Author: carryoncouple.com
-
It’s Not a Pickup, It’s a Panda
Back home, Sue and I often find ourselves following a slow-moving “old man in a pickup.” There are not many pickups in Italy, but we still inched along behind an “old man in a (Fiat) Panda” many times. However, to some Italians, I was the “old man in the Alpha Romeo.” Posted with…
-
Learning Any New Language Is Foreign to Us!
Conventional wisdom says travelers should learn a few basic words in the native language for convenience and to show respect. I think this is true, so here are some Italian terms we found useful: First, I found many Italians spoke English as soon as I tried my Italian. My theory was that they were proud…
-
Tilt Brings Fame to This Bell Tower
On our last day of an Italy tour that began more than three weeks ago, we drove to Pisa to see another iconic structure, the Torre Pendente, or Leaning Tower. It defies gravity and logic. It throws off your equilibrium as soon as you step inside and even more so as you climb the…
-
Sculptures in Florence Are Memorable Figures
Piazzas in Italy are still the gathering places they have been for centuries. Today, they attract tourists and often feature great architecture and opportunities to grab a drink and/or meal at an outdoor cafe. One, the Piazza della Signoria in Florence, is breathtaking as a sculpture exhibit. In a place…
-
First Disappointment, Then a Surprise
We returned to Florence today for a walk through the Uffizi, one of the city's top art museums. After more than an hour in a long line that moved little, we reluctantly moved on to Plan B. What a good decision. We walked across the famed Ponte Vecchio (bridge) and, after a great lunch (see…
-
Possibly, Our Favorite Meal!
We could have passed by without a second glance, but we were hungry and this “Mom and Pop” restaurant in Florence felt like a slice of old Italy. We took a chance and grabbed a couple stools at the counter, in front…
-
Amazing Tuscany Skyline
Our Sunday drive on Saturday took us to the medieval town of San Gimignano. Perched atop a hill in central Tuscany, the town's 13 towers dominate the skyline. Built in the 12th and 13th centuries, these towers once guided pilgrims as they made their way to Rome along the northern European route. Today, the towers…
-
A Sunday Drive On Saturday
With only a map to guide us, we set out this morning in search of the Tuscany we had heard so much about. We had all day, and it didn't really matter where we ended up…getting “lost” was half the fun. We turned left here and right there, stopping to gaze out over various patchworks…
-
Italian Meal Brings Tears to Our Eyes
After a few hours today of zig-zagging our way around central and southern Tuscany, we were walking along a wonderful narrow street in the amazing hilltop medieval town of San Gimignano. Shall we get something to take home for dinner? Yes! We bought some terrific pasta, Chianti wine, cheese, and flatbread. Now for the sauce.…
carryoncouple 