Paris

Earlier today I arrived in Paris from Venice.  The day started very early, getting up at 5.45am, got to airport at 7am and plane from Venice to Paris at 9.30am.  Arrived in Paris by 11.30am, but it took me over 2 hours to get from the airport to the apartment....first I bought the wrong ticket for the Metro (due in part to the unhelpfulness of the woman selling the ticket and me not speaking French), then I got lost big time getting to the apartment.....I have basically spent the day in the apartment....ventured out for about an hour to find a supermarket to get a few things.  Came back and did a load of washing, had a snooze and have generally been relaxing.  I must admit, I feel less competent in getting around Paris than I did in all of the place I went to in Italy....not sure what that is abaout....perhaps that Paris is just so huge...hoping I will get my MOJO back so that I can do some sightseeing tomorrow....
Not much else to report...hopefully will have more exciting stuff to share over the next few days...  

Bye bye beautiful Venice!

Well, I have said farewell to the beautiful lagoons of Venice....I am quite sad to leave this beautiful place....I would have liked at least another 2-3 days here as I feel I did not really get to see much of it....today I headed back to St Marks and decided to pay to visit the balcony area....well, I have to say, it was well worth it! The view was stunning and you got to see some of the mosaics of the ceiling up close and personal....all I can say is a big WOW WOW WOW! I can't begin to imagine how many tiny pieces of glass and ceramics were used to create these ceilings...talk about God given talent and creativity. There was also a museum area set up which had smaller articles of mosaics and marble sculpture. I also managed to sneak a few photos...strictly forbidden....but I was careful not to use a flash! Slap my wrist. I also snuck a few photos of the floor on my way out....I am totally enthralled by the floor! After this I went up some bell tower...I am embarrassed to admit that I have absolutely no idea of the name of it....all I know is that it offered 360 degree views above and beyond the city and had 4 huge bells which ring on the hour and that if you are up there, to cover your ears...I then headed to St Marks square and had a bite to eat...from this I caught a water bus to have a look at the Venice Biennale exhibits....hmmmmmmm some interesting stuff, some a bit way out for my tastes and some I felt a little too self-indulgent by the artists...it was a shame I didn't get there earlier as there was just so much to see... I then went back to the convent to collect my suitcase and headed off the island to the hotel where I am staying tonight so that I can get to the airport early tomorrow for my flight to Paris! Woo hoo. The hotel I am staying in is very very nice indeed....2 minutes from the airport with free airport shuttle bus...has the biggest shower head i have ever seen...what a waste of water...but I did indulge...actually,it is very well setup for someone with a disability...has the regular shower rose and also a hand held one, and the toilet also has a handheld shower to clean all your personal bits,as well as the stock standard Italian Bidet...I have been here 2 weeks and haven't been able to bring myself to use one! Dare I try it? Sorry about all that trivial info...it is the OT in me! In fact, it has been very interesting seeing people using wheelchairs, accorded, visually impaired and others with physical impairments getting around Venice. I found it difficult enough going up and down steps with a suitcase....mind you, the attendants on the water buses were very caring and helpful to these people.
Wel, I will stop boring you...stay tuned for my next post from Paris...now I need to stop saying buongiorno and start practicing bonjour...yikes...I just hope the French are as patient with this language illiterate as the Italians have been...till tomorrow...ciao, buonasera and arriverderci etc etc etc!

Colour, colour and more colour

Today I decided to head off shore so to speak to visit Murano (famous glass fame) and Burano...well the queue for Murano at the water bus was so long that I decided to go to Burano first....it was a bit of a lengthy process with 3 different water buses and a very long and round about way, but was very relaxing and picturesque...I especially enjoyed all of the water views along the way. Arrived at Burano which is most well known for it's brightly colored painted houses....well, just wait until you see the photos...what a pretty place...I spent a good 2-3 hours wandering around, looking at the houses, in jewelry, lace and other souvenir shops. The island is also very famous for it's lace....I visited the lace museum....I must admit, I think it was my favourite museum so far...just goes to show that my preference is definitely for the arts of the textile kind. After this, I went to Murano, mainly just to say i had been there....though there are some very interesting glass sculptures and once again, loads of glass shops.
After this I headed back to the convent where I have had a touch of gastro...not sure what from...anyway, took a gastro stop to nip It in the bud and am currently sitting here in the Piazza San Marco doing a spot of people watching and writing this blog post.
A message to Tan and David...I found your Trattoria, however sadly it seemed to be closed...oh well, will just have to find somewhere else to eat tonight.
Whilst it is still quite crowded here, it is actually very pleasant watching the sun setting and shining on the stunning mosaics of St Mark's. It is currently just after 6pm. One thing I'll say about Venice, is that there are soooooo many mozzies...I killed about 15 of them last night, although the bites didn't show up until this afternoon...and I think I have counted around 20, mainly on my arms....note to self...close bedroom window and turn of air conditioning tonight!
Well, that is about it for now...not sure what I'll do tomorrow....I have to go to another hotel close to the airport for tomorrow night as I have an early ish flight to Paris on Friday morning.
See you next time, Lisa

Venice

Well, I was up bright and early this morning having decided that I should go see Michelangelo's David...so off I headed toasted the Academia Gallery...was there shortly after 8am and already a queue had formed....anyway...I stood in line with a couple from Adelaide so that helped kill the time until 9.20 when we finally got in....I must admit, my visit was probably the fastest ever...but I am glad I did go as the statue is just incredible...I had to catch my train at 11.30am and had also wanted to check a couple of other shops near my apartment. So I went to this little paper shop which I had passed several times and they had some beautiful florentine paper for 20cents....and I bought some blue and white papers...surprise surprise. I made it to the station with plenty of time to spare and got my seat on the train....I had decided to go 1st class and am very glad I did...it was very comfy...those of you who read Facebook have already heard this bit....I am glad I claimed my seat quickly as there were some others who said they had my seat....anyway, I was there first and had my ticket so I stayed put.
Arriving at Venice was such a pleasant surprise....it was lovely to smell the sea air....I have spent the afternoon settling into the convent where I am staying and getting lost around the alleyways....I am staying really close to St Marks and had a very quick visit there this afternoon....the floor is absolutely stunning!!!!!! I wish we could take photos...I think I might go back and take my sketch book with me as I can see a quilt from it....the rest of the church was beautiful too, but it was the floor which got my attention. As I am writing this, there are church bells ringing not very far from the convent....the sun is starting to set and it is altogether a very pleasant place to be....I am loving the fresh breeze which I have been missing since arriving in Italy nearly 2 weeks ago....I can't believe that my time in italy is nearly over....I think in hindsight, an extra day in Florence might have been good...oh well, I will just have to come back again won't I?
Well, I might head out to find somewhere to eat....I have decided that the closer I get to Paris, the more expensive things are....I found Rome and Orvieto to be very reasonably priced and even Florence, but have noticed the prices here in Venice a bit more exxy....perhaps if I steer clear of the major areas...even the pashmina I bought in Florence for the grand sum of 5 euros, i have seen here for 13euros! So glad I saw it in Florence first! The other thing I have noticed, is that there seems to be a great many more French people here than I have encountered elsewhere....need to start learning a few basic French phrases.
Well, will chat again soon....I am looking forward to Paris where I think I might be able to put some photos up....
Till next time, ciao, Lisa

More of Florence!

Yesterday I spent a lovely day quite different to some of my others.
I was up bright and early for my 8.15ambooking for the Ufizzi gallery...what amazing art work...quite overwhelming really! Standing in the short queue to collect my entry ticket, I got chatting to a lady from Melbourne. We wandered around the gallery for a little while till we went our separate ways. I have decided that I am enjoying the moments which are a bit more unplanned...I can't say that I was overly impressed with the Ufizzi. Perhaps I have too high expectations. Anyway, after this I went and had a late breakfast/ brunch of fruit salad and croissant, and spent a lovely hour or so just people watching. There was a huge fun run in the city yesterday and there were masses of people in green t-shirts passing by.
After this, I headed back to the apartment for a bit of a rest before heading to the Boboli Gardens. It was another warm day so was good to chill out a bit before another big walk....though the apartment I am staying in is in the best location to everything! I walked to the Pitti Palace where the gardens are located. This weekend had loads of free entry to so many attractions....so I need not have pre-purchased my tickets...but at least I had priority entry which was a bonus from not having to wait in long queues. In the courtyard of the palace, these was a wine and music festival...the choir & orchestra was fabulous...then I heeded into the gardens...whew! So many steps....so i found a bench to sit and rest where I met a lovely couple from the UK so I chatted with them awhile. Then after they went, another delightful couple form Canada cam and sat down and we just hit it off....so I ended up spending the next few hours walking with them around the gardens, then the palace and then had gelato and a drink with them as by this time, the rain had started. It was lovely to walk around these places being able to comment and bounce our thoughts off each other. I think this is what I miss most about traveling alone....I am certainly not lonely, but it is so nice to be able to share experiences.
In the evening, I was very brave and took myself off to a trattoria for dinner. It felt a bit strange sitting by myself and I think the waiters thought it a but odd...but hey...why miss out on a pleasant dining experience just because you don't have anyone to share with you!
So today I am sitting writing this post waiting for a hop on hop off bus to take me up to the outskirts of Florence for something a little different...most of the galleries are closed today so it will be good not to feel pressured to overdose on culture!
Am sure I will update again soon...ciao
Oh, and I apologize for any typo's!

Florence...again!

It is amazing the things you come across when you least expect them. This afternoon I decided to walk into the main area of Florence just to get my bearings...and I managed not to get lost...this city is much easier to get around than Rome. As I was walking down one street, I could hear in the distance some drums and trumpets....the police were walking ahead clearing the street and as they did, a procession of people dressed in medieval looking costumes were walking...it was obviously some sort of celebration or occasion...anyway, a bit further along and driving down the road is a man with two huge white oxen with a huge trailer with bottles of chianti piled high...a bit further along a chap on a tractor also had masses of bottles of chianti, but with him, people were buying the bottles....so all I can assume was that it was some harvest celebration of the first batch of wine for the season...who knows!
Anyway,a bit later there were all these horse drawn carriages and in the front was a bride and her groom, behind them some of the guests. As they drove throughout town, the people on the street clapped....
Now to the silliest thing I have done this trip so far....upon the recommendation of a friend from work regarding the best gelato, I decided to locate the said shop and the queue was unbelievable...however in the interests of taste testing, I too got in line...it was very nice, although not sure i haven't had just as good....perhaps I need to try s different flavour tomorrow!

Florence!

Have just arrived at the apartmentj I am staying in Florence. It is so lovely and the owner gave me a bottle of sparkling and some yummy looking biscotti. What hospitality.

The past couple of days were spent working on our art work and last night we all got together and showed each other what we had done. There has also been a photography group staying at the convent so we sort did a show and tell of each others art....was a lovely way to share our creativity, no matter how different.
For our final dinner last night we returned to the restaurant where we had a our cooking lesson...where we were very graciously waited on. I had a delicious salad with lettuce, pear, walnuts, cheese and the best dressing I have ever tasted. For my main I had chicken rolled with red peppers, wild fennel and small potatoes....also delicious. I also tried Limoncello...an italian lemon liquor...it was very nice, although one would not wish to drink too much of the stuff.
This morning we did one final scout around the town and had our final cappuccinos at Scarponi's..my favorite coffee spot and said our goodbyes to the Nuns' at the convent and caught the funicular to Orvieto train station where I have come to Florence, a few others were heading on to Venice and another back to Rome.
I am looking forward to what discoveries I make here in Florence for the next few days.

Ciao

Another incredible couple of days!

Well, the past 2 days have just continued on from the rest of the week with wonderful experiences. We spent much of Wednesday in the studio working on our collages, although we did nick out for a wander around town looking for more inspiration. Late in the afternoon we had a tour of one of the amazing underground caves for which this town is famous for....a bit of history: Orvieto was first inhabited by the Etruscans (we are talking 3rd to 6th century BC!) contemporaries of the Greeks. Thirteen Etruscan cities occupied the middle of Italy. In Orvieto they dug caves for food and water storage, making wine & using the excavated stone for building construction. The city sits over hundreds of caves.

Today we spent the morning at the local market buying things for lunch. After lunch and some more studio time, we were taken to the most stunning vineyard off "the rock" of Orvieto- Palazzone where were had a tour of the vineyard and winemaking areas and then a wine tasting on the patio of the most stunning B&B....there we tried 3 different wines with a selection of Italian savouries. I think I could have stayed there for a week...the views across the Umbrian hillside were stunning.

I can't quite believe that tomorrow is our last full day here in Orvieto....but I am also looking forward to heading to Florence for what will be another completely different experience.

Hoping you all have a great weekend.

Lisa

Master chef!

Have had the funnest time this afternoon. Spent most of the day out and about and in the studio doing some sketching and playing with water colours. Totally out of my comfort zone.
Then this afternoon, went to a local restaurant which also has the "Instituto di Arte Culinaria" where we made focaccia (with tomatoes, mozzarella, olives and olive oil!), a different focaccia with onion and mozzarella, wild boar ravioli with tomato sauce, wild boar stew, deep fried zucchini flowers in beer batter, wild boar and pecorino calzone and coffee yoghurt gelati with raisins. Well, what can I say, except that this was some of the best fun I have ever had....after cooking all this scrumptious food, we sat down in the restaurant where the staff served it to us.....along with some fabulous wine, we had a ball! I am so inspired to try some of the recipes we were given when I come home...brace yourselves!

Orvieto day 2

Yesterday was a full on day becoming acquainted with this beautiful town. We woke up to a delicious breakfast with choices of cereal, fresh fruit, yoghurt, bread, home made jams, meat and cheese. After this we went for a great long walk around the town to familiarise ourselves so that she don't get lost in our explorations....the one consolation is that if we walk too far in either direction, we would actually fall of the edge of the town!!! We had our first coffee at a local cafe where the Batista greeted us all with a kiss on the hand....so charming....after this, we walked past the shops selling a wonderful array of leather handbags, gorgeous paper shops and the most beautiful ceramics....might have to find a small pics of blue and white as a little souvenir. We then headed toasted the Duomo or cathedral...what a stunning building...oh how I am looking forward to being able to show you some photos. We then went into the crypt of the Duomo where there was a body with a glass window to look at....hmmmmmmm!

Following on from this we were left to wander by ourselves a bit before heading back to the convent for our lunch. The nun's had prepared a truly delicious meal of fresh cherry tomatoes, some filled with bocconcini and with fresh basil, following by the yummiest bean soup with crispy brad, then a plate with a selection of pickled veggies, cheese and marmalade, and then after all of this yummy-ness, a cake soaked with Limoncello and fresh cantaloupe....
After lunch we met for our first studio session where we were given our supplies for the week and we made a start on some of the techniques we would be using.
At 4.30 we met and walked to a local enoteca where we went underground to have a wine and olive oil tasting, along with more tasty morsels of food to match the wines. We tried the Orvieto Classico, a light white wine which the area is famous for, then a rose and finally a red....sadly I can't recall the names of these other wines!

We then took another walk to the oldest medieval part of the town...and finally back to the convent where once again, we headed our for guess what....more food!!!! This time we had the company of a woman who was originally from the US, who married an italian and has lived in the area for over 50 years. She shared some wonderful stories of her time here and judging by the reacion of the locals, she is well loved....being well into her 80's she was amazing.
After a delicious pasta meal, I headed back and had an early night....
I am now just about to head off for breakfast.
Bye for now!

What a night!

Morning
It is around 6.30am Monday here in Orvieto...what a night we have had overnight...from the relentless heat of the past few days, last night was the most spectacular and scary thunderstorm here in Orvieto. After a wonderful dinner where I tried wild boar (was so delicious!) and a relaxing stroll through the town with the rest of the group,we could see the sky with lightning in the distance. I don't think I have ever seen anything like it! But it is so refreshing to have some rain and a cool breeze blowing. I am looking forward to seeing what the day brings.

Orvieto - Umbria

Well, I have finally arrived in Orvieto...my stay for the next 6 nights...I am loving this hill town already...wait till you see the photo's...it is also going to be nice to be able to spend some time in the company of others...and one's who speak English!

The convent is lovely and the rooms quite modern...I have the most beautiful view over the countryside...and the windows are letting a glorious breeze...something I have missed the past days in Rome.
Well, I think I will head out and have a bit of an explore...we meet for introductions at around 6pm before heading out for dinner...am looking forward to experiencing my first Umbrian meal. Ciao. Lisa

Another full on day in Rome!

Well, am just back from another busy day...though I have tried to take things a bit slower by sitting and watching...first off I went to the Pantheon...what can I say but WOW!!!! what an incredible building....can't wait to show some photos of the things I have seen...before this however, I had a coffee at a place recommended by friends which is just opposite the Pantheon...thanks Tan and Dave...it was GREAT coffee! I then decided to have a decent lunch at a place a colleague recommended which was somewhat a walk from the Pantheon, but well worth it....just walking down some of the streets and alleys of Rome was inspiring....I think I have overdosed on taking photos of buildings...but there isn't a lot to do when there is no one to take photos of moi! For lunch I had a selection of 2 cheeses and meats, as well as a mixed salad and glass of white wine. Well can I just say, that the tomatoes in the salad were THE BEST EVER!!!! They were so sweet, all I wanted was a whole plate of them! And the meats and cheeses were simply divine...I decided to be brave and have the waiter choose for me as I really had no idea, looking at the extensive list...my only stipulation was nothing with blue!

After lunch I walked to the Trevi Fountain...it was extremely crowded as to be expected, and I eventually asked a couple if they would take my photo throwing a coin into it...I then went to the water outlets and drank some of the water....I must say, the water here in Rome is really lovely...wasn't sure what to expect after being spoilt by Melbournes water...well, tonight is my final night here in Rome...I must admit, I am looking forward to the next leg of my trip to enjoy some other peoples company for a few days...whilst I am not lonely, I am missing people to chat to about shared experiences.
Will post again when I arrive in Umbria tomorrow...till then, Lisa. Ciao

The Colosseum

I am writing this at 4am Saturday Rome time! Due to the fact that I got back from the colosseums so exhausted that I slept for 3 hours so of course, now I am wide awake! I spent most of Friday morning on a tour of the Colosseum...it was incredible!! The tour took us to places that the general public aren't permitted to go due to restoration works taking place. We went into the bowels of the Colosseum as well as the very top....I was there very early as they had strict instruction to be there at least 1/2 an hour as they do not wait....it was fun just sitting in the cool shade of the Colosseum watching the souvenir vendors setting up their carts, the "gladiators" getting ready for the photo opportunities they provide all the gullible tourists....I didn't get sucked in to this! And seeing all the crowds gather at the main entrance...I was so glad I had pre-purchased my ticket. I took so many photos I am going to be such a bore when I get home! I think I enjoyed this better than the Vatican.
Afterwards, in an attempt to work out how to get to a restaurant a work colleague had recommended, I spent ages trying to work out which bus to catch....the buses here are another thing all together, as well as the traffic! I have never seen such wild driving, and yet, have also nor seen one accident...and the way people park is quite amusing...the cars are all generally small, there are lots of the smart cars and they park in the smallest of spaces.
I did eventually find the restaurant and by this time, I was quite famished...had the yummiest selection of salads which you basically just picked out, they put on a plate and weighed up...then you paid. After this I wandered around some of the laneways and shops which were amazing. I then headed back to the apartment where I had my sleep....at 8pm I headed out and bought myself a gelati...lemon of course....there are gelati shops around every corner and they have the most amazing selections....I tried a fig flavour too which was really good. Having bought this, I headed back and took my self to bed...

Well that is it for now....I might go back to sleep for a couple of hours before getting up for todays adventure...am hoping to find my way to the Pantheon and Trevi Fountain....

Love to all...Lisa

The Vatican

Well, you will be pleased to hear that I managed NOT to get lost at all today. I visited the Vatican which included entry to the Vatican museums and Sistine chapel. Afterwards I looked through St Peter's basilica....WOW..what amazing art, architecture and inspired workmanship...I think I especially loved some of the architecture, particular taking loads of photos of ceilings and their frescoes.

It was quite late when I got back to my apartment and it has been 32degrees so I was somewhat warm. One of things here is how after work, lots of people take to the streets with their families and so tonight I went and bought myself a gelati and sat in park near my apartment which had a cute carousel, jumping castle, train and men playing bocce. There were parents, their children, and nonna's all enjoying each others company.

After this, I decided it might be a good idea to make dinner...there are a couple of small supermarkets nearby...so I bought myself some fresh tortellini, zucchini, passata, 2 yoghurts and a nectarine...which all came to the grand sum of 2.80 euros....talk about the cheapest meal ever...and I still have enough pasta and sauce for another meal....

Tomorrow i am heading off to the colosseum for a tour...I have already been past it on the bus tour...am looking forward to taking some close up shots and seeing the inside of it...

Till next time,

Lisa

Rome

Rome is my first stop on my journey to Europe....and I have plans to visit the Colosseum

and the Vatican

More importantly, today is my Dad's Birthday...so a big HAPPY BIRTHDAY to you Dad...sending you all my love from over here!!!

First day in Rome

Well, I have arrived safely in Italy and have nearly spent my first day in Rome. The weather has been glorious, though very warm in the sun. Met a lovely New Zealand lady on the plane and so we were able to help each other get the train from the airport into Termini Station...I decided to get a ticket for a hop on hop off bus which takes you around all the major sights/ sites and you basically get off, look around and then catch a later bus to go to the next place...I mainly did this today to try & get my bearings around this city....Quite a challenge...managed to walk for over an hour first thing, only to realize that I had basically gone in one hug circle and nowhere near when I had thought I was going! Oh well, it can only improve.

Well, that is it for today...I shall put my feet up and try and reduce the swelling from the flight and all my walking...as well as try and get rid of blisters too!!!

Tomorrow I am off to the Vatican...

Off I go!

Hi everyone,
I have set up this blog to primarily keep my family up to date with my travels around Europe...and to let my parents know that I am OK!


I am unsure how often I will be updating it...will all depend on Internet access...but hope to write a little something every few days.


So call back here after the 13th September for regular updates.


Chat then, Lisa