Truffles and a Tuscan Specialty

Friday morning we got up early and went into the city with NK. She headed off to work for an half day and we set out for breakfast followed by the Pitti Palace and Boboli Gardens. NK recommended a cafe for coffee and pastries just past the palace. We felt like natives as we stood at the bar, shared three pastries and a cappuccino each. One had ricotta and pinoli nuts, another chocolate and the last a fresh soft brioche.

The Duomo, The David, Oh My!

Knowing we were taking the first train from Venice to Florence at 8:27 am the next morning, we checked out the night before. Breakfast didn't start until 8 am, but our hotel's owner didn't understand us not taking the time to sit and eat. The concept of "to go" doesn't really exist for Italians. He kept saying "there's a table in the garden," and "sit for just five minutes."

We had learned our lesson re: reserved seats on the train, got there in plenty of time and took our seats. Easy once we knew what we were doing! We arrived in Florence about two hours later and took a cab to our friends apartment just 10 minutes west of the city center. We were lucky enough to have wonderful hosts for four nights (Thursday - Sunday), NK and MP. We headed into the city center with NK, she headed to work, and we set out to explore the city. First up was lunch. We found a bright busy looking place, Pizzeria Centropoveri, shared a pizza, then enjoyed a cappuccino after our meal. There were only two other tables of tourists, the rest of the customers were workers on their lunch break, from house painters (ate the pasta pomodoro special, a beer each and finished their meal with espressos), to business men in nice suits. Anyone who ordered pizza each had their own with four large slices.

Last Day In Venice

Our plan today was to start by going north to the Frari Church, over the Rialto Bridge, to the Correr Museum, and do some shopping before dinner. The only other couple at the B&B were telling us how the church bells were going all night, at odd hours, keeping them up (we had earplugs). Sure enough, at 7:45 the bells started ringing and again at 8:00. Not sure what kind of clock those monks were using, but our inn keeper stated they ring every hour and never after midnight...sure. It just made the point that Italians have their own time keeping system. Good luck figuring it out!

Sunshine, two brides and a meal to remember

We woke up Tuesday morning at 6 am refreshed from a good night's sleep, and headed to the sweet back garden of our hotel, Casa Rezzonzico, for breakfast.




Out the door by 8 am and on our way to St. Mark's square (the Time Square of Venice), before the masses. Much of the square and St Mark's Basilica were being restored and covered under scaffolding, and on top of that, large billboard sized ads. It's not what you'd expect, but it helps pay for the upkeep of this historic city center.



We headed just south of the Basilica (we didn't go in as they require you to check your backpacks/bags and there was no way we were leaving our camera in a coat check) to the Doge's Palace, took one look at the line and headed to the Correr Museum at the other end of the square to buy our museum pass, then back to Doge's Palace and right past all the sheeple, I mean tourists, in the "fast lane" and went right in. I got similar looks from the people on line that I get from tourists in Brooklyn when I walk past the endless line at Grimaldi's to pick up my called in order and zip past them all - hA ha!

Getting To Venice

Big day today. Long day today.


So we made it to Venice withstanding any complications I tried to throw in to spice up the trip. I probably deserve a gold star however. First we got on the "wrong" train to Milan, as it was fifteen minutes early, but the ticket person assured us it was okay, so we were nervous the entire way that we would miss our stop. Once we did get into Milan I could not recall what to do so an older American couple from Massachusetts helped point us to the metro for the Centrale train station. Trying my best to go south (the wrong way), my better half prevailed and put us on the uptown train. Once at Centrale I hopped into the automatic ticket machine line but had to solicit help from some Italian guy just wanting to get his ticket after me (no reserved seating available - I should have booked this train ahead of time). Then we got onto our train only to get stuck amongst hordes of people trying to find available unreserved seats like us. At this point invisible daggers were sticking out of my back, and hatchets, swords, glaives, halberds, and falchions were en route. I made the mistake of sitting in reserved seats...twice. I was one of those tourists. I then noticed the seat numbers started to repeat on the 2nd class cars as we were among the few left standing. Odd. I had no clue how this whole system worked (not sure I do now either) but I did notice two seats unoccupied except for personal belongings. So I politely asked in Italian if the seats were free and scored us two seats after some of their grumbled replies. One point for the visiting team! One step forward, three steps back. I forgot to punch our tickets before we got on. We were told this is the most heinous crime that anyone could commit and was punishable by severe fines and imminent death in my case. Fortunately my luck was starting to change and the conductor (the first one seen on our trains) gave us no trouble. I think it was because the tickets were for a specific time. That was a close one.

Last Day On Lago Di Como

Expecting (and getting) some amazing weather this morning, we decided to start off early and catch the morning sun from castle Vezio above the sleepy town of Varenna overlooking the lake. Older (or slightly poorer) than Bellagio, Varenna was just getting the sun streaking down over ancient rooftops as we came ashore. Hardly anyone was awake and we had a nice and quiet hike up the mountain path.

The top greeted us with a small church, old ladies praying, a tiny graveyard for locals, and the castle walls. It turns out that the castle is really just a tower surrounded by walls with the best view around. They also do demonstrations with birds of prey that we didn't get to see, but we did see the main characters, including a beautiful owl named Artu and several hawks.

Weekend on Lake Como

Pouring rain Saturday turned to the most stunning fall day today (Sunday). Saturday morning we put on our rain gear and headed out into Bellagio after breakfast at our hotel. There were very few people walking around which made us feel like we had the town to ourselves. We roamed in and out of shops, enjoyed a pizza, some gelato, and later some treats from a pastry shop.

Under Construction...

Our blogger application is a little buggy, so we're taking some time this morning while it's pouring with rain (see below) to find solutions so we can keep sharing our adventures.




Even in the rain it's beautiful. Last night we walked home from dinner with the rain hitting the cobblestones. Perfect time to stroll in and out of shops ;).

Last night we met a sweet couple from Florida on their honeymoon and they had been here a week already. They observed that most people visiting Bellagio are older and from England, South Africa or Australia. Then this morning a very uppity British gentleman called the owner of the hotel over to say "I think we'll check out today a few days early. We've seen everything so we're going to move on." Hilarious. He fully intended to pay for 2 extra nights and not relax and enjoy himself.

And this is what we saw when we woke up...




Ciao for now -- LT

Location:Piazza Giuseppe Mazzini,Bellagio,Italy

Fixing Bugs

JFK to MXP

We started off on our journey like most everyone, on the ground. For three hours. Waiting for weather and forty planes in line ahead of us to take off before finally lifting into the sky over England, Netherlands, France, and Switzerland before arriving in Italy.



Some of our friends and family wanted pictures of food, so our first meal of the trip was the plane food. Enjoy! On the ground the weather was almost identical to New York just ten hours before, overcast and cool, but not unpleasant.



The train portion went smoothly. No surprises and very little waiting. It was rather impressive just how easy the train was to locate and figure out the transfer. Getting off in Como, we took a ferry from the bottom of Lake Como up to Bellagio.



It was a great way to take in the various towns on the lake as we stopped at several along the way. The towns are stunning in their colors and simplicity. Also wonderful are the flowers everywhere. When we landed in Bellagio almost immediately we both commented on the sweet aroma in the air. At first I thought it was gellaterias, but we kept getting traces of it all over town as we explored. Just heavenly.





Starving and certainly not adjusted yet to Italy time, we picked up some fantastic cow's cheese. Gooey, yet firm, and the rind was a real treat as it wasn't too pungent.


Just enough to tide us over for dinner. Apparently porcini mushrooms are in season and the restaurant we chose had a special menu based around them. Of course we ordered some and were well rewarded for doing so.

So it is 10:45pm here but we haven't slept for an entire day or more at this point. Time to fix that. Buona notte!

--NT

Location:Piazza Giuseppe Mazzini,Bellagio,Italy

Trial Post - A Day In Brooklyn

Today we wandered Brooklyn. In an attempt to get some weekend relaxation and material for a trial post on the blog, I took a few photos of the adventure to make sure it would work. We went to Flight 001 to pick up a couple necessary items before heading down to Buttermilk Channel for brunch. I have to say it was better than anticipated, with outstanding short rib hash and pecan French toast to die for. What a treat.




We then made our way north past some beautiful townhouses in Cobble Hill where we found an amazing building and adjacent two lots for sale. It probably would cost as much to renovate but what a home that would make.

On our way home we stopped over in the Brooklyn Bridge Park, Pier 6. I quickly noticed there was a line for the ferry and made us run to take a trip over to Governor's Island. Surprisingly barren yet filled with city dwellers, we made a circle around, viewing the sights. No ice cream left unfortunately and took the ferry back home.


So fun, but we did a lot of walking. Ending the day with some fresh fettuccine, lamb sausage, tomato, and basil pasta. I would definitely eat that again. Such a great Saturday. Tomorrow: test packing and a few more things from stores not in Brooklyn. Hopefully the weather is just as amazing as today's!

Location:Henry St,Brooklyn,United States

Buon Giorno!

Very simply, we are finally going to Italy.  For a long time now we have wanted to go, and while the option was ours for a honeymoon destination, we thought it would be too much Italy and too little us.  Three years later, here we are, about to sojourn in the various locales of Italy.  Once we start our trip this blog will be updated with anecdotes, photos, and descriptions.  Ciao!