ROMA!!

Our adventure through Italy concluded in Rome (Roma), the eternal city. Rome is literally eternal, having endured for over 2,700 years. Having limited time remaining on our journey, we welcomed the opportunity to carefully plan our discoveries seeking the advice of former travelers, our amazing Roman guide, Giorgia, and of course, the Rick Steves “Pocket Rome” and audio guides.

Deciding upon our daily itinerary wasn’t easy as we made choices from the “must see” list all the way down to the “well, if you have time” list.

With centuries of history and culture, Rome is Italy’s capital and largest city, offering a phenomenal concentration of history, legend, museums, churches, basilicas and cathedrals, (Rome has over 900 churches!), frescos, sculptures, fountains, monuments and much more. Added to our scheduling enjoyment was the selection of restaurants, trattorias, sidewalk cafés, coffee shops and gelaterias!

With that said, please enjoy our highlights from Rome!

 

To quote Rick Steves, “St. Peter’s is the greatest church in Christendom.” We enjoyed a full day in the Vatican touring the Basilica (twice!), walking through a portion of the Vatican Museum, gazing up in awe in the Sistine Chapel, taking the elevator and climbng an additional 323 steps to the Cupola of Michelangelo’s dome, strolling through the basement Crypt, and walking around St. Peter’s Square.

Inside the Basilica, one of Europe’s great “WOW” experiences, we enjoyed works of art from Renaissance Masters including Michelangelo, Bernini, and Raphael.

Michelangelo was 24 years old when he completed the Pieta of Mary cradling the dead body of her son taken from the cross.

 

The Basilica is massive! Spanning the length of two football fields from front to back, the dome is 448 feet from floor to top, and the church can accomodate 60,000 worshipers! Looking at the photo of the dome on the right, you can see a gold ring with blue letters. The letters (7 feet tall!) that ring the dome explain why this church is so important. Quoting Jesus and taken from Matthew 16:18 – “You are Peter and upon this rock I will build my church, and to you I will give the keys of the kingdom of heaven.”

 

 

 

Two biggies on the “Whatever you do, don’t miss these” list are the Coliseum and the Roman Forum.

Another MUST see – The Borghese Gallery

The Borghese Gallery is set in the villa of Cardinal Scipione Borghese (1576-1633) and holds a superb collection of sculptures by Bernini and paintings by Caravaggio. Sure is interesting to note the differences in presentation of the Bernini “David” from the Borghese and the “David” of Michelangelo on display in Florence.

 

Fresco Class!

As our time in Rome was nearing the end, our guide, Giorgia, arranged for us to visit the art workshop of her Aunt Paola. Upon wet plaster, in typical fresco style, we had the opportunity to mix paint, select brushes and paint a fresco. Oh dear, such a tremendously humbling experience for us. There truly is something to say about having talent and not much to say about the opposite. Although we did have fun, we are not expecting any commissions in the immediate future!

Before Robin rips the keyboard away from me, I will share a partial listing of other sights we visited in Rome including the Jewish Ghetto, Trastevere, Pantheon, Spanish Steps, Tiber River, Palatine Hill, Trevi Fountain, (and another dozen or so fountains!), Piazza Navona, Campo de’ Flori, …. that’s enough, right?

I wanted to list all of the restaurants we visited but Robin gave me the thumbs down and the “enough already” glare! All kidding aside, I so love my traveling companion and my companion for life!

Another adventure is concluded for Robin and Chic. We are so delighted that you chose to travel with us. A little bitter/sweet for us as we love to travel but also love our home and our own bed!

Although we have some smaller trips coming up during the fall, our BIGGIE begins on January 3 as we travel around the world in 180 days. Please join us! The web address is in the photo below. (The 2015 date is incorrect as this trip was delayed by a year due to a fire on the ship!)

Here’s wishing you all joy and happiness,

R and C

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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The Almafi Coast

Quite frankly, although we've been hearing about the Almafi Coast for years from many of our well traveled friends, we really weren't sure what or where it was! Now we know!

 

 

The Almafi Coast is really a small peninsula (Sorrentine Peninsula) area (see right graphic) of land, hardly distinguishable on a full map of Italy.

Using Sorrento as our home base, we were able to visit the jet-setting island of Capri, ancient Pompeii, and other stunning Amalfi towns such as Positano and Ravello.

The Amalfi Coast is known for its production of limoncello liqueur as the area is known for its lemons. Big lemons!

Sorrento is famous for inlaid wood-working and is actually a decorative artform obtained by cutting, inserting and putting together different colored pieces of wood to create a design or picture. The tables were absolutely amazing (and expensive!).

 

Please enjoy, as we did, some highlights from our visit to the Amalfi Coast.

Pompeii – Destroyed in 79AD

Our home hosted lunch with this beautiful family was delightful!

 

 

 

Big lemons make lots of Limoncello!

We just couldn't resist stopping by the shops for free samples!

Sometimes we tasted traditional limoncello, somethimes limoncello cream, and then other times, meloncello or pistachio cream! All were tasty and had quite a kick!

 

 

 

The Inlaid art form is passed down from generation to generation. This man learned from his grandfather and works in this shop with his father.

 

 

 

The cemeteries are very well cared for and each plot has its own light and a picture of the deceased. During ones life, if you have a nice picture taken you might say “Good enough for my grave”

 

After 25 years, graves are dug up and the bones sent to the bone yard. New graves take the place of the old. In the picture below, you can see the electric outlets on the ground waiting for the new in habitants!

 

Stunning beauty all along the Amalfi coast!

Two tourists at Pompeii!

(Always looking toward Vesuvius checking for smoke!)

Thanks very much for joining us on our adventure. Next stop – Roma!

your friends,

R and C

 

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Amazing Tuscany

Starring Chianciano, Siena, Pienza, Montepulciano and beautiful Florence

For years, our friends have been sharing with us the wonders of Tuscany. Now, finally, we get it!

Tuscany is one of Italy’s best-loved regions. It combines a beautiful countryside reminiscent of the landscapes of Renaissance masterpieces, a rich artistic heritage including exquisite art and architecture, a glorious history, excellent wines and delicious food.

On this journey to Italy, we stayed in the heart of Tuscany in Chianciano Terme. From Chianciano, we were able to travel to and explore some stunningly quaint towns and villiages (and a city) that offered us opportunities for sensational discoveries.

Robin has cautioned me to NOT overwhelm you with boring verbiage, so this post will simply include photos and captions. Please enjoy our Tuscany highlights.

First stop – Siena, with its unique medieval structure of towers and palaces, its beautiful Piazza del Campo, the famous horse races – the “Palio of Siena” – and the magnificent 13th Century Gothic Cathedral.

 

The Palio took place the day after we were there so the town square, where the race occurs, was all set up. The streets were covered with a layer of dirt, mattesses line the perimeter and fences protect the surrounding cafes because the riders ride bareback and this race has no rules. Riders are often thrown and horses can win with no rider! The picture above shows an aerial view of the crowded square.

 

 

The small town of Pienza, dating from the 1400's, is a jewel of Renaissance archecture where nearly every shop in town sells the town's speciality, pecorino, a pungent sheep's cheese. We attended a cheese making demonstration and then had a lunch of 10 different pecorinos – with wine, OF COURSE. Always with wine.

 

 

 

 

 

For us, the highlight of Montepulciano, a small town near our hotel, was their famous wine, Vino Nobile. We tasted this delicious robust red at Contucci Cantina and Cantine de' Ricci, both recommended by Rick Steves. Robin even ran into the lively winemaker Adamo. The wine cellar was 3 stories underground with mammoth wine barrels – amazing!

 

 

 

 

 

And lastly, Florence, Tuscany's capital and Italy's greatest city of art, with its romantic bridge, Ponte Vecchio, its remarkable Duomo (cathedral) its Galeria degli Uffizi (paintings), its Galeria dell' Academia displaying the astonishing “David” of Michelangelo.

Ponte Vecchio bridge in the background

 

Thanks so very much for traveling with us. Next stop – the Amalfi Coast. Please enjoy the “Simple Prayer of Saint Francis” which we joyfully rediscovered while visiting Assisi.

R and C

 

 

 

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Farewell to Venice

 

Greetings friends, Tuscany is calling so we hope you will enjoy this final wrap up of our time in Venice. Highlights of this final post from Venice include food, St. Mark's Square, St. Georgian Church, luggage transfers, St. Mark's Basilica, Burano and Murano, Vaporettos, St. Maria Assunti Church, Pub Crawl, Vivaldi concert and more. No captions – just photos! Enjoy.

 

Thanks much for joining us throughout our time in Venezia.

 

 

Until next time, Arrivederci!

R and C

 

 

 

 

 

 

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Venice – Doge’s Palace (Palazzo Ducale)

The Doge’s Palace, also known as the Palazzo Ducale, is one of the most famous buildings in Venice. Situated on the grand Piazza San Marco, the palace was the home of the Doge (ruler of Venice) and the seat of power for the Venetian Republic, which lasted more than 1,000 years. Today, the Doge’s Palace is one of Venice’s must-see museums.

The Palace is the most representative symbol of Venice’s culture, which, together with the Basilica of San Marco at the back and the Piazzetta in the forefront, form one of the most famous scenes in the world.

This was our first visit inside the palace and we were absolutely fascinated! From its stunning exterior to its interior of grand staircases, gilded ceiling and frescoed walls, the Doge’s Palace is a sight to behold inside and out. The Doge’s Palace also contained the prisons of the Republic, some of which were accessed via one of Venice’s most famous bridges: the Bridge of Sighs.

The Golden Staircase, or Scala d’Oro which is decorated with a gilded, stucco ceiling, was begun in 1530 and was completed in 1559. The Scala d’Oro was built to provide a grand entrance for (and to impress) dignitaries visiting the state rooms on the upper floors of the Doge’s Palace.

On the second floor we found the Doge’s Apartments and on the third floor, we walked through the “offices” and official meeting rooms of the government.

 

 

 

Collegio Hall (Sala del Collegio) The cabinet of the Venetian Republic met in this room which featured the Doge’s throne, an elaborate ceileing with paintings by Veronese and wall decorated with paintings by Tintoretto.

 

 

 

 

 

Senate Hall (Sala del Senato) The Senate of the Republic of Venice met in this grand room. Works by Tintoretto decorate the ceiling and two large clocks on the walls helped Senators keep track of time while they were giving a speech to their colleagues.

Hall of the Grand Council (Sala del Maggiore Consiglio) This huge room (175 by 80 feet) could accomodate 2,600 people at one time. The engineering is remarkable. The doge presided from the raised dais, while the nobles filled the center and lined the walls. On the wall over the doge’s throne is Tintoretto’s masterpiece, “Paradise”, the largest oil painting in the world.

 

According to legend, criminals were tried and sentenced in the palace, then marched across the canal via a short, enclosed bridge to the dark prisons. On this bridge, they got one last look at Venice. They gazed out at the sky, the water, and the beautiful San Giorgio Church. This Bridge of Sighs is always a must see when visiting Venice. This time, however, we photographed INSIDE the bridge looking out! Fortunately, we didn’t have to “sigh” like the sentenced prisoners did.

Looking at the Bridge of Sighs

Looking out from inside the Bridge of Sighs.

 

The palace had so much more to offer but we don’t want you nodding off while reading the blog! Other highlights of the Doge’s Palace include the prison and courtyard, and the armory museum.

As always, thanks for traveling with us. Our next blog post will serve as a wrapup to Venice including food, wine, bridges and canals and some special churches that we visited – DON’T WORRY, not all of them, just a few! Presently there are 139 churches standing in Venice but only 88 are still operating and holding Mass.

Until next time, your friends, Chic and Robin

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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Venice! Beautiful Venice

VENEZIA – Stunning, Beautiful, Timeless, Romantic, Breathtaking, Mysterious.

“Venice is a world apart. Built on a hundred islands, its exotic-looking palaces are laced together by graceful bridges over sun-speckled canals. Romantics revel in the city's atmosphere of elegant decay. And first-time visitors are often stirred deeply, waking from their ordinary lives to a fantasy world unlike anything they've ever seen.” (Rick Steves)

 

 

 

This trip to Venice included visits to some of our favorite haunts plus a few new adventures.

Of course, we returned to St. Mark's Square to stand in awe outside the Basilica, the Campanile and the Doge's Palace and to listen to the orchestras playing at the Florian. We also traversed the Grand Canal in Vaporetto Number 2 viewing the Rialto and Accademia Bridges and also walking across the bridges. We did manage to walk through all six districts, and make a return trip to Murano and visit Burano, but the new high points for us this time included walking across the Bridge of Sighs looking OUT (see picture), a Pub Crawl, a Vivaldi Concert in Vivaldi's church, visiting San Giorgio Maggiore Island across the lagoon, and touring the Doges Palace. More blog posts about Venice coming soon!

This edition of our blog, however, will focus upon yet another new adventure for us, visiting the magnificent Basilica di Santa Maria Gloriosa dei Frari, or simply known as the Frari Church.

 

Built in the early decades of 1200 by the Franciscan Order, it was later rebuilt a couple of times to be enlarged as the number of the faithful was growing fast: the current building is the final version of the 16th century.

 

In the Frari Church, great painters celebrated the glory of God with art that celebrates the creative world; In situ – art right where it was designed to be seen rather than hanging in museums.

We hope you enjoy this sampling of these masterpieces as we did when visiting the Frari Church.

The Assumption of the Virgin (1516-1518)

Titian

 

Statue of John the Baptist (1438)

Donatello

 

Madonna and Child with Saints and Angels (1488)

Bellini

 

As always, thanks for following our adventures.

Robin and Chic

 

 

 

 

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What a Great Trip and We’re Not Even There Yet!!

“Planning is half the Fun!” – that was a quote from Robin, and afterall, she IS the queen of planning. Not just trips, but life in general. And as a result of her many lists, maps, spreadsheets, charts and overall good thinking, she has managed to provide us with great trips around the world as well as trips to Walmart (and keeping me out of hot water!)

 

Our upcoming trip to Italy is no exception. She has developed a day to day calendar, a “must see” list, a “might see” list, packing lists, and more, all available to me on DropBox! Using her fav buying site, Amazon (Prime, of course!) she has acquired a number of travel guides and maps, usually from Rick Steves.

 

 

 

 

 

One of Robin’s preplannning discoveries included the importance of purchasing some tickets for local transportation, concerts, museums, churches (yes – even some churches), and, (this is the big one!) bathrooms in advance. (Notice in the invoice below, in Venice, we have 7 toilet visits EACH!)

 

Further research discovered an exciting new (to us) app for our iphones. Rick Steves has developed audio tracks that are now downloaded on our phones, and they are FREE! So, whether we are walking through St. Mark’s Basilica in Venice, the Accademia Museum in Florence, or the Sistine Chapel in Rome, Steve will be telling us where to look and what we’re looking at! (Of course we will be wearing our bluetooth headphones so as to not aggravate other travelers!)

 

 

The flight portion of this adventure begins right here in SRQ (that would be the Sarasota Airport.) As we are flying Delta, our itinerary goes from SRQ to Atlanta to Venice. We leave SRQ Thursday, Aug 6, 2015 at 12:36PM and 14 hours later we’ll be in Venice. Time to pack!

Thanks for traveling with us. C and R

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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Tuscany & The Amalfi Coast

 

Thanks for joining us as we begin our next adventure. This time, traveling to Italy with Grand Circle Travel on a tour titled Tuscany and The Amalfi Coast. We will begin our journey in the romantic city of Venice, visiting Piazza San Marco (St. Mark’s Square), St. Mark’s Basilica, the Doges’ Palace, and a vaporetto trip to Murano and Burano. We will celebrate our 31st wedding anniversary in Venice.

On the sixth day of our adventure, we will travel from Venice to Chianciano, Radicofani, and then on to legendary Florence. Leaving Florence, we will travel to Assisi, Orvieto and Sorrento. Following a visit to Pompeii, buried by the eruption of Mount Vesuvius in AD 79, we will travel to the “Eternal City” of Rome.

We are very eagar to tour the Vatican Museum, the Sistine Chapel and to walk through the Roman Forum and the Coliseum.

Stay tuned and thanks very much for following us! R and C

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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