Italiano Vivente 13

        A day trip to Florence was an activity we had not planned on, but it was an additional option that was offered guests of Cretaiole. The cost was dependent on the number of participants. It turned out to be a very reasonable excursion because six of us chose to go. The weather was beautiful and sunny and just a little on the warm side. The museums were not air conditioned, so you might want to think about that if you go in the "heat" of the summer.   

Angelo, our driver, safely navigated the curvy roads that led to our destination and nimbly wove his way through the bumper to bumper traffic in Florence. 

Front of Uffizi Museum

We were dropped of across the waterway in front of the Uffizi Museum. We arrived about 10:00 a.m. and were to meet the driver again about 4:00 p.m. We had reservations for specific times to enter the Uffizi and the Accademia. As you can guess, it was a speedy sightseeing few hours. Goals were to visit the Ufizzi, Academia, the Basilica di Santa Maria del Fiore , eat somewhere and return to the meeting place on time. Whew!

Ponte Alla Carraia

Originally built in 1218 of wood but destroyed by a flood in 1274, the Ponte Alla Carraia was rebuilt using stone; but collapsed in 1304. After the 1333 flood, it was the first bridge rebuilt in 1557 by Bartolomeo Ammannati. It was destroyed by the Germans in 1944 and rebuilt in 1948.







Had I known we were going to have this opportunity, I would have taken some pre-trip reading on Florence. All i knew was Michaelangelo's David was in Florence. Okay, I am not a history buff. 

The Uffizi was opened in 1765. It is one of the oldest museums in the Western World. The Accademia del Disegno was the first academy of drawing in Europe. It was founded by Vasair, Brozino and Ammannati in the 16th century. Later on it became an academy of arts and was named the Accademia di Belle Arti.

There were several "living statues" throughout the main thoroughfare in Florence. Living statues or "tableau vivant" was typically a group enacting a scene in medieval and Renaissance times. It was part of the pagentry when a "royal" would be visiting a city. The first visit of a new ruler was typically the occasion. Visitors were welcome to take photos of the living statues but if you wanted your photo taken WITH them, you had to pay a fee. 

Basilica di Santa Maria del Fiore

Interior of the Basilica

Photography is important to me and documenting where I go and what I see is, well, what I do! It was just a little annoying that photography was not allowed in the museums. I do understand there are many reasons it is not allowed. The main one being that most people do not know how to turn off their camera's flash. Flash photography produces a quick burst of light that has long and short wavelength radiation. That can injure artwork. Since i CAN turn my off, I feel that I should be able to take photos, but I do not warrant special favors. So, generally, I do abide by the rules. But, I could not restrain myself from sneaking a couple of quick snaps of "David". Yep, almost got caught by the museum guards, but I pulled it off. Here is the result...

Italiano Vivente 10

Yesterday's weather was very cooperative. After breakfast we headed into Pienza for some shopping/photographing. The Pienza Flower Festival is this coming weekend but the Piazza is already drenched in beautiful foilage. We stopped by the coop on our way back to the car. It was time to purchase more food supplies and some bread. The coop did not have any fresh bread Sunday and we certainly did not enjoy the packaged "manufactured" bread from the shelf.

We returned to our apartment and put away our purchases and looked through the photos we took. As you can see, the flowers and the vistas are so pleasant.

Wanda, Pamela, Cathy

In the early afternoon we headed towards an agriturismo just outside Montepulciano, Poggio Etrusco. Pamela Sheldon Johns, a facebook friend of Cathy's, and now  mine, was kind enough to invite us to her home. Her home is located in the country with a pool and view of the val d' orcia. you can check out more about Poggio Etrusco at the following website: www.Poggio-Etrusco.com

Just before sunset we drove down the road to see the Cappella di Vitaleta--a little chapel just about a mile from where we were staying. It is a tiny little church, that is no longer in use, and you cannot go inside. It is nestled between cyprus trees and is so quaint that it draws the eyes of anyone who passes.

Italiano Vivente 9

It's raining a bit here in Tuscany. But, there is a roaring fire in the fireplace and Cathy is preparing dinner. Lest you think I just sit and do nothing, it is my job to clean up the kitchen after meals. It is time for our dinner. It has been sort of a lazy day. First thing this morning we did our laundry. Since a clothes dryer is nearly non-existent in Italy (due to energy costs) the clothes are drying on racks in front of the fireplace.

First activity this morning was orientation with all the guests. This was conducted by Isa Morriciani. There are several activities that guests can choose to participate in for the week. She explained the activities and took a head count for each. We are planning on the early  morning walk; visit to the Hermitage; Day trip to Florence and Pici making and dinner at Cretaiole.

After orientation all guests gathered at the Morricini home for a tour of their farm and to see and taste their produce: pecorino romano cheese, proscuitto and wine.

They raise chickens, ducks, rabbits and pigs and grow olives and grapes for wine making--and all for their consumption and for their guests.  Guests can also purchase their produce as well.


The olive oil they produce is my absolute favorite. I WISH i could purchase it or have it shipped home, but I cannot. The oil has a flavor like nothing I've ever tasted and it always leaves me wanting more.

It was an enjoyable morning for a me and all the guests.

Italiano Vivente 8

I can't believe it's been nearly a week since my trip to Italy began. The time has been filled with activity every day. Today, Pisa was the next stop on the agenda.

From what I had read about Pisa, I was not expecting the town to be so large. If you are interested in shopping for some name brand merchandise, head to Pisa. We walked through the shopping district on our way to the tower. The wares were plentiful and beautiful.

The Baptistery

Another thing that surprised me was how beautiful the Tower is! I had not done much research on the tower except to know that the renovations were for the most part over and it was open again for tourist access to the top. But, it is gleaming white with a beautiful exterior. It does lean as much as you might have seen in pictures, but to actually SEE it leaning was spectacular.

The Cathedral

The climb to the top was not too difficult. Patrons are allowed one hour in the tower--that includes the climb up, viewing and the climb down. And, that is about the exact amount of time that I used. The stairs are quite worn. The last few steps are about 18" wide, so the passage way narrows quite  bit. The "leaning" was very noticeable as I made my way to the top. As I made my way around the inside of the tower, I could tell which side I was on by the way my body chose to lean first towards one side then the other.

I would certainly encourage you to put Pisa and the Tower of Pisa on your list of "must sees".

Italiano Vivente 7

In Corniglia

We arrived!!

Upon arrival to Corniglia Cathy used my cell to call Christiana. In about 3 minutes she and her son Gabriel came to greet us at the bus stop. Greetings were exchanged. Christiana said that she was the sole person at her deli and could Gabriel show us to our rooms. Gabriel was eight years of age. He was very friendly and polite. He stated that he wanted to move to the United States. He did not like Corniglia. His ambition would be to move to Hollywood and become an actor! He was excited to know we were from the United States. We climbed many more steps before we reached our apartment. But, we finally did.

The apartment was spacious and clean. Small kitchen, living, dining area, nice size bath (shower only) and a bedroom with king bed. The couch also made out into a king bed and a roll away was folded in the corner. We bid a thank you to Gabriel and tipped him 4 euro.

We did some unpacking  then made our way back down the hill to the center of town. We determined to eat our supper at Christiana’s deli. It was a teeny tiny place. But the food looked fresh and appetizing. I had a vegetarian bruschetta sandwich with lemon soda and Cathy the prosciutto.

It was beginning to rain as we left the deli but we did not want to stay IN the teeny place to eat, so we walked about looking for a place to sit. We ended up at the bus stop, which is outside. It started to rain more seriously so we just pulled our hoods up and munched on. Cathy did have her umbrella and opened it for the few moments the rain was at its worst. After eating we made our way back to some of the shops. Our first stop was Gelato!!! A nice, nice treat and something we had been looking forward to for months!! At least I had. I had no had gelato, I don’t think since I was in Italy in 2007.

After our dessert, food for breakfast was the agenda. A little market provided us with milk, bread, nutella, orange juice, wine, cheese and yogurt. We were set at least for the next few hours. So, BACK up the hill we went to our apartment for the night.

Groceries put away, we continued to organize our belongings. First order of business was to determine which of the electronic devices needed to be charged. Once we figured that all out, we admitted we were dog tired. We relaxed and savored a glass of wine, some cheese and bread while sitting on the balcony. We were able to view the town and listen to the chatter of the people.

Time for showers and bed, hoping for sweet dreams and peaceful slumbers.

Italiano Vivente 5

Mt. Vesuvius

        It’s now just 13 days until time to fly outta Indiana. I’m really getting excited now. Only one more weekend to make sure I have everything I need and that everything will fit into the pack and bag that I’m taking. It’s about this point every time I get ready for vacation—I start feeling really anxious, kinda like ants crawling around inside. The anticipation, the visualizing of how I perceive the trip will unfold and the activities that I may be involved in. You know, the reality is rarely like the dream, but oh, it’s fun to dream. I don’t build the expectation up too high, but having been to Italy before I have a decent idea of at least how I’m going to feel once I get there. Elated comes to mind!

        Today it is raining, that’s good. More motivation to stay indoors and make trip preparations--as if I really need motivation for that. At any rate, I don’t feel so guilty about staying inside!

        So far, I have made copies of important documents and credit and insurance cards, itinerary, reservations and passport. Camera lenses are cleaned and memory cards formatted and in their case. Laundry is underway and all clothing that I’m packing is getting cleaned. Toiletries are packed in their one quart zip lock bag. I need to update my emergency contact information and organize paperwork in the backpack.

         Well, I should get back to my preparations. Time is rapidly counting down.

Italiano Vivente 3

Cathy and I on our first trip to Italy.

       Last weekend I was immersed with thoughts and planning of traveling to Italy! I never dreamed I would be visiting the Italian Riviera. I did some reading on the first stop of our vacation, Corniglia (pronounced "Kor kneel e ah"). It is a quiet little town. Cars are not permitted!! Honestly I doubt they could get there. Boats, trains and hoofing it are the modes of transportation!! I am looking forward to relaxing in the piazza, hiking the trails and experiencing the massive view of the Mediterranian Sea. Here is a website if you want to read about it.  http://www.my-cinque-terre.com/corniglia.htm.

         I must be hungry as I'm writing this cause I'm also thinking of the culinary experiences that await. The Liguria area is known for "pesto". Pesto is a sauce made from basil leaves, garlic, salt, olive oil, pine nuts and pecorino cheese. Oh, my, pecorino cheese--brings back memories of my last trip. A totally delicious cheese.  A most mouth watering bread that is common to the area is Focaccia. Now a snack that I have not tried is Farinata. It is described as a "savoury and crunchy pancake made from a base of chick-pea flour." I want to try that! Now last but certainly not least, and I probably should have mentioned it first, is Gelato made with  local honey. I can only imagine the sweet rich flavor!! MMMM MMM MM

Oh, my, I'm gonna have calorie laden dreams tonight!!

Italiano Vivente 2

       Today was pre-pack practice for my upcoming trip. Last trip I packed for the trip using the traditional travel carry-on and a backpack. Checking luggage was something I didn't want to do. Going to baggage claim takes time and losing luggage just was not an option.
       This time, I'm going to try travelling with just a backpack and "personal" item. No traditional "carry on" bag. The personal item will be an oversized purse/bag. The challenging part is packing each bag so that the weight is balanced between the two and the overall weight isn't prohibitive. The hope is, even more freedom when travelling from place to place.  
       Weight really wouldn't be an issue if it weren't for the camera and computer. I have a netbook, so it's small but it still adds significant weight. Then of course there is the electronic cords, chargers and outlet converters. Oh, and the phone, earphones and charger, too. You know, for the L O N G flight over. At this point the pack and bag weigh 25.6 pounds. I better do some weight lifting and build some more muscle!
       I still have a list of things I need to do but only a couple more items to buy. Exchanging currency is the most depressing thing--I lose money going from dollars to euros--is it worth it---oh, wow, yes. SOMEDAY, I am going to get the journal of my first trip to Italy edited and published, but until then, I am starting on my second.....and you get to come along for the ride! Pack your bags, we're going to have fun!!

Italiano Vivente!!

       I wanted to start this blog post a little ahead of time to let you know that soon I will be heading to Italy for two weeks with my best friend, Cathy. I'm SO excited. We had the opportunity to visit Italy in 2007. We went in celebration of  a "special" birthday milestone for each of us. (Sorry, keeping that a secret.) We had such a wonderful time we made a promise we would go back again. This is the year!! This time Cinque Terre, Pisa and Pienza are the main stops on the agenda. There will be other towns along the way and of course great adventures and of course photography! Stay tuned!!!!!!!!!!!!

       If you want to tag along with me and Cathy, as we journey back to Italia, you can follow along by reading my blog entries under the post title Italiano Vivente. The post can be found just to your left under More Topics for You! The best part, you don't have to pack a thing! Grab a cup of coffee, sit back and let's go!!