tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-51876508886330746702024-03-21T17:30:33.653-07:00Geoff & Rita's Europe TourGeoffhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03226753671327106399noreply@blogger.comBlogger73125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5187650888633074670.post-91767468752553195972008-08-02T13:15:00.000-07:002008-08-02T13:22:57.348-07:00Remembering and PlanningWell, it's been 11 months and 29 days since we set out on our trip to Majorca, France and Italy. Rita and I both still have vivid memories of our wonderful 3 month holiday and are planning to go back again. The next time we will start our trip in France at the beginning of September and end up in Majorca in November. <br /><br />However, we will be going to Australia and New Zealand before we revisit Europe.Geoffhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03226753671327106399noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5187650888633074670.post-8461078631518158752007-11-21T01:31:00.000-08:002007-11-21T02:10:01.553-08:00What a Trip<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIL6aT0H87FYTtCxD1G2BAbr49aVE2rIpU3xRasiYTz4f09dPn0HeK43I9_hpa0yGiTkvdq3q1hO5BDQA5cE8Z3HbiPLm802lH31_kDHcbTqtCNLiXW7vnKlXZf9jJAgz4E2uJQPwW7Xo/s1600-h/Rome+-+Rita+and+Geoff.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5135233149369463810" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIL6aT0H87FYTtCxD1G2BAbr49aVE2rIpU3xRasiYTz4f09dPn0HeK43I9_hpa0yGiTkvdq3q1hO5BDQA5cE8Z3HbiPLm802lH31_kDHcbTqtCNLiXW7vnKlXZf9jJAgz4E2uJQPwW7Xo/s320/Rome+-+Rita+and+Geoff.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDUKS96WcgLAzFcxaFwZKFt1kJ5Sprk5_io0BSth77f6jKyPYuoAjWKoX9DXqeEwoTriRGRjKmKvhNQNKkuA95qdAfogo3vkvmdPeJjKjMUy4_Sr7bxtu9yLWJku5B7-C61tLtRSPSpcM/s1600-h/Rome+-+Rita+and+Geoff+2.JPG"></a><br /><div>I can't believe we are heading home. We have been on holiday for 84 days but it seemed to fly by. Its been a wonderful trip and we have learned a lot about other coutries and ourselves. The good news is that Rita and I have enjoyed each others company as well as the warm and firendly hospitality of those we have met on our travels.</div><br /><div></div><div>However, we are ready to come home as we miss our family and friends very much. Also, Rita is getting tired of her limited wardrobe. </div><br /><div></div><div>It's been a lot of fun putting our trip onto the Blog, thanks again to William Bakker for teaching me how to do this. Hopefully everyone who read about our travels managed to feel the enjoyment and wonder we felt experiencing it.</div><br /><div></div><div>Thanks for all your comments and emails throughout our trip it was definately great to here from our friends in Canada.</div><br /><div></div><br /><div>See you soon....Geoff & Rita</div><br /><div></div>Geoffhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03226753671327106399noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5187650888633074670.post-63413749580674595712007-11-21T00:25:00.000-08:002007-11-21T01:00:58.142-08:00Vatican City<div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTnIWfSHeQERoPZbkXFy9PCSrprVrdBEtCui8dmA4lUpddwtXjUan2sQzOxivl_Hh6IuoaEH4nQcHpFLVRocMxM4gYxx-gnvD0DFocr97ah_paUxog7Nu6aWrzsNjYWc-DIdW5ftESzo4/s1600-h/Rome+-+View+of+St.+Peter%27s+Square+2.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5135214135549244338" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTnIWfSHeQERoPZbkXFy9PCSrprVrdBEtCui8dmA4lUpddwtXjUan2sQzOxivl_Hh6IuoaEH4nQcHpFLVRocMxM4gYxx-gnvD0DFocr97ah_paUxog7Nu6aWrzsNjYWc-DIdW5ftESzo4/s320/Rome+-+View+of+St.+Peter%27s+Square+2.JPG" border="0" /></a> Saint Peter's Square from the Dome of Saint Peter's Basilica<br /><br /><br />Another perfect day for exploring Rome. Sunny and 16c. We headed for Vatican City, the smallest state in the World taking up only 0.44 kilometeres. The Vatican State was establishd in the Middle Ages and at its height of Power included most of central Italy. However, all this was wiped out with the unification of Italy in 1870. The existing State was established in 1929 and has its own police, diplomatic, army and post office. Saint Peter's Square has been the centre for Christianity for ouver a thousand years and is truly a magnificant sight. St. Peter's Basilica looks huge from the outside but you have no comprehension of how truly massive it is until you go inside. We were very fortunate when we went as the crowds are quite small for Vatican standards and had no problems moving around and getting into the sites.<br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5135214990247736306" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZ9z7Vt8NVTy_PSeih4h5Y6OgMGCj4Qhq7bdd0Ojw6chNk7UaqxWfrRqUjZhHMwZBocjC1jHrwD4nZ7ysI3CwybbcCqN7bOr_OMjTHlmXmmnwYI0zR4ZTlahyphenhyphent0O3nI-0mX0vtzeaNAh0/s320/Rome+-+Ecuador+Procession+at+St.+Peters%27.JPG" border="0" /><br /><div></div>Religious Procession from Ecuador leaving St. Peter's Square<br /><div><br /></div><br /><div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5135214152729113554" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBTFAv0_RZ0zxXBo5phCxLUNkP35c73G9AOwF9DjxRLgqgiaiRdPzjPUOUQOSWtIYfnVbR1J2byDH3ljy80ll7kJg99fP_XN-Db6FLZ93gH3pqrdZ2GaWdQuMexCpW6xsGThsruQ13now/s320/Rome+-+St.+Peter%27s+Basilica+Nave.JPG" border="0" /></div><div>St. Peter's Basilica Nave</div><div> </div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5135214169908982754" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihnTaWI-6BPLTjjI9SSnbtosODhnn26CoUpoR_Kn3BVKTkPOOn2f8i07Sluqj83LcYwb4zp5dctosM2pNtDDYbAzgEAZ_-0-SzQ4VCoSf8FjOF6dBxo_V8_WMAc8ndSbQfJYLMmYuydds/s320/Rome+-+The+Bronze+Baldachin+over+the+Tomb+of+St.+Peter.JPG" border="0" />The massive Bronze Baldachin on top of Saint Peter's Tomb.<br /><br /><div></div><br /><br /><div></div></div>Geoffhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03226753671327106399noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5187650888633074670.post-23095514614610939472007-11-20T13:49:00.000-08:002007-11-21T00:24:59.380-08:00Roman Holiday<img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5135060783741940498" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLcAwWk2KBMQnAxZLPW73bq8OhD7_m-IVs8B4S_nUx9m7i-PQFh75eVZYg04mABY3q_En6xLJhLzpv6pcg_al10gOKNxmSreKzvc3SfETrhVHbRXI8N7-uSH7AEL4Xs0pI1A_duqxw4FM/s320/Rome+-+The+Collesium.JPG" border="0" />The Roman Coliseum<br /><br /><br />The heading "Roman Holiday" is for all of us "mature" folks out there who can remember the wonderful Hollywood movie with Audrey Hepburn and Gregory Peck.<br /><div><br /><br /><div>Rome is definately up there with London and Paris. Its got great weather, its an easy walking city, the people are friendly, the food is fantastic and it has over 2,000 years of history on display.</div><br /><br /><div>We have been blessed with wonderful weather since we arrived; beautiful sunny days with temperatures ranging from 10 - 16c. </div><br /><div></div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5135060830986580818" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlr368gwxk_lqDMJImEy85L-zwjCOjulQpix25oegN613XnNRQ8MQUddefPyuAoKxHNKfaxA6BgwYEVWTjFz-iulqQdB2zxCI6ceSZH54BenPWCacoAjwS_ZNdPRvDRLvrAX28vSDxZN8/s320/Rome+-+Geoff+%26+Rita+at+the+Coliseum.JPG" border="0" />Geoff and Rita Inside the Coliseum</div><br /><div></div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5135063463801533298" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjT9Miudpd1g8_zibONV2T6jX0KuTkbAS4q3O_JL8puSo4CwMRjDRekh6gBUIC4mit0rPigFwowAkki42tmNNrdOsrIYfVF16OZxN90FZA3ZPHHdNB12E0l3YsmaYsaAcIQ0lNOcE0YWFo/s320/Rome+-+The+Forum+Ruins.JPG" border="0" /><br /><div></div><br /><div>Some of the Roman Forum Ruins that were the Heart of Ancient Rome</div><div> </div><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5135206426082948002" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9_rPFefr361hJsmb7hS-sht2Zs5CeYg6pmnm2UJeoMMGCkvwfnVMafur2J-RxMdzjfDRiN4iqnNAiL_htCg9adPa4Ii9Fk95aE6P4j8Xg-Qdl7fQ-vdbSrj5YXTDUqBnCYN0zJxDMG2U/s320/Rome+-+Pantheon+(2).JPG" border="0" />The Pantheon was built a few years before the birth of Christ and only survived due to it becoming a Christian Church in 609. The Dome is bigger than St. Peter's and is built of concrete.<br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5135067681459418002" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglCN4jdHQnuf9NyQSjHcdaQLuv58LMbPDYHKqyBqvBacDHLw56PxaMunrMnDPcICqwZIFN0S2Vu1bOFID7d2fNttiVGFDLtz-Y_fp0og9WqCmc7wBH85EATWHJtc8e_GoC_J5wcNlGwhQ/s320/Rome+-+Interior+of+Pantheon.JPG" border="0" />The Interior of the Pantheon showin dome supported only by its outside walls<br /><br /><br /><div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5135060805216777010" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhZc2eGAniznuISqWVk1Q8C2EkGHBTf60tMKsuO1tXMHhdMBSjK2DBwl7qAJF-YAqkqP37d-p_0BUcOUDL1bIWDnlM9GLF37yMIr2Obuzm5eNy-HnDap6XrJ5nDcOeMpDBXo_FfbeOO_8/s320/Rome+-+Neptun+Fountain+at+Piazza+Navona.JPG" border="0" />Neptune Fountain at Piazza Navona</div><br /><br /><br /><div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5135060813806711618" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj66b49B_vL72hY7WsbGZZK-BFS26u4mnhfWkGu72awvGAPd14XM1nBICyNaBKK9EQSmxiviCceCpklLVo9GfVw5Wl9GqBU_M1xE_Tjgvf_enX35TD5TIO3f4IqcjUv6lqidLg-pet-K2Q/s320/Rome+-+Homes+built+upon+ancient+ruins+in+the+Jewiss+Ghetto.JPG" border="0" />18th Century Homes built on top of Ancient Roman Ruins<br /><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5135063468096500610" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihyphenhyphenHD5QQLotBMVymE2rtJeC_B__Hdpc5crCGx5D0OT77PPeXI3IZnOA5f0QyMw_SuffONZDjxZhlNTLjm-im8xqGcF4fhemTXLLqin6zG6k4WAAnxsLWOlmNripfL8KduO8j67535xNcU/s320/Rome+-+Spanish+Steps.JPG" border="0" /><br /><br /><div>The Spanish Steps leading to a French Church are very popular for catching a few rays </div><br /><br /><br /><div><br /></div><br /><br /><div></div></div>Geoffhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03226753671327106399noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5187650888633074670.post-21757707404274261372007-11-20T10:37:00.000-08:002007-11-20T11:03:55.882-08:00All Roads Lead to RomeWithout our GPS, we downlowded MapQuest directions to help get us to our car drop off location just outside of Rome's airport. It was raining when we got up and stayed that way until we were just outside of Rome. The cardboard and duct tape only needed one repair on the trip and we found the drop off location without incident. As we had reported the break-in on the car, they did not have a problem with the broken window. They took us to the train station and we headed for Rome and our hotel.<br /><br /><br /><div><div>The hotel is very comfortable and within walking distance to all the main sites. We unpacked, went for a long walk to get our bearings and went for a genuie Roman Pizza. Tomorrow the real exploring begins.</div><div> </div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5134997248290730706" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkqUMc8G7gDhsIo0oVAGYoBVCs32xhu2m4v8VGEVGkDtK-1gSYbGuX3hLzgKUZsvv1ql44Njbuz6W9PQqdwPJknMUGfDaoDiyh-STMJEYM2LKWCz5TsVUFxXwDJmwVQyJTk1VyJcyGOb4/s320/Rome+-+Geoff+in+our+1st+Room.JPG" border="0" /></div><div>Geoff Checking out the Blackberry as Rita Unpacks<br /><br /></div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5134997561823343330" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4ua6LAN8ydhn8NBULWpKAv3kehwCzLIMgobyqMt4Z8Pf3KYRQhCtqgWluPWeT05rJSoVgrGleT4sF_VB47hy3QI0Lv9iyocgKcS5BQjISIW7Vwv3AFhM_EMSFAMkd8pIjyo3Ro1WyAq4/s320/Rome+-+Rita+Looking+at+the+Tiber+River.JPG" border="0" /><br />Rita Checking out the Tiber River<br /><br /><div></div><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5134997849586152178" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidqN0mAG0MiamudomuicjdGycaTj4Fkc77qRCdrt-gt06BNehuUnpHrxszR57H2aXtCnLg76AIn95SPIPlclqTQjhqfw45ozC0aW8BwRfYaWPROapIkXaeLaoWXUYz_wvkEAUnK0BzqXI/s320/Rome+-+St.+Pauls+and+the+Tiber.JPG" border="0" />Saint Pauls Dome in the Distance <div><br /><br /><br /> </div><div></div><div><br /><br /><br /> </div><div></div><br /><br /><br /><br /><div> </div>Geoffhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03226753671327106399noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5187650888633074670.post-83950478185867780152007-11-20T10:20:00.000-08:002007-11-20T10:37:13.265-08:00Positano<div><div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuIa-BinmaSJqAFLgd9CrA-GlBnRJzE_yW8y10ItBva4CRuFpyz4r7Ap3Pb61NjXKFv2-2r2qnvJUTIIz_zVRHZzBBTLyfFANO_MnNl49aXl1EN0_zOX9ghfReTubWI2A294JP9VRXcEU/s1600-h/Positano+-+View+from+the+steps.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5134989822292275858" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuIa-BinmaSJqAFLgd9CrA-GlBnRJzE_yW8y10ItBva4CRuFpyz4r7Ap3Pb61NjXKFv2-2r2qnvJUTIIz_zVRHZzBBTLyfFANO_MnNl49aXl1EN0_zOX9ghfReTubWI2A294JP9VRXcEU/s320/Positano+-+View+from+the+steps.JPG" border="0" /></a>Going Down the Steps to Positano<br /><br /><br /><div>The weather has finally caught up with us on the Amalfi Coast. The first day we were in Positano it was sunny and 18c. The next day it was overcast with sunny periods and then it went into heavy rains for the next two days with temperatures hovering around 12c. We even had hail one night. Then it cleared up and was a beautiful sunny day. We had planned to take a boat to the Island of Capri for the day. Unfortunately, someone broke into our car overnight and stole our GPS system that we had stupidly left in the glove compartment. Our insurance required a police report to be able to make a claim for the GPS. Under normal circumstances this would be almost impossible as the police here do not do reports for such “minor” incidences and also do not speak English. Our landlord was very helpful and contacted the police and took us down to the station and convinced them to write up a report. He acted as interpreter and we got the document we required to send off to the insurance company. We also had to try and get the small window that was smashed fixed. We finally found a place that could fix it but they would have to order the part and we would be gone by the time it would get here. I decided to do my own repair job with some cardboard and duct tape and let the lease company sort it out when we return the car in Rome. The day was not totally lost as we spent what was left of it getting our exercise hitting the stairs, shops and beaches of Positano.<br /></div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5134990294738678434" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNkndrJ6azhvQVtywr0kDs82lbD0jVhvilpAYZjABT8PYMe7yB2Nzv2C1_5KQx6S2juWxyjLi4542tfXw6vd37JiRrnKzjrmlN3lvjWQ9-idv7nqgYBRN_nfQZ2DrW9S_odc7LHW0L6Wg/s320/Sorrento+-+Geoff+checking+out+the+Italian+Vino.JPG" border="0" />Geoff Checking out the Italian Vino Options for Dinner </div><div><br /> </div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5134990724235408050" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9MROwUiIeFS0xy6Hhj6i5ueMkGU0quVVCKKaMBegjfslg6yCj0vFos7DF8lfLu70DugPsfSJRn4Jz6dNo4upB-OPtF7j_58v9dPGyChvl4s__N7WQWT2oj1MNSocozD8_cqWJVxybMcM/s320/Positano+-+From+the+Beach.JPG" border="0" />Looking at Positano from its Main Beach </div><div> </div><div><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5134991067832791746" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiupbPUE4DalrlQefMBScnleVJb1lt2sKXaNRN0Mm8KpG58THKarx7vPiQeuZ1Yvn0x066br7sr08j0PEciYE6MPy7utn4fBpFtWMji6AxFrkOoLAomfSwjr_wCAEwgN6iFB723rI-LJ4o/s320/Positano+-+Rita+on+the+Beach.JPG" border="0" /></div></div><br />Rita Relaxing at the Beach Before Heading Back up the StairsGeoffhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03226753671327106399noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5187650888633074670.post-75276283951796390322007-11-15T08:23:00.000-08:002007-11-15T08:34:54.589-08:00Amalfi Coast<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhunH9D8-pIFrGmqz2OMoHMuV-AV3jFXFLBUpeFQVVa8yCenP4lg8sC_Tp2SFC8GaMcOfdKZxIqe6BXJlDxGmga2Ju-iNEwoJ88-56PJzByNfZjrNAuhknTVl7R7GMuiVi_V8hcQLbcDHE/s1600-h/Positano+-+On+the+Coastal+Road.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5133105491290501762" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhunH9D8-pIFrGmqz2OMoHMuV-AV3jFXFLBUpeFQVVa8yCenP4lg8sC_Tp2SFC8GaMcOfdKZxIqe6BXJlDxGmga2Ju-iNEwoJ88-56PJzByNfZjrNAuhknTVl7R7GMuiVi_V8hcQLbcDHE/s320/Positano+-+On+the+Coastal+Road.JPG" border="0" /></a> On the Amalfi Coast Highway<br /><div><br /><br /><div> Weather was a bit iffy today. Warm (18C) but overcast with some sunny periods. We decided to explore the area by car and check out the town of Amalfi. Amalfi is quite a bit bigger, has a very good harbor and is a lot flatter than Positano. In fact, before a freak tidal wave hit the town in 1343 it was a major maritime power, especially in the 11th and 12 centuries. However, today Amalfi certainly shows a lot more wear and tear than Positano. But the old town area still is worth visiting and exploring.</div><div><br /></div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5133104314469462626" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtQ7Wo6RVJAAhkn2AQ91lnI4cSPWWcBwqCtDj1nf4wdjYV5kHEOOdvPD4-sCQ9goB7eP3UAjN5eIfttML2LucNRUQcjc0V-GGEJzqqfIWwmhsq69DU9a1hpIm_tYr2cdXYmC-aXZwyPHA/s320/Amalfi+-+Town+and+Beach.JPG" border="0" />The town of Amalfi with its beach </div><div> </div><div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5133104683836650098" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjm82p2MSYWtrItOLZhQDOvPOeNfd2ktgUJZxxYJAtyNZ1P3VIHlVDSLHAAwtuBPeJPaKsp_AnDIi5DRrpNYlOMwx10iqgNcFuxxWsZu2vDG1bxGCuM7MwkqPVISMBl5tgFYekjQs-VJyo/s320/Amalfi+-+Donckeys+are+still+in+use.JPG" border="0" /></div><br />Donkey teams are still used to haul loads up that can't be done by TrucksGeoffhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03226753671327106399noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5187650888633074670.post-29057470519538345672007-11-15T07:43:00.000-08:002007-11-15T08:23:15.062-08:00Positano is Why I Retired at 60<div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvBRL336JcydmVw7vKLt03p0DF7Dl_xHvPxcEWXXkx29Zxbj0AMHkyqcfWGlzXcXxB7rAa__Hji3SKJhE-LU82Jd-iVvPW_w0JpsArwuJ6qqLxsF75DFSnCdD7dbWe7HIQix0XF-3tKNs/s1600-h/Positano+-+View+of+Town+and+the+Med.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5133097730284597810" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvBRL336JcydmVw7vKLt03p0DF7Dl_xHvPxcEWXXkx29Zxbj0AMHkyqcfWGlzXcXxB7rAa__Hji3SKJhE-LU82Jd-iVvPW_w0JpsArwuJ6qqLxsF75DFSnCdD7dbWe7HIQix0XF-3tKNs/s320/Positano+-+View+of+Town+and+the+Med.JPG" border="0" /></a>Looking at Positano from the Highway.</div><br /><br /><div><div>Our apartment is located just outside of Positano. As our travel book stated that driving in Positano is very stressful due to heavy congestion, has very narrow streets and very little parking, we decided to walk into town. It’s about a 5 minute walk from our apartment along the highway before you come to the steps that lead down into the town and the beach. 917 steps later we were on the beach. It took us 12 minutes to get down to the beach and I knew it was going to take a lot longer to get back up to the highway. Positano is truly spectacular but I am not sure why anyone thought this would be a good place to start a town. It climbs up the side of a mountain. The only flat area is their small beach. There is not enough flat space to have a Piazza or square, which is very uncommon in Italy. There are lots of short, narrow streets that wind their way up. You are either walking uphill or downhill. There are very few flat areas. We found a very nice outdoor café next to the beach for coffee and cake. We spent quite a bit of time sitting in the sun, enjoying the people watching and preparing ourselves for the ordeal ahead. It took about 18 minutes for us to get back to the highway, which is relatively flat and allowed us to catch our breath as we walked home. This Positano stair master workout will definitely allow us to indulge in some extra coffee and cake sessions while we are here. <div><div><div><div> </div><div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5133095574211015186" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJyyUCLStiNzh39FmcWivYM32j02NHH19dN7yBUlrto0gmof3ZLO_vs_NcOHt7XcRUfaGbVz8tZAAQmMjIyUvs3CGWiAa3cUSybijTNQBPuSne80CzZ8Nwj_fEPo3M8UKN4E8MBwNxYrA/s320/Positano+-+Rita+at+the+Viewpoint.JPG" border="0" /></div><div><br />Rita at the viewpoint. This is where we access the steps into town and the beach</div><div> <img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5133095982232908322" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi18VcStQIPX4334GSfIZy2ET6e1jsv2aWQXfjA_uvygZBiNXChdc0ei1PDAjQUvSW4r8VnYi5xNCC9S0tP1qSKMhj6gajIFHpyCWk0aF9rkuBxYLFwy2l0g0M7zD50oTCWTDKcY-w2tP0/s320/Positano+-+Catching+the+Morning+Sun.JPG" border="0" />Portofino climbing up the side of the mountain</div></div></div></div></div></div></div>Geoffhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03226753671327106399noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5187650888633074670.post-44707811849358501792007-11-14T07:46:00.000-08:002007-11-14T08:01:47.444-08:00The Road to Positano<div><div><div><div>Siena was our longest stay, 10 days and it was still not enough. We will be back to this wondrous place as there much more for us to see here. </div><div><br />Next stop the Amalfi Coast. It was our longest drive as Tom Tom told us its 480 kms and will take just over 5 hours to get there, not including our pee breaks. The good news is that over 380km were to be driven on the Autostrade, which has a speed limit of 130kmh. The bad news is that the last 50 kms is a very narrow and windy highway carved out of the mountains and the speed limit is 50kmh. However, the usual speed was about 30kmh. There is a very unusual sign that states in several languages that you have to give way to passing cars coming into your lane!!! This has to be for the local drivers as they are very aggressive, drive very fast and overtake in places that would be suicide for us in Canada. I am very happy that we have a small car. </div><div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5132723907006022402" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-_GpSWyv_m4sO6ztjVipMoHUOkZWEyUuICiGAR3ncmFOnfi4KU7NW7gixYHGnicroZ1iWhvCglSMGKcqv0miXO6OyVg2ew553lWZ3YuK3573p8srHEvGghpt4kM5I0RO-vO3oU2wZKDo/s320/Positano+-+Rita+picking+up+some+fruit+and+veg+from+a+roadside+stall.JPG" border="0" />Rita picking up some fruit and veg from roadside vendor on the Amalfi Coast Highway</div><div><br />We left at 10:00 and arrived in Positano at 16:00. Found our apartment and settled in. As in Portovenere, the better the view the more 1970’s our apartment seems to look. The good news is it’s clean and comfortable. And the view is unbelievable. We are hanging off a cliff edge looking out into the Med. The building is 3 levels with the owners on the lower level, a 2 bedroom apartment on the 2nd level and our 1 bedroom apartment on the top. The bad news? The parking lot is 75 steps above us!!! Tomorrow we will check out the Amalfi Coast. </div><div> </div><div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5132724641445430034" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbcNx2-MmSdH-rSIB-j0o0-ez4TThq3c0-4hWhmP4gwlhhaHpoPhEZyH5B6AHl8bZgTT_rpZjXh57RLVl_qp_QJ_rtdRaZNXDPlTtQE0848RfkylPUtJVzE5B6BB94tzZ0QA_qAC0m1EA/s320/Positano+-+Villa+Punta+del+Sole.JPG" border="0" /><br />This is where we are staying on the top floor. You can see the parking area on the upper left</div><div> </div><div> <img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5132724967862944546" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBoqmz9nf8Mxm2QhJzrJQ8VHFhoNwI3VjpOCyTa39djp8LQY10owMORcgoNkyD2gtsPXWoeBRyQNyRjvfl0w3UYFsLkso5xKHzXTaYIHq_3eUS9Az_JELu-3ibvfgUO3RL5QrTtxUbrPU/s320/Positano+-+Rita+on+our+Balcony.JPG" border="0" />Rita on our Balcony checking out the amazing view<br /></div><div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5132725247035818802" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWgCNOTVWgKgz_N0RQviGQlAjFzrcHn0udiZjd1Lb1yvUTCyLHOLHwCLZwKVaq-ZM_GdGGEQtWMsUXn-WCTUioHoAQ6jx-g7QdpAmBBB28gxyx0pq7XsrW_GuPLP2WKSIap1HGVkWZGQo/s320/Positano+-+Sunset+off+our+Balcony.JPG" border="0" /></div><div>Sunset from our Balcony </div></div></div></div>Geoffhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03226753671327106399noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5187650888633074670.post-7733984152570328742007-11-09T07:57:00.000-08:002007-11-09T08:12:26.032-08:00Sunrise to Sunset<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWtYXqEdu6FirqHfiPMIyia_stMya6cSd79iEwOghM8tg-p7vxeJPlBEq-LwKlaclFwmdomeuhl8BBvqaCq02bUva5MDRjdeK0I56vlDsPs3r-E22ijAQR4PYceQY-2T44VJnZfF8A5-4/s1600-h/Siena+-+Tuscany+Morning+with+Birds.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5130873916962254050" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWtYXqEdu6FirqHfiPMIyia_stMya6cSd79iEwOghM8tg-p7vxeJPlBEq-LwKlaclFwmdomeuhl8BBvqaCq02bUva5MDRjdeK0I56vlDsPs3r-E22ijAQR4PYceQY-2T44VJnZfF8A5-4/s320/Siena+-+Tuscany+Morning+with+Birds.JPG" border="0" /></a> First Light of a Tuscan Morning<br /><br /><br /><div><div><div><div><div><div>This was going to be a long day as we wanted to visit Lucca, which is a 2 hour drive from where we are staying. We got up early (for us) at 07:30 and I immediately went outside to take a picture of the sun coming up.<br />Lucca has a well preserved 4 km wall surrounding it and it’s a great place to walk or bike. As we walked the ramparts we were joined by many locals walking, biking or jogging their way around the wall. Lucca has had three walls in its 2,000 years and the current one took one hundred years to build (1550 – 1650) and was state of the art for its time as it was designed to absorb cannonball fire. It was short but wide with 35 meters of dirt covered with brick and stone. It cost the town 33% of its total income for 100 years to build, however it was good value as it was never penetrated by an enemy. Lucca is also a very interesting place inside its walls as it has several Churches, lots of Piazzas and wonderful cobbled streets to roam and window shop. Lucca will also be remembered by Rita for having her third proper lunch of our Europe trip. It was in a sun soaked Piazza that was built on top of a Roman Amphitheatre. The current buildings mark the existing outside walls but the cobbled square is 9 feet above the original Amphitheatre floor.<br />On the way home we stopped to admire and take a picture of a remarkable sunset. It was a wonderful way to end the day.</div><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5130872190385401026" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbEvVzVHXA8csBIhgvQy2vh-PULHmWC1VIAt1lDSP5lVrq4vMSJD46iT4b6GIRNRaiqNyuEhPysqShQ-1zseRa1oUeiOXcpLj5teCvALr8iPIcvKDtjYKojPV4Ya5-l5MGvM2rKnUw6z4/s320/ucca+-+Church+of+San+Michele+of+Foro.JPG" border="0" />Church of San Michele of Foro<br /><br /><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5130871159593249954" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidHrDpXbBccvFYUod18Q5DIYjpWIkbfM389Lj_qHuIo0r00-pMQXod5uVaYksJhUrI4JfYd7ySGtxguenMU6y6aYYxPbvy17mCQ_dBe-8THMDkkI6C75JuD6P3ZUtnH2peug1fi5_HfO4/s320/Lucca+-+Piazza+del+Anfiteatro.JPG" border="0" />Piazza del Anfiteatro sitting on top of the ruins of a 10,000 seat Roman Amphitheatre<br /><br /><br /><div></div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5130872491033111762" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwWq_76ioFvmi1rs73_DbgbFe1g7Xaif93oV5PQjnVC7PPHrATIGt_e_zgL9LjmygS4FwjN2zOKjxqDuyCb7HUwj7ulZu4JXIKW_QqR3GABabAWZFHhoKEgotQP70-s5OyStZ6WvbgbLI/s320/Lucca+-+Sunset+on+the+way+home+to+Siena.JPG" border="0" />Sunset on way home to Siena</div></div></div></div></div>Geoffhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03226753671327106399noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5187650888633074670.post-42402781198401868662007-11-09T07:30:00.000-08:002007-11-09T07:56:54.643-08:00The Wine and Cheese Tour<div><div><div><div><div> Today we visited Montepulciano and Pienza. The first noted for its Vino Nobile and the second for its Pecorino cheese.</div><div> </div><div><div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5130865103689362466" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiu8pt15gj3Jdcz_56Q-YLmAG5XMYfWv49BBG8AFYRgyyQwvaQ-CObJAeHZb5h4PMkJRxHYJZ1JT0vSvnX3FpWf7XUe6H5hQmdELPBjnR4TPaQY9vhHPaoGKDDrUDMQ8Z0D8llzmyg-rzA/s320/Montepulciano+-+View+of+Wall+and+Twon.JPG" border="0" /></div><div>Montepulciano and Fortified Wall</div><div><br />Montepulciano is by far the larger of the two and sits on top of a steep hill that allows for wonderful views of the countryside from several panoramic viewpoints. The town’s architecture is a mixture of its past history and has been heavily influenced by its two main city state rulers, Siena and Florence. However, the most popular activity is visiting the many wine merchants who offer up their version of Vino Nobile di Montepulciano, a hearty red wine that is made from the grapes of the surrounding vineyards. Our favorite experience was at the Contucci winery located in the Contucci Palace in the Piazza Grande as we were able to go on a tour of the wine cellars located in their 13th Century vaults. </div><div><br /> </div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5130865503121321010" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsGkK3fQ_9bWvttuULSNVyzuwYhozSMqH6lmKMOXSfeOt7-XJ00Ka9z8FUiJsZaRFbTLW2Cr4SB8WgFE817kao9nZmy1dfv1z6YLXPeNYvvcm93DPhF253s08MpBO81wRve7HgaMtvb1I/s320/Montepulciano+-+Rita+sampling+Panforte.JPG" border="0" /></div><div>Rita enjoying the "low calorie" local treat Panforte with her cappucino</div><div> </div><div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5130865868193541186" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgh_Mmfx0uOVUcDQL1PqM6whLohUgQ830cAa8Ii8lr8KO5CuAvfCLwgkye1unb11ZZPZvja4Ww-BTRJTrbol2FXos2txi9PWITECUYwmoWDmnnX-Lh-xjnzjUQPyXRlWb7om9NcjITk4ds/s320/Montepulciano+-+Geoff+with+Contucci+Vino+Nobile.JPG" border="0" />Geoff in awe of the Oak barrelled wine in the 13th Century Cellars</div><div><br />Pienza is a really pretty little hill town that offers great views of the surrounding Tuscan countryside and lots of tight little lanes with houses decorated with lots of potted plants. Pienza’s claim to fame is Pope Pius ll was born here in the 1400’s and their famous sheep cheese, Pecorino. </div><div><br /> </div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5130867019244776562" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwAQRwyijWblmYxsex-BA2ogBmjVR0ITWYxgmQoQbRfI8cQ46k8IHIl1KmNv9FW2qmciN0M-nTfMt4UT9WhBpKq48RNXKReo863Pu1oZbYteO9arstL5yI4CyCE8axss8EoU8vUjENzRA/s320/Pienza+-+Rita+and+houses.JPG" border="0" /> <div>Rita on the steps of a pretty street in Pienza</div><div> </div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5130866692827262050" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7OOlJzS1qeVxXaGNfPiXf9NwGL_XiD9uMNrO1Qnofy0AMSFufOb6dzf8GzwPsV_EnHKUVS8SG_DQg3qLV9_QuqZoOJj1qJBHvjR5jJnfDnqCo0hKmXTp6cRxWzDlHV0OCkGnhUXjgsCk/s320/Pienza+-+Shop+Window+with+Pecorino+Cheese,+Wild+Boar+Salami+and+Procuito.JPG" border="0" />Shop window in Pienza showcasing the local Pecorino cheese along with wild Boer salami<br /></div><div> <img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5130867569000590466" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBxJFiJn4QAMizDoBKG9Y9uOskzK9D4AJatFBVb2ydLkTQCmEq9cbw8NR2GNZCMqmkBezMQNCUmN1TkXh7qD7g1yZ4ZRZ1U9HsQ7MOTQHHNAg9jYKu7Suuz0s-zbSt2MTZS0ZjY0GPjWk/s320/Pienza+-+Rita+soaking+up+the+sun+on+the+Promenade+Wall.JPG" border="0" /> <div>Rita Soaking up the Sun on the Pienza Ramparts </div></div></div></div></div>Geoffhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03226753671327106399noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5187650888633074670.post-59898133075865367572007-11-09T07:06:00.000-08:002007-11-09T07:30:11.329-08:00Headingt for the Hills<div><div><br /><div><div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJqvp4oPGZavhtmW5uULnke9_gQshaptdzaPwfNvj6veH-LmreFPga9oU7jOZAEEN5x7hxUphh0t_q1dEqPfA6mv-Exh8a6Agbf-DK5vnO324hXgcAAld_I5yiz7joSgPZHkuiLShSMzM/s1600-h/Civita+-+With+Connecting+Foot+Bridge.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5130858485144759202" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJqvp4oPGZavhtmW5uULnke9_gQshaptdzaPwfNvj6veH-LmreFPga9oU7jOZAEEN5x7hxUphh0t_q1dEqPfA6mv-Exh8a6Agbf-DK5vnO324hXgcAAld_I5yiz7joSgPZHkuiLShSMzM/s320/Civita+-+With+Connecting+Foot+Bridge.JPG" border="0" /></a>Civita surrounded by its Canyon<br /><br /><br /><div>One of the reasons we chose to stay around Siena was its proximity to several small medieval villages allowing us to explore the area in easy day trips. Today we visited Civita and Orvieto.<br /><br />Both are walled villages on top of hills but Civita is truly remote as it sits on top of a hill that is surrounded by a canyon and is only accessible by footbridge built in 1965. Before that there was a natural land bridge but it fell into the canyon as part of a massive slide. Civita only has 14 permanent residents, mostly in their 80’s. However, many of the homes are being purchased as summer residences by out-of-towners. There is also a multi million Euro restoration taking place to ensure Civita is preserved for future generations. While we were there, a film crew had taken over the village and was shooting a historical film about Pinocchio so we did not really have a chance to properly explore the inside of the village. What we did see had a lot of character and was well preserved. </div><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5130858888871685042" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiUsSb3PgVRxs8prwL_1JjDpg5-_LF2zbP4DDAa2j0AIecozWHdKWCtKdUIpHtmtkdbwCXUd70i5LFZVLg86BStUz-C_2-nTHr_FNtt_vQtfPNk685jcr2KEkl25WgWJjcg7hLnvUDrd8/s320/Civita+-+Rita+on+the+Foot+Bridge.JPG" border="0" />Rita on the Footbridge to Civita<br /><br /><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5130859241059003330" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUnIWbEa78oQlcQgF5v4A8YMg4BV0b3kuR_QNrPul4Kq7O-mbah8Py6PXgH0-2zthL4PKD2kY2_hiVMJeNByNPbCQip7LD6CP6uRWffPLWvaFB22MdOzcrpEnUL0lawi6rJ3VU-Ib7_kk/s320/Civita+-+Filming+Pinnochio.JPG" border="0" />Filming Pinocchio in the Main Piazza of Civita<br /><br /><div></div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5130859623311092690" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgI3CmrALJqiRzrxKa54ZYlldrEI18YfvoUTT5TLWfR7l7vCJQezDqmBNOQUeLjWgifGpRA6Z_7JSLVgM9xQescTo2s7cP7at-d2Regz_F54w7Wxaw4RReneoziTQDRb4pVutJ-mrUgDmA/s320/Orvieto+-+From+the+Valley.JPG" border="0" />Hill Town of Orvieto from the Valley<br /><br /><div> </div><div>Orvieto is much larger and although a hill town is accessible by car. You park outside of the walls and explore by foot. The town sits 1,000 feet above the valley floor and most of the buildings and ramparts made from very soft and porous volcanic rock. It gives the town a totally different look than other medieval towns we have visited. The front of their Cathedral is also quite amazing as it looks like an Alter you would find inside the Church. It was completed in 1330 and has an array of mosaics, stained glass and sculptures. We liked the town as it did not feel touristy and it has unbelievable views of the valley below.</div><div> </div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5130860581088799730" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYKMjKfSjJcwYefaUaDmxOtcIFGxoqjb9zFbkirtXTxE0X2QuGQY4CMdTAErmPYKbiOIO2sJmR6NO1mfwc1af4mVIwkbJDDwPuRt9-G0VEO48RslbKN_JB3EwO9Xv1gW21CQxB9BgFcgU/s320/Orvieto+-+Duomo.JPG" border="0" /></div><div>The Beautiful front of the Orvieto Duomo</div><div><br /> </div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5130859988383312866" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAvVN4mciocW1ilAiYrS5lEUViBEpDwzS1vJLMY_cuChSunb3fDP0MRcZI_J53c1j0GQu7noFzfVs-wBjjOKQOt9WkjgoLnmC8Mp3vx2-vdeDanhv8BThNW1pE_r0rxbku9v64al2_xq0/s320/Orvieto+-+Rita+looking+over+the+wall+to+the+Valley+Below.JPG" border="0" />Rita on the Orvieto Ramparts looking at the Valley below</div></div></div></div>Geoffhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03226753671327106399noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5187650888633074670.post-86052324917850953412007-11-06T09:38:00.000-08:002007-11-06T10:01:45.571-08:00Siena Revisited<div><br /><br /><div><div><div><div>We have been blessed with amazing weather while here in Tuscany and today was no exception. Sunny and a warm 18C we started the day with a one hour “speed walk” with the landlord’s dog, Orzo, along some of the country back roads. It was a wonderful way to start the day. After breakfast Rita did a load of laundry before we headed for Siena to check out a couple of the museums and their Cathedral that we did not see on our first visit. </div><div> </div><div> </div><div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5129784113152830962" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0VKqlwBAlK4Q_jsoMBNi0x_WTdALI0mSdzO8KKJ44hWPOXrxEpF2sSanFNZnLvbKCM7OZF-OJa1v9Lhbmwe5Vf47ekdZR3HwXfT_uTpTrgjr4O1T9pri7ANON9XgXH5tqTOOc6TOzAac/s320/Siena+-+Laundry+Day.JPG" border="0" /></div><div>Rita hanging our clothes to dry out of her Bruno Magli laundry bag</div><div> <img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5129784607074070018" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiep-tZ9EPRyIsu8QaeS2zXdMo8_bW0iU4HkCMJ3xVVmFKAqX4PgbiVOwbXxvFADmUrs9Wzqszpwov06zeWx2QsYGkmaG5RaeDytc7jcrn4igJDteSmMfUNmXcfSDBQOl_jK2fcnhzo5_w/s320/Siena+-+Cathedral+of+Santa+Maria.JPG" border="0" /></div><div>Front of Cathedral Santa Maria</div><div> </div><div>The Cathedral of Santa Maria was consecrated in 1179 but most of what is there today is from the 13th Century and was built to compete with the Cathedral in Florence. The Florence Cathedral is definitely more impressive on the outside but the interior of the Cathedral in Siena is definitely the hands down winner. It is packed with so many amazing works of art celebrating God, Jesus and Mary that it’s impossible to describe them all. For me the main features were the floor of the Cathedral which is completely covered by 56 intricate marble inlaid scenes that were started in the 13th Century and were not completed until the 19th Century. The earliest ones were more simple black and white designs with the later ones being very complex and multicolored. For Rita and I ”The Slaughter of the Innocents” panel was truly remarkable and moved us the most. The Libreria Piccolomini is also very impressive with its Frescos, painted ceiling and displays of hand written music scores intricately decorated with religious images. Even Rita was impressed and enjoyed exploring the inside of the Cathedral. </div><div> </div><div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5129785152534916626" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihhJTEwvEotbXfm3tdDdGVQEaqWB4ZuRglDKYf69obYWRx_V6nDOhHa_RvooNgaeeucjcp7QQJFtT0RKpj4zKjktjR3_Y8hri_-obC0DRmcFmYclgRK_pKb4bp8HPXYig9bu4WfugocWQ/s320/Siena+-+Libreria+Piccolomini+showing+Frescos+and+hand+written+books.JPG" border="0" /></div><div>Libreria Piccolomini</div><div><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5129785577736678946" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSD_3-N2eQ-mW03uq5zt2mV4HEPVLkJA6VclWAxiyYaSLVYMKq_i9Mcwpdp2KLsVCvtv3AcpUYsJoWfVkjRvzHUMEnmKXFaerWSsRbe2bYrM4GzmJKHh-hVqR5JuX8EFOJzATBE5roEik/s320/Siena+-+One+of+56+inlaid+marble+panels.JPG" border="0" /></div><div>One of the 56 marble panels on the Cathedral Floor</div><div> </div><div>After all that exploring and Interneting it was getting late and we decided to sit back and relax with a glass of red wine at one of the café’s rimming the Il Campo Piazza before heading home for one of Rita’s excellent Italian dinners.<br /><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5129785955693801010" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4g_ho1c1EOI0wGUcrUc4-mdVATsaYVP7urO6PzCHrF5nWSgWWQDn8NsnOtHw98_YjuWZfWZ_viDXEJHmso8oRJ2Hni2p3wo1xXhpmClTv_LTB1cXoavcTk9lDS7lgf-5JTk5Bt_kuUfU/s320/Siena+-+City+Hall+and+Tower+at+Night.JPG" border="0" />City Hall and Tower at Night</div></div></div></div></div>Geoffhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03226753671327106399noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5187650888633074670.post-64242796527772228622007-11-04T07:41:00.000-08:002007-11-04T08:07:07.395-08:00Tuscany Countryside<div><div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6GVC_MJ2MyuDbIFZbbcNOLScMO-0MXthrx9XOCsRtvH3haGzkbDWwMvDb9nBOIkW5PpZofa5myxfs1FoBSDhm-LRwXG_3EXVKlLx3nawCUYbik-PFz-xvJQAFzhcCwyMYxX0ivirFj9o/s1600-h/Siena+-+Village+in+the+Tuscan+Hills.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5129011920982683058" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6GVC_MJ2MyuDbIFZbbcNOLScMO-0MXthrx9XOCsRtvH3haGzkbDWwMvDb9nBOIkW5PpZofa5myxfs1FoBSDhm-LRwXG_3EXVKlLx3nawCUYbik-PFz-xvJQAFzhcCwyMYxX0ivirFj9o/s320/Siena+-+Village+in+the+Tuscan+Hills.JPG" border="0" /></a> Village in the Tuscan Hills <br /><br /><br /><div>Rita and I headed for the hills as it was another beautiful sunny day with 19C temperatures. Going to visit Volterra and San Gimignano, two medieval hill towns built in the 13th Century. They both still have their fortified walls and only pedestrian traffic is allowed in the Old Town area. Driving out of the valley where Siena is located we were totally amazed at how high we were climbing and the amount of forest we went through. My impression of Tuscany before arriving here was a place that is relatively flat, lots of fields with rolling hills, but this is definitely not the case. There is a lot of the countryside that is forested and many of the hills are a lot more rugged to be called "rolling". The fall colors are starting to appear and the contrast of colors are magnificent. </div><div> </div><div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5129012320414641602" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZeuOc0J8KKol9wd76DUBEbtiyh665pg-nC88zZNobfMSf2GdeFgwQFw5NcKcHUXAlf5rSnUS7N2_nFkMClYLLFzx_G4ypYl057sQ5qfc-fj3xMCaLxl1lzf1KxHSkBJ2vrIbjZ_qzArI/s320/Siena+-+Cypress+Trees+amid+the+Vineyards+in+Hill+Country.JPG" border="0" /></div><div>Cyprus Trees and Vineyards between San Gimigano and Voltera</div><div><br />Volterra had its Market Day as well as a Tuscany Food Fair and so the place was jammed with people. Rita and I both liked the feel of the town. It’s definitely not touristy as there are lots of shops for locals within the walls. You can ride a bike along the medieval walls but we decided to walk. Did not make it all the way around the wall but far enough to bump into a prison with armed guards. The medieval walls form part of the prison walls, so they must still be very sturdy.</div><div><br />San Gimigano’s medieval town is totally geared to tourism with a lot of glazed pottery, alabaster, local wine and wild boar sausage shops. It’s main claim to historic fame are the 14 surviving towers located within the town walls (Originally there were just over 60). Apparently wealthy families built the towers to show how rich and powerful they were and to protect them from attack by other city-states or from feuding neighbors. </div><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5129013132163460578" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBDegMtg8EKLBaZbsFRbD5t9Y9nOtU9Ii6nKYBfVgPfzyWOa5IBBC17mVTYTdqQKso_C614DEhFoRV6Q3dBM4jg-BSNk3ebN0OC9qmq_5I8CdVPxTbndWc2dsyb1prJvO2NJWgzG5o1_Q/s320/Siena+-+San+Gimigano+Towers.JPG" border="0" />Some of San Gimigano famous Towers</div><div><br /><div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5129012754206338514" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCbWhGfc1Gw63DtZvOCYx2w4DSuiXncbD3rqxzR_jom9z2JIDpZPrhVlhfP0IeG3NJpJBdjKPlk9-HFhd2y0blSrG7RhXRM0c8Q3tXXgVkbUcPtVqlB0ILKFpRX0GLZ7-QpI2OGy-d7Gg/s320/Siena+-+Pomegranate+Tree+in+San+Gimigiano.JPG" border="0" />Have never seen a Pomegranate tree until San Gimigano<br /></div></div></div></div>Geoffhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03226753671327106399noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5187650888633074670.post-58986939027295230492007-11-04T07:14:00.000-08:002007-11-04T07:41:33.251-08:00The Heart of Tuscany<div><div><div><div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioH_pO2U0CXfbyxwEipR8nherbwlPjqpyeGKjUIS5t7aor2mMbrRn9_fqp9cpivrz903sDwOwBXs9gLrRMRHQhwExcsVhGuUalpEqKhN6zME0pVCRI4-jzH_Sut3J1o3p3i3vr7N-4q_M/s1600-h/Siena+-+Early+Morning+in+Tuscany.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5129005448466967890" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioH_pO2U0CXfbyxwEipR8nherbwlPjqpyeGKjUIS5t7aor2mMbrRn9_fqp9cpivrz903sDwOwBXs9gLrRMRHQhwExcsVhGuUalpEqKhN6zME0pVCRI4-jzH_Sut3J1o3p3i3vr7N-4q_M/s320/Siena+-+Early+Morning+in+Tuscany.JPG" border="0" /></a> Photo of the Tuscany farmland and hills from our backyard.<br /><br /><br /><div>The sun streaming into our bedroom woke us up early and I went out and took the picture above at around 08:15. We are in the middle of nowhere and it’s wonderful. Our refurbished barn is in an olive grove which is full of songbirds eating the olives as they are very ripe and starting to fall. Went for a nice walk to check the area out and it’s definitely in the country as all that is around us is farms, vineyards and more olive groves. It seems you can see for miles. We are definitely in the rolling hills of Tuscany. After breakfast we took off for Siena, which is 12 km away. <img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5129006028287552866" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiy0rWw4_J6g5atb8yk1-3Iw5aKsbr7bmu1VH59rxpy0sSsA_lNw1ZqmeSApFDFx74evm7o8_Wp24Z3bSbHur_PrungpLBU3H6NXvQxZnTKO5TYeObgIBRFOgCQpThFmluV9d_0X_G8URo/s320/Siena+-+Il+Campo.JPG" border="0" />Il Campo, Siena's main Piaza</div><div><br />700 years ago, Siena was Florence’s main rival for banking and trade. It was also a major military power and had a population of 60,000 which was greater than Paris. In the mid 1300’s it lost over 1/3rd of its population to the Black Death (Bubonic Plague) and it never fully recovered. Florence conquered the city in the 1550’s making it totally irrelevant to the outside world. We should thank Florence for this as Siena is now considered Italy’s best medieval city experience. Its population today is still around 60,000 while Florence is 420,000.<br />After spending a day wandering around Siena, both Rita and I enjoyed it more than Florence, which is saying something. Most buildings are constructed with brinks made from the local red soil. The color has been officially named Burnt Siena and you can check it out when you look at your kid’s box of Crayola’s. It’s a very easy place to walk, although it’s very hilly. There are lots of piazzas that have a variety of café’s so you can sit in the sun and watch the world pass by as you sip cappuccinos and enjoy a slice of their local fruit cake called panforte. </div><div> </div><div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5129006522208791922" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipNxXgLAryW_IgBp2UQhYJjkgMZNbQM0hZ8RI14EWCnTtD8N2NJbZZmpCWieGfYtsZ-lRYna89R6eKe8b3xOpSRlknb8zdR863lfmkjzVvSAKg0gsnuRNtJ9-LUYYXuoJDYuf15Vsa1eo/s320/Siena+-+Old+Town+and+Countryside.JPG" border="0" /></div><div>View of Old Siena and the surrounding countryside</div><div> </div><div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5129007200813624706" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZd_GKCARpN8jadEhyphenhyphenNMFh6mS0Xfn6Zp-yesM1IR22GQ57OqPLOMiUbouT9FMG8_MAbz77MwBaRJ0TjhJbQzjvz1HT29wFZZ9OuuqXdJutOrjPAv2nsM_BUQwxu4dA-QtSEcjRG27lnBA/s320/Siena+-+WC+and+Geoff.JPG" border="0" />Geoff showing relief as he exits from his favorite place, the local WC</div><div> </div><div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5129007634605321618" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8CLEwGW6cMzfR6i9rEGgaomsY1X2V7d4kVxC6CSyGF7Qa-Ol0F4yFxvcM5F5cJ9EV8DK5NzS6BgHEFdRNWcLrSW7fVBUOdH_vXEeJdXXikoaqBfXeYP0mA8-rwU7hMEE0r3Ggp_SFRck/s320/Siena+-+Old+Town+at+Sunset+%232.JPG" border="0" /></div><div>Old Town of Siena at sunset with the City Tower in the background. Its the largest tower of its kind in Italy.</div><div><br />Before we headed home we needed to pick up some groceries at the local supermarket. This would not be exciting enough to include in the Blog, but I discovered that the Italians had made two great improvements to grocery shopping that I had not seen before. We parked our car on the 2nd level of their parking lot and picked up a grocery cart from one of the racks. They have an airport type escalator that allows you to take the cart with you down to the store. There is also an escalator from the store back up to the parking lot so you do not have to carry your bags. The carts have a brake mechanism in the wheels so they can’t roll backwards. Very efficient, especially for us older folks. I saw the other improvement when we went into the fruit and vegetable section. Everyone was wearing a pair of throw-away plastic gloves so that your skin does not have contact with the fresh foods. You pick up the gloves next to the plastic bags. </div><div><br /> </div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5129008145706429858" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdiYOXTkfYJ8ePK1Mxlsx2Pvxkm9p5d9XHeo00x_choFHLyvvQ731qFjSYYOscSCWdJYSl9VZsFmbXekECJHVlo7BXBeRZ8BsjC8XISgn5EmxNCQs6cvRJEypSdjAqsikXDkUpfqNBnvQ/s320/Siena+-+Rita+squeezing+tomatoes+with+Plastic+Gloves.JPG" border="0" />Rita wearing her newly acquired plastic gloves allowing her to sqeeze the tomatoes<br /></div><div> </div><div> </div></div></div></div></div>Geoffhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03226753671327106399noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5187650888633074670.post-9291563324158714732007-11-02T06:33:00.000-07:002007-11-02T06:49:07.810-07:00On the Road to Siena<div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbYuI2A5BuDN1jzAxSexHuTKfQtczq6ammf5LfLKT7f-W9X5pA9yqi4wPY4yHZqZgiwoOYrKtOGsd0GZQlcM8KcIPQq_g9W2IMJjSBTvCDx6UDRZFNGdYlzm1uogHHZvgFV-T8qnVdUYA/s1600-h/Siena+-+Rita+after+shoe+shopping.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5128236645026016530" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbYuI2A5BuDN1jzAxSexHuTKfQtczq6ammf5LfLKT7f-W9X5pA9yqi4wPY4yHZqZgiwoOYrKtOGsd0GZQlcM8KcIPQq_g9W2IMJjSBTvCDx6UDRZFNGdYlzm1uogHHZvgFV-T8qnVdUYA/s320/Siena+-+Rita+after+shoe+shopping.JPG" border="0" /></a> Rita is happily modeling her new boots and cooler weather gear.<br /><br /><br /><div>Rita woke with a sense of anticipation as this was the day we were going to visit the Designer Outlet Mall just outside of Florence. Sony, Bang & Olufsen, Panasonic I asked? No; Prada, Bruno Magli, D&G and Calvin Kline she replied with a huge smile on her face that told me our savings were in serious jeopardy. We packed our bags, checked out of our lovely apartment and ordered a taxi to the parking garage and headed to the Mall. 3 hours later, Rita was very happy as she had a 90% shopping success rate. We loaded into the car and headed for what should have been a 2 hour drive to our next destination. As soon as we hit the highway we were in a huge traffic jam. It took a little over an hour to move 18.5 km. By the time we hit Siena it was 6:30 and dark. We were staying in a converted barn at a farmhouse 12 km outside of Siena . Our Tom Tom could take us to the nearest Village, which was about 1.5 km from our destination. Rita had received written instructions and so we thought we should be fine. We got to the village no problem and then relied on the written instructions. We headed onto a rough gravel road with branches from the trees brushing the sides of the car. Somehow, I managed to take a wrong turn and Rita decided to call for help. 10 minutes later we were at our home for the next 10 days. It was 7:10 and the grocery store in the village closed at 7:00. Tomorrow was a National Holiday and all the shops would be closed. The landlady made a phone call to the owners of the grocery store and they agreed to open the shop for us. We felt like Paris Hilton when Tiffanies opens the store for her. Rita picked up the groceries and I picked up the wine. We headed to our barn and a wonderful dinner of tomato salad and pesto spaghetti. Tomorrow we get to see where we landed and explore Siena. </div><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5128237929221238066" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWxQYTLSyRSjX3VshE1DuP8KMuegnNrgr9AYWhyBfC698_GSaEsuSJedMlTSYfy3yYSHkQo37KBq0QYt-ljd5ykRtRnHwFOw0mxtAxR_XhHi-18V7_48tG_vSFnAMqufb581MNavsISYk/s320/Siena+-+Barn+Sleeping.JPG" border="0" />Our Bedroom Loft with windows in the Background. Hopefully, we will have some nice Tuscany views. <br /><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5128238216984046914" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVQIbq7xIbHyNgKlfyqiy0wj7H6Tr9yR1EOYvgqJ-VWkJ5lTomaVSUMMc2IZXsKVVlfnr23jCgWarmRzU5n9M0nD9F94hkAys8l0Sd0L3DVBbOTL_C4wf927Z4pSZnozPWTL2XzwOOyu8/s320/Siena+-+Barn+Kitchen.JPG" border="0" />Rita checking out the Kitchen and the dining/living area in Foregrond. This will be a real test for us as there is no TV. Only our IPod to entertain us for the next 10 days. </div></div>Geoffhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03226753671327106399noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5187650888633074670.post-84949460760702904572007-10-30T11:44:00.000-07:002007-10-30T12:34:01.859-07:00Florence<div><div><div><div><div><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyNsuuUWaJyKRfsAerCIBZ1mvX52s6aXECRyTBxTZ2oZkU92vi9unOnktg89eX9MM30APU_5EAGw-8jPvF0MIv-nCowPqiToeROYdlAh77V-mlGA-llpGU3x-nIW6steH7GBan4fvvrxE/s1600-h/Florence+-+View+from+Piazzale+Michaelangelo.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5127203902963988818" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyNsuuUWaJyKRfsAerCIBZ1mvX52s6aXECRyTBxTZ2oZkU92vi9unOnktg89eX9MM30APU_5EAGw-8jPvF0MIv-nCowPqiToeROYdlAh77V-mlGA-llpGU3x-nIW6steH7GBan4fvvrxE/s320/Florence+-+View+from+Piazzale+Michaelangelo.JPG" border="0" /></a>View of Florence and the Arno River from the Piazzalo Michaelangelo Lookout<br /><br /><br /><div>Rita and I have had two great days exploring Florence as the weather has been sunny and 24c. You can definitely tell the tourists from the locals. We, the tourists are in short sleeved shirts and the locals are wearing overcoats and scarves. Our apartment is in the heart of Old Town Florence and so most of the major attractions are within 10 minutes of where we live. This is excellent as we now have our own toilet central, if required. We have had a great time walking the City, exploring the markets, viewpoints, piazzas and attractions. I think the pictures explain it better than I can.<br /></div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5127206776297109906" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimiHzF0MZg8vgcLCgphaPFod1Sd-e59rOOEncxfoh-HD5yrsirbvVKhx_LipMdAnXHhygQ5e-qllomVfQhiZ8wLkHEtDJzEM1kyhV3DQWGSbnSXqjbjAEdXt3raUaQgF1gVBGae394URI/s320/Florence+-+Rita+with+Ponte+Vecchio+in+Background.JPG" border="0" />Rita sitting on the Brigde of Santa Trinita with Ponte Vicchio Bridge in the background<br /><br /></div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5127208885126052290" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbmOfqrc2WMrikA4VSqphDmCS7D5NdpqoBCDPIakRHFUxKSLNJl6Op-DlWjPXAhW5pLj4cZYptUxLv9ark_6gVhg3GPWah0RgswEyRQFQCgfBvyg9y_3BZU_LnP0JJLHDvOT_IJbQN6tU/s320/Florence+-+Ponte+Vecchio+Crossing+Arno+River.JPG" border="0" />Closer view of the Ponte Vicchio Bridge that was built in 1345. The shops were origninlly butcher and tannin shops but in the mid 1500's, the ruling Medici family forced them to close due to the sickening smells. Goldsmith shops opened in there place and are still there today.<br /><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5127205255878687090" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwzaf8tE6yBX_541BZLJJvlpIONpoyqjkEKlvz5sC8ch9JRnruFc8iNeCPmlgW8r53fblFab9qLc7ulMNQU-om3Jf4SVHsN7TO6qdgL0oKTeiAcjlvh8h4k2ACRrDjB5wuAcQpJqsI6R4/s320/Florence+-+Geoff+making+friends+with+the+Locals.JPG" border="0" /></div><div>Geoff getting friendly with one of the locals</div><div><br /></div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5127209593795656146" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFPvq91njJMwKiF_r6_g1AOlCwlFAmsvGX3xEHPmUALqw-BCIfOINyh_ROGMY_DhJxVut9-bL4zTBcTI_0oyPTXpBf-oA7lRjX_KWaEqxSQW8Tvw7yAh25hwDyteSR2Vsihb-dC8Az_S8/s320/Florence+-+Giotto%27s+Bell+Tower.JPG" border="0" /> <div>The Giotti Bell Tower which has 413 steps to the top for outstanding views of Venice. The cleaning of the exterior marble of the Duomo and Bell Tower is currently underway and is almost finished. The differece is astounding as the grimy, black soot of the city pollution has been removed to reveal all the brilliant colours of the original marble.<br /><div><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5127204555799017826" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5y0EjjRlxqbMuH9b1QD3u_NLvBVc7SSgf9c_xP2GvqzQFEFgddJY_yfxGG9aYJe7VXjqqVcuWcR0pEYCNXsiY0B5wEgrHD4bXHlgs2KguSs7JqaUsKjX_eh1pvlAMxFkkLOR42xs1UZo/s320/Florence+-+From+Bell+Tower.JPG" border="0" />The Duomo and the city of Venice with the Tusco Emilian Apennine mountains in the background from the Giotti Bell Tower.<br /><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5127207502146582946" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgthAdtLL0VxCUEEe4Q0NiOfsuW3XQ5TcpPJ9UUo8EE8Q2plWIh_3hKKyWAuJmA3fGsKq8wKYvnD-nkfojI8rYCjzodZGgr7XAW-OmEdETDlaeyQhTwgDeURJEf0Zgki8fs91Td6-qwdJk/s320/Florence+-+River+Arno+at+Sunset.JPG" border="0" />Sunset on the Arno River<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /></div><div> </div></div></div></div></div></div>Geoffhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03226753671327106399noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5187650888633074670.post-33478794380627244362007-10-28T02:51:00.000-07:002007-10-28T07:23:53.041-07:00From the Hand of God to the Hand of Man<div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5126327609376520402" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgB8aBCkEeAjdP7oOAUvi3ONt_iXnEFP-2cmzZKTxEJsO0AEXlGYaue8dC7Cpd7LsJd5OF-6fLAbn8OEWoHoaGLGUk6Do-pM-Jva9VBuhcz9PJm1AYxOI2yfiPy8YYE1X6Ujk_pCTSQwG0/s320/Puerto+Venere+-+View+of+Gulf+of+Poets+and+Palmaria.JPG" border="0" /> From the natural beauty of the Cinque Terre to the Manmade magnifance of Florence.<br /><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5126383392411760898" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTPfkwKjF2K5OSl9LSZSnI-cmcaBScWiqAyaM1lD7rcCrSBPNm_eCuFOIcbfkofzTJXqXtgkbEBFPErvp_fG7WzWaqYpbc6ul3RTWVWgC9HAHWuejw5FloJfJqZsn_gUAms4YpQ4p5a9s/s320/Florence+-+Santa+Croce+Piazza+and+Church.JPG" border="0" /><br /><div><div>Woke up and it was sunny and 23C. Quickly packed, programmed Tom Tom and loaded the car for the two hour drive to Florence. But before we could leave, I had to solve a problem that I had found out about the night before. Apparently cars that do not belong to registered locals cannot go into the Old Town of Florence. The apartment we are staying in is in the heart of Old Town Florence. There are cameras on all roads leading into the Old Town and non registered cars are given a “heafty” fine. The city sends the fine to the car company who then puts it on your credit card. Rita phoned the person who will meet us at the apartment and she confirmed this was the case. She suggested a parking garage just outside of the Old City and we could take a taxi to the apartment. Great, problem solved. Got into the car and headed for Florence. Did not have an exact address for the parking garage but did have the street name. Found the street without a problem but could not find the parking garage. After about 30 minutes of driving in circles, we found another garage and parked the car. We had no idea where we were in relation to our apartment and could not find a taxi. We decided to keep our luggage in the car and programmed the Tom Tom with our apartment address and that we would be walking to our destination. Tom Tom told us it was just over 3km and off we went. Found the apartment without any problems. It’s an amazing building that is over 500 hundred years old. It’s owned by the Ferragamo Corporation (yes, the shoe Ferragamo's) and they have done a wonderful job of refurbishing the building. Our apartment is a loft with an incredible wood beam ceiling.<br />We got through the briefing and grabbed a taxi to take us to the garage to pick up our luggage and take us back to the apartment. Quickly unpacked, walked around the corner and had a gelato at famous Vivoli’s Gelato (its a hole-in-the-wall place with rude staff but apparently serves the best gelato), brought some groceries as most places are closed on Sunday and went for a walk about before dinner. <div><div><br /><div>I know we will both love Florence but for different reasons; the history for me and the shopping for Rita.</div><br /><div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5126384006592084242" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMr4zzCxwf_Ocbe8rhu2TUY2MUh9tsrj84KqJeILUPS2yyzhsrFwT6G6HRON3nRONHyhqTVoe90_rCzPs7w44O_8Cvl3RiT2SuLnzBg4sY6gLFTq0RKkRR_TvhJWqLKEEaCt2nyyCI00I/s320/Florence+-+Apartment+Bedroom.JPG" border="0" /></div><div>Our Loft Apartment Bedroom</div><div></div><div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5126390062495971650" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDBqXX_8A1bLuv8BaX41oZNvUpCMCHSe9ImCGLmap2-0nMPaFVQLO1Z9D7cM5qVBSXa_HBmzHx8sjRXXDsvUtgv7t8qJqTOzrxEp2i8kGMXtLIQxZ87WHvezplpBT9jB6bkMRbHb4c93o/s320/Florence+-+Rita+with+Vivoli+Gelato.JPG" border="0" /></div><div>Rita with our prized Vivoli fresh Gelato's</div><div></div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5126384637952276770" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiX4VDqIdkriyYAU4SRJy49_StTsuIz5s17Bw8xZsJoOMZ-2IZUxlTmiQZ7HnalX-bBWrXfsZAru_xdlgYt7mgvwZcW0dWCer7GkvLRvxBDaLD7rErYE1k9dm-KV_pGMVkGWUgwcT7GxgU/s320/Florence+-+Approaching+Duomo+Cathedral.JPG" border="0" />Approaching Duomo Gothic Cathedral. The Dome dominates Florence<br /><div><br /></div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5126385252132600114" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHok3cF4JXIRBbTzM0dRcxPIZX7cpyft-_KEb1mKm04yYmAVkxMWErVRn81NZtnlD0-myB7mjWzaL7T0oa4lZgkNtxJFxTt70o2T-mdR9Rz3hQmdEYq_HxnhPs9fLbtgIA29a63kydRWY/s320/Florence+-+Giotto%27s+Tower+and+Duomo+Gothic+Cathedral.JPG" border="0" /> Duomo Cathedral and Giotto’s Bell Tower</div></div></div></div></div>Geoffhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03226753671327106399noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5187650888633074670.post-35094295874458095812007-10-27T15:27:00.000-07:002007-10-27T15:34:21.111-07:00Hello - this s Rita Speaking #2.....<div align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqbtbcJpkc1ySjmg2Rsi7m7vDGKzR_wuksGGq01YQgAPIkjpYcP2Vr1Cgv0wcajy3Jm_4-eGIYvB48Otw2V5mVqcTXhTTgK8VcrKYoKwuThpuH43YRJNY79c_3AZ3c29FdWNd1Je06xkg/s1600-h/Corniglia+-+Rita.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5126148109808318642" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqbtbcJpkc1ySjmg2Rsi7m7vDGKzR_wuksGGq01YQgAPIkjpYcP2Vr1Cgv0wcajy3Jm_4-eGIYvB48Otw2V5mVqcTXhTTgK8VcrKYoKwuThpuH43YRJNY79c_3AZ3c29FdWNd1Je06xkg/s320/Corniglia+-+Rita.JPG" border="0" /></a> Cinque Terre - Corniglia</div><div align="center"><br />…..we have been traveling now for more than 2 months. We have been to many, many beautiful (and historic cities and ancient villages); we have visited numerous churches, traveled tiny little roads, walked along great beaches, high cliffs, have seen wonderful sunsets, blue skies and rainy days – and still there is more to come. Don’t get me wrong, I like churches, history and old villages - maybe since I grew up in Europe it’s a bit of a different meaning for me. When I hear a church bell ring, it reminds me of my life in Europe, there are churches everywhere and I love the sound of it and I miss it in Vancouver. I miss sitting in the village square having a coffee and a “Blackforest Torte” (a real one..!) This trip is certainly different for me. I enjoy it because I can share it with a very special person who is so “in to it”. Seeing it through Geoff’s eyes is giving me a different perspective of history, of the how and when. But keeping up with Geoff and his list “of must see” is somewhat challenging as well…. But we have adapted a very good strategy, found a good pace that makes us both happy (no, it still does not include lunch).<br />Knowing that I am most happy in places with water (like Vancouver), I REALLY loved Antibes. What a beautiful place, a lot less “in” than Nice and Cannes - we both enjoyed it very much. I loved the Market Provencal, only 2 minutes from our “home” which offered everything for a good meal. I also managed three runs along the Med Sea and kept thinking how beautiful the colors are, the blues, turquoise and greens – it’s unbelievably beautiful and I had almost forgotten about it. We just finished hiking the Cinque Terre villages and again – it makes us speechless – the beauty of nature! We love it, I love it – that’s what I LOVE!<br />We had a few rainy days which gave us an opportunity to take it slow….I know, we are on vacation but remember…the “list of must sees” is long and there is exploring on our schedule every day. I was grateful for a little rest. But the weather gave me the chance to finely wear the turtleneck sweater that I bought in a panic in Rouen five week ago! Florence is next and so is….SHOPPING! The “must buy list” is long and we will see how Geoff will do on this excursion….will keep you updated.<br />“Talk” soon….Rita<br /></div>Geoffhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03226753671327106399noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5187650888633074670.post-12265559708103130972007-10-24T09:58:00.001-07:002007-10-24T10:10:21.740-07:00Trailblazing the Cinque Terre<div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjv22hO3MW0XPC8G3yoqeLus3_Nmnn6OVSeizv8Omrs7UK-pdLq-nZyp3nTS4UbhXRW9lZi6WK2dwwVPeB88wUxp2oTIW6gGuRs9hA2d0UfcOe-wP5wfGwfjMhun7Idpfnr3AymqX-Cbyg/s1600-h/Rita+on+the+boat+soaking+up+the+sun.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5124949268956897378" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjv22hO3MW0XPC8G3yoqeLus3_Nmnn6OVSeizv8Omrs7UK-pdLq-nZyp3nTS4UbhXRW9lZi6WK2dwwVPeB88wUxp2oTIW6gGuRs9hA2d0UfcOe-wP5wfGwfjMhun7Idpfnr3AymqX-Cbyg/s320/Rita+on+the+boat+soaking+up+the+sun.JPG" border="0" /></a> Rita basking in the sunshine on the way to Monteroso<br /><br /><div><br />First of all I would like to thank Cindy Burr and Mariya Kovalyk for convincing me to include this part of Italy in our itinerary. Both had visited the place this past summer and raved about it on their return. In fact, Cindy gave me her travel book on Italy to check out the region. After reading it, I was so impressed I went out and bought the book.</div><div><br />Cinque Terre means five lands and today’s villages owe their existence to Castle Towers that were erected along the coast as watchtowers to alert Genoa of a sea attack from North African and Turkish pirates. People migrated to these towers for protection and the villages grew up around them. Fishing and vineyards were how the locals made their living prior to tourism. Wine making is still a going concern and there Cinque Terre wines are highly regarded in Italy.<br /></div><div>We took the boat to Monterossa, the furthest of the five villages from Portovenre and planned to hike the trail in one day. The boat stops at 4 of the 5 villages (Corniglia does not have sea access) which gave us a chance to see the villages from the sea. The scenery is stunning from the high rugged cliffs that drop straight into the Med to vineyards and farmhouses that seemingly defy gravity by hanging onto sheer rock faces and the natural pine forest covers most of the coastline. After a 65 minute ride we reached our destination<br /></div><div>The hike took us a little over 4 hours and it was spectacular. The trail between the first 3 villages is the hardest as it requires hiking up rough, narrow trails which were originally built by the villagers to access their vineyards. However, you are rewarded with majestic scenery of the rugged coastline. The trail between the last 2 villages is more like a walk around Stanley Park as it’s paved and tunneled to protect it from avalanches. We picked up the boat in Riomaggiore, the closest of the villages to Portovenere and headed home for a welcome shower and dinner. We will definitely do more mini hikes in Cinque Terre as you definitely need more than one quick visit to really appreciate each of the unique villages.</div><div><br /></div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5124950218144669810" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlO69PgxyBLpwMT4EZA1HAZJequtP4HQAcf3c8pb2NPUYhVWbrdeTwV1vVSYcVH53ERJviUBveuNdJksqzX0J7mi3m6sPtp9bW81rmwsDDn2Zw87i5o2RhMkVR9efKYCE2AtbhMXgi2Oo/s320/Riomaggiore+-+in+the+morning+sun.JPG" border="0" />Riomaggiore in the morning sun from the boat</div><div> <br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5124950226734604418" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOWBvqPjRBtC-KaqHek5P0B0uVehtB5WiPOu08uoiivQf3t8n3xxKnSipF8AF-ZLD3lguiA9k2y8s6JGJDm7VS6hctHKKKGTyLLt9o1pMCW-Tn-Ld2cba2bH7r9zGNRhbmaIvWN4NlbfA/s320/Rita+on+Narrow+Trail+between+Monteroso+and+Vernazza.JPG" border="0" /> <div>Rita on narrow trail between Monteroso and Vernazza<br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5124950235324539026" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-hXger4qUwByNGdKOGKM652f2Fkx6Qza3NvLGU2e_llr3KYI0Ny-5h7nS6Jml-UPeuj9SuRHD9gB7e3LvKv46i7SzgzmizZyVOjwpGcAGhXIqgBjDZ1iR9ixkEtL4SHTzD4cxKAsZQyo/s320/Manarola+-+From+the+Vineyards.JPG" border="0" /></div><div>Village of Manarola from the vineyards </div><div><br /> </div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5124950243914473634" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfypi1FnIUMXLkI-dB58x5jzx2reavIPNuPVLT8QMUb2t6uMlmgXzWmsn0A6bfRNikoaywYGSsOgxKTWGJ9RnmM49XNyjV4Nme-m-bhOMSuDTS_LwRU7YQ4UDu6_jqx_nKhhP-x2dToe4/s320/Vernazza+from+the+Trail.JPG" border="0" /> <div>Village of Vernazza from the TrailT</div></div>Geoffhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03226753671327106399noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5187650888633074670.post-65376325291685437372007-10-24T09:16:00.000-07:002007-10-24T09:41:32.453-07:00Portovenere<div><div><div><div><div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwR2V8Iyiw2xmiaBvgYiTzSOKn8wWwTx0HRVJ8BcmdrHaZKFdzhBoCX6ysg8nX1OZsAqxo-4PSgxM3rfajFijEeNJtlN0Bj3uGUy3xsAiW657J0BP9WEhzBdDi4FF5X2aFzHTHnJ3CQ_E/s1600-h/Porto+Venere+-+Harbour.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5124939338992508834" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwR2V8Iyiw2xmiaBvgYiTzSOKn8wWwTx0HRVJ8BcmdrHaZKFdzhBoCX6ysg8nX1OZsAqxo-4PSgxM3rfajFijEeNJtlN0Bj3uGUy3xsAiW657J0BP9WEhzBdDi4FF5X2aFzHTHnJ3CQ_E/s320/Porto+Venere+-+Harbour.JPG" border="0" /></a> Old Town Portovenere and Harbor<br /><br /><br /><div>We were a bit apprehensive about choosing Portovenere as our base to hike the Cinque Terre but after spending the day exploring the village and going on a wonderful hike, we feel this was definitely the right decision. There is excellent access by boat to all of the 5 villages from here and we will start exploring them tomorrow. Portovenere’s old village is situated between rocky cliffs and the Med with a narrow channel creating a safe harbor. It is definitely the most picturesque village we have visited to date.</div><br /><div>The town has been around since Roman times (161AD). However the fort and village had its start in 1113 when it became part of the Genoese state. The main buildings along the harbor were made intentionally tall as they were originally used as part of the defensive wall in medieval times. At the end of town on a rocky peninsula there is a very simple but beautiful church called St. Peters which was built in a Gothic style using black and white marble in 1131. The interior of the church is very stark and your eye immediately goes to the statue of Jesus on the Cross. I felt this was definitely a place to worship God and not the wonders of Man.</div><br /><div>After checking out the village, Rita and I went on a warm up 2 hour hike up to an abandoned fort behind the village at the top of the cliffs. It was like the Grouse Grind except there was no beer when we got to the top and no Gondola to take us back down. But the scenery was spectacular. The hike made us very hungry and we had a wonderful dinner of local specialties (Octopus salad, bean soup and spaghetti with pesto) at a small family run restaurant in the Village. Tomorrow it’s hiking the Cinque Terre.</div><br /><div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5124939755604336562" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGQD2m3cT_qZM_GciKmA4U7sD_ewH9soBPJEsaZufxqTalt-v2ZaEG8ygd5Rxjk8Y180U_H-np9mO6En1OJlB_nS5eF6MsnFHTYhjkYUbso3v8C0QIkwudxUCKDIue5LPv99_sFcJHsRQ/s320/Puerto+Venere+-+Rita+overlooking+the+Bay+of+Poets.JPG" border="0" />Rita overlooking the Bay of Poets from the Castle<br /><br /><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5124940374079627218" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhE2egoWnEijtOh38-KTS-NfVdhrEXn39i__6gHeABcthTMWxHdLnhq4jtGZu8U2kasXlV4kbg0HCxbER4bV9aruWStZQ36DRdQ6Y-Z5kgz5J5pUxjuIbUPgV3Xq3oPzZHOO7c92MYTev8/s320/Porto+Venere+-+St+Peters+Church+and+Castle+Ruins.JPG" border="0" />13th Century St. Peter's Church and Medieval Walls</div><div><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5124940047662112706" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9qzl4BpllAPeQHggHBp97jVzeP7yDyFYX5Z_VoBV00aTO7MJewkGA1PW3_Xb7YIEMq5rE-xq87NTaZGxt0Yp8p6KqDOldkL3PjPziTpqoskjnr5kgUuTY8JVeKNHGqKhD7qIIcFj6Efk/s320/Puerto+Venere+-+13th+Century+St.+Peters+Church,+Spartan+interior.JPG" border="0" />St. Peters Spartan Interior</div><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5124941082749231074" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg13WQvvvTq5H25fx09ZHNeIpxOwbmFxyzFJV6Rdy52cHmkXwNfEZXFHj6l1axvlt49wBDYKi9a9Ntt8RnZOVgq8bomOpMAklM-6lq8370gjtGl7SH3XSUSo0-kvm2up72uaX025ddbrWs/s320/Puerto+Venere+-+Rita+on+Trail+to+Levanto.JPG" border="0" />Rita about 15 minutes into hike overlooking the Castle and St. Peter's Church<br /><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5124941709814456322" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbIn66nLzCcCXlEk72y5xIe-86wnGFZfdsCuVPQLobB9g9wZp2EH-jIJpBV9KzN315x15QcqekeUR053XVwKhU_bGaQAQrdfbstdgWywEjCYww91PPQZCGjHTDim36-9Hg9zPiQEDOZKM/s320/Puerto+Venere+-+Geoff+%26+Rita+on+Trail+to+Levanto.JPG" border="0" />Geoff and Rita about half way to the top<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div></div><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div> </div></div></div></div></div></div></div>Geoffhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03226753671327106399noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5187650888633074670.post-8836347471601362802007-10-23T13:00:00.000-07:002007-10-23T13:22:10.344-07:00Tunnels, Tunnels, Tunnels<div><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSvvjrcMXqF7X754lhpgvKLJIZmoQ5y7-IHMGtDPzDG9dSgsYFp5ODTA28VutSJwrjxfxm6SlEW7rBospMGUCdwkiT-Y4r59gYhyphenhyphen3xbRb3FOfVX1IQlx8JSAf_kAFxChQV7FKHgzhWAuA/s1600-h/Porto+Venere+-+Suprise+Storm+from+Balcony+on+Arrival.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5124626025423232866" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSvvjrcMXqF7X754lhpgvKLJIZmoQ5y7-IHMGtDPzDG9dSgsYFp5ODTA28VutSJwrjxfxm6SlEW7rBospMGUCdwkiT-Y4r59gYhyphenhyphen3xbRb3FOfVX1IQlx8JSAf_kAFxChQV7FKHgzhWAuA/s320/Porto+Venere+-+Suprise+Storm+from+Balcony+on+Arrival.JPG" border="0" /></a><br />Surprise Wind Storm in the Bay of Poets as seen from our Portovenere Apartment Balcony<br /><br /><br /><div>Woke up for the last time in France and the weather had changed for the worse. The winds were blowing and dark clouds were threatening rain. We were lucky as the weather cleared when we started heading south. We were also very fortunate as most of the journey was on the major highway system and so the journey from Antibes to Portovenere took only about 4 hours. Most of the journey was high in the mountains with the Med below. The scenery was breathtaking when you could see it. Most of the journey was through tunnels. In Italy they go through mountains where in Canada we go around them. I am sure it’s a lot more expensive to build and that is why they have toll highways. For the 4 hour journey it cost us 26 Euro (about $39Cdn). But it was worth it as driving on the smaller highways would have taken us over 6 hours. When we arrived in Portovenere our Tom Tom guided us to our new home for the week and as we were getting a tour of the apartment, a huge wind storm came out of the mountains without warning creating huge problems for the sailboats in the Bay. One boat capsized and two small sailboats were blown into the mussel farms. As quickly as it started it was over and the emergency crews quickly rescued the people in the capsized boat and pulled the two sailboats out into clear waters. </div><br /><br /><div>Our apartment is lovely, if you love the 1970’s!!! It’s certainly not the same standard as we had in Antibes. However, it is clean and spacious and has unbelievable views of the Bay of Poets. Tomorrow we will explore the town.</div><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5124626326070943602" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5reKYvVZMLcb9oP7HpL3SN65VL1_1VOtQagTsiF7XJdz9FefXIupOZ_50sU-GHybJDjpYChALitrQ_7OarxQWUk127vivoHOwM05R6fbUjuAQIB0M-me5639C8YEW9otQltuREu8CdC0/s320/Porto+Venere+-+Morning+after+Storm.JPG" border="0" />A few minutes after the wind storm everything was back to normal except the sailboats were all in the harbour<br /><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5124627103460024210" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5sW85RBZ8gWEIQP8Q9UshNUf5bsZVgZANFmupvLY4LGuMU0z2BHIGewn-hCVV9hXacO9sM8AXrXzlb0d14urt-5aN0LjxVTC41e_4lfuAmYOC6HprC7wVsDqxn4O4PlNWsnt9neAohXk/s320/Puerto+Venere+-+The+1970+Living+Room....JPG" border="0" />Our Living Room in our 2 bedroom apartment. As mentioned, very 1970's but its clean and spacious. Also, the view from the balcony is superb. </div></div>Geoffhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03226753671327106399noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5187650888633074670.post-14432277825463773412007-10-23T12:42:00.000-07:002007-10-23T13:17:15.030-07:00Nice is Nice<div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhevrxVwljJuClx5UGT9uM_PuuEO0si61J3kdAtiz5qnY5YFnIKjahEhinAQKLcIQsgRQgpAe6OvcY0yOBvNyTb-tvsmGERBvUgldunvPI-O5gH3sLiQvyM6Nc10rnu50euwdTgWnTLzG0/s1600-h/Nice+-+Waterfront+and+Promenade+des+Anglais.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5124621077620907794" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhevrxVwljJuClx5UGT9uM_PuuEO0si61J3kdAtiz5qnY5YFnIKjahEhinAQKLcIQsgRQgpAe6OvcY0yOBvNyTb-tvsmGERBvUgldunvPI-O5gH3sLiQvyM6Nc10rnu50euwdTgWnTLzG0/s320/Nice+-+Waterfront+and+Promenade+des+Anglais.JPG" border="0" /></a> Rita and Nice Waterfront<br /><br /><br /><br /><div><br />For our last day of sightseeing in France, we thought Nice would be nice as it’s only about 20km’s. We knew it was a big city, but had forgotten about heavy traffic and road construction. It took us over an hour of travel time each way but the experience was worth it. Nice used to be Italian until 1860 but as Italy was uniting as one country the people were given a choice of joining France or the new country. They chose France and traded pasta for baguettes. It was also around this time that Nice started to become a major holiday destination for the Brits followed by the Belgians and then the Russians. There is a wonderful 4 mile walkway along the Med called the Promenade des Anglais (walkway of the English). It was created and paid for in 1822 by wealthy English tourists who wanted a safe place to walk and admire the view. It was originally paved in marble so the English would not dirty their shoes or have to smell the fishy gravel. We had a wonderful time strolling the Promenade and exploring the old town. It was a great way to finish as Nice has the flavors of both France and Italy.</div><div> </div></div><div></div><div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5124621970974105378" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2h41c13XcJ2NIBHYO9PDict1gBhHJPf8OYFUaZBm2TeZlaIPQB3MmoRe7jNztQ_OqjSuvN5bYr4y7Vehi4_ayrwF47Siizq398zaR56qbzWdcupL-CT-AnXZj9N1GphCHDipawWwDsW0/s320/Nice+-+Cours+Saleya+Market+Square.JPG" border="0" />Rita heading to a cafe in the Market Square</div><div><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5124622228672143154" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLzrgxeG9lqoOAfKgPMty0mZdaCgFKFOuuDovw17ohUUg4oo_oxSiSRi6LlBDXkDMCMEvIjdEgfrThEz6rHATny1KFsm0E5ukU_zMg4Bczv_JY4RA86ZmSNBKmoXe7B8DJco8ZvtM_m_E/s320/Nice+-+Rita+with+Fig+and+Vanilla+Gelato%27s.JPG" border="0" />Rita with fig & Vanilla low calerie gelato’s<br /><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5124622580859461442" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5MFpKjDouJryU5H9_Zf1ueElqHut-SQS2UKfF-7VG_2ZtnjftQQVVl4qfrPMHi9jOFCuth7UQ1wiUPhtSqGq5c9UzjsdhYvfLkRxr1fbPgH04gFQjF4lFmmiul00qisI5LtWfivo_agE/s320/Nice+-+1820%27s+Patisserie+Auer.JPG" border="0" />This was an amazing candy shop that has been in the same family since it opened in 1820. The interior is the same and some of the confections are original recipes. Glazed fruit is on display in the windows (pineapple, appricots, plums and oranges).</div>Geoffhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03226753671327106399noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5187650888633074670.post-58148355792631252682007-10-20T00:11:00.000-07:002007-10-20T01:19:31.763-07:00Sea to Sky Highway<div><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5123318581543755410" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpr1ZyRJvhzUph3MOd2URCuBW6Kkc7jGKqqU4kR6T-a_R4nUOuAXECeFFfcpAERKGN-3jJOSGdR45UmnbPrWzcul5n0ptDMcI_WktODS-hl206MCHcfx9I4d93dFCux03DJuKM8pvJNiY/s320/St.+Paul-de-Vence.JPG" border="0" />St. Paul-de-Vance on top of the hill<br /><br /><div><div><div><div><div><div><br />The French also have their own version of our Sea to Sky Highway. 20 minutes from leaving the Med you are in a totally different environment of gorges, mountains and pine forests as far as the eye can see. We were headed for the Inland Riviera and a loop that included three wonderful hill towns. </div><div>lThe historical village of St-Paul-de-Vence is immacuate and is home to lots of art shops, jewelry stores and restaurants. Its motor coach parking lot had 9 buses. I counted them as we had to park their due to the car parking lots being full. At times the place felt crowded and I could not imagine what it would be like in July and August. However, there are lots of streets and alleyways to move around as well as the ramparts that surround the village. Rita and I managed to move away from the crowds and really enjoyed our time there. </div><div> </div></div><div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5123319247263686306" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNEQ27ZzGPiH_MJ1LFKYLvBn0ZZv_PiAlG5AuhKhHMDF5tjVaqPhuygJ8OlHOEIbNep2_kcVyMJsD1Y1SWGGQXxzVslx5W39i5i69pux2AaFpri33AX9HD64w5bnrcKdWKFkTN2KH5erY/s320/St.Paul-de-Vence+Lane.JPG" border="0" /> <div>One of the many alleways that hold artisan shops</div><div> </div><div>The next town was called just plain Vence and was much larger and certainly had other interests than tourism to keep it going. Having said that, the old town, which was built in a circle around the old Cathedral, was very interesting and had several squares which were full of outdoor cafés. <img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5123320797746880194" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPKdZcvDAkhR4W8vydGFp_KgBSopJ3a2FZO7hhgArDNDVVsBH0kt9rR-7ONOVHHNGAI7kyza2x_x73PcrZjeTJ6sfmX2HDpRlpqRlfQYp_jyElUF7DhMCrkdzLVi8fDXGgH-kdARD7Kaw/s320/Vence+Cafes+in+Square.JPG" border="0" /></div><div>One of the many squares with outdoor cafes</div><div> </div><div> </div><div>Our last stop was the smallest but Tourrettes sur Loup still kept its medieval title of city. It’s positioned on the top of a mountain and has been a defensive fortress for 30 centuries for the Celts, Romans, Barbarians and finally the French in 1387. </div><br /><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5123323550820916962" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDy_7AppHDm9veUAad3ncmURazT92VjiVrXqX3pzrGP6rsX-oEhL9EBiMiaNzVI8zGoRSL59aZrtZJT12HVRbJe6nbwIpxCeMDT1lqvsMi8jOVRzNclGNC7ldLEfXrQmAuZL8VKTPbGG4/s320/Tourretes-sur-Loup+on+top+of+the+hill.JPG" border="0" />Toureletes-sur-loup with surrounding countryside</div><div><br /></div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5123324238015684338" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinBG0Ytdnzcles8kR-1oYS8At-2pdwH3ASunCT6ThW65wSjAKWPGfRg9dWQebJPCOgf_8Pb6-aCpNXhuTu1tG9nhr7biI_7xJ0aGL5hVo2o2VuX63iS46FDWQZc0WDKVauiq8D1enz648/s320/Tourrettes-dur-Loup+Geoff+in+the+Street.JPG" border="0" />Geoff taking it to the street</div><div><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5123325075534307074" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgu0COYp5MwLCCgObuNqDWusoAC3Mx-EfNdj833VadxM9fNB66l64EZmH1DxdU6wScZ3JpCsi_Otbh5etUARepPwuP2brIe-dR6jmCPM7kfHXRGhA5Lv15M7vmY2dkbBT45qSmijN7RsMY/s320/Tourrettes-sur-Loup+Street+and+Archway.JPG" border="0" />The buildings were built almost on top of each other.<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div></div><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div> </div></div></div></div></div></div>Geoffhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03226753671327106399noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5187650888633074670.post-13364559860674018822007-10-19T03:28:00.000-07:002007-10-19T04:20:43.948-07:00Monaco with Eze on the Side<div><div><div><div><div><div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlX3Tr9B-3DUkjih89KkcCo8Glgt0sIALKjU7vcumiBnLoNHN8K5f7bKzgmafwZZWB_1tV0inToMsgNjcaSCjGB6DPXcAHvjNzr8MiT8meVqxc28e4tWoUhQlr1z7_oYjBqLncqgAiFsk/s1600-h/Antibes++Rita+reading+on+the+Balcony.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5122994710944865810" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlX3Tr9B-3DUkjih89KkcCo8Glgt0sIALKjU7vcumiBnLoNHN8K5f7bKzgmafwZZWB_1tV0inToMsgNjcaSCjGB6DPXcAHvjNzr8MiT8meVqxc28e4tWoUhQlr1z7_oYjBqLncqgAiFsk/s320/Antibes++Rita+reading+on+the+Balcony.JPG" border="0" /></a>Rita reading on the balcony waiting for Geoff to get ready<br /><br /><br /><div>Another hot and sunny day (24c) on the French Riviera (The Brit visitors named it this but the French call the area La Cote d’Azure). Headed for Monaco. It’s actually four distinct areas: Monaco-Ville, Monte Carlo, La Condamine and Fontvieille. Monaco-Ville is the old section and has all the major sights except for the Casino which is in Monte Carlo. La Condamine is the Port area and Fontvieille is a reclaimed area from the sea that was developed in the 1970’s and has mostly apartments, restaurants and a yacht harbor. This place is very crowded, even in the middle of October. We tried all the public parking areas and they were full. We finally found a space in Fontvieille. This ended up being a good thing as it was right next to a park and public toilets which we both rushed to use!! We definitely burnt off the calories as we walked for over 4 hours discovering the delights of this very unique place. What was really amazing is that we had our cheapest cappuccinos in Monaco (1.50 Euros each).</div><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5122998267177786914" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5T4EwPnpTNHoIS0G3-F5wtZx56Mn-ftJwX5u4dgdYyGSvfbmMxHM_ibo2nmw_xvINi-0cdMrmZS1k0vAxLw3DRGUTJru0ONCRvfYom2Tx2lfZWVtT0GRWgZh_34ZEXkt_XUlEgVx11T4/s320/Monaco+-+Fontvieille+Harbor+from+Old+Town.JPG" border="0" />Fontvieille Yacht Harbour from Old Town<br /><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5122998864178241074" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLLu_UMspJXURw8jiupCZ1pNxrnJ2cMJnhfBYqLFqGErcpkBCVGSgB61wW08kO1xPOEgXchwxxwx_hRjHrEQLq1MsS4bV04sIwN7xGHbwE4HzgPbmBj0D7rmMApFtsMzDhM6ITIy1-akI/s320/Monaco+-+Entering+Old+Town+from+Palace+Square.JPG" border="0" />Entrance to Old Town Monaco-Ville from Palace Square<br /><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5122999443998826050" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOG5V5VZKn5ZrXisqy2_gfeRWFJ3mpod2awq8foEgDtkRQjfql7yXxv8AYAdEXgRYtuyxX2gHfEw6gnVKvdwiGCkDzFkxc8LzPkjUJWUCmlnWUBFEJyjql0mIsf8aXkTgGoSJFdlJWfTk/s320/Monaco+-+Casino+in+Monte+Carlo.JPG" border="0" /> Reflection of Casino in Monte Carlo captured inside large reflecting mirror.<br /><br /><br /><br /><div><div>On the way back to Antibes we decided to take a detour and visited a small village hanging onto the side of a mountain called Eze-le-Village which we had read about in book that Chris Jones loaned us. These days its total reason for being is tourism, but was once the winter base for the Swedish Royal Family from 1923 – 1953. Today, there Chateau is a high end hotel and the outdoor tearoom terrace offers the most spectacular views. This was where we had our most expensive coffee (6Euros each or $9.00) but worth every penny.<br /></div></div><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5123002785483382370" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhz_EydT6S0QYRLTjMHJW5_13wNUVvwtrD4F03WOcMIsJjYzrSZskdkaeMV-4LrtyCqHq06sJDf8SrhD3M7btOyZxa0XLslnypmwjIBS0HIu0tHNTk3GKqqpQF2DuNEEtKbvB9s97bhHLk/s320/Eze-le-Village+-+Old+Town+(2).JPG" border="0" />Eze-la-Village Old Town<br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5123002093993647698" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUrSrBTf2x_bHboyPYZ_ommSC1xtLhSglZCKkRXqM6ZSpJcElQM8qhWAYiS3AY4VEE0MVKN3vftGTaZuomz07PjF7K5AZNpixTcFUMoMkC7U-MoRt2jvDpekZpySo3XsIgyzHkcoK85rA/s320/Eze-le-Village+-+Old+Town.JPG" border="0" />One of the Medieval Buildings in Eze-la-Village</div><div><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5123003459793247858" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFQwte7UKOqLBNw56UVV-GGdGPVmxmF-NGXSKfKrV0EydHyaZMikV16cc3OEZCNB5UtxkeXYx7bvM7SwJa4jbYGpP7gfWjiS0V39rT5rK7Q5xSDBauXQtHrdbJOcYz6ictm8nrxoCR2yU/s320/Eze-le-Village+-+Geoff+and+Rita.JPG" border="0" />Geoff and Rita on the terrace of the Teroom at Chateau Eze<br /><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5123003992369192578" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi935UGPQ8sOSwddqbUq7c4xA9YqTIsoKSFdfO7XSp8w9uKbcS5DZZIBhyphenhyphenCl8AWVUmZz2Zif5IdGE0LZ6neiNcoJ0Yml95k5W_V2giFIhyphenhyphenjyA_yDKkhyXz8aKE0PkkNdpjCr0mQXtsDaRw/s320/Eze-le-Village+-+Eze+Hotel+view.JPG" border="0" />View of Chateau Eze and its Tearoom Terrace</div></div></div></div></div></div></div>Geoffhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03226753671327106399noreply@blogger.com0