Italy
Tickets in hand we were ready to depart... our flight got changed from a nearby airport to Athens so we eagerly went to the train station. Oh no - not "OHI Day" (the Greeks celebrate saying 'no' to Turkey at some point) and the train was sold out. I called my best friend Teresa who had just dropped us off to pick us up again, and after a four hour drive to Athens we were on our way!
Sitting in business class lounge (Europe's first class) we enjoyed free drinks and a few sandwiches prior to departure - stepped onto the bus to take us to our train (most airports do this here) and we were on our way. The rental car was ready, and we located our ever so cute bed-n-breakfast about twenty minutes out of Venice. A wonderful old Italian man who speaks little English met us, along with his ever so tall only son. A huge courtyard with balconies and patios all around, a cute little black dog and black kitty joined us as we settled for olives and wine around an outdoor table. Apparently they had redone this B&B from a vineyard factory. Our room was quite spacious, and had an old fashioned stove. My only complaint: sofa bed .
The next day we awoke, and began to prepare for Venice. The scenery was just breathtaking, canals everywhere, greenery in abundance. Leaving Sambruson, leaving Dolo (yes this is the real name)we caught a bus into Venice.
I couldn't believe the canal! We began at the Grand Canal, and bridges in abundance led one everywhere they wished to go. I read there were over 800 bridges here! Gondolas galore, water taxi's and buses, and many boats bringing goods to various shops along the canals. I even saw a fruit/vegetable stand - located on his boat in the water!
We walked in no apparent direction getting lost in the city. From afar one could hear a loud noise... curious we followed and found a large group of people celebrating what we weren't sure. The group seemed to surround about ten people in different areas, and they were dressed hilariously! I rememeber a guy with bright pink hair, a 'girls' bib, huge shoes and funky accessories. Turned out we were at an architect school graduation. They clapped and sang for each one, and I believe each graduate had to sing and slam a bottle of wine or champayne.
The architecture was just amazing... the detail that went into each building. We headed towards San Marcos square and saw the Doge palace amongst a large square with pigeons everywhere. The Rialto bridge wasn't far, and quite cool. By far the largest selection of decent priced shopping - it was fun. Stupid me... did I really forget I had to carry everything quite a way? We got lost, and wound up walking almost the entire island to get back. Exhausted, we fell into bed.
During our trip we visited Vicenza in which there is an American Army base. I about lost myself in the huge commisssary and exchange they had. Needless to say my 'Taco Hell' actually tasted good it was my first American bite in a year and a half. We had Popeye's chicken another day. Silly me eh?
North of Vicenza we drove to Nove/Union area which is famous for their porcelain collection. According to the map we were supposed to go left right before the 'cheese' (yep a big block on the left side of the road) however I did not read far enough.. as C turned left - I read on we were to go past the Cheese to get to Nove. The joke of the trip: where's the cheese? ;-) Neat factories, and I found a few things for my upcoming Bunko night. Some were lost in shipping - highly recommend driving or beating the girl whose boxing them to do a good job. Once again, absolutely gorgeous countryside. Downtown Vicenza was quite quaint - only their potties (generally around the area) tend to be a hole in the floor. Good luck on the aim - I think I'm getting better .
One day we visited Verona and the surrounding area of Lake Garda. Well - we couldn't find the castle at the Lake, but was thrilled to find amusement parks!! Guess what... remember Chevy Chase's 'European Vacation'? Yep - you got it - CLOSED. Most are open only during the summer, stopping about mid September. Oh boy - on to Verona. We walked near the main square and enjoyed a coffee. I wanted to go to the garden of the area, so we doggedly tried to find it. It was across another huge canal, with gorgeous bridges.
The garden was magnificient! Statues galore, and perfect shrubbery - everything one sees in photos. In an attempt to find our way back we decided to follow 'backpack girl' down an alley. Surely we wound up in Harlem... kinda scary. I was delighted to find an Italian dollar store - I must say they have cooler stuff than Greece for these type of stores. We finally got back on track and was fortunate enough to find a cab .
Finally, we headed towards SS11 freeway. I saw a girl with her butt hanging out about three inches . Once I pointed this out to Chuck he said this is where the hookers stay. I saw about four more.... can you say Miracle Mile? He took me to a neat restaurant where you actually grill your own steak on a hot plate with many cool and wonderful sauces. My first impression - hmmmm - I have to grill it and pay for it? I got over this quickly - a hot bite each and every time and filet mignon always is so yummy!
Toward the end of our visit we went north to Trivoso. Guide books compare it to Venice as it is a smaller version of a city upon canals. It was a Halloween fest... men on stilts full in costume, a witch on stage doing gross stuff (farting/burping my my) and many other dress up types of things. The kids loved it. We tried to find a villa (their name for castle) and towards dark located it it was just closing. Hold both your hands out facing away from you,then move them together. Italian version of 'closed' hehheheeh.
Villa Pisani was close to the B&B, and had a labyrinth! What a neat mansion... you wonder how much money they had/needed back then. I pictured myself walking through back in the 1700's, dressed gorgeously and stepping into the ballroom. The labyrinth was much more confusing than I thought. I was about two turns away when I looked up and saw a sharp dressed man standing at the middle on the second floor of the mini castle. I shrugged and he helped me find the middle. Chuck soon followed. I must say - woooowwwiiieee - even tried to get a photo of Mr. Sharp with statue yet I dont' believe he was thrilled to find out I had my hubby with me so he wouldn't let me.
This was our first vacation together alone. It was nice to really be able to enjoy one another as we laughed getting lost, trying new food and just generally having fun. I do believe I could live in Italy without a problem. I almost think I like the northern better than southern. Next time if we're able - I want to see Florence and Tuscany.
Sitting in business class lounge (Europe's first class) we enjoyed free drinks and a few sandwiches prior to departure - stepped onto the bus to take us to our train (most airports do this here) and we were on our way. The rental car was ready, and we located our ever so cute bed-n-breakfast about twenty minutes out of Venice. A wonderful old Italian man who speaks little English met us, along with his ever so tall only son. A huge courtyard with balconies and patios all around, a cute little black dog and black kitty joined us as we settled for olives and wine around an outdoor table. Apparently they had redone this B&B from a vineyard factory. Our room was quite spacious, and had an old fashioned stove. My only complaint: sofa bed .
The next day we awoke, and began to prepare for Venice. The scenery was just breathtaking, canals everywhere, greenery in abundance. Leaving Sambruson, leaving Dolo (yes this is the real name)we caught a bus into Venice.
I couldn't believe the canal! We began at the Grand Canal, and bridges in abundance led one everywhere they wished to go. I read there were over 800 bridges here! Gondolas galore, water taxi's and buses, and many boats bringing goods to various shops along the canals. I even saw a fruit/vegetable stand - located on his boat in the water!
We walked in no apparent direction getting lost in the city. From afar one could hear a loud noise... curious we followed and found a large group of people celebrating what we weren't sure. The group seemed to surround about ten people in different areas, and they were dressed hilariously! I rememeber a guy with bright pink hair, a 'girls' bib, huge shoes and funky accessories. Turned out we were at an architect school graduation. They clapped and sang for each one, and I believe each graduate had to sing and slam a bottle of wine or champayne.
The architecture was just amazing... the detail that went into each building. We headed towards San Marcos square and saw the Doge palace amongst a large square with pigeons everywhere. The Rialto bridge wasn't far, and quite cool. By far the largest selection of decent priced shopping - it was fun. Stupid me... did I really forget I had to carry everything quite a way? We got lost, and wound up walking almost the entire island to get back. Exhausted, we fell into bed.
During our trip we visited Vicenza in which there is an American Army base. I about lost myself in the huge commisssary and exchange they had. Needless to say my 'Taco Hell' actually tasted good it was my first American bite in a year and a half. We had Popeye's chicken another day. Silly me eh?
North of Vicenza we drove to Nove/Union area which is famous for their porcelain collection. According to the map we were supposed to go left right before the 'cheese' (yep a big block on the left side of the road) however I did not read far enough.. as C turned left - I read on we were to go past the Cheese to get to Nove. The joke of the trip: where's the cheese? ;-) Neat factories, and I found a few things for my upcoming Bunko night. Some were lost in shipping - highly recommend driving or beating the girl whose boxing them to do a good job. Once again, absolutely gorgeous countryside. Downtown Vicenza was quite quaint - only their potties (generally around the area) tend to be a hole in the floor. Good luck on the aim - I think I'm getting better .
One day we visited Verona and the surrounding area of Lake Garda. Well - we couldn't find the castle at the Lake, but was thrilled to find amusement parks!! Guess what... remember Chevy Chase's 'European Vacation'? Yep - you got it - CLOSED. Most are open only during the summer, stopping about mid September. Oh boy - on to Verona. We walked near the main square and enjoyed a coffee. I wanted to go to the garden of the area, so we doggedly tried to find it. It was across another huge canal, with gorgeous bridges.
The garden was magnificient! Statues galore, and perfect shrubbery - everything one sees in photos. In an attempt to find our way back we decided to follow 'backpack girl' down an alley. Surely we wound up in Harlem... kinda scary. I was delighted to find an Italian dollar store - I must say they have cooler stuff than Greece for these type of stores. We finally got back on track and was fortunate enough to find a cab .
Finally, we headed towards SS11 freeway. I saw a girl with her butt hanging out about three inches . Once I pointed this out to Chuck he said this is where the hookers stay. I saw about four more.... can you say Miracle Mile? He took me to a neat restaurant where you actually grill your own steak on a hot plate with many cool and wonderful sauces. My first impression - hmmmm - I have to grill it and pay for it? I got over this quickly - a hot bite each and every time and filet mignon always is so yummy!
Toward the end of our visit we went north to Trivoso. Guide books compare it to Venice as it is a smaller version of a city upon canals. It was a Halloween fest... men on stilts full in costume, a witch on stage doing gross stuff (farting/burping my my) and many other dress up types of things. The kids loved it. We tried to find a villa (their name for castle) and towards dark located it it was just closing. Hold both your hands out facing away from you,then move them together. Italian version of 'closed' hehheheeh.
Villa Pisani was close to the B&B, and had a labyrinth! What a neat mansion... you wonder how much money they had/needed back then. I pictured myself walking through back in the 1700's, dressed gorgeously and stepping into the ballroom. The labyrinth was much more confusing than I thought. I was about two turns away when I looked up and saw a sharp dressed man standing at the middle on the second floor of the mini castle. I shrugged and he helped me find the middle. Chuck soon followed. I must say - woooowwwiiieee - even tried to get a photo of Mr. Sharp with statue yet I dont' believe he was thrilled to find out I had my hubby with me so he wouldn't let me.
This was our first vacation together alone. It was nice to really be able to enjoy one another as we laughed getting lost, trying new food and just generally having fun. I do believe I could live in Italy without a problem. I almost think I like the northern better than southern. Next time if we're able - I want to see Florence and Tuscany.