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Showing posts with label Italy. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Italy. Show all posts

Travel Snaps, Part 3: Rome, Pompeii and Pisa

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It's time for a little break from your holiday planning, Blogging Friends. 

For those who may not have read about my recent trip, I went to Italy last month. After five days of traveling solo, I met up with friends who had been having their own adventures. Should you wish to see earlier posts of the journey, you can find one about Florence and another featuring Fiesole & Orvieto.

This first photo was taken in Rome and shows the Spanish Steps.

If you look closely (on the left side of one of the landings), you'll see me (in the blue blouse) waving to you!



The bottom left photo in this mosaic shows part of the Trevi Fountain. One friend was amazed, having expected a small, round structure. We tossed coins in to ensure a return trip.  After all, I did it once before, and here I was again!

The other three pictures were taken in the Pantheon, an amazing round building with a fascinating evolving history. Raphael is buried there, as are 2 kings of Italy. (That's an honorary guard, made up of volunteers, in the colourful uniforms.)



As a day trip from Rome, our little gang of seven went to Pompeii and spent hours wandering around the remains of the ancient city. It had housed 20 000 people at the time Mount Vesuvius erupted in 79 AD, with catastrophic results.



These are some details of the baths. Amazing.



Following our time in Pompeii, it was back to Rome for 2 nights and then on to meet our ship for my first cruise.

At our initial port of call, I chose to take an excursion to Pisa. I wasn't about to be that close to the Leaning Tower and not see it!




The day was grey and damp, but that didn't negatively impact the experience at all. I was just sorry I didn't have more time to wander around before having to catch to bus back to the ship. 



For "Travel Snaps, Part 4",  I'll show some photos of Toulon, France. If you thought Pisa was damp...
Perhaps I'll include the photo of me in an outfit no self-respecting Frenchwoman would dream of wearing!

I'm pleased to be linking with Little Red House for "Mosaic Monday". Why don't you pop over and see who's there this week!

Thank you so much for taking the time to visit. I truly appreciate it and love to read any comments you leave.

Warm Wishes,
Karen

Travel Snaps (& a Video), Part 2: Fiesole and Orvieto, Italy

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A few days ago, I posted some photos (here) of Florence, Italy. What a place!

Just 9 km outside of that marvelous city is the ancient town of Fiesole, on top of one of the many hills.

The first photo in the following mosaic shows an inviting-looking house at the base of a steep set of stairs, which I descended (and later ascended). I can only imagine that those who live in this area have very strong legs as the entire town provides a beautiful workout.




The shrine reminded me of the one in the book/movie, "Under the Tuscan Sun". Not a big leap on my part, considering I was in beautiful Tuscany at the time, with the fabulous sound of church bells ringing regularly.



This short video gives you a glimpse of the bus ride up to Fiesole. The quality isn't very good, and you'll have to ignore the wisps of my hair blowing in the wind, but it may just give you a sense of the countryside. The landscape, the tile roofs, the bright buildings, the cypress trees...I love them all!



Following my stay in Florence was one night in Orvieto. You know you're in a lovely place when you open the bathroom shutters and see roses blooming in November. (You may have them at this time of year where you live, but not in my corner of the world.)

In the next mosaic, the first photo shows part of the steep hill I had just climbed (towing my suitcase), vowing to make an effort to get in better shape. Looking in the opposite direction is the old walled city. Thank goodness for the funicular!





Imagine narrow streets and pathways, pomegranates hanging over stone walls, colourful pottery, stunning views...



I hope you enjoyed these images, which I'm sharing with Mary at Little Red House for "Mosaic Monday".


I'll post some photos of Rome, Pompeii and a few other places soon, along with more homey pursuits!


Thank you for taking the time to visit.

Warm Wishes,
Karen

Still Traveling Solo: Two Views from Orvieto, Italy

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I love how the word "Anteprima" showed up instead of  "Preview" when I checked the size of these photos for this blog page. I'm still in Italy, traveling alone, and thought I'd sneak in a quick post before I join my Canadian friends in Rome tomorrow. We'll have stories to share of our various travels since we sat together at the airport last Friday night. We're taking a cruise home, starting Sunday. I know this all sounds rather extravagant, but one friend is fabulous at hunting down excellent travel deals!

When I get home, I'll sort through my photos and post a selection, if there's some interest. I like seeing the travel pictures of others, but many do not share that point of view!

Hope you're all well, new and returning friends!

-Karen

Florence (Firenze) Italy: I may never leave...

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Just a quick "ciao" to say I am in love with Florence. No time to post or comment on yours. I'm sure you understand! This is a view from across the river, up a hill.
I'm a 5 minute walk from the huge church you see, in a cheap and cheerful hotel in the heart of old Firenze (Florence).

Bye!

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