Category: Italy
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The Way of St. Francis: A View Through Two Countries
Were it not for the line of curiosity seekers, we might never have found the peephole we were looking for. It’s there, just to the right of the white hat brim, looking very much like a round keyhole. It is, in fact, known as The Aventine Keyhole and is part of the property owned by…
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Pompeii mystery solved!
What “lurked” behind the artifact in Pompeii? Yes, it was a dog, as a friend in Scotland wrote. Dogs have quite a history in Pompeii and still inhabit the city. They seem at home despite the parade of visitors wandering the ruins. I had not seen the signs warning about the dogs and nearly stepped…
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A Floating Icon
I snapped this photo as we wandered alongside the canals of Venice, not realizing the history that surrounds this one-of-a-kind shopping venue. After a little online research, I believe it is known as The Vegetable Boat at Campo San Barnaba. A little while later, I couldn't pass up this red hot photo-op……
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Surprise lurks behind ancient artifact in Pompeii
We went on our recent adventure to Italy without a roadmap of expectations and were pleasantly surprised by our discoveries most of the time. In this case, I should have read the warning signs. Can you guess what living thing I have found in this photo taken in Pompeii?
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The Ziplock Method
As we checked out of our San Baronto apartment this morning, our host commented (again) on our lack of luggage. She couldn't believe that we each brought just one piece of luggage for a three-week trip. With a roll of her eyes, she described the “other American couple” who had checked in three days after…
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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…
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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…
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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…
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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…
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