55-200mm telephoto lens.
With that said....
Day 6 - Venice
During my stay in Venice I had hoped to visit Murano, Burano, Torcello and San Giorgio Maggiore. Well seeing how this was my last full day in Venice, I knew this was not going to happen. Oh well, another reason to return to this beautiful city.
So instead, after breakfast I head out to just walk the city and of course take pictures.
(I have two dream jobs I would like to have. One is to cook for a living in Italy. The other would to be a photographer for a travel magazine)
Anyway, I decide to get lost (like I have a choice)in the many nieghborhods of Venice. I just take my time and somehow I have ended up Piazzale Roma.
From here I head to the Jewish Ghetto where I come across an open air market. At one of the stands I see the biggest pile of Chantrelle Mushrooms I have ever seen!! Where is a kitchen when I need one?
I keep following the street I am on and the next thing I know I am in Campo Santissimi Apostoli, the campo where my hotel is located. So I decide to grab my laptop and hit the internet cafe and send out some emails and photos.
After the cafe I decide that I will hop on over to San Giorgio Maggiore. And I am so glad I did!! Talk about photo ops!! Here is another favorite from the trip. It is of the pews that the choir sit in:
www.pbase.com/trsw/image/69031679
After my visit I head back to the hotel to freshen up for dinner and to rest my tired doggies.
Tonight I find Agli Artisti without a hitch. Fodorite 2Italy recommended it to me and I highly recommend it to you!!It is one of my best meals on the whole trip!!
The Brushetta is KILLER!!! That with the Four Cheese Gnocchi (I am a sucker for good Gnocchi)and a half liter of the house white, and Tiramisu for 25 euro!! Talk about a great dinner.
From here it is off for the nightly Limoncelo and the bands at St Marks Square to end my day.
Tomorrow - The sun rises at St Marks Square and off to Bologna.
Second - Thank you all for the nice comments about my photos.
Now to answer a couple of questions
Dayle - No I didn't get to visit the Van Gough Museum. The brownie pretty much shot that to hell!! Guess I will have to just go back to Amsterdam.
susiedq - Yes, some of the shots were taken with a wide angle lens. I am shooting with a Nikon D50 DSLR. The standard lens is a 18-55mm. I also have a 55-200mm telephoto lens.
With that said....
Day 6 - Venice
During my stay in Venice I had hoped to visit Murano, Burano, Torcello and San Giorgio Maggiore. Well seeing how this was my last full day in Venice, I knew this was not going to happen. Oh well, another reason to return to this beautiful city.
So instead, after breakfast I head out to just walk the city and of course take pictures.
(I have two dream jobs I would like to have. One is to cook for a living in Italy. The other would to be a photographer for a travel magazine)
Anyway, I decide to get lost (like I have a choice)in the many nieghborhods of Venice. I just take my time and somehow I have ended up Piazzale Roma.
From here I head to the Jewish Ghetto where I come across an open air market. At one of the stands I see the biggest pile of Chantrelle Mushrooms I have ever seen!! Where is a kitchen when I need one?
I keep following the street I am on and the next thing I know I am in Campo Santissimi Apostoli, the campo where my hotel is located. So I decide to grab my laptop and hit the internet cafe and send out some emails and photos.
After the cafe I decide that I will hop on over to San Giorgio Maggiore. And I am so glad I did!! Talk about photo ops!! Here is another favorite from the trip. It is of the pews that the choir sit in:
www.pbase.com/trsw/image/69031679
After my visit I head back to the hotel to freshen up for dinner and to rest my tired doggies.
Tonight I find Agli Artisti without a hitch. Fodorite 2Italy recommended it to me and I highly recommend it to you!!It is one of my best meals on the whole trip!!
The Brushetta is KILLER!!! That with the Four Cheese Gnocchi (I am a sucker for good Gnocchi)and a half liter of the house white, and Tiramisu for 25 euro!! Talk about a great dinner.
From here it is off for the nightly Limoncelo and the bands at St Marks Square to end my day.
Tomorrow - The sun rises at St Marks Square and off to Bologna.
Nov 22nd, 2006, 08:45 AM
#30
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Hi Tom,
Oh you just take your time, I cannot imagine working three doubles, yikes! I just wanted you to know we are all still here, attentive and patient, hee.
Agli Artisti sounds wonderful, I had not heard of this restaurant, so I will file it away for our next journey.
Don't worry about not getting ot M, B, and T. While we got to two, if we had missed it in favor of another day in Venice that would have been fine with me, and as you said, there is always another trip!
Best wishes, get some rest now, we're a patient lot!
Oh you just take your time, I cannot imagine working three doubles, yikes! I just wanted you to know we are all still here, attentive and patient, hee.
Agli Artisti sounds wonderful, I had not heard of this restaurant, so I will file it away for our next journey.
Don't worry about not getting ot M, B, and T. While we got to two, if we had missed it in favor of another day in Venice that would have been fine with me, and as you said, there is always another trip!
Best wishes, get some rest now, we're a patient lot!
Nov 22nd, 2006, 08:56 AM
#31
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Well Tom,
That brownie probably had you seeing some nice "artwork" of your own!
I too am a photographer and love your shots and am enjoying your report. Please do continue.
Happy Thanksgiving!
That brownie probably had you seeing some nice "artwork" of your own!
I too am a photographer and love your shots and am enjoying your report. Please do continue.
Happy Thanksgiving!
Nov 24th, 2006, 11:25 PM
#32
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I hope everyone had a nice Thanksgiving. I spent mine as usual at work. Someone has to feed the patients.
Also I realized that I recommended Agli Artisti Da Piero in Venice but failed to give you the address. It is
4385 Ruga Giuffa It is very near Campo Santa Maria Formosa.
Day 7 - Venice/Bologna
Today I will do something I wanted to do last year. I will watch the sun rise while I am sitting in Saint Marks Square. Although the weather has suddenly turned very chilly, it is all I thought it would be and more! Just so peaceful and serene.
After sunrise I head back to the hotel for breakfast and to pack. Then it is off to the train station for my trip to Bologna.
Once I arrive, I find Nuovo Hotel Del Porto with relative ease. I check in and get settled then head out to explore the city.
And once again, my map reading skills fail me really bad. I am trying to find Piazza Maggorie, but somehow end up at the University! I wander for a while and get even more hopelessly lost.
At this point I am becoming severly frustrated. Then I tell mysef to just calm down and remember that although I am lost, I am in bella Italia!!
I pop into a sandwich shop for lunch. It seems that the owners, a mother and her son, are in a heated arguement. It turns out they don't speak English. That with my really poor Italian, made ordering lunch quite comical. This just made all my tension and frustration go away.
After I eat, with the help of the owners pointing on my map, I am able to find Piazza Maggorie. The Neptune Fountain is cool but somewhat, how do I put this, bizzare! On all four corners there are semi-naked women with water shooting out of thier nipples.
www.pbase.com/trsw/image/69105382
I head back to the hotel to use thier WiFi to send out my photo of the day. But, the WiFi is down and they don't know when it will be up and running(it won't be the whole time I am there). So I go in search of an internet cafe.
After I return to the hotel, I freshen up for dinner and head out. I end up going to Il Portico. What a great choice. I have the Bruschetta, Lasagne Bolognese, house wine and dessert, all for 22 euro. Well worth the price!!
After dinner I wander a little, then decide to call it a night.
Tomorrow - More exploration and, oh no, a head cold.
Also I realized that I recommended Agli Artisti Da Piero in Venice but failed to give you the address. It is
4385 Ruga Giuffa It is very near Campo Santa Maria Formosa.
Day 7 - Venice/Bologna
Today I will do something I wanted to do last year. I will watch the sun rise while I am sitting in Saint Marks Square. Although the weather has suddenly turned very chilly, it is all I thought it would be and more! Just so peaceful and serene.
After sunrise I head back to the hotel for breakfast and to pack. Then it is off to the train station for my trip to Bologna.
Once I arrive, I find Nuovo Hotel Del Porto with relative ease. I check in and get settled then head out to explore the city.
And once again, my map reading skills fail me really bad. I am trying to find Piazza Maggorie, but somehow end up at the University! I wander for a while and get even more hopelessly lost.
At this point I am becoming severly frustrated. Then I tell mysef to just calm down and remember that although I am lost, I am in bella Italia!!
I pop into a sandwich shop for lunch. It seems that the owners, a mother and her son, are in a heated arguement. It turns out they don't speak English. That with my really poor Italian, made ordering lunch quite comical. This just made all my tension and frustration go away.
After I eat, with the help of the owners pointing on my map, I am able to find Piazza Maggorie. The Neptune Fountain is cool but somewhat, how do I put this, bizzare! On all four corners there are semi-naked women with water shooting out of thier nipples.
www.pbase.com/trsw/image/69105382
I head back to the hotel to use thier WiFi to send out my photo of the day. But, the WiFi is down and they don't know when it will be up and running(it won't be the whole time I am there). So I go in search of an internet cafe.
After I return to the hotel, I freshen up for dinner and head out. I end up going to Il Portico. What a great choice. I have the Bruschetta, Lasagne Bolognese, house wine and dessert, all for 22 euro. Well worth the price!!
After dinner I wander a little, then decide to call it a night.
Tomorrow - More exploration and, oh no, a head cold.
Nov 26th, 2006, 06:51 PM
#34
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Day 8 - Bologna
Just like my trip last year, I have come down with a head cold. It could be worse. I mean, yes I have it, but at least I am in Italy!!
The breakfast at the hotel is the basic Italain, but with the bonus of fresh cheese and meats.
I head out to explore more of the city and come across a HUGE open air market in Piazza VII Agosto. When I walked through here the night before it was completely empty. But now it is crammed with tents, merchandise and people!!!
After spending time in the market I go in search of the restaurant that I plan on having dinner at tonight. Al 15 was recommended to me by someone I work with. Of course it takes me forever to find it. But on the way I got to see alot more of the city.
I decide to head back towards the hotel. On the way back, I end up back in Piazza Maggorie and head into Basilica di San Petronio. The stain glass windows are amazing!! Some of the side chapels are under renovations and there is all kinds of scaffolding inside.
Okay now, remember, map reading + Tom = Duh? Yesterday while I was taking pictures of the Neptune fountain, I did not relise I was standing 20 feet from something I really wanted to see during my visit. On the walls of Palazzo Comunale, there are pictures or tiles with names of the Partisans the Nazis murdered in the final days of WWII. There are three panels with over 1000 names or photos. It is a very moving thing to see close up.
From here I go back to the hotel to rest before dinner. Before dinner, I head over to the internet cafe to send out photos.
I find Al 15 (Via Mirasole, 13 ph#051 3318060) with ease. I get there at a little after 7:30. But I don't have a reservation. But the owner tells me in a combonation of English and Italian, that if I can finish by 9 he will seat me. I agree, and qam so glad I did.
I start with a plate of peppers, olives, local meats and a soft white cheese that was incredible. These were served with 2 types of warm bread. For the entree I choose the Tortelini in a Butter and Sage sauce. Perfect!! I didn't realise just how huge tortelini are in Italy. They were the size of my fist! With tiarmisu for dessert, a 1/2 liter of the house red it all came to 23 euro and worth every penny!
After dinner I head back to the hotel and make it an early night.
Tomorrow - Heavy rain and a change in plans
Just like my trip last year, I have come down with a head cold. It could be worse. I mean, yes I have it, but at least I am in Italy!!
The breakfast at the hotel is the basic Italain, but with the bonus of fresh cheese and meats.
I head out to explore more of the city and come across a HUGE open air market in Piazza VII Agosto. When I walked through here the night before it was completely empty. But now it is crammed with tents, merchandise and people!!!
After spending time in the market I go in search of the restaurant that I plan on having dinner at tonight. Al 15 was recommended to me by someone I work with. Of course it takes me forever to find it. But on the way I got to see alot more of the city.
I decide to head back towards the hotel. On the way back, I end up back in Piazza Maggorie and head into Basilica di San Petronio. The stain glass windows are amazing!! Some of the side chapels are under renovations and there is all kinds of scaffolding inside.
Okay now, remember, map reading + Tom = Duh? Yesterday while I was taking pictures of the Neptune fountain, I did not relise I was standing 20 feet from something I really wanted to see during my visit. On the walls of Palazzo Comunale, there are pictures or tiles with names of the Partisans the Nazis murdered in the final days of WWII. There are three panels with over 1000 names or photos. It is a very moving thing to see close up.
From here I go back to the hotel to rest before dinner. Before dinner, I head over to the internet cafe to send out photos.
I find Al 15 (Via Mirasole, 13 ph#051 3318060) with ease. I get there at a little after 7:30. But I don't have a reservation. But the owner tells me in a combonation of English and Italian, that if I can finish by 9 he will seat me. I agree, and qam so glad I did.
I start with a plate of peppers, olives, local meats and a soft white cheese that was incredible. These were served with 2 types of warm bread. For the entree I choose the Tortelini in a Butter and Sage sauce. Perfect!! I didn't realise just how huge tortelini are in Italy. They were the size of my fist! With tiarmisu for dessert, a 1/2 liter of the house red it all came to 23 euro and worth every penny!
After dinner I head back to the hotel and make it an early night.
Tomorrow - Heavy rain and a change in plans
Nov 26th, 2006, 07:04 PM
#35
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Hello Tom, so glad to see more of your trip report and I hope you had a good Thanksgiving too. I love your trip report but hate you had a cold! We, my family and I, cringed about that and felt so bad for you.
Nov 26th, 2006, 07:11 PM
#36
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Day 9 - Bologna
When I wake up, the head cold is a little worse than the day before. And to top it off, it is pouring rain outside!!
I had planned to make a daytrip to Parma and Modena today. But due to the rain and my cold, I decide it is best to just take it easy today. So I go to the local market and pick up some food and drinks and hang out at the hotel for the day. I spend part of it editing photos and the rest sleeping.
I know, not the most exciting day. But I figure since I still have 12 days left on this trip, it was the right choice.
By dinner time, I am starting to feel a little better and decide to go to Il Portico again. I am seated at a table next to a very nice couple from England. Rob and Joy actually had gone to Parma today. They said they had a good time but the downpour made them cut thier visit short. We have a great time getting to know each other and they invite me to visit them if I am ever in England.
For dinner I once again start with the Bruschetta. For the entree it is pasta in a cream and nut sauce. Yummy! For dessert, Gelato Affagto. With wine it came to 21 euro.
Once again, I make it an early night (Damn head cold)
Tomorrow - I return to my favorite city in the world - Firenze!!
When I wake up, the head cold is a little worse than the day before. And to top it off, it is pouring rain outside!!
I had planned to make a daytrip to Parma and Modena today. But due to the rain and my cold, I decide it is best to just take it easy today. So I go to the local market and pick up some food and drinks and hang out at the hotel for the day. I spend part of it editing photos and the rest sleeping.
I know, not the most exciting day. But I figure since I still have 12 days left on this trip, it was the right choice.
By dinner time, I am starting to feel a little better and decide to go to Il Portico again. I am seated at a table next to a very nice couple from England. Rob and Joy actually had gone to Parma today. They said they had a good time but the downpour made them cut thier visit short. We have a great time getting to know each other and they invite me to visit them if I am ever in England.
For dinner I once again start with the Bruschetta. For the entree it is pasta in a cream and nut sauce. Yummy! For dessert, Gelato Affagto. With wine it came to 21 euro.
Once again, I make it an early night (Damn head cold)
Tomorrow - I return to my favorite city in the world - Firenze!!
Nov 27th, 2006, 09:30 PM
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Day 10 - Bologna/Florence
After a long nights sleep, the head cold has been reduced to the sniffles. This is great news, as today I am heading off to my favorite place in the world, Florence.
After breakfast I head to the train station and arrive with plenty of time before my noon train. A little heads up for everybody, unlike in Venice and Florence, where annoncements over the PA are made in both Italian and English, in Bologna they are made in Italian only.
The reason I bring this up is, with 5 minutes before my train is due to leave, I look up at the monitor and notice that they have switched the track we will be departing from.
Just like last year, I am again staying at Pensione Ferretti. The only difference this time is, back in June, Luciano and Susy sold it. But true to thier word, the new owners are honoring the discount and room Luciano promised me when I booked it back in March.
After unpacking, I head straight to Il Doumo. I still can't put in words why this building facinates me so much, it just does. As I approach it, I am just so happy to be back that I don't see the big pile of horse dung in front of me and step right in it!! YUCK!!!!
Last year I climbed to the top of the Duomo but didn't go inside the Cathedral itself. But this time I do and am blown away by the stain glass windows!
I need to backtrack a bit here. On my second day in Bologna I called a childhood friend to ,yes, rub it in. During our conversation, Edwin tells me that about 3 weeks prior his father had a massive stroke and that the outlook was not good.
The reason I mention this is, while in the Cathedral, something just compells me to light a candle for my friends father. This is odd because I am not a religious person in the least. For some strange reason, it seemed like the right thing to do. It turns out that this is the day his father passes.
After the Cathedral I just wander the streets for a while and end up in Piazza di Santa Croce. It is packed! Seems there is an Ocktoberfest celebration going on. There are tents everywhere and at least 5 stands selling all kinds of sausages and beer. There is even one that has whole pigs on spits!!
From here, it just more wandering and of course, pictures. Then I head back to the Pensione to freshen up for dinner.
Here is where I will disapoint a fellow Fodorite. Tiff, sorry, but after looking at Leos menu, it just seemed so overpriced (for my budget at least).
I stroll along looking at menus and head into Il Ghibellini. For some reason this name sounds familar. And when the second course arrives, I know why.
My dinner starts with polenta with porcini mushrooms. Awesome! Then I have Spaghetti Alla Pesto. Also awesome. I follow this with a Calzone Ghibelli. When this arrives I realize this is the place that fellow Fodorite 2Italy has recommended to me. By now I am stuffed to the gills, so no dessert. All this with a 1/2 liter of wine for 21 euro is perfect.
After dinner I head back to the Pensione and call it a night.
Tomorrow - Meeting up with an old friend and making a new one.
After a long nights sleep, the head cold has been reduced to the sniffles. This is great news, as today I am heading off to my favorite place in the world, Florence.
After breakfast I head to the train station and arrive with plenty of time before my noon train. A little heads up for everybody, unlike in Venice and Florence, where annoncements over the PA are made in both Italian and English, in Bologna they are made in Italian only.
The reason I bring this up is, with 5 minutes before my train is due to leave, I look up at the monitor and notice that they have switched the track we will be departing from.
Just like last year, I am again staying at Pensione Ferretti. The only difference this time is, back in June, Luciano and Susy sold it. But true to thier word, the new owners are honoring the discount and room Luciano promised me when I booked it back in March.
After unpacking, I head straight to Il Doumo. I still can't put in words why this building facinates me so much, it just does. As I approach it, I am just so happy to be back that I don't see the big pile of horse dung in front of me and step right in it!! YUCK!!!!
Last year I climbed to the top of the Duomo but didn't go inside the Cathedral itself. But this time I do and am blown away by the stain glass windows!
I need to backtrack a bit here. On my second day in Bologna I called a childhood friend to ,yes, rub it in. During our conversation, Edwin tells me that about 3 weeks prior his father had a massive stroke and that the outlook was not good.
The reason I mention this is, while in the Cathedral, something just compells me to light a candle for my friends father. This is odd because I am not a religious person in the least. For some strange reason, it seemed like the right thing to do. It turns out that this is the day his father passes.
After the Cathedral I just wander the streets for a while and end up in Piazza di Santa Croce. It is packed! Seems there is an Ocktoberfest celebration going on. There are tents everywhere and at least 5 stands selling all kinds of sausages and beer. There is even one that has whole pigs on spits!!
From here, it just more wandering and of course, pictures. Then I head back to the Pensione to freshen up for dinner.
Here is where I will disapoint a fellow Fodorite. Tiff, sorry, but after looking at Leos menu, it just seemed so overpriced (for my budget at least).
I stroll along looking at menus and head into Il Ghibellini. For some reason this name sounds familar. And when the second course arrives, I know why.
My dinner starts with polenta with porcini mushrooms. Awesome! Then I have Spaghetti Alla Pesto. Also awesome. I follow this with a Calzone Ghibelli. When this arrives I realize this is the place that fellow Fodorite 2Italy has recommended to me. By now I am stuffed to the gills, so no dessert. All this with a 1/2 liter of wine for 21 euro is perfect.
After dinner I head back to the Pensione and call it a night.
Tomorrow - Meeting up with an old friend and making a new one.
Nov 28th, 2006, 06:10 AM
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I hear you, ellenem!
Hi Tom, no worries, perhaps his prices have gone up since last year, I am glad you did not go in if it did not suit you! And see you had such a great lunch at Il Ghibellini, it all worked out.
Your candle lighting moment in the Duomo warmed my heart.
Still enjoying this so much. Thanks for allowing us to share in your journey!
Hi Tom, no worries, perhaps his prices have gone up since last year, I am glad you did not go in if it did not suit you! And see you had such a great lunch at Il Ghibellini, it all worked out.
Your candle lighting moment in the Duomo warmed my heart.
Still enjoying this so much. Thanks for allowing us to share in your journey!
