Just waiting at airport for flight to Athens then Santorini . Can't wait. We have a two and half hour wait in Athens . But that's ok. Getting into relax mode with a book. Just sharing a photo of my favourite waiter Paola at the Firenzo restaurant last night. We gave our concierge Pietra the rest if iur Chianti wine as we hadn't drunk it all so he was pleased. We have however packed the remaining half bottle of limoncello in suitcase for Greece . Hope it doesn't l...

Had the most amazing meal tonight at the restaurant owned by family Crosti who own the hotel we are staying in Rome. Actually it's been great for cost location and ease of getting to most of the places we wanted to go . The meal tonight was sublime we had fish hors d'ouvres to share with white wine (st Theresa ) then main of veal stuffed with mozzarella and proscetto. Delicious. Jude finished with tiramisu and I with lemon cake and espresso. It was the staff brot...

Hi all you faithful bloggees out there in cyberspace. We had a fabulous day in Florence yesterday which could be summed up with the words "antiquities art and endless shopping." Today as we pack to leave we are struggling to get our suitcases shut again . Handbags and boots of leather . My feet hurt though after all the walking . It was the 440 steps to the top of the dome bell tower that got me. But the view was worth it. We have a new catch phrase though. When ...

If there is anyone still following my blog hope you are enjoying the sights. I have decided to write briefly now because there is so much to see now we are in Florence. However we had a wonderful three days in the area called Cinque Terre, five villages built on the side of the cliffs and terraced to provide agriculture and viticulture for the peasant population over the past thousand years. Tourism provides most of their income though we discovered wonderful li...

Today we arrived in Levanto to start a new adventure three days exploring the Mediterranean coast villages of Cinque Terres. It took us 6 hours train ride with a change in Milano and it was worth it. Our room has a view of the sea and a little castle no less. But first , Venice. What can I say? It is the most unique and beautiful place I have ever been to. Our pensione Hesperia run by two sisters Martina and Carolina was second to none. Friendly homely and break...