Thursday, February 14, 2008
Lake Como
Here we are jogging in the morning and following it up with morning caffe. Excellent as always.
The Reality of Blogging Internationally
Hey there, Sorry there was supposed to be some great pictures up here of our exploits in Como, Cinque Terre, Pisa and Florence (we are still trying to do that) but due to computers having Italian language and chinese keyboards in a country that seems to shun technology there's a few technical difficulties. We can assure you that we're having fun and seeing great things and that you can get fantastic coffee pretty much anywhere (except the hostel we're in .... shhh).
J
Como was a magnificent expanse of Alaskan style wilderness, huge lake, snow capped mountains and icy air to go with. It was sunny however (the gorgeous weather continues) and we enjoyed some incredible scenery (which we will share with you asap as J explained) especially at Bellagio! No George Clooney (I think J was more diasappointed than me) but we did have our 1st Italian gelato (not the best but the first and strangely sold to us by an Italian speaking asian woman) and a wonderful 5 star stay.
After Como we headed down to Cinque Terre - probably the most amazing experience so far! - where we were met at the train station by Ugo, the 76yr old father of the woman whose apartment we were staying in. He escorted us up many narrow, winding and cobbled streets to our abode which was an incredible roof top apartment over looking the ocean. We did the whole 12km walk along the cliff top track that links these incredible 5 villages with amazing ocean views not to be outdone by the towns themselves, each delightful in their own way. (Pictures to come.) Had the most amazing pesto (made locally) and gelato at the Cinque Terre and an incredible fish meal at a tiny little restaurant run by the fisherman who catches the fish daily!
Then it was onto Pisa - yes Kylan, we did the leaning photos! (Again, which we will show you asap) What an incredible structure! It really is mind boggling to stand and stare at it.
Florence has been amazing and seriously overwhelming at the same time - so much art, so little time! We did the Uffizi Gallery (our personal favourites were Botocellis Birth Of Venus and Michelangelos Holy Family. We also did Galleria dell Accademia where we saw the David and it really amazed us how much it amazed us! So commanding, a real masterpiece. Lots of Byzantine - love the gothic edge to some - and lots of Jesus but more of Mary.
We also walked the gardens of the Pitti Palace and visited the Cathedral - these guys really spare no expense.
We rode bikes around Florence (and surprisingly did not get run over - the traffic is absolutely mad! - and went running along the Florence river and J bought me gorgeous earrings FROM THE PONTE VECCHIO for Valentines Day - ohhhhhhhhh!
We are onto Siena today to explore more of the tuscan region. Happy Valentines Day to all, hope you are feeling loved and we will do our best to get some piccys up asap.
A xx
J
Como was a magnificent expanse of Alaskan style wilderness, huge lake, snow capped mountains and icy air to go with. It was sunny however (the gorgeous weather continues) and we enjoyed some incredible scenery (which we will share with you asap as J explained) especially at Bellagio! No George Clooney (I think J was more diasappointed than me) but we did have our 1st Italian gelato (not the best but the first and strangely sold to us by an Italian speaking asian woman) and a wonderful 5 star stay.
After Como we headed down to Cinque Terre - probably the most amazing experience so far! - where we were met at the train station by Ugo, the 76yr old father of the woman whose apartment we were staying in. He escorted us up many narrow, winding and cobbled streets to our abode which was an incredible roof top apartment over looking the ocean. We did the whole 12km walk along the cliff top track that links these incredible 5 villages with amazing ocean views not to be outdone by the towns themselves, each delightful in their own way. (Pictures to come.) Had the most amazing pesto (made locally) and gelato at the Cinque Terre and an incredible fish meal at a tiny little restaurant run by the fisherman who catches the fish daily!
Then it was onto Pisa - yes Kylan, we did the leaning photos! (Again, which we will show you asap) What an incredible structure! It really is mind boggling to stand and stare at it.
Florence has been amazing and seriously overwhelming at the same time - so much art, so little time! We did the Uffizi Gallery (our personal favourites were Botocellis Birth Of Venus and Michelangelos Holy Family. We also did Galleria dell Accademia where we saw the David and it really amazed us how much it amazed us! So commanding, a real masterpiece. Lots of Byzantine - love the gothic edge to some - and lots of Jesus but more of Mary.
We also walked the gardens of the Pitti Palace and visited the Cathedral - these guys really spare no expense.
We rode bikes around Florence (and surprisingly did not get run over - the traffic is absolutely mad! - and went running along the Florence river and J bought me gorgeous earrings FROM THE PONTE VECCHIO for Valentines Day - ohhhhhhhhh!
We are onto Siena today to explore more of the tuscan region. Happy Valentines Day to all, hope you are feeling loved and we will do our best to get some piccys up asap.
A xx
Friday, February 8, 2008
The view from our Gondola ride. We went through the back Canals and saw the 'Palaces' (everywhere is a palace to the Italians) of Marco Polo and Casanova. The bridges over the Canal are so short that the Gondoliers have to duck to get through. Their indicators are a loud 'Oyee' as they come around the corner.
It's a Moray! (eel that is)
What Dean Martin was really talking about - the Rialto fish markets. You'd have a blast here Dad!
Happy Travelling
Hey Guys,
We hit Venice after a 30 hour travel time and could barely see straight but that didn't stop us. Straight to Piazza San Marco to soak up the Carnevale atmosphere. We were met with a barrage of masked italians, italian jazz (which later turned to Reggae - that they all went mad for! Who knew?!) and the overall beauty of Venice at dusk.
It really is as - no, more beautiful - than we ever imagined! We bought masks and got into the spirit of it and had the most amazing 4 days ever (so far). We stayed in a local apartment (very cool) and frequented the Rialto Markets for our 'daily bread'. Day 2 saw Anyetta come down with a 24hr vomiting bug, not sure if it was the pollo (chicken) or delayed jetlag but she soldiered on to visit the gorgeous islands Burano and Murano. We attended an Ash Wednesday service at San Marco Basilica which was very special. Another highlight, our gondola ride with 'Marco' our singing Gondolier who showed us Casanova's house.
We were sad to leave Venice but Verona and Casa di Guilette was calling (a surreal Shakespearean moment) and then onto Lago di Como where we are now, enjoying one of our only 5 star stays (thanks Paige and Liisa) and beautiful sunny days.
So far our Italian has been ok but not so necessary as so many speak a little English) and we have enjoyed some Italian Rosso Vino. Anyway, onto the photo's, that's what everyone really wants to see isn't it? (So Jeremy says.)
We hit Venice after a 30 hour travel time and could barely see straight but that didn't stop us. Straight to Piazza San Marco to soak up the Carnevale atmosphere. We were met with a barrage of masked italians, italian jazz (which later turned to Reggae - that they all went mad for! Who knew?!) and the overall beauty of Venice at dusk.
It really is as - no, more beautiful - than we ever imagined! We bought masks and got into the spirit of it and had the most amazing 4 days ever (so far). We stayed in a local apartment (very cool) and frequented the Rialto Markets for our 'daily bread'. Day 2 saw Anyetta come down with a 24hr vomiting bug, not sure if it was the pollo (chicken) or delayed jetlag but she soldiered on to visit the gorgeous islands Burano and Murano. We attended an Ash Wednesday service at San Marco Basilica which was very special. Another highlight, our gondola ride with 'Marco' our singing Gondolier who showed us Casanova's house.
We were sad to leave Venice but Verona and Casa di Guilette was calling (a surreal Shakespearean moment) and then onto Lago di Como where we are now, enjoying one of our only 5 star stays (thanks Paige and Liisa) and beautiful sunny days.
So far our Italian has been ok but not so necessary as so many speak a little English) and we have enjoyed some Italian Rosso Vino. Anyway, onto the photo's, that's what everyone really wants to see isn't it? (So Jeremy says.)
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