Travelling Light

The whole packing thing has been a big part of the lead up.
Of course, we have all the planning, reservations (Planes, Trains, Automobiles), tours bikes, etc, but the packing has been a thing. Not aLeia mais
We Ain't There Yet. But gonna get there

Yes, we began our trip by learning a lesson.
Our flight out of Nashville was delayed. Delayed so long (more than 90 minutes) that we missed our connection in Philly to Zurich. There were a dozenLeia mais
Bernina Express

Hotel Albergo Milano, Varenna

We really enjoyed our time in Varenna. I thought it might be too much time, but Pat was right...it was perfect. Patty loved our small hotel, the Albergo Milano, in Varenna. Who wouldn't? It was rightLeia mais
Menaggio

The are many villages on Lake Como, but the prime trio are Bellagio, Menaggio and Varrenna, all connected by ferry rides.
Bellagio is by far the more well known with more shopping, restaurants andLeia mais
Shop Hard

Today was the day without planned activities. A relaxing day? Yes, we were very relaxed. capital One and the shop owners gave us 2 thumbs up because we were so relaxed. We shopped hard.
Me and myLeia mais
Villa Monastero

Varenna, a short walk past the piazza.
A little history first.
Villa Monastero was initially a monastery founded at the end of the 12th century on the shores of Lake Como. At that time, the monasteryLeia mais
Rained Out - by a Sprinkle

Just sit right back and you'll hear a tale,
A tale of a cancelled trip,
That started from this Italian port
Along this tourist strip.
The mate was a mighty sailing man,
The skipper brave andLeia mais
Villa del Balbianello

This is a venerable estate on the shores of Lake Como with ties back to the Catholic Church as it was originally a Fransican Monestary and later owned by a cardinal.
However, this tour is more of aLeia mais
Castle Serendipity

Castle serendipity
My Lovely said "Biggest Surprise".
The surprise was that it was twice, or thrice, as much fun as we expected.
More than a couple "Princess Bride" references. Jesting about theLeia mais
Ghosts of Vezio Castle

Credit: mymodernmet.com
When visiting Castello di Vezio, you aren't alone. There are “Ghosts” that dot the grounds.
These ghosts of Vezio are plaster casts made by the managers of the castleLeia mais
Have Fun Storming the Castle

Castello de Vezio exceeded expectations. Not only mine, but all four of us.
We expected ruins. And yes, these were ruins, but with plenty still intact including an outer wall and a castle towerLeia mais
Medieval Aperitivo

In Italy, an aperitivo (aperitif) is a cultural ritual, not just a drink, that involves enjoying a low-alcohol beverage and snacks in the early evening to stimulate the appetite before dinner.
ThisLeia mais
Dancing in the Street

You know the evening was already a success when there is dancing in the street.
Need I say more?
41 years of marriage, a whimsical evening, a stroll through the tiny village and music from acrossLeia mais
Lake Ride

After getting rained out (lightly sprinkled out) on Thursday, we got to enjoy our day on the lake.
With Captian Gary driving us around Lake Como, we got to see the opposing views, all the towns andLeia mais
Travel Day

Today we made the commute from Lake Como to Florence (about 241 miles). In Italy you travel by train whenever possible. Train travel is so pleasant. Plenty of room, no hassle, easy in and out.
OnLeia mais
Our Firenza Apartment!

Our lodging in Florence (Firenza) was a very charming apartment in the heart of old Florence. It was called Oasis in the Heart of Florence. We were within walking distance to mostly everything weLeia mais
The Duomo

Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore
Like so many of the churches here, it is impossible to see all there is to see.
Santa Maria del Fiore is one of the largest churches in the world: its layoutLeia mais
Piazzale Michelangelo and the Troubadour

Florence
Most of today was a "free day". Well not so much free, there was shopping involved, but mostly unplanned. Meaning shopping wherever we wanted.
After our Duomo tour, we went back to theLeia mais
Il Ciliegio Winery 2

Excursion to Siena

Excursion to Siena
We took an excursion to Siena to visit the town, and to have a winery dinner.
The tour of the Cathedral of Siena is another awe inspiring event for us. It is truly amazing howLeia mais
Prosecco!!! Il Ciliegio Winery

It wasn't the wine, it was the winery.
When I'm having brunch, my heart and mind are relaxed and inviting. Such was the setting at our wine dinner.
After a short introduction (in Italian - and notLeia mais
Fashion at Pitti Palace part 1

One of the exhibits at Pitti Palace was a fashion through the years exhibit. We all enjoyed it, but this post is especially for you, Momma! We thought you would enjoy this! Enjoy!
Palazzo Pitti Imperial Apartments
