Well, hiya.

I mentioned in my previous post that G & I holidayed in Italy in October. Well, just saying ‘Been there, done that.’  doesn’t feel like enough. My blog is a diary of sorts and though the subject matter is usually stuff I’ve made…each post manages to capture at least a few moments of my everyday life….if not in the writing, then via a photo.  It’s as though the words, or the images, make it easier for me to access a memory…and I like that.

With that in mind, I decided to write a blog post…actually two blog posts.  Hey…it helps me keep my memories intact and it’s a little armchair travel for you. 

Okay…technically….not my first trip to Italy…I was one of a bunch of giggly girls herded around London and Italy many years ago.  It was a school trip… pretty much a whirlwind of churches and museums and glazed eyes….in other words, nothing like Italia – 2016.

First stop : : Rome

Oddly, I really, really, wanted to see the Colosseum. I say oddly because gladiators and caged animals and duels to the death are really not my thing. That being said, there was something utterly compelling about the Colosseum. Touring a structure of that age…it was completed in AD 80…and of such an enormous size was even more astounding than I anticipated. And. Despite the rather grim entertainment, the energy within it’s walls was really quite peaceful.

Four days in Rome…four captivating days under it’s spell.  Over and over again, I found myself transported in time. And what astonished me most; it was without gimmickry, without costumes, without theatrics. It was simply about being present and letting the magic unfold.

It’s no secret, Rome’s history is vast…there are so many museums, churches, temples and ruins to see…and yes, we saw a lot. But. It was as important that we explore neighbourhoods to get a feel for everyday life.  We wandered the neighbourhoods of Campo de’ Fiori {our home base}, Trastevere {a favourite}, Piazza Navona, and Piazza di Spagna, to name but a few. A lot of walking? Absolutely. But we rewarded ourselves daily with fabulous Roman style pizza, pasta and wine!

I love how Rome cannot be defined by a single era. It’s modern and current and today.  But…it’s also ancient. Nearly every corner turned, we discovered carefully preserved remnants of early Rome.  And….for this Roman Holiday geek…it was effortless imagining Ann and Joe tearing up the streets of Rome on a Vespa circa nineteen fifties. I couldn’t ask for anything more. 

STAY : :  Maison Guilia

EAT   : :  Ristorante I Vascellari  : :   Ai Balestrari  : :  Dispensa Cibo Urbano

Second Destination : : Florence

My first impression of Florence was overwhelm. So many people. Such a small city.  I actually felt sad that this lovely city is so heavily touristed with…. well, people just like me. We all wanted to see David. We all wanted to see the Duomo. What to do? Eat. Of course. We headed immediately to Il Pane e la Pasticceria in Mercato Centrale Firenze because…hello…Bread. And. Pastry. After a delicious lunch, we felt fortified and ready for the crowds.

My bucket list included seeing David. As someone who has done some stone carving…mostly soapstone…I was completely blown away.  The Accademia also has an exquisite second floor that was almost empty of visitors. Hint: Go upstairs. 

Our third day was devoted to a more organic experience on the south side of the Arno. Time spent in both The Boboli Gardens and The Bardini Gardens was the perfect antidote to the electricity of the city centre. We also went on a self guided walking tour that took us to San Miniato al Monte and Piazzale Michelangelo {where my Kelly Anorak photos were taken.} A portion of the walk followed the original city walls dating from 1258.  Florence’s city centre is flat, but the south is all hills and valleys. A lot of walking? Absolutely! But we rewarded ourselves daily with Italian gelato…

The Florentine people are so gracious with us…the tourists. After my initial dismay, I fell in love with the city. We stayed on the quieter south side of the river which was a blessing. An unexpected delight was Opera at St Mark’s Church. We were wandering the streets after dinner and were welcomed into the church to attend an intimate opera….my first.

STAY : :  Airbnb Sunset Studio near Ponte Vecchio

EAT  : :  Gusta Pizza : : Trattoria la Casalinga : : Cantina del Gelato  : :  Gecko Florence Bar & Grill

All righty! I’ll be back with Part II soon. Thanks for reading!

{Feature photo : : Piazza della Rotonda, Outside the Pantheon, Rome}