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Europe 2025 - Italy
  • Neal Kellogg

Europe 2025 - Italy

Travels through Switzerland and Italy Read more
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  • Trip start
    July 4, 2025
  • Neal KelloggEurope 2025 - ItalyTraveler

    Giddyup!

    July 4 in the United States ⋅ ☁️ 88 °F

    If you are seeing this, then I am safely in the air, headed to Zürich, Switzerland! As many of you already know, Kate has been in Italy for about a week. I will be joining her on July 10th (our 21st anniversary) to hear her and many of our friends perform in Assisi.

    For the next week, I will be posting about my travels through Switzerland and Italy! I hope you enjoy, bis bald!    Read more

  • Neal KelloggEurope 2025 - ItalyTraveler
    Approaching Zürich.
    4Breakfast of Champions3Old TownHotel Alder

    Guten Morgen!

    July 5 in Switzerland ⋅ ☀️ 70 °F

    Arrived in Zürich about 20 minutes early, though the customs line made up for that! After collecting my pack and getting it organized, I hopped on the train to Zürich HB. A quick snack then I walked to my hotel. Luckily, they had a no show last night, so they let me check in this morning. Happy to lay down for a few minutes before I head out to explore the city.Read more

  • Neal KelloggEurope 2025 - ItalyTraveler
    St. Peter Church
    Lindenhof ZürichLooking down from Lindenhof Zürich towards St. PeterDid I mention Swiss chocolate?Fraumünster ChurchEuropean women's soccer championshipsLooking towards the Predigerkirche from my hotelGrossmünsterGrossmünsterCabaret VoltaireDinner after a long 24 hours

    Wandering Zürich

    July 5 in Switzerland ⋅ ☀️ 75 °F

    Once settled into the hotel, I headed out before it got too hot. Immediately up to the Lindenhof Zürich for the city view. On the way I passed St. Peter Church, which is undergoing renovations. My understanding is it has the largest clock face in Europe.

    From there, I wandered to the Bahnhofstrasse, with all of its high end retail. And chocolate. Lots of chocolate.

    At this point, I grabbed something to eat and headed back for what turned into a three hour nap. I really wanted to stay awake and force the adjustment, but the lack of sleep and heat was just too much!

    Later in the day, I walked around the neighborhood my hotel is in. More shade made this bearable. The highlight was visiting the Grossmünster, an important site during the Swiss Reformation.

    Dinner and a beer rounded out the day. Back to the room to get organized for an early start tomorrow!    Read more

  • Neal KelloggEurope 2025 - ItalyTraveler
    Early start!
    Swiss countrysideWalenseeLandwasserviaduktBergünDiavolezzaOspizio BerninaAlp GrümAlp GrümKreisviadukt BrusioKreisviadukt BrusioBasilika Madonna di TiranoRainy LeccoRainy Lecco

    Bernina Express and flow

    July 6 in Italy ⋅ 🌧 77 °F

    This morning was an early start to catch the train across Switzerland. I took the Bernina Express over the Swiss Alps to the Italian town of Tirano. It is one of only a couple of train routes considered a UNESCO World Heritage Site and it doesn’t disappoint. Throughout the route, I could see cyclists riding the road and was envious. I would love to come back and have that experience.

    The train ride ended in Tirano, Italy, shortly after passing the Basilika Madonna di Tirano. It is one of the starting points for Il Cammino de Mariano delle Alpi. Another pilgrimage someone might be convinced to do!

    Once I arrived in Tirano, I realized the bus station was a construction mess and on top of that, there is no bus service to my next destination on Sunday. That and the fact there will be a transportation strike beginning Monday night, I decided to skip the mountains and head to Lecco, on the shores of Lake Como. After an exciting bus ride and then a torrential thunderstorm, I made my way downtown for a nice pasta dinner.

    Tomorrow I will get up early for breakfast and some exploring before heading to Milan for lunch, then off to Florence before all the trains stop!    Read more

  • Neal KelloggEurope 2025 - ItalyTraveler
    Sunrise in Lecco
    Campanile San Nicolò LeccoBasilica Prepositurale di San NicolòGalleria Vittorio Emanuele IIGalleria Vittorio Emanuele IIDuomo di MilanoLunch!Pomodoro e mozzarellaSome of the many spires on the DuomoMore detailCattedrale di Santa Maria del FioreBasilica di San Lorenzo

    Milano - Firenze

    July 7 in Italy ⋅ ☀️ 84 °F

    Last whirlwind day for a while! Woke up early to see the sun rising over Lake Como, then caught a morning train to Milan.

    A couple of days in Milan were part of my original travel plans, but after being there for a few hours, I am glad it didn’t make the final cut! Don’t get me wrong! It’s a beautiful city, just far too commercial for my taste. I had enough time to store my bag and catch a train to the duomo. Ate lunch at a little place have been hearing about online, then ran back to Milano Centrale to catch my train to Florence.

    Once checked in, I had the most incredible pasta at a restaurant Kate and Angela went to last year. The street it is on is lined with incredible eateries and my lodging happens to be on the same street! Afterwards, I strolled around the duomo and took lots of pics.

    Tomorrow, I work off tonight’s meal with a walk to the top of the dome!    Read more

  • Neal KelloggEurope 2025 - ItalyTraveler
    Piazza della Signoria
    The best today's society has to offerDon't talk with your mouth full!Basilica of Santa Croce in FlorenceBasilica of Santa Croce in FlorencePiazzale MichelangeloFlorence from the Piazzale MichelangeloLunch at il Mercato Centrale Firenze1Does this really need a caption?Today's challengeCattedrale di Santa Maria del FioreBrunelleschi's domeThe final pitchFrom the top of Brunelleschi's dome2Dear Widowmaker: FUFrom the top of Brunelleschi's domeGiotto's Bell TowerClose upThe rewardThe view from my balcony at sunset

    Moments

    July 8 in Italy ⋅ ☀️ 73 °F

    Another early start to a busy day exploring again. I was pacing myself for the challenge ahead of me, so I spent a good portion of the morning on a sightseeing bus. It was nice to enjoy the tour and not have to endure the tourists with their head’s buried in their phones (grumpy old man moment).

    I decided to hop off the bus near the central market to grab lunch and plan a grocery trip for later. With my carbo loading complete, I headed off to today’s main event: climbing the 483 steps to the top of Brunelleschi's dome.

    I was really nervous heading into this. I had a heart attack 7 months ago. Is this a good idea?

    The stairs never seemed to end and there were moments of claustrophobia and doubt. All the while though, I kept passing people struggling to catch their breath. At the top, I took a long moment to consider where I was 7 months ago, and gave thanks to all those around me who provided support and encouragement.

    My mantra since the heart attack has been “I am not done,” and today reaffirmed this belief.    Read more

  • Neal KelloggEurope 2025 - ItalyTraveler
    Il David di Michelangelo
    Early lunch at Pino's!1Affogato at Vivoli's2Ponte VecchioThe view from the Ponte VecchioThe view from the Ponte VecchioCrossing the Ponte VecchioPiazza della Signoria12nd lunchThe UffiziPrimavera by BotticelliThe Birth of Venus by BotticelliLooking towards the Piazza della Signoria from The UffiziSacra Famiglia con San Giovannino by MichelangeloDinnerLook! I'm getting my vegetables!Dinner crowdsNever gets old.

    Among the tourists

    July 9 in Italy ⋅ ☀️ 70 °F

    Last full day in Firenze! A lot to see and eat!

    Started the day at the Galleria dell’Accademia di Firenze to see the David. I think the most entertaining part was the bewildered faces staring at his various “parts”. He is definitely not Oklahoma education friendly.. 🤣

    Since my room is on the fourth floor of a building with no elevator, I decided to spend the few hours I needed to kill before my entry ticket to the Uffizi walking (and eating).

    I had heard quite a few good things about the sandwiches at Pino’s and the affogatos at Vivoldi’s. They are about 2 blocks from each other, so I decided it was time for first lunch. Neither disappointed!

    Afterwards, I made my way to the river and the Ponte Vecchio. I believe Kate should buy my next watch here!

    Second lunch was in a small cafe off the main street. Why don’t the tomatoes taste this good at home?

    Later in the afternoon was a guided tour of the Uffizi art gallery. I learned more than I ever wanted to know about Renaissance paintings!

    After a bit of a rest back at the apartment, I headed down to dinner on my little street again. I made sure to go to a different restaurant each night. All of my meals have been incredible. I love the fact that Italians don’t rush you out when you are done. They are happy to let you sit and enjoy the atmosphere rather then make you feel guilty about taking up space for other customers!

    Tomorrow is an early travel day, but that just means I will be in Assisi for first lunch!    Read more

  • Neal KelloggEurope 2025 - ItalyTraveler
    Countryside around Assisi
    Porta NuovaBasilica di Santa ChiaraRehearsing BrahmsBosco di San FrancescoCattedrale di San Rufino5Happy 21st Anniversary!

    Assisi!

    July 10 in Italy ⋅ ☀️ 75 °F

    Travel day to Assisi and Kate! I only got on the wrong bus once! Everything worked out and I arrived in time for a beautiful lunch with old and new friends.

    After riposo, I listened to Kate rehearse a movement of the Brahms Horn Trio, then we went for a walk around the city. Antipasto at a local restaurant and it’s time to retire.

    It sounds like we have plans for some walking in the morning before she goes to work.    Read more

  • Neal KelloggEurope 2025 - ItalyTraveler
    Anfiteatro Romano
    Capuchins GateRocca MinoreCampanile di San RufinoThe view from lunch (Le Terrazze di Properzio)Broccoli flan with purple potato cream, goat cheese, and crispy baconThe picture does not do it justice. This was the most amazing ravioli! Gorgonzola for the win!Pasta in a light cream sauce with asparagus and baconSemifreddo al pistacchio con crumble al cacao e salsa de cioccolato al pasito di AssisiPapal Basilica and Sacred Convent of Saint Francis in AssisiPapal Basilica and Sacred Convent of Saint Francis in AssisiAssisi from Papal Basilica and Sacred Convent of Saint Francis in AssisiYou don't need a stand light when a saint has your back!

    Up, down, and up again!

    July 11 in Italy ⋅ ☀️ 81 °F

    While Kate was in rehearsal this morning, I strolled around town to take in the sites. Being in the side of a hill means you are walking up or down. Either way, it always seems like you end with up!

    We reconnected for an amazing lunch at Le Terrazze di Properzio. My pasta was really good, but her ravioli was life changing. It may have brought a tear or two to my eyes.

    Afternoon riposo, then a concert to enjoy this evening (Brahms and Schubert)!    Read more

  • Neal KelloggEurope 2025 - ItalyTraveler
    Rocca Maggiore
    Looking back at the Papal Basilica and Sacred Convent of Saint Francis from the Rocca Magg11TrainingRocca MaggioreLunch was raviolini at Trattoria PallottaFlying buttresses of the Basilica di Santa ChiaraThe basilica at twilightSunset in Assisi

    A walk in the hills

    July 12 in Italy ⋅ ☀️ 70 °F

    We did a 6.5 mile walk in the countryside this morning. Kate is continuing to train for retuning to the Camino next week and I just need to move. I was hoping to rent a bike tomorrow, but the forecast is rain, so maybe Monday. Today was beautiful. The views are tremendous.

    We returned for another nice meal before Kate had to go to rehearsal. This evening, I wandered up the road a bit to enjoy the sunset.

    I am really enjoying this time with Kate before she heads off on another adventure. Glad to be here after the hustle of Milan and Florence!    Read more

  • Neal KelloggEurope 2025 - ItalyTraveler
    The path to San Damiano
    The path to San DamianoGoing downGoing upLooking up to AssisiRavioli with fried sagePenne with sausage in a cream sauceIt is truly unfortunate that licking your plate is socially unacceptable.Tiramisu... yup.Staying dryPinsa base Bianca, bufala e prosciutto UmbroTortino al cuore morbido al Cioccolato1

    Investments

    July 13 in Italy ⋅ ☁️ 73 °F

    I am realizing that every walk I take in Assisi is an investment. You either climb and bank elevation for an easy downhill return, or you take the easy route down, knowing you will have to work to get out of the hole. Nothing is flat here!

    Today, I did a bit of both. Kate and I walked a route this morning that seemed to be all stairs. With thunder storms rolling in, we cut our excursion short.

    Later, I ventured (down) to the 12th century church, San Damiano. While I didn’t track this with my Garmin, it does state that I have climbed over 50 floors today!

    Lunch was at another of Kate’s favorite places. I had a simple penne with sausage in a cream sauce and she had a tasty ravioli with fried sage. Deliziosa!

    Post-riposo on a rainy day means people watching in the piazza!

    Dinner was at Keramos. Kate had a vegetable lasagna and I had a pinsa!

    Evening walk to enjoy the sunset, then another concert tonight!    Read more

  • Neal KelloggEurope 2025 - ItalyTraveler
    Rocca Maggiore in the clouds
    Praying to the beaver god?Hiking up and outRising aboveObligatory food pic. Pappardelle Al Cinghiale (pasta with boar ragu)Buonanotte, Assisi.

    Last day in Assisi

    July 14 in Italy ⋅ ☀️ 66 °F

    Such an amazing stay in Assisi. It’s been great to not only share this time with Kate, but enjoy it with old and new friends.

    Today’s hike was not long, but the over 1000 feet of climbing did me in. Starting in the clouds then climbing out was just something. I am running out of words to describe the beauty here.

    I rested a lot this afternoon and prepped for packing and travel to Rome tomorrow.

    The day ended with friends on a rooftop terrace, city lights, and lots of Italian wine!    Read more

  • Neal KelloggEurope 2025 - ItalyTraveler
    Italian countryside
    Rocca San ZenoneMonument to Victor Emmanuel IIMonument to Victor Emmanuel IIMonument to Victor Emmanuel IIOld stuffColiseumDinner at I Vascellari

    Assisi to Roma

    July 15 in Italy ⋅ ☀️ 91 °F

    Headed to Rome from Assisi this morning! A beautiful train ride through the Italian countryside.

    Once in Rome, we made our way to the hotel to plan the rest of the day. Our host gave us detailed instructions on how to make the most of our time here. He seemed surprised we were only spending one night and expects us back soon!

    We walked a lot this evening and saw lots of old stuff. Dinner was at a cafe down an alley. Quintessential Italy. Tomorrow is going to hot again with even more to see!    Read more

  • Neal KelloggEurope 2025 - ItalyTraveler
    Healthy start
    Piazza del Popolo - Flaminio ObeliskPiazza del PopoloPiazza del Popolo - Fontana del NettunoGardens of Vatican CityVatican MuseumVatican MuseumSt. Peter's piazzaSaint Peter’s BasilicaSaint Peter’s BasilicaSt. Peter of AlcantaraSaint Peter’s BasilicaSaint Peter’s BasilicaAngels UnawaresCastel Sant'AngeloPiazza Navona - Fountain of the Four RiversPantheonI am ruined for pasta when I get home.1Much needed refreshment

    Rome in a day

    July 16 in Italy ⋅ ☀️ 77 °F

    A long day of touristing started with a nice Italian breakfast before heading to the Piazza del Popolo. From there, we headed towards the Vatican to join a three hour guided tour.

    After navigating the crowded entrance, we finally made it to a terrace overlooking the papal gardens. Evidently, the gardens are closed everyday so the pope can enjoy them.

    There are multiple museum areas in the Vatican. So many that I can’t tell you where many of the pics were taken, and a lot of pics were taken!

    There is so much art and history to absorb here that I would strongly recommend springing for a guided tour. Our guide was very knowledgeable and kept everything moving, except for Aunt Vicky Marlarkey (her real name), who wandered off to become the only casualty of the tour. Kate and I both predicted she would get lost somewhere during the tour!

    Afterwords, we had another wonderful lunch, hit a few more sites, then returned to the hotel for a well deserved riposo.

    One final meal together tonight, then we headed to the airport tomorrow for our next adventures!    Read more

  • Neal KelloggEurope 2025 - ItalyTraveler
    Arrivederci, Italia!
    The PyreneesI think the Tour se France is down there somewhere!Happy boy

    Home

    July 17 in the United States ⋅ ☁️ 82 °F

    Nearly 13 hours of flying and I’m finally home! The day started with a 5am Uber to the Rome airport, then Kate and I parting ways. Be sure to follow the continuance of her Camino journal!

    I had been watching my flight over the past two weeks and things were looking bleak. Over the entire month of July, it was only on time twice! I was preparing for an interesting day of travel. Thankfully, today was a good day to fly. First flight left late, but we somehow made up time so we could arrive in DFW on time! I flew through customs thanks to global entry. Worth every penny.

    Happy to have made it home with no travel issues. Now back to reality.    Read more

    Trip end
    July 17, 2025
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