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SICILY/UK/FRANCE 2023
  • LinaRogersTravels

SICILY/UK/FRANCE 2023

So we have wanted to do this trip since pre-Covid 2019. It has changed a couple of times but our main goals were to finally get to Sicily and to spend over a month in France. That and more - can't wait. Read more
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  • Trip start
    May 14, 2023
    LinaRogersTravelsSICILY/UK/FRANCE 2023Traveler

    ALL READY TO GO!!

    May 7, 2023 in Australia ⋅ ☁️ 14 °C

    So we made the decision to not go out much where lots of people are before we leave. It is a week to go and we are just about ready. Bring it on.

  • LinaRogersTravelsSICILY/UK/FRANCE 2023Traveler

    Departure

    May 14, 2023 in Australia ⋅ ☁️ 14 °C

    So we were up at 5 am, at the airport by 630 as instructed and it does seem very early. The airport is much changed since we last left from international with many lovely new shops. We are excited but have a long 30+ hours ahead of us before we get to bella Roma!❤️ The Singapore airlines flight has been good 7 1/2 hours to Singapore. I watched a very long movie called Hollywood with Brad Pitt and Margot Robbie. Service has been excellent.Read more

  • LinaRogersTravelsSICILY/UK/FRANCE 2023Traveler

    Singapore stop

    May 14, 2023 in Singapore ⋅ ☀️ 30 °C

    The trip to Singapore was fine. Once we got to Changi we had a long long walk looking for the exit to find the jewel which was recommended by our dear son Luke. When we tried to get out of immigration we had to wait quite awhile for my dear sister Josy because she stuffed up the exit form. However we are sitting down having a drink and we have had a good look at the jewel which is a magnificent architectural water feature. Long walk back and now we are spending time in the Lounge eating, talking, reading and waiting waiting😳😳Read more

  • LinaRogersTravelsSICILY/UK/FRANCE 2023Traveler

    Very long overnight to Rome

    May 15, 2023 in Australia ⋅ ☀️ 12 °C

    So the layover in Singapore was over 11 hours and in the end it just drained us, even with the business class lounge, the visit to the Jewel and the butterfly farm. We eventually got going about 2 am in the morning and by then we were almost in panic mode from being tired, but I did get some sleep overnight which is great and had a nice breakfast and looking forward to arriving in Rome safely.Read more

  • LinaRogersTravelsSICILY/UK/FRANCE 2023Traveler
    1

    ROMA ARRIVATA!

    May 15, 2023 in Italy ⋅ 🌧 17 °C

    What a long night that really was. Singapore Airlines was great but it was such a long stop over (11 hours) that even with the business lounge we were quite sick of it. In fact, I gave up my lobster order (being served around 3 am my time because I wanted to sleep. Craig enjoyed it, however! We did get about 6 hours overnight and the Rome arrival and transfer were smooth. How great to be back in Rome again. Our one-night Piccola Novana (with rooftop courtyard) owned by Alfredo is great. We walked and walked today - getting Josy organized, having a quick cafe lunch, and then. walking over to Trastevere. Initially, we went to see the Santa Maria di Trastevere church again - so beautiful - Josy loved it too. We also got Craig's TIM SIM organized for his phone ... to be continued. Our photos below include having drinks on our rooftop courtyard - prosecco provided by Alfredo:) Some photos of the Trastevere church and later we went to the Palazzo Farnese - which is actually the French Embassy (gifted to France for 100 years). We had to go through rigorous security - much worse than the airport. However, the tour guide we had was brilliant and the art and architecture were sublime. We were NOT allowed to take photos but it was a wonderful Palazzo to see.Read more

  • LinaRogersTravelsSICILY/UK/FRANCE 2023Traveler

    Rome Day 2a: Old favourites & more

    May 16, 2023 in Italy ⋅ ☁️ 18 °C

    Today was excellent with some stressors. Josy joined us at Picola Navona Hotel for breakfast and then we set out on a walk to find all of our favourite places. First was Piazza Navona which is about a one-minute walk from where we are staying in Campo di Fiori. It was a little wet, but very quiet and gorgeous. Next, the magnificent Pantheon - how amazing it truly is. After our daily coffee, we did find the Trevi and with all the other tourists we did throw coins in the fountain. The beautiful church interiors below are of the St Agnes church in Piazza Novana - truly ornate and beautiful inside.Read more

  • LinaRogersTravelsSICILY/UK/FRANCE 2023Traveler

    Rome Day 2b

    May 16, 2023 in Italy ⋅ ☁️ 16 °C

    Afterwards, we walked up to Piazza Barberini and went to the Barberini Palazzo - another first time ever. This is yet another great art gallery displayed in magnificent rooms. We were hoping to see at least one Caravaggio but it is in Minnesota!! There were many 'Caravaggiesque' paintings - excellent artists who copied his style. Artemicia Genteleschi was among them. The Holbein of Henry VIII was outstanding - how come the British haven't 'acquired' that one? The staircases - wide and spiral were amazing. Rome is so outstanding! I got quite stressed by the time we got back to the Piccola Navona Hotel as I was out of charge and needed the phone to access our next home in Campo di Fiori. Alberto at the Piccolo Navona was helpful and even gave us a little parting gift - fridge magnet!

    We are staying in the beautiful property called 'I Tre Archi' - the three arches. Spacious and pretty but the electronic entrance was quite tricky. Finally, all was okay. We are loving being with Josy and ventured out to buy some fruit and other breakfast/lunch goodies in the market of Campo di Fiori. The flowers are magnificent and mainly from Holland.

    Rested and tonight we ate at the Giulietta Restaurant near to where Josy is staying. We didn't realize that it is a 'training' restaurant. Service was good, food was fine but somewhat more pricey.    Read more

  • LinaRogersTravelsSICILY/UK/FRANCE 2023Traveler
    11

    Rome Day 3a

    May 17, 2023 in Italy ⋅ 🌧 19 °C

    Well, we had another excellent day. This morning Josy came round to have breakfast with us in our lovely Airbnb with the three arches. After that, we set off - briefly looked at the Campo di Fiori market, and then Craig had his historical, interesting walk down through the Jewish Ghetto of Rome, Teatro Marcello and around the different temples, Bocca di Verita, and so on. He is indeed an intelligent, sexy man! One of the weird things we saw was an Eastern European young woman, with a photographer - clearly showing off her best assets. We think it was preparation for ripping off/scamming weird rich, Western men.Read more

  • LinaRogersTravelsSICILY/UK/FRANCE 2023Traveler
    1

    Rome Day 3b

    May 17, 2023 in Italy ⋅ 🌧 19 °C

    We did continue to do a LOT of walking and eventually made it up to the Capitoline Hill. What a magnificent area. We had a coffee and cannolo at the Museum cafe and its terrace had magnificent views. Then we went into the actual museum which as previously was absolutely wonderful - many, many beautiful statues, sculptures, art pieces - including 2 Caravaggios!! The building itself was once again very much a part of the beauty. Afterwards, we walked to the recommended VERSO SERA ristorante and had a brilliant lunch with pasta with tartufo, salad, desserts, Aperol spritz and limoncello!! Back to Camp di Fiori and Josy and I enjoyed purchasing matching Italian aprons! Only a little bit of bartering was involved. We are all loving Rome and Tony my brother & Linda arrive today and we should all be meeting our Italian and New York cousins tomorrow hopefully.Read more

  • LinaRogersTravelsSICILY/UK/FRANCE 2023Traveler

    BELLA ROMA - Day 4a

    May 18, 2023 in Italy ⋅ ☁️ 20 °C

    Another great day in Rome - brother Tony & Linda have now joined us. We walked passed the Trevi Fountain again and after getting lost and many steps, we eventually found the Spanish steps area. Great fashion area and more. I also found an Aqua di Parma shop to buy my favourite perfume Mirto - myrtle scent 🙂 - gorgeous shop and a lovely young shop assistant who told me how good my Italian was (after the sale). This morning's art was also very much evident in shops.Read more

  • LinaRogersTravelsSICILY/UK/FRANCE 2023Traveler

    Bella Roma Day 4b

    May 18, 2023 in Italy ⋅ ☁️ 21 °C

    We had an expensive coffee on the way to Piazza di Popolo and eventually got there - once again looking for our preferred artist - Caravaggio - there were two in the main church along with some wonderful Pintoricchios - gorgeous. I was keen to find our favourite Roman restaurant L'Orsetto and it did not disappoint. I think we have been there at least 4 times and it was wonderful to be able to share it with my siblings. As I am taking most of the photos I do want to reiterate that Craig IS travelling with me and my sister Josy is with us!! There are certainly a lot of photos of the two of them! Great lunch and then we walked over the bridge to the other side of the Tiber River (the Tevere). Lovely walk going past the Palazzo of Justice and the Castel San Angelo - there were a LOT of tourists in this area.Read more

  • LinaRogersTravelsSICILY/UK/FRANCE 2023Traveler
    1

    Rome Day 4 - More photos

    May 18, 2023 in Italy ⋅ ☁️ 21 °C

    More memorable moments from today :) Yes I did buy a Louis Vuitton bag!

  • LinaRogersTravelsSICILY/UK/FRANCE 2023Traveler
    1Our Agriturismo ristorante

    Cisterna with the cousins

    May 19, 2023 in Italy ⋅ ☁️ 23 °C

    This morning we had our quick final walk around campo di Fiori and then met Josy and the transfer driver and after picking up Tony we were taken to Cisterna di Latina to meet with our wonderful cousin Tonino. Whilst it was quite melancholy, it was lovely to see him and we had a coffee with the transfer driver who hung around for quite awhile. Then Aldo and Vera our New York cousins came down from their parents place which was a wonderful reunion. We were driven into the town to have a delicious smorgasbord Italian style and the restaurant level of noise was very loud. Afterwards, upon Craig’s suggestion we drove up to Sermoneta. Craig and I have been there before a couple of times but it is a gorgeous hilltop protected city still very authentic. We had a lovely walk around followed by a gelati. What a wonderful reunion for us all.Read more

  • LinaRogersTravelsSICILY/UK/FRANCE 2023Traveler

    MANGIA, MANGIA, MANGIA!

    May 20, 2023 in Italy ⋅ ☁️ 20 °C

    It is much cooler than we expected here and so Craig loaded up the blankets last night and of course, we were over hot. It didn’t help that we went to a Agriturismo ristorante for a nice evening meal (after 8 which is late for us!!). This morning we woke and sort of had breakfast, did the washing etc. Eventually, our cousin Tonino had to stop working on the farm because it was raining. Vera and Aldo, our New York cousins joined us and we decided to go to Anzio to see our nephew’s Apicoltura Rinaldi negozio (retail outlet). He is a honey harvester/ beekeeper now since Covid stuffed up his musical/Jazz careers. Everything Mirko puts his mind to he is excellent at and last year he won the competition for the best honey in Lazio and he came fifth in all of Italy. Fun to see our Rinaldi surname on many products and his partner Marina was very sweet.

    We were then going to drive to the Anzio American War Museum which we have seen before. Hoping to go via the Anzio Bay where many soldiers arrived. However, it was crazy traffic and whilst driving Tonino’s other wonderful son, Michele rang and said we were to pop in for lunch!! We did that and it was a wonderful afternoon with him, his lovely wife Irena, and their cute kids, Martina and Alessio. We ate and ate and tonight we are booked into a 1 Michelin star restaurant!! Oh dear. It certainly is convivial and fun and loud.

    BTW driving down to the honey shop Craig drove having a practice for when we arrive in Catania in a couple of days and of course, he was once again, my hero :)    Read more

  • LinaRogersTravelsSICILY/UK/FRANCE 2023Traveler
    1
    11

    GRAND RINALDI REUNION MEAL

    May 20, 2023 in Italy ⋅ ☁️ 19 °C

    In the evening we went to the Il Piccolo Ducato, RISTORANTE in the town of Cisterna di Latina. It is a One star Michelin restaurant and the interesting part of this is that the Chef Manuel used to be the chef for Berlusconi and found that were too many parties for him. Anyway, it was a mainly seafood restaurant but the pasta, risotto, pannacotta and much more were all most delicious. Our very generous New York cousin hosted 22 of us which included 7 well-behaved Italian Rinaldi children - who managed to behave up till past 11.30 pm. Additionally, the adults comprised of the visiting cousins from Australia and the US as well as my cousin Tonino's three wonderful sons and their wives. The food was never-ending and the Brunello red wines were very much enjoyed. We even enjoyed celebrating the birthday of the Nonno at the other table of oh so many people.Read more

  • LinaRogersTravelsSICILY/UK/FRANCE 2023Traveler
    Photo of my aunt as a child saluting Mussolini!!

    Cisterna last day

    May 21, 2023 in Italy ⋅ ☁️ 23 °C

    After a late night of lots of eating and drinking overnight was a bit challenging as Josy felt unwell. Today has been more relaxed mainly just hanging around home and getting ready to leave tomorrow by checking in and hoping for the best with Ryanair for our flight to Catania. We did do a walk down the road to our aunt’s old place which Aldo has been doing the paperwork for potentially a future sale. The area has some nice houses but people sure do drive quickly around here. The two sons and grandchildren came round and their lovely wives helped and we had a delicious lunch again of pasta with pancetta and asparagus along with delicious meat, potatoes and salad all cooked in the wood oven. The too much eating has continued but the family get together is very much to be treasured.Read more

  • LinaRogersTravelsSICILY/UK/FRANCE 2023Traveler

    Final Cisterna stuff

    May 21, 2023 in Italy ⋅ ☁️ 18 °C

    So Sunday turned out to be a lovely final day with our relatives although it did end with a sting. We did do a local walk down the road to our aunts old place and all the dogs in the street we are very protective of their homes. It was lovely to see the house we used to visit over and over again even with the kids. Then of course there was the final delicious lunch altogether just in case you had been underfed for a few hours. In the afternoon my cousin took us to see his gold Kiwi farm which turned out to be very interesting indeed with much infrastructure needed. We were supposed to be having a pizza supper but Craig got a message saying our Ryanair flight to Catania was cancelled. Initially thinking it was a spam proved wrong as apparently Mount Etna is spewing Ash down the runway at the Catania airport. After much stuffing around but sensible decision-making we decided we would get a flight to Palermo and drive from there to Taormina. Hopefully insurance will cover any extra cost. clearly less sleep was had.Read more

  • LinaRogersTravelsSICILY/UK/FRANCE 2023Traveler
    1

    Fiumincino-Palermo-Taormina!

    May 22, 2023 in Italy ⋅ ⛅ 16 °C

    So we did get up very early to get to the airport in plenty of time. Checking in was easy because we had to buy an expensive business-class ticket to get to Palermo. Airport is very ritzy but there is a delay of course. Trying to remain Italian in my outlook. Much less stress that way.

    However, the day did turn out to be very long. We had a two-hour delay which stretched out. We then had to drive from Palermo to Taormina instead of from Catania which was several hours longer. Craig was excellent with his driving but the final bit up the winding, steep hill to our AirBnb was challenging to say the least. Of course, Craig was excellent. Ultimately, the place we are staying is brilliant with amazing views and it was very exciting to meet Janet & Sinclair our good friends, and have a lovely meal together up the steep hill at El Saraceno. Yay!!    Read more

  • LinaRogersTravelsSICILY/UK/FRANCE 2023Traveler
    1

    MAGNIFICO TAORMINA

    May 23, 2023 in Italy ⋅ ☀️ 18 °C

    Good morning Taormina and we can see Etna erupting from our lovely Airbnb room! We waited for Janet & Sinclair and then started our long trek for today! We walked down many steps – quite easily but we knew what that meant for later! We arrived at the archaeological amphitheater of Greek origin. It is a great ruin and is still used for shows. Apparently, my lovely nephew Mirko has played his trumpet here several times which would be inspiring. We had a good look around and after that needed refreshments and went to the recommended Bam Bar for a coffee and strawberry and raspberry granitas which were very popular with the tourists, and you had to wait to get a table. Next, we walked and walked around lovely Taormina. As time passed it became rather busy and today was certainly our warmest day so far – tee shirts and hats. We had a good look at the hotel which was used for the White Lotus. It is San Domenic da Guzman Piazza – which coincidentally is the patron saint of my old school – St Dom’s North Adelaide. It did look ritzy, but we were only allowed in the courtyard. Next, we walked to find the Botanical Gardens which had nice topiary, weird/quirky building structures, lovely cool areas, beautiful views of the Mediterranean, and plants!!

    The next trek was to lunch which was at the Malvasia Ristorante – good - probably about 8/10 but truly needed. We did sneak in a gelati - cassata flavour was pretty good. On to the supermarket for munchy food supplies and after that the ridiculously challenging climb back up to the top! Needless to say, we are all very tired.    Read more

  • LinaRogersTravelsSICILY/UK/FRANCE 2023Traveler

    Taormina Day 2 continued

    May 23, 2023 in Italy ⋅ ☀️ 17 °C

    More photos here from our walk, the famous hotel, lunch (romantic photos) and the Taormina Botanical Gardens. This evening we spent a lovely time with Janet and Sinclair just munching and looking out at our magnificent view including Mount Etna continuing to erupt.Read more

  • LinaRogersTravelsSICILY/UK/FRANCE 2023Traveler
    111

    Taormina Etna day

    May 24, 2023 in Italy ⋅ ☀️ 17 °C

    This morning after breakfast we got picked up by Antonio who was our interesting and handsome guide up to Etna for today. It was an excellent tour which included seeing various existing calderas, plenty of lava, including a lava tube which we walked through. We also saw the lovely volcanic forest which included surprisingly Many birch trees. At the end we went to a local winery which makes wine from grapes grown in volcanic soils and we had lunch there along with a red wine a sweet wine and some interesting sesame biscuits. It was a very interesting day geologically and the sun was shining. This evening we had a wonderful meal at a restaurant called tiramisu which included lobster pasta and some delicious pistachio Panna cotta. Overall an excellent day.Read more

  • LinaRogersTravelsSICILY/UK/FRANCE 2023Traveler

    Isola di Ortigia

    May 25, 2023 in Italy ⋅ ☁️ 20 °C

    This morning we left by car with Janet & Sinclair squashed into the back seat! Getting out of Taormina was a little stressful but the drive down to Isola di Ortigia which is part of Syracuse was fine. However, the last bit through the historical centre was one way, very small, narrow roads and quite painful. St Craig Rogers was outstanding and we appreciate his very Italian efforts. Our hotel the Re Federico Boutique Hotel is certainly in a good spot. We set out walking through this baroque town exhibiting all the histories of this area including Greek, Roman, Moors and more. We initially went looking for the daily market and had a nice, noisy lunch amidst all the fresh fish and Sicilians. Afterwards, the Santa Lucia Cathedral, the town square fountain, and various buildings were all amazing. The Cathedral was originally a Greek Temple in the 5th Century BC then later repurposed as a church. All the stages were obvious in the structure and the light shades looked ottoman like and it was a most interesting church to see.Read more

  • LinaRogersTravelsSICILY/UK/FRANCE 2023Traveler

    Isola 2

    May 25, 2023 in Italy ⋅ ☁️ 19 °C

    After a much needed rest tonight we set out to walk down to the water area which was actually quiet but pretty. We were trying to work out a boat ride for tomorrow morning but apparently there is a regatta and we may miss out. Having Pina coladas sitting by the beach was fun but cold. The walk home however was brilliant with lots of pretty lights and it seems that Ortigia comes to life at night. We will need to check this out tomorrow night. By the way the cats seem quite arrogant and act like they own the place and apparently it’s against the law to kill a cat here!!!Read more

  • LinaRogersTravelsSICILY/UK/FRANCE 2023Traveler

    Ortigia boat trip and lunch

    May 26, 2023 in Italy ⋅ ☀️ 23 °C

    This morning a complimentary breakfast was served in our room. It was delicious and huge! Then we set off down to the water to get a boat trip around Ortigia. Pippo or Giuseppe assured me it was 'safe' and we did the one-hour sale on his 'little' boat. Once out in the ocean, the waves were bigger than we thought so we couldn't go into any of the grottos (caves) but it was pretty to see. Then we circumnavigated the whole Isola - very pretty and enjoyable. After that, it was a sunny walk and coffee. We saw the Castello Maniace that was set up by - King Ferdinand II between 1232 and 1240. The name refers to the Byzantine general Giorgio Maniace who reconquered the city from the Arabs. Today's weather was brilliant :) - sunny but not hot. Back to the lovely hotel for a little rest and a change of clothing. Today, unfortunately, my brother is experiencing major problems in Venice because British Airways has had to cancel many, many flights due to IT issues. At least he and Josy are now flying together so I hope all goes well. In comparison, we enjoyed the best meal we have had so far at a Michelin guide (not star) restaurant called AL MARZAN. Craig had swordfish and I had the bucatini with swordfish, pistachio, pine nuts, dried fruit, and whatever else made it absolutely delicious. Great wine, great service, great friends.Read more

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