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Jules

February - April 2024
Italy/Croatia '24 Read more
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  • TravelerJules
    Day 11

    Rome day 2

    March 10 in Italy ⋅ ☀️ 13 °C

    A sick day for me - not going anywhere with this head cold. Richard went solo exploring on foot and using subway. He even found his favourite roast chestnuts!
    I read, slept and recharged!

  • TravelerJules
    Day 12

    Rome day 3

    March 11 in Italy ⋅ ☁️ 14 °C

    Feeling better after more sleep but can't face food. Richard solo again for breakfast. Shaking his head at Americans filling ziplock bags with croissants and fruit. They seem to think lunch is included too!
    We head out in sunshine - hoorah - for The Pantheon. Used the metro like a couple of locals! Pantheon was incredible. It's massive! And what a feat of engineering, plus far too many slaves. But a thing of beauty. Timed our entry perfectly so no line up. It is now a church so appropriate rules enforced. The most remarkable feature is the dome which is open to the elements but apparently never gets flooded.
    We found lunch near the Colosseum as Richard was booked for afternoon entry.. I headed back to the hotel, taking in the exterior of the Colosseum. Made one error on the Metro but made it back to the hotel in one piece! Feet up, tea and sleep.
    Richard had an amazing afternoon and returned eventually, foot weary!
    Time to pack bags as we are moving on to La Spezia tomorrow for a side trip to Cinque Terra.
    It was lights out at 8pm. Gosh where did the stamina go?    Read more

  • TravelerJules
    Day 13

    La Spezia

    March 12 in Italy ⋅ ☀️ 13 °C

    Arrivederci Roma - we left by high speed train and for hours later in La Spezia which is just a few mins train ride to Cinque Terra.
    I should mention the fashion in Rome - so many smartly dressed people, oozing elegance. There was a group of ladies at Rome station - all wearing furs and outfits that were possibly a bit young for them?! Matching luggage and obviously off somewhere fabulous!
    The train journey was very comfortable,- we were in 1st Class which cost about $60. The route took us along the coast (cruise ships spotted) and also inland where we saw olive trees, marble depots and even what looked like marble quarrying up in the hills. Fascinating.
    Checked in around 3pm to our studio room (nice shower) leaving time to meander down the town. La Spezia was full of nice surprises ,- orange trees lining the main route, palm trees near the marina and quite elegant buildings. Didn't understand the sudden profusion of high end shops until we spotted the cruise ship in port!
    Lovely "pasticceria" cafes with the yummiest of cakes!
    We opted for early dinner again as I was getting super tired. Found a lovely (empty) restaurant for fusili with shrimp and zucchini. Richard had what he professed to be the best carbonara rounded off with chocolate torte.
    Found our way back to the studio and called it a night. Thankfully streets were all quiet.    Read more

  • TravelerJules
    2
    Day 14

    Cinque Terra

    March 13 in Italy ⋅ ☁️ 9 °C

    Joined the masses for the short train ride to Vernazza on the coast. We decided not to go to every town so this was the farthest spot for us on the packed double decker train. Yikes what must high season be like?
    Vernazza was so pretty with a beautiful waterfront. Spotted an ocean swimmer with full wetsuit enjoying a workout. You realise just how set into the cliffs the properties are; shop ceilings are rock!
    As you would expect, lots of steps and gradients but the views are so worthwhile. Back to the station and hop on to head south to Manarola. Lots of shopping opps again - everything from seafood to go, to hats, belts and limoncello. There's even a Michelin starred restaurant. Interesting info displayed about an annual nativity which lights up the hill top each year.
    Still winter season so lots of fishing boats are literally stored in the main street. Must be quite the job to take them down and into the water.
    Found a great spot for lunch. I enjoyed triangular shaped pasta stuffed with ricotta and spinach, smothered in a rich walnut sauce. Delish! Richard went for spaghetti with king prawn.
    Took the upward path from the harbour to the most beautiful view point filled with osteosporum in full bloom (did I get the plant name right?). Amazing how they farm on such steep terrain - and have gone for 100s of years.
    Decided against the trek to Riomaggiore; altho it was the shortest hike in Cinque Terra it was also quite challenging.
    Sun was with us today - getting up to 18c. Most people paring down to tee shirts.
    Next stop by train was Riomaggiore. Sadly the most disappointing location - lots of construction/reno going on and some areas not easily accessible. We walked to the waterfront where many were taking a dip and then back to the station.
    It had been a full day again - we were glad to to pick up a fresh made pizza from a place near our studio. Akin to waiting in the fish & chip shop queue! Fascinating to watch the chef manipulate the pizzas in the big wood fired oven. Literally wood fired with branches and all sorts of logs being fed in.    Read more

  • TravelerJules
    Day 15

    Florence

    March 14 in Italy ⋅ ☀️ 16 °C

    0830 train to Florence and we were checked in to accommodation by 1100. And we are literally right round the corner from The Duomo!
    Unpacked and off we go again. First stop the local launderette which was very straight forward. The location was steps away from a huge street market area (leather and scarves everywhere) and a fabulous indoor market. A very popular spot for lunch it seems so we joined in with a very hearty Riballito (bread and veg soup) and pasta ragu. All for $24. You could even enjoy wine or beer with your food at the random seating areas. How very civilised!
    Back to our room to hang up the laundry and regroup.
    An afternoon strolling, getting our bearings for tomorrow's timed tickets and then a simple charcuterie board for supper. Meats were freshly sliced for each order. Simple but bursting with flavour and very satisfying. I must be getting over the cold; I enjoyed a glass of Chianti!
    Walking back we popped into the local choc franchise. Oh my word - so many samples offered - including limoncello confections and a little schnapps. Couldn't resist buying a small pot of pistachio cream! Slept well!    Read more

  • TravelerJules
    1
    Day 16

    Florence

    March 15 in Italy ⋅ ☁️ 11 °C

    Day 2 Florence. We have set times to see The Baptistry Saint John and the Santa Reparata (the remains of the previous cathedral which was demolished when the existing one was complete).
    Richard opted for the Duomo Cupola for the grand view after climbing over 400 steps.
    Sauntered in the morning, a light lunch and then off to respective sites.
    The Baptistry was amazing - an octagonal ceiling which has 1000 sq metres of mosaic embellishment. To this day it is in continual renovation, Stunning masterpiece. Three entryways have ornate bronze doors - the originals are in the museum on site.

    Quick freshen up then time to catch up with brother Dave and Jane who arrived from Devon. Fun evening at Ciros & Sons.    Read more

  • TravelerJules
    Day 17

    Greve & Bucine

    March 16 in Italy ⋅ ☁️ 11 °C

    Saturday morning and we collect our rental car, heading south to Greve and ultimately Bucine where the wedding will take place.
    Greve is a lovely little town and we are definitely in Chianti country. The black rooster sign on the building is seen on many bottles in this area. Rolling countryside and lush green hills. It's beautiful country.
    Settled in then headed to the next town to pick up the groceries and drinks for 13 people for the next few days. 5 shopping trolleys later!
    Had our first glimpse of the villa as we dropped off everything. So exciting!
    Dinner was in a delightful restaurant in Bucine. Walked home in the starry evening. Perfect. The last photo is the villa lit up.    Read more

  • TravelerJules
    1
    Day 18

    Siena

    March 17 in Italy ⋅ ☁️ 17 °C

    A few shots around the neighbouring winery before we head to Siena. I won't lie, it is hilly and we now always check the parking situation before heading out!
    What a beautiful city and the main square is phenomenal. They run horse races here twice per year. Must be an amazing spectacle and packed with tourists of course. Richard managed to wrangle a ticket to climb the tower even tho the groups were fully booked. We found a lovely courtyard (painted ceilings) for a quiet little glass of vino. Quite getting used to the slower pace of life!
    Headed back to Bucine as it is time to check in at the villa. So exciting and what a spectacular place. Built 17th century and used as a hunting lodge for nobility from Florence. Beautiful and so romantic.
    Even more thrilling .... The pool is salt water and open for Dippers,!
    Lovely family evening as 13 of us sat down to enjoy pasta dish cooked by Talia and just one or two bottles opened.....
    Lovely sunset.    Read more

  • TravelerJules
    Day 19

    Quiet villa day

    March 18 in Italy ⋅ ☁️ 15 °C

    A quiet day in order for everyone. Laundry top of the list and checking all the outfits are ready for Wednesday. Some went for a walk, a run, dip or working on their speech!
    Various shots around the villa and view from Villa.Read more

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