When my oldest grand-daughter, McKenzie, graduated from high school, I thought the best graduation gift would be a trip to one of my favorite places in the world! Why not? Then Gramma could enjoy it too! And enjoy it, I did! The most wonderful feeling was seeing her enjoying some place that I love with a passion! I saw Italy through the eyes of a loved one. The trip was like traveling with my best friend and our mantra became "If lost, don't panic....have a gelato and figure it out"!!!
We arrived at the Venice airport and took the boat, Aliliguna, to Saint Mark's Square to find our small hotel. After making out way through thousands of pigeons, we found it located behind the square and over a bridge. Our "home" for 3 nights proved to be in a great location, with WiFi!! We ate very well, shopped, toured museums and churches, got lost in the alleys (everybody does!), ate gelato, and ended our stay in this fascinating city of canals (people either love it or hate it) by taking a gondola ride on the Grand Canal. It was expensive, but so worth it!
Arrival in Venice |
Bridge of Sighs from Doge's Palace to Prison |
Domes & Cupalos |
Golden dome in the Basilica |
People & Pigeons in St.Marks Square |
to the looming abovwith awesome views. Also, we were sure to get our daily dose of Wanting to experience more, we took a day tour of Tuscany including Pisa on the Arno River with it's Leaning Tower. We had lunch/wine tasting at a small winery in the country, where we shared our table with a delightful American family, also enjoying the hills of Tuscany. We spent a few hours in G d cobblestone streets. The last city to explore was it's beautiful cathedral and huge city square, where we witne
Ponti Vecchio Bridge in background |
A bridge of gold & silver shops |
View from Piazzale Michelangelo |
The Duomo |
At the Academia |
The David by Michelangelo |
Leaning Tower of Pisa |
San Gimignano |
Gelato - the Best! |
Siena Cathedral |
Wedding in Siena Square |
We left Rome, knowing that it was impossible to see everything in our short time, but if our wishes at the Fountain of Trevi come true, we will surely return! We can eat Gelato and do as the Romans do!
Old Rome |
Piazza Navona Fountain of Four Rivers |
Lunch at Sloppy Sam's in Piazza de Fiori
Fountain of Trevi
Spanish Steps
Pantheon
Piazza Venezia & Tomb of the Unknown Soldier
The Pieta in St Peter's Basilica
The Colosseum
End of a wonderful trip with lots of gelato!
Looks great Sandy!!
ReplyDeleteSandy,
ReplyDeleteI like the readability of your Blog much better on this piece than on the African piece. Your photos are great and remind me of my two visits to Italy in recent years.