Home Again

Several people have asked me to make a last post. First some picture explanation's, as I still can't figure out how to label them. The first church is where the Last Supper is located. The Prada and McDonalds pics are inside the mall...it is really huge, if you look at top of pic you can see the covering, which was like the inside of a church.

Leaving Cinque Terra was sad for me. We got up at 5am...and dragged our suitcases down all those steps to a totally deserted street. We could smell the pastries baking, and peek thru the doors and see people working, but the street was all cleaned up and no tourists anywhere, except us. We took a last picture heading up to the train and I know I will remember it even without the camera photo to remind me.
We were a little worried about figuring out how to get on the right train to Milan, and then finding our hotel, but we did it. I think my feet and legs were about as exhausted as they could be, but we had these reservations to see the Last Supper...so we made ourselves do it. The "painting" is in such a small little church...compared to the huge churches we had been in. They take you 25 at a time into this large room. Then you get 15 min. to admire the work. I paid for a "tour" as the 6.00E tickets they sell at the church were sold out 2 months in advance. So I paid 30E each(now you know why we got up at 5am). The extra euros bought us a "guide" telling us all about the painting. It was much bigger then I imagined...covering a huge wall...but it is very faded and deteriorating pretty rapidly. They de-ionize you (or something) before you go in. No pictures allowed so I can only show you the outside of the church.
We decided that since we were in Milan, we should at least check it out, even though we were seriously drained. I am really glad that we did. It is a huge city and it kind of felt like being in Times Square.... Italian style. It was a half hour walk from the church to the city center....Jim promised me a cab ride back. They say that whatever is in the windows in Milan, will be in the States in a year, so I took a few pictures. It was block after block of serious window shopping. Then we arrived at this mall that looked like a church on the inside. We loved seeing the Prada store, but the prices on the items in the window kept us from going inside. And most amazingly, there was a McDonalds right across the floor from it. There is also a huge cathedral in the center of Milan with a big square...it was so much more modern then the other Italian cities we had been in. While we were walking, Jim came across a display of cars...Lamborghini, Ferrari and a Maserati....on a red carpet outside some swanky hotel. The man guarding them was fascinated with Jim's little $80.00 camera and he had to stop and show him...Jim got a HUGE kick out of that. He wishes now he had traded the "look at his camera" for a sit in one of the cars. We headed back to our hotel hoping to catch a cab along the way, but no such luck. When the concierge at the hotel said the closest restaurant was 4 blocks away, Jim inquired about a cab. He said,"That is RIDICULOUS....only 4 blocks away"...so we walked because we were too embarrassed to say...."we have been walking at least 100 miles over 3 weeks to get HERE right now!!!!" This of course means we had to walk back...but we did it early and went to bed early as well. Our last supper(HA) was a wonderful pasta and huge shrimp(eyeballs included) and of course wine, and then we collapsed.
We got up at 7am our last day and spent the next 22 hours...riding trains and subways, buses and planes to get home. After we got in our very own car, we went straight for McDonalds and had a good ole American burger and fries and Jim even had a chocolate shake. Too much homemade pizza and pasta had us craving fast food...or maybe it was the airline food. Then we kept talking to each other to try and stay awake on the painful hour and half car ride home. We went straight to bed,even though it was still light out...but for us it was 5am. In the middle of the night, I got up and couldn't figure out what hotel room I was in. It took several minutes for me to realize I was in my own bedroom and I KNEW how to use the bathroom... even in the dark!!!!!

We had a wonderful trip. We met so many fascinating people and experienced many unforgettable things. But we are happy to be home and appreciate the beautiful, clean and friendly place that we are fortunate enough to live in.

Thanks for reading and commenting. I don't think I am a BLOG kind of gal, so this will probably be the last one, unless my kids bug me to do some more....hummm, where to go next?

Arrivederci Everyone!!!!

Last day in Chinque Terra

Today is our last day in Cinque Terra. We took a train to the furthest town and did the walk of LOVE….it was a really nice easy walk and had wonderful views. Then we caught the local train back to our town and just hung out here all day. The pictures say it all…just the wine and the sea, and the private deck to ourselves. Everytime we have gone to the deck previously, it has been packed with people. Today we sat there for at least an hour all alone. It is Friday and for some reason it is so quiet today…you would think just the opposite…but it feels almost deserted…it is really nice. Tomorrow we get up at 5 am to catch the local train at 6:15. First we will have to lug our now HEAVY suitcases (Lemonchello on board) down the 3 flights of winding staircases, then 100 cobblestone and very steep steps to the street…then uphill to the train station. After the train takes us to the next town, we need to buy tickets for Milan(3 hours)….and then make a subway transfer to the hotel….and make it in time to see The Last Supper…if I hadn’t already bought the tickets we would skip it. Jim is not too happy about the 5 am alarm to wake us up. We had planned to see some sights in Milan but have decided we do not want to see another church, museum, statue or ancient ANYThing for awhile.
Our Trip has been perfect in every way…no problems so far…please everyone knock on wood as you read this.
Some of the things I will miss…the sound of the sea and church bells outside our window, 4 oz of cappacchino (Im too embarrassed to order 4 more to equal my usual morning drink), walnut sauce pasta, the Italian kids playing in the streets, orange and red and tan buildings, really fast trains, and lots of really good wine.
Some of the things I won’t miss….slow moving tourists, trying to figure out EVERYTIME how to operate the toilet,or bathroom sink or shower(they are all different), reading a train schedule, anchovies, and hiking uphill.
Some of the things I’m looking forward to….getting in my car and going anywhere I want, a 20oz latte, my easy walk with Terry, MEXICAN FOOD, seeing all of you… friends and family.
Ciao….Grazie …and Arrivederci!!!!!!!!!!!!
Maybe we will blog from the London airport, as we have 6 hours to kill there.

Coming Home Soon....

I am sorry about those last pics…hopefully I fixed them today. We have to go to the café…pay for a half hour and then it logs us off…so we are rushing, and something weird happened…not sure what.
Today was another fun filled day. We went to this great little café at about 10:30am…the owner was a riot, we LOVED him. He said…as we walked in, not knowing us from anyone…”Today I have 400 pastries made, but you a sleep inA…so now all I have is croissant and ricotta, I make for you OKA???….” I said yes, I’ll take a capacchino too…then he said, “Ok…and I have oranges, I makeA fresh juice for you with da oranges, I offer…. you decide…up to you a”….It was only more fun from there. We told him we were going to make the walk to Montessoria and he said to your dad “ you know, you can notA goA… in those shoeAs, you well get hurt…I do not careA, except then you cannot come back and have a dinner with me, so you go changeA your shoeAs!!!!!!” So he did.
Then we made the freakin 3 hour walk …up hill…over a mountain to Montessoria…I thought we would die. The pics included today should be of the view looking down on our little town of Vernazza as we walk…please notice that we get higher and higher. IT was unbelievable. We learned afterwards, that we did it in the hardest direction and the one most people skip and take a boat to. Just when I thought it couldn’t get any harder, one side against the mountain, only a path as wide as my shoes to walk on, cliff dropping into the Mediterranean sea….then a little stream started running thru the path. So…thousands of uphill and downhill steps, cliff hanging views, slippery steps and an aerobic workout like neither of us have seen. Finally, we make it to the end and what do you think is the first thing we see????…ICE COLD BEER sign…even I was glad to see that. All we took was a bottle of water and a banana with us…so we sat down and had beer and frociaccia sandwiches. We were so happy to make it without suffering a coronary!!!Matt…no amount of exercise could have prepared us for THAT!!!!!!!!!! You would have been proud of us, we kept up with people a lot younger and more fit then us. Then we walked all over this cute little town with beautiful beaches. We decided to treat ourselves to the boat ride back as neither of us wanted to walk ANYWHERE…not even to the train station. The boat ride was wonderful, and now we plan to take it to the other 3 towns tomorrow. We hung out at the beach for the rest of the day and then made reservations for one of the 6 view tables that hangs over the sea. It is a castle from hundreds of years ago, that used to be a look out for the town. Hopefully, we will have pics tomorrow as the camera ran out of power so we have to go back and take pics. The sun set, the waves crashed all around us…it was very romantic. Jim ordered shrimp that were more like lobster, you could crack the claws….and I had a wonderful pesto pasta…I swear someone’s mamma made that pasta in the back room…so fresh. We sat next to a young couple from Sweden. Italy is only 3 hrs away so they vacation here all the time. It was amazing how much she looked like me…same nose and freakly face…I really am Swedish!!!!!!
We cannot believe we have one more day here and then off to Milan. We have to leave for Milan at 6 am in order to make our LAST SUPPER reservations. It is so sad…our wonderful vacation is coming to an end. ….but Jim still has at least 10 more gelato flavors to try, so he will have to do some serious eatin.

Winding Down in Paradise....

We have arrived in Cinque Terra and it is so much more than I expected. Everyone MUST come here sometime in their lives…it is paradise. I am so glad we saved this for last…It is still crowded and touristy, but also laid back and charming. Most of the tourists leave at night as they are staying elsewhere, so it becomes an amazing place in the late afternoon. I am quite sure our room would not be legal in the states. It’s about a 100 steps up cobblestone alleys to get to the building. Then it’s 3 flights up a narrow (one person and a suitcase) spiral staircase, with a rope for a hand rail….by the time we got to the room we felt we had run a marathon. But it was worth it….the view is great. The pictures I have sent show a view of the sea …and one of the church tower that rings every hour…adding to the ambiance. These are the views from our bedroom window. The other view is of the inlet from our bathroom window. I can sit on the John and see this view, not sure who can see me!!! Then there is a picture of the little inlet, with a beach and all the restaurants sit around it. We are headed for a cappachino right now. Yesterday was beautiful and we just meandered thru the streets checking it all out…then had a fabulous dinner right on the water. Jim had a seafood spaghetti with muscles and clams….I had a “to die for” ravioli with walnut sauce…it was so great I might go back for more. Today it is pouring…..the hardest rain I have ever seen… that hits the cobblestone roof and is even more enjoyable because of that. I am afraid the trails from town to town will be washed out…so we may have to take the train. It should be an interesting next blog. Unless we just sit in our room and soak it all in….which sounds good to me. There is no tv, no maid service, no phone….also no street vendors. The towels are this thin dishcloth like material….that we use all three days we are here. This is typical Italian hotel living and I LIKE IT.
Chinc Chinc = Cheers...... Thanks for responding to the "blob", we love reading your comments

Last blog until Cinque Terra

Venice has been so much fun. Out tour director is a kick in the pants…we have had a great time because of her. Yesterday we went to Buano island by private boat….down the grand canal and across the lagoon. We arrived at this amazing little island…no crime, no drugs, and you can only get there by boat. There are 4 hotels and a spattering of restaurants …and they make lace. We had lunch at this wonderful place. Here was the meal…for lunch if you can believe it…carafe’s of wine…and water…YES MATT…the water with gas is amazing….then risotta, cooked for 4hours with shrimp…then pasta with marinara and clams, then 3 fresh fishes, not sure what but they were amazing…then big bowls of fresh fruit with almond brittle and these little hard cookies that you dip in your wine….sooooo gooood…..THEN a cappachino and last but not least a shot of amerreto….SERIOUSLY, I doubt I can get into my pants. We had the night on our own so wandered around looking at the 10 million identical shops. This morning we had a private boat again which took us to the fish market and a walking tour of the back streets of Venice where the Venitians live…this was fascinating. Everything arrives here by boat…no cars or trucks can get here as it is all canals and bridges. It was a fascinating look at a different lifestyle. Then we had our gondola ride thru the smaller canals …with champagne at noon….eye…eye…eye….can’t believe all of this. It was so much fun. We had 4 gondolas and everytime one of us popped the cork on the champagne, everyone yelled CHINK CHINK…and all the pedestrians stopped and took pictures of us and waved at us…it was hilarious. The pics I have included are of the view from our room…on the gondola ride, and the view of Venice from the Bell Tower in St Marks Square. You really have to go up to realize where you are at. If it wasn’t for all the thousands of tourists…this would be a really peaceful place to visit. Our hotel has venetian glass chandeliers hanging everywhere…they are not my thing, but they are beautiful if you like big GODY chunks of glass. Oh and this hotel has the room price posted in the room as 800 Euros…that’s $1200…this room is about a 120 in Bellingham, minus the view of course.
Tonight we have a farewell dinner in a local restaurant. Lida has already helped us buy our train tickets to Cinque Terra, so that is a relief. We will leave here around 830 tomorrow morning. IT will actually be a little sad to leave all the new friends we have made in this tour. But we are really looking forward to some relaxing beach time at our next destination…pictures to follow.
Arrevedercia…..

Update 6 2 2008

We are finally in the internet cafe...in the last blog, the first two pictures are in Florence. We will write again soon...having a wonderful time in Venice.

Venice.....

We have arrived in Venice. However, there is no internet in this hotel so I have to type this offline and find an internet café to send it off. I will try to do some catching up here first.
Our time In Florence was wonderful. On our second day, we got up and drove to San Gimignano. This is a medieval hilltop town in Tuscany. It was pouring rain again and it was a pretty steep hill…but the view and the shopping was worth it. Out group bought so much stuff in these shops. Jim and I refrained as we still have so much more left to do, and we don’t want to lug it around. I hope I don’t regret that because things are unbelievably expensive here in Venice. Most of us ate lunch there and then we headed to Pisa. It was great seeing the Leaning Tower and hearing the history. But I wouldn’t do that one again. Jim and I had a cappucchino and just sat and looked at the tower and the people… not much there but tourists and JUNK, and a leaning tower. Howerer, as we were getting off our tour bus, our tour director gave out the BROWN ALERT…she pointed at a group of young girls and yelled GYPSIES. Apparently, here in Italy they cannot arrest anyone under 14, pregnant or with a baby. So the gypsies, disguised as tourists in plain black and white clothes, mingle amongst unsuspecting people and rob you of everything in your pockets and purses. They are always with a Mom and a baby and at least one pregnant girl…or one pretending to be, all young girls. Anyway, they glared at her when she pointed them out. Jim was so fascinated by this that he went back to the entrance to sit and watch them again. This time, as another tour bus was loading, the gypsies got on the bus…pushing and shoving thru the crowd. They rob everyone and then hop off the bus before it leaves. The tour director of that group got off and started yelling and pulling the gypsies off the bus…Jim said it was amazing. He liked that more then the tower.
We left there and headed back to Florence for our “included” dinner. We were about 5 miles outside of the city, when the traffic came to a complete stop at a toll booth. There was at least 10 lanes going into the city and no one knew what was happening. Eveyone was getting out their cars and further up ahead we could see the military police. We still do not know if they were there because of the traffic or just caught up in it. Suddenly the rumors were flying…someone said a plane had crashed…someone else said it was a bad accident. Then the word came back that the wait was now 2 hours( we had been there at least 30 minutes already) so all the cars started turning around and going the other way. It was the most amazing chaos I had ever seen. Our bus driver got out and tried to move traffic around us…the tour director was frantically calling her office trying to find out what was going on. Finally, the bus got turned around and by taking back roads…which were also crowded…we got to our restaurant 2 hours later…it should have taken only 10 minutes. Our tour director ordered free wine for everyone because of the mess. What an exciting day!!!!!!!!!!!We have not heard what actually happened…hard to believe it was just bad traffic. There is a couple from LA in our group, and they said they had never seen rush hour in LA that bad.
Yesterday everyone was on their own to explore Florence. Jim and I went to Uffizi gallery. It was HUGE and we could have stayed there all day and not seen it all. But we left after about 2 hours, had a cappucchino under some clock tower. We walked all over Florence and the crowds were UNREAL…I think we are hitting the beginning of the tourist season. Everything had 3 hour lines…so we only did the free stuff and just walked…sat near the Ponte Vechio bridge and walked around the Dromo…sorry about the bad spelling. Then we had the most wonderful dinner. The first night was the most fun one…this was the best tasting one. The people sitting next to us had gone to school in Florence and had come back 10 times to eat there. So we ordered what they ordered and it was fabulous. It was samplers of food…3 salads, 5 pastas, 4 desserts…and in the middle of all that…a Balsamic filet steak…..it was heaven. It was honestly the best food I have ever eaten. We rolled out of there and made a long walk home thru Florence…I didn’t want to leave.
Today we took the fast train to Venice. We were a little nervous at the train station…as there is a train strike…but fortunately it is only affecting trains out of Rome…good thing we got out of there.
Venice is amazing. Our hotel is right next to the train station and our room overlooks the canal…off to the right just a little. I hope to send pics in the next blog of that. We walked all over and got lost so many time out on our own. After dinner we took a taxi down the grand canal to St Marks Sq….the crowds are really thick here…there is a cruise ship or two in port…so we are hoping it is better tomorrow. This is a huge tourist area and is somewhat unappealing from that aspect. But the views are great….we have a busy two days ahead of us so will try to update you as soon as we can. I have never walked so much in my life…but all the pasta and gelato is catching up with me…pants are getting tight despite the added exercise. We couldn’t be having a better time and we are having so much fun with everyone in this group. We miss everyone an can’t believe we still have another week !!!!!

Florence Pics

I am having trouble getting the pics with the writing...and labeling. None of the people here "our age" are even doing this...they think I am good...so no scolding your mother....Dan, Matt and Mike.

Florence...

Sandi……this blogs for you.
Tonight I think we had the most fun we have ever had in a restaurant. But let me back up…since we have not had internet access for awhile. Our last day in Rome we spent exploring the forum and surrounding ruins. It is not enough to say they were amazing. We wandered for hours and then returned to our room for a nap as it was unbelievably hot and we had walked for MILES. At dusk we did Rick Steve’s night walk across Rome…threw coins in the Trevia Fountain and had a wonderful dinner followed by this ice cream called TO DIE FOR CHOCOLATE…in Italian of course. I must say I have not yet had pizza as good as it was in NY…but the gnocchi I had last night was the BEST.
We had to get up early for our train to Florence…what a kick that high speed train was. The Italian countryside just flew by…only one and half hours to get to Firenze. Our tour director is so much fun…we are all wired with ear sets so she can talk to us while we walk…she has something called a “brown alert”…which tells us to watch for a suspicious person she thinks may be a pick pocket. We are fortunate that we have not had to deal with anything like that so far. We arrived in Florence and immediately began our tour….saw the David…truly wonderful…walked around the Duoma…so beautiful….had gelato in the square…went into some leather shop and watched them guild some leather…and it was pouring rain the whole time. By the time we checked into our hotel…we were beat, hot and wet…no umbrella for us. This room is like an individual court yard apartment…in a really nice hotel. There is a huge beautiful tree with what looks like magnolias blooming on it…but the blossoms are HUGE. Because we were tired and didn’t want to walk around Florence on our own, in the rain…we decided to join the side excursion being offered to the Chianti hills. Turns out…the whole group signed up to do it and since we all have come to know each other pretty well we thought it might be fun. Our “coach” drove us up into the hills where we stopped to take pictures of the beautiful view of all of Florence. With any luck these pictures are included. Then the bus drove deep into the countryside, thru small little villages and hugely expensive real estate. We ended up at this quaint little restaurant with a covered outside terrace. The meal started with an ANTIPASTA buffet…at least 30 items to fill up on. This was followed by two courses of melt in your mouth pasta. Then came Florentine steak and potatoes brought out in a flaming bowl…like the pig in a luau…..then brought to each of our plates. Did I mention that 3 kinds of wine flowed like water…followed by two courses of champagne and a shot of espresso. There were more glasses on our table then I could count. All the while, we were serenade by these OLE SOLE AMEIO men, playing the accordion. It started to rain so they pulled up the sides of this tent and we sat under the pouring rain and THUNDER…it was incredible. Big baskets of Geraniums hung all the way around…think UNDER THE TUSCAN SUN. Then came the tiramisu,,,could I be anymore in Heaven? There are two boys who are probably in their late teens included in our group. They sat thru the whole thing with that look on their face…the I am bored vacationing with my parents LOOK. At the end…the singers came to our table and were serenading the women next to us. Jim…being his shy self…stood up right at the end and joined them as they hit the HIGH NOTE….these two kids busted up with the best laugh…they came up to Jim afterwards and said that was the funniest thing they ever saw…guess they don’t get out much. HA!!!!On the way home…the driver played Italian opera and drove us down all the small streets that are normally so crowded during the day…he drove us past all the sights and now I am sure I am in LOVE with Florence. I have the name of this restaurant…and Sandi…we are definitely coming back here.

Rome

I am having trouble labeling pictures and having to write offline to save time. Hopefully we will be able to get better at this soon. We will try to find an Internet cafe. The Pope is appearing at the Vatican tomorrow...so you can see in the previous picture the platform and chairs set up. Did you know that the Popes are all buried there...and some are on display...

This is one here. We had wonderful meal in the Hotel tonight..really first class, wine, pasta, chicken and dessert...in a grand room and all included. Then Jim and I wandered the cobblestone streets and stopped for another Gelato as we walked under the lights of the Colliseum...I can see that this is going to get the best of me...I do not think its possible to walk off the pasta and gelato...but we will try tomorrow as we are on our own to explore Rome.

Images Of Rome

When in Rome...

It was hard to say good bye to NY and the kids. We had such a great time that I did not want it to end. But the cab showed up and whisked us off to JFK. Mike jokingly said he had kept us in a bubble so we did not see the less desirable neighborhoods. We now know this to be true as our cab ride took us thru the not so nice East side. It was a stark comparison to Central Park’s 5th ave that we had seen the night before.
Our trip to London was uneventful. The seats were great on BA…with individual TV’s and built in head rests…so much for our Rick Steve’s blow up pillows. We were served a full dinner and slept most of the way after that. London was rainy and cold and looked a lot like Seattle. A group of boys sat near us talking in their thick British accents…they had a great time in NY too, returning to London with Superman t-shirts on and telling their stories…I could listen to them for hours and was wishing we would actually be staying in London. ..maybe next trip.

So many great unexpected surprises with our arrival finally in Italy. Our hotel is fabulous. It was 92 when we landed, and we took an air-conditioned bus to the air-conditioned hotel…thank goodness. I keep thinking of Matt and Sandi in Italy in July with no ac. The room is great…comfy beds, large bath with shower and hair dryer...view of roof top decks and orange buildings and back alleys, scooters and smart cars everywhere…WE ARE IN ITALY…I am still pinching myself. We had been told breakfast would not be good. Ours was great…more then I could want…and free. We had a nice meal near the hotel and hit the bed…exhausted.
Our tour today started on an even NICER bus. There are 17 of us, only a few older then Jim and I and mostly younger or the same age. It is a nice group and we seem to hit it off with everyone. Our tour director is Lidia…she is from the UK and so far we think she is great. She changes the tour on a moment’s notice if she sees something she can work into the schedule. It was a full day today…Coliseum…OH my gosh…so huge. We hope to walk back tonight and see it in the dark all lite up. Then it was off to Vatican City…the museum, the Sistine chapel and St. Peters Basilica. I am so glad I saw the chapel before in my life…it is a true wonder and I am very fascinated to study more about it. There are no words to describe it…except to say I had no idea such a work of art existed. Then the most surprising thing to me was that I cried when I saw the Piata…I have NEVER had a statue move me to tears…it was so emotional. I remember learning about it in school…but this was unexpected. I can only say that you MUST see it in person, as is the same with all of these experiences. I am afraid our pictures will never do any of these sites justice. Many places do not allow pictures so my memory will have to be all I have, and that is not too dependable these days…so I guess I will have to reread my blog…ha!
Our bottle of wine for dinner last night was 20E…($30.00)…we bought one in the market for 3E. A bottle of coke was .85E in the market…it was 4E at the Colliseum….that is about $6.00 for a 20oz bottle of Coke…we about died, but it was too late to give it back. We are learning. You have to be forceful and polite. If you ask for a gelato…they will give you the biggest…most expensive one they have…of course. So now we have learned to confirm the price of something BEFORE we buy it….even then if you say you only want one…they will try to put five in your purse while taking the money out of your hand. I don’t like it but Jim is having fun with it. Tomorrow we are on our own. I love the whole tour thing. You may say it is best to do it on your own….but when I saw the 3 hour line we did NOT have to stand in after pulling up to the front in our air conditioned bus…I became a fan. It is 25.00 a day for the internet here so we may not write again for a few days. Arrivederci!!!!!

It's all about the FOOD

I am pretty sure this trip will be remembered by what food we were eating...or on the way to eating. Since Dan and Jennifer and Matt have arrived we have really been hitting the sights...and all the great restaurants in between. We set off to "see" the Empire state building, with no intention of going up. The line was only a half hour long, and we were told it can be up to 3 hours long so we decided this was a good sign and spent the money to do it. (This meant we had to forgo the planned shopping trip to Macys...perhaps next trip!!)We were all glad we did as the view was incredible. There is a much better appreciation for the massiveness of NY from way up top. Then it was off to The Museum of Modern Art, as Elisa had scored free tickets for us all. After that we got tickets to see Cry Baby, nominated for numerous Tony awards, and that was Greattttt. We hung out in Times Square, which is even better at night.

Yesterday was one long walking day. We visited the memorial at Ground Zero...then walked over the Brooklyn Bridge...that was fun as the day was finally hot and sunny. We ate pizza at "world famous" Grimaldi's and ice cream at the Brooklyn Ice Cream factory. Then Mike took us into Brooklyn Heights and we walked the promenade...overlooking the water and the Statue of Liberty in the background. Our feet were aching and most of us soaked them when we got back to the apartment. Mike and Elisa are incredible tour guides...I am constantly amazed at how well they know all about the city. Elisa is the Manhattan expert and Mike is your "go to" guy in Brooklyn.

Today we had to leave the apartment with Zoka and hang out in the park while their apt. was sprayed for bugs...part of normal living here, which is good because we have not noticed much in the way of creepy crawlers. We did see a Rat in the subway...that was exciting....but only the one, thank goodness. We went to a deli and got baguettes, cheese, meats, etc and had a picnic in the nice park near here. Then we headed off to take the Statin Island ferry which goes right past the statue of liberty...the sun was setting on the way back so it was beautiful. Then we went to China town for great Lemon Chicken...and on to Little Italy for fabulous desserts and a Limoncello toast...all so appropriate since we leave for BIG ITALY tomorrow. I cannot believe we have been here for a week and are leaving the country tomorrow...its been nearly 5 months in the planning and now we are almost there. Tomorrow we hope to hit a Laundromat and wash some clothes and then go to Central Park before our 10pm flight.

I probably will be writing next time from Italy...so until then...CIAO....and come back in a few days for some Italian pictures.

So Much New York...So Little Time

Today has been a "chill" day...clean house, wander the streets of Brooklyn and get organized before the rest of the gang arrives. We really love it here in Park Slope Brooklyn....I could wander the streets forever looking at the Brownstone apts.... so many great little stores and restaurants. Jim and I took off on our own and found some great shops...probably the best was the Chocolate Girl.....There is also our favorite coffee shop, Red Horse. It took Mike and Elisa nearly 6 mo. to find good coffee NY and this is the place. We walk to it nearly every day. ...

Yesterday we stood in line and got tickets to see Gypsy. That was a great production and just makes me want to see more. I definitely want to come back and make a vacation of doing nothing but see production after production. We also toured Mikes law school and that was really great. He has a great view from the study areas of the school which has to make those long study days much easier to take. He took us in the library, moot court room, cafeteria...and this great balcony with a great view of Brooklyn. We also visited the largest catholic church in the US and Anne...I lit our first candles.

We also spent some time in Times Square at night...that is really amazing...we plan to do that again with the guys.

Well...I will write more in a few days. We are starting to gear up for Italy....we are practicing eating ALOT of pizza...and loving it.

Our Favorite Places

Subway Rides

I have two words for a subway ride...HAND SANITIZER!!! We have been using alot of it.... but having a blast. I think I must be an obvious tourist as noone seems to be as excited as me to be riding a subway...in fact, they all look downright bored with the whole thing. Thank goodness for our New York natives...especially Elisa who is a wiz at hopping on and off of them. We rode the "F", and the "R"....they are pretty old and beat up...but then we took the "N" which is a nice newer modern one(no grafetti). Public transportation...what a great Idea!!!!!We estimate we will save $$300-400 by not buying any gas for the next few weeks....our little contribution to Global warming.
Last night we saw Elisa's performance and she did great. It was a cozy little theater in East Village. Afterwards, we all went to a small local bar and watched the Mets play the Yankees on the big screen t.v. The crowd was really getting into it but us M's fans stayed pretty neutral.
This morning we headed for Rockefeller Center and Times Sqaure. We also went to ground zero but the memorial was closed down so we will have to go back...probably with Dan, Jennifer and Matt when they get here. It was still very moving to see where the building used to be...such an obvious hole in the skyline and the city.
Tonight is a relaxing evening with dinner and a movie for us... Mike picked up some saugage and bread from the Mom and Pop store near by and is cooking up some spagetti...Elisa on the other hand, got invited to go with an x-acting teacher to a Manhatten theater Club gala event...dinner was 2-5k a plate. A great opportunity to see private performances of current broadway plays.....a black-tie affair where she can shmooze with the who's-who in theater. She looked amazing as she hurried off tonight. It is so much fun to be here and be part of their lives...even if its just for a week.

Doggie Disneyland

Yesterdays post went to Jim's email...we will get this figured out here...before Italy.

Here goes....

Doggie Disneyland

Doggie Disneyland


Today we went to Doggie Disneyland, but more on that later. We have done so much in the last 24 hours, I need to catch everyone up.
My vacations started Friday at 3:00 at InSpa. I had the greatest pedicure and manicure and wondered why I even needed to go to Italy at all. I could have just sat there for 2 weeks with a bottle of wine and a box of chocolates, my feet wrapped in towels and my hands soaking in Lilac scented bubbles...and Jim could pick me up when he got back. But my 2 hours of luxury came to an end, and we meet up with Dan and Jennifer for dinner at a great place called Pies and Pints. We had a great meal...something called a pie float...spinach and feta cheese turnover floating in soup....and of course a pint of beer. I will definitely be eating there again. Let the vacation begin!!!.
Early Saturday we flew Jet Blue to NY and I am now a huge Jet Blue fan...great flight with my own tv...lots of leg room and a quick 4 and half hours to NY. A client of Jim's insisted we call his cab driver brother for our ride from JFK to Brooklyn. He had a brand new Hybrid Escape Taxi so we had a very enjoyable ride. He pointed out all the different areas and I especially loved driving thru the Jewish neighborhood. Beautifully manicured streets, with big trees and brick apartments...one after the other. The Jewish men were in their "top hats" playing cards on picnic tables...the women sitting on benches chatting. It was fascinating and went on for miles. Finally we arrived at Mike and Elisa's and Zoka was very happy to see us (so were M&E but Zoka was more fun) Their apartment is adorable and fixed up so nice. Very efficient and stylish...they have done so much in the time they have been here. It is very comfortable with the four of us...and it won't be half bad when there are all 7 of us.
We bought a couple of bottles of wine and walked to a Greek restaurant...good food in a small little place on the street. I can't believe I am finally here after all these months of planning. As we drank our wine (no corking fee...gotta love that) Mike and Elisa shared all their news...there is always "new" news with these two. Elisa got a new job, just a few hours before we got here. She will be working at home from her computer and have more time for dance lessons and auditions. We walked the neighborhood and grabbed some ice cream...it was a beautiful warm night and we are falling in love with Brooklyn. When we got home, Mike and Elisa "ran her lines" for the Showcase Elisa is doing this evening. We are so lucky we get to watch her preform while we are here. I cuddled with Zoka on the couch while I listened to them go back and forth. I kept thinking..I am in NEW YORK. (FYI.....Mary...I told Zoka the hugs were from you too!!)
This morning we walked all over, had breakfast and took Zoka to the park....which Mike calls Doggie Disneyland. It was so great...big huge beautiful park and the dogs can be off leash until 9am. Hundred's of dogs are running everywhere...in and out of the lake...chasing frisbees and balls. Zoka was so excited he was dragging Elisa at the end of his leash trying to get there faster. At 9 o'clock all the owners leashed up their dogs and headed back home. We walked back through several different neighborhoods....past the typical NY fire station...with the fireman and their Brooklyn accents chatting away outside. I feel like I have stepped into a different world. We decided we just love walking up and down the streets and seeing what the locals are doing...in fact, Jim is out just walking around right now. At one point Mike stopped us and we all turned around...and there off in the distance was the statue of liberty. It was wonderful.
We are off to take a subway into Manhattan....I think I am in a "New York State of Mind".

Ready to GO...........

Finally, after 4 months of planning we are ready to go. As usual, Jim is busy with"last minute" business so it is a good thing we started early. We have spent hours going over books and websites, learning everything we could about being smart travelers and figuring out what we want to see and do. Now we have decided that you can do too much....plan too much...until it takes the fun out of it. So we have reached the point where we want to just sit back and let it all happen.

I am as excited about seeing NY as I am about seeing Italy. Neither of us has been to either.

And the best part...I get to see my grandpuppy Zoka!!!!!!!!And of course our children. It will be a great family vacation...all of us in 550 sq ft...like camping, right? Pictures and experiences to follow.

Thanks to all of you who have wished us a great trip. I hope we will have enough time and internet access to keep this updated...I will do my best.

Ciao, Arrivederci and Cappuccino!!!!!! ( my 3 Italian words....WE WILL BE FINE!!)

Laurie

It worked....putting in the garden picture. YEAH! This is all new to us, so be patient. Hopefully everyone I emailed is now looking to see what this is all about. We hope to start adding stuff a few days before we leave. We fly out of Seattle on Sat. the 17th and fly out of NY for Italy on the 25th.
So check back then if you like.
We are VERY excited.

Tulip Test 5 7 2008

This is a picture of Laurie's Garden and is a test to upload pictures to the Blog.

Rick Buddies

We made the drive to Edmonds to participate in the Rick Steves Festival. We had so much fun. What a brilliant man he is. We took 2 FREE classes and then spent $140 in the travel shop...as did about 500 other people. He definitely got us.
Our first class was "Packing Light and Right". This whole idea of going to New York and Europe with only a carry-on bag is practically incomprehensible to me. I usually have a bag that size for my shoes. But we are going to give it a whirl.
After this class we headed straight for the store and bought a clothesline, little zip up cubes, a shopping bag( for Limenocello), a microfiber towel, travel alarm clock, electical converter,etc. This is really the fun part of the trip...planning!!!
We had a 3 hour break before the next class so we took our stuff to the car and walked around Edmonds...great little town...and ended up at a Mexican restaurant. Yes...I know...we should have gone to Italian...but what can I say...Jim is half Mexican as we all know.
Our Rick Steves Italy class was full...and it was like seeing a Rock Star or something. We have been watching his classes on tv for so long...he is famous. I couldnt believe I was in the same room with him. However, he was still his normal laid-back self. There was a crying newborn baby in the class and he nicely asked them to take the kid outside...some people cheered. It was great. I have never understood why anyone would think the rest of us wouldn't mind listening to their screaming baby...so rude. I wish he had told the women chatting behind us to shut up as well. Anyway...Italy is his favorite place and you could tell that from his lecture. We learned alot..laughed alot... and are now as excited as ever to go.
When we got to the car, Jim had to play with all the new stuff we had. Is this a shock to anyone? We practically drove off the road as he extended the new clothes line to see how far it would go.
The drive home was full of new planning ideas. Of course when we got home Jim got out the suitcases and put all our new stuff in them. Guess what...they are now FULL...and there are no clothes in them. This is making me very nervous.....

First Blog

This is scarey...what am I doing? My son's are making me do this. Not sure about this but here we go............................