Wednesday, October 20, 2010

Wednesday, October 20, 2010

How great is a day that begins with brownies for breakfast in Tuscany and ends with chocolate gelato in the evening in Rome? Yes, we’re in the Eternal City, a place older even than Culdesac. Two blocks to our left is the Colossium (no, Chad, not the Rose Bowl) and to the right an old Roman garrison. It is still amazing to me that I am actually here.

We began Monday morning in Ferenza with a visit to the Academe where Michaelangelo’s David is showcased. It is a stunning piece, but right beside it is his Pieta, which I was drawn to—a grieving Mary cradling her lifeless son. Every room housed paintings by the most famous classical painters: a feast for the eye and soul.

We then hopped in a rental car and headed for Tuscany, a different kind of feast for the eye—rolling hills not unlike the Palouse, tiered with grape arbors and fields of beans, pumkins and other produce. The leaves are turning, so the whole panorama was breathtaking. We ran upon a mideval walled city, San Gimigano, a refuge for pilgrims journeying to Rome. Three watchtowers guarded the city’s winding, narrow streets and the high walls must have looked impenetrable to intruders. We spent the night in a charming villa with a world class restaurant—I should have had the wild boar and truffles.

Two days to explore the wonders of Rome (including shopping) and then Cinderella returns to the real world. The memories should keep, me warm all winter. Love, Mom/Barb/G/GG

PS If there are pictures with this blog, thank the Miracle of the Camera—as we were pulling out of the train station in Florence, Jackie remembered she had left her very expensive camera on the counter at the bank in the train station. When we reached Rome we called the bank—miracle of miracles—it was still there. Craig rode the train back
To Florence, and to the applause and tears of bank staff and customers, retrieved his wife’s camera. Then he rode the train back to Rome, thus traversing Italy 3 times in one day.

4 comments:

  1. I'm loving all this food you're eating! Chocolate everywhere. Perfect! The Culdesac reference made me laugh, then cry. . . I miss Pompy. Everything sounds so beautiful. I can't wait to see more pictures.
    And way to go Dad for saving the day!! I'm so glad her camera was still there! I remember you did something similar for me and my beloved bunny, Jessie. ;-)
    Travel safe! And EAT extra for me Grandma!!

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  2. Craig is a stud...I think we can all agree on that!

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  3. What a good son! Sounds like an amazing trip so far!

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  4. Don't you wonder if this is all a wonderful dream - I can't believe how much you are geting to see and do. So glad you are having such a good time - kudos to Craig for the Miracle of the Camera and to both Craig and Jackie for being tour guides extraordinaire - perfetto grazie!

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