Our last day in Italy, cant believe it...today, we day tripped from the hill town of Orvieto, where we are staying for 2 nights, to Civita. Civita is indescribeable, but I will do my best. It is a medieval/etruscian/really ancient town built on a hilltop. There is one way in and out of town, just a footbridge (used to be a donkey path, but that eroded away over time). Civita is essentially an island on a hill. With clouds surrounding it, it looks like it is floating in the sky. Here is a link http://www.civitadibagnoregio.it/english/index.htm (cut and paste it into your browser) We actually had lunch at the restaurant owned by the guy who maintains the website.
Now we are back in Orvieto. We just got gelato (again) and are reminiscing about our amazing adventure. We have seen so many amazing places and, most importantly, learned so much about each other and grown stronger together.
Tomorrow we begin our long (approx 24 hour) journey home. Bus to train to train to plane to plane to car...
Ciao for now,
J and J
Tuesday, July 27, 2010
Sunday, July 25, 2010
Under The Tuscan Sun
Yesterday, (after 3 trains and a bus ride) we finally arrived in the beautiful Tuscan hill town of Cortona. This is the town made famous by the book and movie Under the Tuscan Sun. It really is unbelievable here. The moment we both got off the bus, huge smiles came across our tired faces as the views from atop the hill of the Tuscan countryside were indescribably beautiful. We then walked down the main street from our bus stop about 50 yards to find the entrance to our hotel. The hotel owner, Mossimo, was waiting for us to show us to our room. It is a big, spacious room in a medieval building complete with a canopy bed and nice decor throughout. Mossimo gave us a 10 minute town orientation and guided us in the direction of the sights we might want to see. So we headed out to see what the town had to offer. Two doors down from the hotel, we got sidetracked by a gelato store...wait a minute...not just any gelato stand, but the best gelato we have had on this trip. So far, Josh has had gelato there twice yesterday and twice today (and hes not done yet!!!!). Jen is a bit behind Josh, but is going strong with 2 gelato servings and a huge merangue cookie (and still also not done yet!!). WE LOVE IT HERE!!!!!!!!! SOOOOO MUCH!!!!
After that wonderful start, we explored the city with tiny, hilly, winding streets and amazing views everywhere we looked. We settled on a place for dinner (someplace Rick recommended of course), and had one of the best meals of our trip so far. The food here is so fresh and everything is homemade. We shared a plate of mouthwatering gnocci that was heaven sent, followed by salad and steak that was also delicious. What a fantastic afternoon and evening after all of our traveling.
Today, we had a lazy morning of sleeping in, breakfast in a local cafe and more wandering the streets. We also bought a piece of art we really like (a painting of the town center of Cortona) to someday (hopefully soon) decorate our house with. We then went for a long walk around the outside of the city walls and passed by Frances Mayes house, Bramasole (the actual one from the book). On the way back into town, our walk was interrupted by a sudden thunderstorm. We were in the middle of a winding mountain road, so we had no choice but to duck into the forest to find some shelter. We huddled together under some trees for about a half hour watching the rain fall all around us (and getting pretty cold too) before the sun finally broke through and we made it home. We will be very sad to leave (heavenly, slow paced) Cortona tomorrow, but were also looking forward to seeing more of Tuscany.
Now, as for our last day in Sorrento (2 days ago) we woke up early and headed for the ancient ruins of Pompei. We arrived just as it was opening and there was no line, so we headed right in. Using a Rick Steves audioguide(downloaded to our ipods) to show us around, we saw so many amazing sights. We saw homes, baths, mosaics, frescoes, town center, pillars, people entombed in plaster, a gladiator arena, and even a brothel (complete with stone beds and frescoes on the stone portraying scenes of services offered!!). All of this preserved by the eruption of Mt. Vesuvius in 79 AD. The afternoon was spent relaxing at our hotel and swimming in the pool before we headed into the town center for dinner.
We cant believe this adventure is almost over. We are so sad to see it come to an end, but also are very excited to return home and, of course, see all of you.
Ciao for now,
J and J
After that wonderful start, we explored the city with tiny, hilly, winding streets and amazing views everywhere we looked. We settled on a place for dinner (someplace Rick recommended of course), and had one of the best meals of our trip so far. The food here is so fresh and everything is homemade. We shared a plate of mouthwatering gnocci that was heaven sent, followed by salad and steak that was also delicious. What a fantastic afternoon and evening after all of our traveling.
Today, we had a lazy morning of sleeping in, breakfast in a local cafe and more wandering the streets. We also bought a piece of art we really like (a painting of the town center of Cortona) to someday (hopefully soon) decorate our house with. We then went for a long walk around the outside of the city walls and passed by Frances Mayes house, Bramasole (the actual one from the book). On the way back into town, our walk was interrupted by a sudden thunderstorm. We were in the middle of a winding mountain road, so we had no choice but to duck into the forest to find some shelter. We huddled together under some trees for about a half hour watching the rain fall all around us (and getting pretty cold too) before the sun finally broke through and we made it home. We will be very sad to leave (heavenly, slow paced) Cortona tomorrow, but were also looking forward to seeing more of Tuscany.
Now, as for our last day in Sorrento (2 days ago) we woke up early and headed for the ancient ruins of Pompei. We arrived just as it was opening and there was no line, so we headed right in. Using a Rick Steves audioguide(downloaded to our ipods) to show us around, we saw so many amazing sights. We saw homes, baths, mosaics, frescoes, town center, pillars, people entombed in plaster, a gladiator arena, and even a brothel (complete with stone beds and frescoes on the stone portraying scenes of services offered!!). All of this preserved by the eruption of Mt. Vesuvius in 79 AD. The afternoon was spent relaxing at our hotel and swimming in the pool before we headed into the town center for dinner.
We cant believe this adventure is almost over. We are so sad to see it come to an end, but also are very excited to return home and, of course, see all of you.
Ciao for now,
J and J
Thursday, July 22, 2010
The three of us are having a great time on the honeymoon!
Often it feels like there are 3 of us on this trip. Even before we boarded the airplane, Josh was spending a lot of time with Rick. In planning our honeymoon, Josh seemed to care more about what Rick thought/advised than what I thought or even his parents (who are travel agents!) thought. We have been abroad for a little over a month and even still Josh cannot spent a single day without Rick. Here is a typical scenario:
Jen: What should we do today?
Josh: Let me see what Rick thinks.
Jen: Where do you want to get gelato?
Josh: Lets go to Ricks favorite gelato place.
Jen: What time does our train leave.
Josh: Hold on a minute, let me see what Rick says.
Sometimes at night when I am tired and want to go to bed, Josh tells me he is not ready for bed yet because he wants to spend even more quality time with Rick. I mean, come on, this is our honeymoon!!
And the craziest thing is, I have seen this all over, in Venice, Florence, Siena, Milan, Paris...everyone consulting Rick Steves. http://www.ricksteves.com/
As I look back over the past month, I am grateful Rick has been with us. His excellent travel advice (from where to stay, where to eat, to which museums are most worthwhile) has only made our experience even memorable! The next time you visit Europe, bring Rick, you will be so glad you did.
p.s. this is not a paid advertisement!
Jen: What should we do today?
Josh: Let me see what Rick thinks.
Jen: Where do you want to get gelato?
Josh: Lets go to Ricks favorite gelato place.
Jen: What time does our train leave.
Josh: Hold on a minute, let me see what Rick says.
Sometimes at night when I am tired and want to go to bed, Josh tells me he is not ready for bed yet because he wants to spend even more quality time with Rick. I mean, come on, this is our honeymoon!!
And the craziest thing is, I have seen this all over, in Venice, Florence, Siena, Milan, Paris...everyone consulting Rick Steves. http://www.ricksteves.com/
As I look back over the past month, I am grateful Rick has been with us. His excellent travel advice (from where to stay, where to eat, to which museums are most worthwhile) has only made our experience even memorable! The next time you visit Europe, bring Rick, you will be so glad you did.
p.s. this is not a paid advertisement!
sorrento
After a long day of travel (over an hour with which had no air conditioning) we arrived in Sorrento yesterday afternoon. We were so excited upon seeing that our hotel has a huge pool. After throwing down our backpacks in our room we immediately got out of our sweaty clothes, put on our swim suits and headed to the pool to cool off (ahhh.) Refreshed, we then took a nice walk to the center of Sorrento and found a tasty restaurant to enjoy dinner. Downtown Sorrento is full of tourists, restaurants, shops, and piazzas. It is also a coastal town so the view of sorrento and from sorrento is beautiful (like cinque terre the city is built on a seaside cliff.) During dinner our restuarant was serenaded by a musical quartet (joshs term.)
This morning we took a super fun (jens term) and tasty cooking class. We assisted in making fried mini pizzas, home made ravioli stuffed with 3 kinds of cheese, so called crazy water fish, and tiramisu for dessert. Jens favorite part of the cooking class was sneaking bites of the tiramisu while preparing it. Joshs favorite parts were sprinkling cheese on the pizza and finishing jens wine. We have had some great food but making it ourselves turned this 4 course meal into one of the most enjoyable we have had so far. Cooking in a nice kitchen with A/C was also a nice change from roaming around in the heat sightseeing.
Tomorrow we will be getting up early and heading to Pompeii...We will tell you more about that soon....
p.s. Cant believe we will be home in a week!
This morning we took a super fun (jens term) and tasty cooking class. We assisted in making fried mini pizzas, home made ravioli stuffed with 3 kinds of cheese, so called crazy water fish, and tiramisu for dessert. Jens favorite part of the cooking class was sneaking bites of the tiramisu while preparing it. Joshs favorite parts were sprinkling cheese on the pizza and finishing jens wine. We have had some great food but making it ourselves turned this 4 course meal into one of the most enjoyable we have had so far. Cooking in a nice kitchen with A/C was also a nice change from roaming around in the heat sightseeing.
Tomorrow we will be getting up early and heading to Pompeii...We will tell you more about that soon....
p.s. Cant believe we will be home in a week!
Roma Romama (Lady Gagas tribute to Rome)
So, we finished our stay in Rome with a busy 2 days. First, we decided to do a little Jewish Heritage trip and we went the Jewish Ghetto and the biggest temple in Rome. The temple only dates back about 100 years, but its very interesting because everything in the temple (the torahs, the artwork, etc) is from the time of the ghetto (roughly 1400-1900). In the old ghetto, the pope decreed that the Jews were only going to be allowed one building for a temple, so the Jews being resourceful, put five temples in the one building for the different strains of Judaism (sephardic, roman, etc). The temple itself was quite interesting because it looks like a church. It was designed by Romans and Christians as a sort of apology for the years of the ghetto, but no Jews were involved in the design. So it seems like a church building decorated in a Jewish style.
On our last day in Rome, we went to a couple of museums. The first was the national museum of Rome, which was interesting, but unexciting. We did not have much information on the museum and there was not much English inside to guide us around. Basically, it was a whole bunch of old Roman art and sculpture dating back about 2000 years. Next, we went to the Borghese Gallery. This may have been our favorite museum of the whole trip. There was a great audio guide to take us through the museum. The museum was the Villa of the Cardinal Borghese in the 17th century. He was the popes nephew and, as such, was able to attain whatever artwork he wanted. Needless to say, its an incredible collection. The Bernini sculpures (how did he carve delicate leaves from stone?) were definitely the highlight. The villa itself was beautiful and is set in the middle of a huge garden (like Central Park), which only makes it better. It was a great way to spend our last day in Rome.
Some of the other things we loved about Rome were the night markets and the piazzas (we would constantly pass and run into.) As you roam around Rome (hahaha), there are numerous piazzas, each filled with street performers, artists, touristy shops, cafes, gelato, etc. We would make our way at night from one to another just taking in the scene (def some of the best people watching of the trip!!).
Finally, we just want you all to know that Jen has a new favorite restaurant in the entire world. If youve been keeping up with our blog, then you know about Miscellanea ( of the famous free strawberry wine)...well, we ended up eating there 4 days in a row...the food and prices were great and the staff was very friendly. After the second day, they basically knew what we would order. Finding great restaurants that you love and get to know (esp while abroad) is so fun. You arrive at the restaurant and it feels so homey.
Yesterday we left for Sorrento ( a long day of travel).
We miss you all and will see you soon,
J and J
On our last day in Rome, we went to a couple of museums. The first was the national museum of Rome, which was interesting, but unexciting. We did not have much information on the museum and there was not much English inside to guide us around. Basically, it was a whole bunch of old Roman art and sculpture dating back about 2000 years. Next, we went to the Borghese Gallery. This may have been our favorite museum of the whole trip. There was a great audio guide to take us through the museum. The museum was the Villa of the Cardinal Borghese in the 17th century. He was the popes nephew and, as such, was able to attain whatever artwork he wanted. Needless to say, its an incredible collection. The Bernini sculpures (how did he carve delicate leaves from stone?) were definitely the highlight. The villa itself was beautiful and is set in the middle of a huge garden (like Central Park), which only makes it better. It was a great way to spend our last day in Rome.
Some of the other things we loved about Rome were the night markets and the piazzas (we would constantly pass and run into.) As you roam around Rome (hahaha), there are numerous piazzas, each filled with street performers, artists, touristy shops, cafes, gelato, etc. We would make our way at night from one to another just taking in the scene (def some of the best people watching of the trip!!).
Finally, we just want you all to know that Jen has a new favorite restaurant in the entire world. If youve been keeping up with our blog, then you know about Miscellanea ( of the famous free strawberry wine)...well, we ended up eating there 4 days in a row...the food and prices were great and the staff was very friendly. After the second day, they basically knew what we would order. Finding great restaurants that you love and get to know (esp while abroad) is so fun. You arrive at the restaurant and it feels so homey.
Yesterday we left for Sorrento ( a long day of travel).
We miss you all and will see you soon,
J and J
Sunday, July 18, 2010
Roma!
Hello from Rome! On Friday we left the small coastal town of Vernazza and took a 4 hour train ride south to Rome. After finding our hotel (the most comfy of our trip so far; hooray for air conditioning, a shower separate from the toilet, TV, a phone, and even a balcony) we took a shuttle to central Rome to begin our adventure. We were starving and luckily found an excellent little pizza place. For 5 euros each we ordered huge pizzas and scarfed them down. Refueled, we took an evening stroll through Rome passing such well known places as the Spanish steps, Trevi fountain, and the first Mcdonalds in Italy, est in 1986 and nicer than most restaurants we have splurged at. Seriously, the McDonalds in Italy have been super nice (even have computerized ordering systems.) Oh yeah...and a little place called the Colloseum!!
Yesterday (Sat) was our first full day in Rome and we began with a guided tour of Vatican City. We learned that the pope must be a smart guy (to leave Rome during the 100 degree temps of July.) Vatican City is one of the most visited locales in the world. There were probably more tourists there than gelato shops in Italy, which really is saying a lot. After the audio tour of the Vatican Museum we stepped into Michaelangos Sistine Chapel, one of the most amazing artistic sites we have ever seen. It is unbelievable that Michaelango painted the entire ceiling of the Sistine Chapel and he didnt even consider himself a painter! The figures of the sistine chapel seem 3d, like they are literally falling from the ceiling, incredible!! After the sistine chapel, we entered St Peters Basilica, which many consider the most impressive church on earth! It was equally gigantic and beautiful.
This morning, we woke up early to beat the heat (as best we could) and visited the colosseum, roman forum, and the pantheon. The colosseum is as amazing in structure and fascinating as jen had hoped. The events that took place in the colosseum (gladiator fights, etc) are pretty disturbing, but our audio tour helped put this past into some context. Standing in front and inside of the colosseum was one of those huge WOW, I CANT BELIEVE I AM REALLY HERE moments...love those!!
We finished our morning of touring at our new favorite restaurant, Miscellanea (we were there last night for dinner and today for lunch.) We love Miscellanea for a few reasons. They have tasty food at affordable prices, generous salads, pasta and sandwiches for 4 to 7 euros and if you have the rick steves book (which is our travel bible) you get FREE STRAWBERRY WINE....JENS NEW FAVORITE DRINK (sorry coffee!).
Now, we are hot and tired after a long day of sightseeing in the hot sun (about 100 degrees), so we are gonna go back to the AC and take a nap.
Ciao for now,
Jen and Josh
Yesterday (Sat) was our first full day in Rome and we began with a guided tour of Vatican City. We learned that the pope must be a smart guy (to leave Rome during the 100 degree temps of July.) Vatican City is one of the most visited locales in the world. There were probably more tourists there than gelato shops in Italy, which really is saying a lot. After the audio tour of the Vatican Museum we stepped into Michaelangos Sistine Chapel, one of the most amazing artistic sites we have ever seen. It is unbelievable that Michaelango painted the entire ceiling of the Sistine Chapel and he didnt even consider himself a painter! The figures of the sistine chapel seem 3d, like they are literally falling from the ceiling, incredible!! After the sistine chapel, we entered St Peters Basilica, which many consider the most impressive church on earth! It was equally gigantic and beautiful.
This morning, we woke up early to beat the heat (as best we could) and visited the colosseum, roman forum, and the pantheon. The colosseum is as amazing in structure and fascinating as jen had hoped. The events that took place in the colosseum (gladiator fights, etc) are pretty disturbing, but our audio tour helped put this past into some context. Standing in front and inside of the colosseum was one of those huge WOW, I CANT BELIEVE I AM REALLY HERE moments...love those!!
We finished our morning of touring at our new favorite restaurant, Miscellanea (we were there last night for dinner and today for lunch.) We love Miscellanea for a few reasons. They have tasty food at affordable prices, generous salads, pasta and sandwiches for 4 to 7 euros and if you have the rick steves book (which is our travel bible) you get FREE STRAWBERRY WINE....JENS NEW FAVORITE DRINK (sorry coffee!).
Now, we are hot and tired after a long day of sightseeing in the hot sun (about 100 degrees), so we are gonna go back to the AC and take a nap.
Ciao for now,
Jen and Josh
Friday, July 16, 2010
what a night!!
Last night, we went to the most amazing dinner here in Cinque Terre. We sat high above the town in a restaurant in an old castle with a view of both the ocean at sunset and the town of Vernazza (where we have been staying). To start, we had homemade pasta with pesto sauce ( the pesto sauce here is amazing...its the birthplace of pesto and we can promise youve never tasted anything like it at home). Then for the main course, we had the seafood feast. Clams, mussels, crawfish, other fish, unidentifiable seafood. Upon its arrival in a big pan that is was cooked in, Jen began to say 'oh no, oh no' because some of the animals still had faces and legs etc. However, she braved it and ate every last drop. It was sooooooooo delicious and wonderful. We feel so lucky to be having so many amazing experiences.
The last couple of days here have been great. Upon arrival, we were hot and tired, so we headed down to the ocean for a little swim. The next morning, we woke up early and took the long, narrow, hilly, beautiful hike through all five towns. I just cant describe in words how great it really was. We started in Monterosso and hiked the first leg in about 90 minutes which got us back to Vernazza where we took a short break in our room for an early lunch. We then headed out on the rest of the hike (which took about 3 more hours) before ending in RioMaggiore and having lunch at a little restaurant called Bar Centrale (the first place Josh ever had a cappucino 11 years ago on his backpacking trip across Europe). After the hike, we took another swim to cool off. Yesterday, we did part of the hike again just for fun and went to a big street market in Monterosso. Then, you guessed it, another swim in the ocean before relaxing a bit before our big meal. Today, we head for Rome. It should be great....and hot!!!
The last couple of days here have been great. Upon arrival, we were hot and tired, so we headed down to the ocean for a little swim. The next morning, we woke up early and took the long, narrow, hilly, beautiful hike through all five towns. I just cant describe in words how great it really was. We started in Monterosso and hiked the first leg in about 90 minutes which got us back to Vernazza where we took a short break in our room for an early lunch. We then headed out on the rest of the hike (which took about 3 more hours) before ending in RioMaggiore and having lunch at a little restaurant called Bar Centrale (the first place Josh ever had a cappucino 11 years ago on his backpacking trip across Europe). After the hike, we took another swim to cool off. Yesterday, we did part of the hike again just for fun and went to a big street market in Monterosso. Then, you guessed it, another swim in the ocean before relaxing a bit before our big meal. Today, we head for Rome. It should be great....and hot!!!
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