Tag: Italy
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Santa Croce Florence
The church of Santa Croce in the centre of Florence has an important place in the history of art as it contains two seminal fresco cycles painted for the chapels of the wealthy Bardi and Peruzzi families. Giotto is important to the Renaissance as he was one of the first artists to attempt to portray…
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Siena and a wine tasting
After San Gimignano we left for a lunch and wine tasting. You know me and wine … I drink it … but the owner who took us around and lead the tasting during lunch was passionate about his work and it showed. The winery specialised in Chianti but also made Balsamic Vinegar which seemed just…
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San Gimignano … an almost too perfect Town
I’m sitting outside the hostel listening to church bells as I write this. the drive to San Gimignano took us through some beautiful scenery. Vineyards of Chianti country, grey green olive groves. Forested hills and valleys until we finally climbed the steep hill to the town. The Italians take their history and culture very seriously.…
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Staying in hostels and connections
Hostels So far this has been a great experience. All the hostels bar one have been clean, friendly, great roommates and wonderful facilities. Varied in price and obviously Paris and Rome have been more expensive but between €35 and €50 per night … some with breakfast included. My only real gripe is that Paris had…
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The Colosseum, The Palatine Hill and The Forum.
This afternoon I was walked to death on a tour of The Colosseum, The Palatine Hill and The Forum. Goodness but Rome is beautiful. I’m getting to know my way around and have averaged 8 miles a day! Our guide was great … very handsome but more to the point informative and knowledgeable. The Colosseum…
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I love a good arm reliquary and an embalmed Saint … Lucca Cathedral
There is nothing like a good bone in a silver arm or a Saint behind a glass case. Spooky but fascinating. The cathedral treasury had some beautiful objects. It houses il Volto Santo or holy Face of Lucca, a represention of Christ crucified dating from the 8th century. This was, until recently carried in procession…
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Wonderful Lucca
I’m loving this city. It’s beautiful with something of interest around every corner. It’s obvious the Luccense love their city. Well cared for, clean, beautiful shops. Pisa is a poor second to Lucca. The architecture is fabulous. A church or beautiful building wherever you look. Great museums and there are towers everywhere. I’ll post separately…
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A morning in Nervi
Just 15 minutes by train from the centre of Genoa is Nervi. Today it looks fabulous. No tourists so I’m sitting writing this in a cafe by the sea. It’s a pretty little town and I’m practicing my Italian where I can. For €1.50 what a bargain on the train! I think I may be…
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The passages of Genoa
My friend (who often visits Genoa) advised me to steer clear of these alleys in the old town at night😀. I think I’ll follow his advice and explore them in the day. They look so inviting in the day. Genoa has an edgy vibe which I quite like. Exploring tomorrow
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In Milano per Una notte
In Milan for one night before Genova … bustling, busy, full of fashionistas and on trend shops. This my first night alone. Of course I’m missing Cedric but this is all about me and learning about myself … coping in the world. We’ll see. I’ve already had a wander to the centre to the the…
Escape to myself 