Rincon Adventure

May 2-14, 2008

Italy was wonderful! What an amazing trip. Lots of sightseeing and walking, walking and more walking. We only took public transportation when it was absolutely necessary otherwise we walked everywhere. I wanted to give brief highlights about our trip because a detailed description would be extremely lengthy and probably not very interesting to anyone except us. So, here is a list of the places we visited and the top things that come to mind for each city (in no particular order):

Venice: labyrinth of streets, numerous neighborhoods hidden within the narrow walkways, gondoliers, bridges, beautiful displays in bakery windows of biscotti cookies, gelato, murano glass, leather, lace, carnival masks, different burrows with a slightly different vibe to each and excellent seafood. Getting lost numerous times a day.

Cinque Terre: Monterosso - old town and new town (very similar), beach and ocean, lemon trees, amazing scenic hike between the five cities of Monterosso, Vernazza, Corniglia, Manarola, Riomaggiore, quiet streets, wine bars, amazing dinner in Monterosso - seafood risotto with thin pizza crust baked on top, lots of drinking in Vernazza and excellent seafood dinner (seafood theme - we LOVE seafood), quaint towns, boutiques, colorful umbrellas, colorful facade painted houses, lots of potted flowers, worth the 7 hour train ride from Venice.

Siena: variations of orange tiled roofs and brown brick, gelato, pizzeria's everywhere, mouth watering and beautifully displayed cured meats/wine/cheese, large piazza with funny street entertainer, lots of tourist souvenir shops, handmade pinocchio's, romantic boutique hotel with panoramic view of Siena. Ate some of the best pizza on the whole trip.

Pienza: Rented car from Siena to drive to Gradoli with short stop in Pienza. Favorite Tuscan town. Idyllic, quiet, picturesque, gorgeous panoramic views of hillsides, wonderful al fresco lunch with fresh made pasta and zupa de pane with white beans. Bikes parked outside residences. Vibrant flower pots everywhere.

Gradoli: Welcoming, genuine, loving family members. Authentic Italian non-touristy village, lots of wine - homemade wine, olive trees, big lunch - main meal of the day, small dinner, locally made desserts, antipasti of prosciutto and vegetables, many stories, slow pace, close and supporting family.

Civita: Etruscan town. Less than 20 villagers, unchanged, quiet, unique, historical, long and steep bridge, wine and cheese shops.

Rome: busy, noisy, lots of walking, excellent restaurants, beautiful sightseeing - Colosseum, Forum, St. Mark's Basilica - walking to top of dome, pizza making class, gelato, bakeries and pizzeria's, handmade chocolate shop, naps, smart cars, night life.

We can't wait to go to Southern Italy! What a beautiful place!