Vino Vita & Caffe
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After one month...

3/13/2013

1 Comment

 
Its amazing how time flies when you don't want it too, I've been exploring this wonderful country for the last month.
The days have been filled with beautiful sights, wonderful images, sculptures and paintings, and awesome food & wine!
I've expanded my knowledge of Giotto, and satisfied a curiosity about his work which was born when I visited the Scrovegni Chapel last year. My eyes were opened to the works of Fra Bartolomeo, Fra Lippi, and Cimabue to name a few. I have explored every corner of the Uffizi and Museo San Marco.
I've learned that the train system sometimes is not as perfect as I thought it was, and I'm not taking about the unexpected strikes in Italy. The bus system can be a little tricky if you don't know where you are going. I have validated what I've know all along: "I suck at reading maps"! , so thank God for the little blue dot on my google maps app that tells me where I want to go and if I'm going the right way.
Sometimes planes land no where near the airport and you have to take a bus to the terminal, and I know this is common in smaller airports, and even 35 years ago in some airports. But it's 2013 and international flights should drop you off at the gate, you don't want to hop on a bus after sitting for 10 hrs. Or get on a bus to board a plane when it's easier just to walk to the plane 200 feet away! 
I've also observed that Italian men are not afraid to wear skinny jeans, and most of them look pretty nice in them, and yes some of them carry a "man-purse". 
The beggars in the street that come at you from all angles bother the crap out of me, today an old lady came to me asking for money and told me she was pregnant, really ?? she looked almost 70!
A little weekend trip took me to Paris, which only reaffirmed that Italy is the place for me. I found things in Paris more expensive this time around that when I was there two years ago. They do have the most awesome breads and croissants! 
I think I finally have become addicted to coffee, I love having my cappuccino and a cornetto in the morning, my caffé in the afternoon, what the hell I'm saying my caffé at all hours of the day!
Picture
Trattoria La Burrasca





















I love eating at my local trattoria, and having so many options to eat and hang out near my apartment. 

Picture
Pino!
This is Pino, he owns La Enoteca Verdi, better know as Pino's sandwiches. He really makes awesome paninis! 
At lunch his place is filled with locals and students alike looking for a quick bite to eat at a reasonable price, whether is a panino or a pasta dish. He always greets you with a smile



I just love Florence, sadly my days here will soon come to an end as I head to Rome at the end of the week. Hopefully the Cardinals will choose a new Pope by then and maybe I can witness the new Pope first Angelus on Sunday. Fingers crossed.....
Click on this link for an overview of  the Best of Sicily tour.
1 Comment
Shelley
3/13/2013 02:52:09 am

What a fantastic experience - I'm sure it won't be long before you stay for even longer periods of time. I do hope that they have chosen a Pope by the time you get there.

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    About me...

    My fascination with Italy started in 2011 when I visited for the first time. In the last few years I've had the opportunity to explore this country, I've learned the language, I've tried to understand it's culture, and the more I know, the more I want to learn, the more I see, the more I want to experience... 

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