As I visited all the historical highlights I tried to imagine the residents at the time they were built. A very daunting task. Everywhere I looked including around the corner from hotel were ruins. The combination of ancient and contemporary living was a feast for the mind.
Make yourself an espresso, mulled wine or pour an ale and follow me on this adventure to Rome and Florence, Italy. Ciao!
A walking tour of the Vatican and a glimpse of the masterpieces was a fascinating first day.
The Vatican guards escorted a dignitary. A lot of activity preparing for Christmas.
Many of the murals at the Vatican appear to be paintings but are tile mosaics. An artist was demonstrating the process in the Vatican shop.
Historically going further back in time several visits to the Colosseum, Palatine Hill, Roman Forum and surrounding ruins were overwhelming.
Gelato-a pleasure, break, delight, goodness all in a tiny cup!
Pasta making machines on display. You might see more of this kitchen tool later in this post!
The four photos above are of the Pantheon. An architectural wonder. Considered the oldest structure in Rome built about 126 AD.
Learn more; https://www.ancient.eu/Pantheon/
Pinocchio is celebrated in stores, statues and seems to be an upcoming film!
A few shots from some of my walks around Rome. The door pictured in the photo above impressed me. How ingenious - a tailor offering remnants to the public even when the shop is closed. Just pull a piece through the hole in the door.
Our hotel offered breakfast and I was fortunate to meet this sweet family from France. Mom was walking this little guy because he was fussing during their breakfast. I (through a series of hand gestures and smiles) offered to walk with him so she could eat. I do believe this is the best part about travel. Meeting people and communicating through sincere gestures.
Roasting Chestnuts
A Christmas wish tree at the Florence train station.
Personal wishes and wishes for family and humanity were written on tickets or scraps of paper.
No Santa Claus? Not in Italy. La Bafana is the Witch of Christmas. She brings gifts to well behaved children and coal to those who need a little encouragement. Learn more; La Bafana
Finding your way through any unfamiliar city is a challenge. When signs are in a foreign language, the streets seem to be mazes and piazzas offer great distractions the journeys are incredible! The entire adventure was guided through paper maps and preserving. It may have been more simple to use google maps but the majority of fun comes from the memories made while searching and yes getting lost! From now on I will refer to the Trevi Fountain as the elusive Trevi Fountain because it was difficult to find!
Do not believe all signs!
The photos below are of the Spanish Steps.
Learn more; The Spanish Steps
A view from the top of the Spanish Steps.
One of my favorite ways to explore a city is to visit a cafe or coffee shop. In Rome the majority of patrons stand at the counter and enjoy an espresso and pastry. One morning I walked to the corner cafe and did just that. I learned that while standing people were likely to have eye contact with the barista and fellow espresso drinkers. It is also an enjoyable way to observe what is going on outside in the neighborhood.
The Tiber River
Let's leave Rome as difficult as that seems and take the train to Firenze (Florence) for the day!
Pre-purchased train tickets, dry run to the station from our hotel, studied train schedule and ended up running for the train! Oh, what a great memory and travel story.
Florence is a smaller city and of course home to David. Learn more; David by Michelangelo After spending the day there it is also home to my heart. I fell in love with Firenze and cannot wait to return. A walking tour by Walks provided an in depth art history lesson of David. We learned so much and were able to appreciate the sculpture much more.
The photo above and the one below are of the Museo di San Marco. Our guide knew I was interested in libraries and Florence has the oldest in Italy.
Learn more; Museo di San Marco We also learned that Firenze is the birthplace of many inventions, innovations, intellectual and political ideals.
No running required to board the train returning to Rome but we were reluctant to leave. Below you will see photos from our last adventure in Rome-a cooking class!
Our instructors Chef Marissa and Chef Christina. They were full of energy and so much fun!
Our cooking class was offered by the same group as our Florence walking tour. There did a fabulous job and I'd recommend them for future adventures.
Learn more; Cooking Class
The egg yolk is so orange because the chickens eat corn.
Our "babies" are ready to rest.
My traveling friend volunteered to help make the sauce for our ravioli.
(Hint; Lots and lots of butter!)
It looks easy, does't it!
The second pasta we made was fettuccine. This large wooden tool is called a guitar and yes our chefs did pluck a few notes. The dough is rolled over the wires to make the long strands of pasta.
The dinner we made was delicious and what a fun way to learn. The chefs told us that Italians have a lot of rules about food. I cannot remember the rules they shared but I'm willing to return and have a remedial class!
Here is the recipe for the pasta. Both the ravioli and the fettuccine were made from the same dough.
