We've been back almost a month. Work is busy so I haven't posted on Fodors, did some quick reviews on TA on places we stayed.

I cannot express how grateful I am for all the help I received. I also cannot express how absolutely overwhelmingly beautiful and wonderful Italy is. I have been working on our DVD and when I look at the photos, they tug at my heart and bring tears to my eyes. Italy was much more than we thought it would be.

I promise to post more when I have more time Dec-Feb.

Again, thank you so much all for your help. Couldn't have done it without you.

Wrenwood

Actually the title should have been Wrenwood and Italy ~ Rome, Paestum, Ravello, Tuscany ~ what a trip!

But then.........we have MANY more places in Italy to explore..........and go back to!

Ah, Wrenwood, I'm delighted to read you found useful material from helpful Fodorites. And I'm even more delighted to learn you've fallen in love with Italy, my favorite place. Look forward to your trip report when you're more prepared to furnish one to us.

BC

Glad you had a great trip. I rememeber you were trying to fit Norcia into your plan . Did you eventually make it there? We're heading to Umbria in June and Norcia is on the docket. Would love to hear about it if you did get there.

iamq ~ can't help you ~ we never made it to Norcia, we had more things to see than time. Especially when my sister-in-law asked to shop for ceramics in Deruta, which took up most of the day!

I think the Poppies are blooming on Piano Grande mid-late June. Will you being going there? So now, let me after you go in June, because we definetely want to go back.

wrenwood, Oh yes! We'll be there in mid to late June, and spending some time in Piano Grande is planned. Not counting on the poppies, but if they are blooming, so much the better. Looking forward to the lentils in Castelluccio, fresh trout in Visso and sausage in Norcia as well. Trip report coming in July.

Any particular shops in Deruta that impressed?

grazie mille

We actually bought most of our ceramics in Ravello, but one of the nicest shops in either place is Grazia

http://www.ubaldograzia.it/home-en.html

Beautiful dinnerware, some of it really expensive, but also had an area with seconds, and a 50% off area. Top quality!

Iamq,

If you see trout from the river Nera any time you are in the area of Norcia, don't wait to get to Visso to try it. Trout is best thing I ate in Norcia, to tell you the truth.

The Piano Grande is spectacular, and there are not only poppies but all sorts of wildflower during late Spring. Visso is a true charmer (and the famed local food specialty is actually a soft salami.) The mountain driving is not speedy around there, so budget time accordingly.

wrenwood,

glad you liked the 'hood!

Just finished our DVD. About 500 pics in 15 "categories", all set to music. The last one, the "finale" is simply titled "Memories" and set to Andre Bocelli and Sarah Brightman "Time To Say Goodbye"

Have to admit I got pretty teary eyed, the beauty of Italy and it's culture and history is astonishing.

And I couldn't have stayed up this late wthout a little Limoncello!

Again, thank you all SO much for your help!

Thanks zeppole.