October 8 - 24, 2014 Taking USA friends on a 12 day tour of Italy

October 8 - 24, 2014

What a whirlwind 12 days with my guests from USA.

Got up early on Wednesday, October 8th and caught the train to Rome to meet my wonderful friends from USA.  This was a visit that was planned over a year ago.  In June of 2013 we were both in Riverton, Utah and as we were visiting about my move to Italy, they decided since they were coming to Barcelona, Spain to catch a cruise anyway in October 2014, they would just fly over a few days earlier and come see me.  Great idea!  So glad they did... we had 12 wonderful days together.  Many of these pictures (but not all) I posted on Facebook, so you many think they look familiar... well that is why :)  But many of my friends are not on Facebook and only read the Blog, and also, the blog is my diary, so was necessary to post again.

October 8th, my 5 hour train ride to Rome:

 Meeting them at the Airport in Rome that evening.

Their first meal in Italy... 

 October 9th.  After a night of rest, headed to the Vatican Museum etc.

but in the meantime, found a place to have a Yummy cannoli !

stuffed with Ricotta Cheese... they are delicious!

The courtyard where Carissa and I had stayed in Rome.  When you walk down the street, all you see is a unimportant looking green door.  But when you walk through that door, it was so beautiful.  I had to show them what was behind the doors in Italy.  Beautiful Beautiful places.  Also, since I still had to study my Italian lessons every day, even if I was touring Italy with my friends, I sat in this hotel lobby and studied for three hours while they toured the Vatican Museum.  I had seen it in May.

 St Peter's Basillica

Frank and Wanda

 Found the car I would love to have!

Tevere (aka Tiber) River in Rome

 St Angel Castle

Wanda, me and Frank in front of St Peter's

 Late in the afternoon, I phoned Ralf and Danny to meet us here for dinner.  After dinner we walked along the river and around by the Pantheon.  Lovely evening had by all!

Ralf Wendt and Danny Kamper

St Angel Castle at night

The Pantheon

Next morning Oct. 10th more touring of Rome.

The Colosseum

Frank & Wanda

Frank rented a car and put me as driver so off went went toward Bari around 4pm.  A beautiful drive, but was so hard for them to stay awake, as they had very little sleep for several days by now :)  When we arrived at my apartment in Bari, they had a long sleep.  On Saturday, we didn't do much, a little grocery shopping, then hung out on the beach.

 The drive from Rome to Bari

Arriving in Bari at my Apartment near the Adriatic Sea.  White car parked across the street is the one we are renting/driving.

Also, got a parking ticket the next evening, as there was no where to park... oops :)

October 11th.  Next morning is sunny and beautiful.  Went to the markets to purchase groceries and observe the beautiful Architecture in Bari

Breakfast in my Apartment

Dinner at my Apartment

Spent a few hours at the Beach... Frank would have loved to do nothing else all day :)

 In the evening I invited my dear and special Bari friends to Pizza with us.  I wanted my Italian friends to meet my American friends :)  Also they everyone needs to experience the Pizza in Italy.  Sooooo different than in USA.  I rarely ate Pizza until I came to Italy.

 Ink of squid in this crust.

 http://www.tripadvisor.com/Restaurant_Review-g187874-d1156575-Reviews-Ristorante_Al_Santa_Lucia-Bari_Province_of_Bari_Puglia.html

 My American friends meet my Italian friends!  Wonderful evening had by all.

 Me, Luigi and Teresa

Me, Wanda, Luigi and Frank

October 12th, Sunday and church, also Lunch with the Caputo's.  Frank and Wanda getting to meet more of my wonderful Italian friends.

 Marco standing behind me

 L to R: Carlo, Nicola, Roberto, Mariella, me, Aurora, Malfalda, AnnaRita, Caterina, Wanda, Cristina, Frank

 Visiting with Marco and Cristina

 Frank and Wanda Burhans from Missouri

Roberto helping me grate cheese

Sunday Lunch at Caputo's

 Caputo's home and their homemade Olive Oil.  The best!!!

Sunday evening at Malfalda's

L - R:  Carlo (back) Freda, Nicola, Roberto, Luigi

Love the Caputo's, they are always there for me!!!  So on Monday, I wanted to do something for them...

Monday, October 13th.  I wanted Frank and Wanda to get to see Alberobello, so invited Nicola and Mariella to go with us... they had a lovely day as did we all!!  Their was only one small issue... Burhans speak no Italian, Caputo's speak very limited English and I speak even less Italian!!!  Guess who was the translator???? you guessed it MEEEEE... and that was only a very few words here and there!!  Anyway, we seemed to make it work and all had a wonderful day!

http://www.italia.it/en/discover-italy/apulia/poi/the-history-of-alberobellos-trulli.html

 As we were walking back to our car, we came upon a funeral procession.  All the people were following behind walking up the hill to the church.

Then we went to see the caves at Castellana.
 http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Castellana_Caves

 We were only allowed to take pictures in this first cave, but there are some good ones on the internet, like this one of the white cavern

We then headed back to Bari, after a very challenging attempt to use a credit card to refuel the car.  Seems only certain people can pump the gas for you with a credit card and they were not at the station at that time.  Then the fellow behind us was in a hurry, so we moved out of his way, around to the pump on the other side.  He couldn't figure out why he wasn't able to pump either... come to find out, he was using the pump on the side where we move to, so had to reach around and use from the other side.  Strange things here in Italy :))))

Anyway, while all this was happening, Wanda bailed out of the car and got a picture of the grapes.  What a gorgeous shot!!

Arrived back in Bari around 3:30, dropped Caputo's off at their home, then I wanted to take them by the Prostodontist Lab where Luigi and Teresa work.  Had a few minutes there, then headed back to Addis Abeba (my apartment) where Frank headed to the Beach for a bit of a swim.  Wanda and I just stayed put... had been a bit of a long day, since we had gotten an early start that morning.  

Tuesday, October 14th.  Permesso di Soggiorno Day!!!  My appointment for my Permit to stay in Italy!!  Liliana picked me up around 9:30am and we headed to the Questura.  Her Questura friend met us there, so all went very smoothly.  Fingerprinted, photo's taken, paperwork turned in.  One document needed to be translated into Italian, so Liliana took it and is still working on it, but will turn it in for me.  Now must wait at least 30 days to get my card.... if all goes well.

While I was gone, Frank headed to the beach and Wanda was getting a massage from my wonderful massage lady, AnnaMaria.  She comes to my home once a week and gives me a massage for a very, very reasonable price!  A month's worth for the price on one massage in the USA!  and she comes to my home!  Anyway, I made arrangements for her to come and give Frank one on Saturday and Wanda then wanted one on Tuesday, so they were both feeling much better after several days of rest and now a massage, each :) .  

I returned home around noon, made some lunch for everyone.  Wanda and I sorted some clothes, did a few other things, then was time to wander the streets of Bari by night, to show them all the shopping, etc that is only open in the evenings!  Prada, Gucci, etc.  Shop, after shop... who buys all this stuff???

Bought a bite of food on the way back to the apt., then got all packed up to head to Venezia (Venice) early the next morning, as it was a very long drive, and also, we wanted to make a stop or two along the way.  Also, I did laundry since I would be gone for several days.  They have restricted the use of the laundry from 7pm to 11pm, so not the most convenient hours, and also makes for some late nights, but at least I have a laundry in the building.

October 15th, Wednesday.  Up early, had breakfast, Frank helped clean up the apartment by shaking out the rugs and dusting the floor, while I finished up dishes, etc.  He then loaded up the luggage and off we went.  Our first stop was at the Petacchio convention to meet the folks there and see where it is.  They want to come back next year... would be wonderful!

 Very overcast and rainy day, so was unable to get the best pictures

 You can tell a short person took this photo :)

Now continuing on to Venice!

October 16th, Thursday.  VENICE!!   Rialto Bridge.  This was new for me as well, as I had not yet been to Venice!  I was really glad to get to go.  Had also contacted Natalie if she could/wanted to meet us there, however, her husband was coming home that week after being out of the country for six months.  Will catch up with her/them next time :)  Also, Michela and Victor.

 Now off to Island of Murano... the Glass Blowing Island

 Glass blowing demonstration

 Blown Glass chandelier.  The only one like it and the creator passed away last year, so it is not for sale!  Owner said we could not take pictures, however, then said "but I am not looking" :)

 Haven't had Gelato for some time... tasted yummy!

 This building is really leaning!

 Then on to Burano, the Lace Factory

 I have never seen so many lacey items in one place ever!

 On a door... couldn't resist.  It reminded me of Virginia

 Now back to Venezia (Venice)

  

 Brightly colored Pasta

 Shopping

 Rialto Bridge

Some kind of professional photos being taken as we crossed over the Rialto Bridge

 A Gondola Ride

Casanova's home.  "Giacomo Casanova was born in 1725 in Venice, son of Gaetano Casanova, a poor actor, and Zanetta Farusso. Casanova was sure that his father wasn't Gaetano but the noble Michele Grimaldi. When he confessed this secret, he was exiled from Venice."

 Marco Polo's home.  "Marco was imprisoned and dictated his stories to a cellmate. He was released in 1299, became a wealthy merchant, married, and had three children. He died in 1324 and was buried in the church of San Lorenzo in Venice."

 Rialto Bridge again :)

 Pizza and food everywhere!

But we ate at a very secluded, and I mean very secluded little Restaurant down, dark narrow alleyways (hard to find too) called Antiche Carampane.   Since the Restaurant didn't even open until 7:30, had a very late evening again.  I did make reservations but since they cannot understand the name Carmen, because there is no vowel on the end, after 3 attempts, I finally made it under Carmella....ah, he says... Carmella!  He had a big smile and repeated my name when we arrived for dinner :)

My salad had real flower petals in it, and blackberries, blueberries, etc.  It was yummy!  As was the shrimp and bass.  Here is the link in case anyone is interested in eating here.  Very nice!  http://www.antichecarampane.com/venice-restaurant-antiche-carampane/venice-restaurant-antiche-carampane.htm

We first drove over to the Island, then realized that parking was very expensive, so took the car back to the hotel (10 minutes) and caught the bus over.  After a very late evening arrived back at our hotel, and I still needed to study...  Never missed a day the whole time I was traveling, however, not sure how effective it was, as some nights I was soooooo tired :)

That concludes Venice.  Frank and Wanda's time was so limited in Italy, that we did not get to do everything they/we would have liked, however, we did all the things they for sure did not want to miss, so it was one/two days at each place, then moving on!!  Nice we had a car, or would have been impossible to get so much done in such a short time.  

October 17th, Friday, on the road to PISA.  The tower was still leaning!!  :)  

 Tuscany countryside

 Little car still holding up :)

I had phoned David and Enrico if they cared to meet up with us, so after a bite of lunch, they did.  Was nice to see them again... had been a couple of months.  After this, dropped by Herbert and Heidi's to pick up a package she wanted delivered to Piccolo's.  Another FULL day.  

Then we headed off  down tree lined roads and small villages through the heart of Tuscany toward Vicchio (50 km from Florence) to the Piccolo's for a late (by USA standards) dinner.  

More wonderful Italian friends for Frank and Wanda to meet.  Also, had been since first of August since I'd seen Aurora... was missing her :)

October 18th, Saturday.  After a nights rest was up early (F & W slept in a bit).  I met Mariano for coffee and chocolate croissant at the local restaurant.  Then we they were up and also had a bite, and off we headed for Florence.  Drove the car to the local train station and caught the train into Florence, as this made it much easier, as parking is a premium in Florence.  Only one day to pack in all of Florence!!! All I can say is we gave it our best and accomplished a lot... at least we wore the soles off our shoes... Wanda actually wore the soles off her feet. :)  She did not have the best walking shoes, and even though I loaned her a pair, they did not fit properly.  

Where we stayed

 Awesome little bakery, caffe shop in Vicchio.  Mariano and I had 'breakfast' here.  Coffee & Crossiant.

 Gorgeous homes and buildings in Florence/Fiesole

 Cemetery of Elizabeth Barrett Browning

 Many replicas of the statue of David

Frank and Wanda and I on the hill overlooking Florence and the Duomo Santa Maria del Fiore Cathedral in Florence

 The Duomo, Santa Maria del Fiore Cathedral in Florence

The Medici family, also known as the House of Medici, first attained wealth and political power in Florence in the 13th century through its success in commerce and banking. Beginning in 1434 with the rise to power of Cosimo de’ Medici (or Cosimo the Elder), the family’s support of the arts and humanities made Florence into the cradle of the Renaissance, a cultural flowering rivaled only by that of ancient Greece. The Medicis produced four popes (Leo X, Clement VII, Pius IV and Leon XI), and their genes have been mixed into many of Europe’s royal families. The last Medici ruler died without a male heir in 1737, ending the family dynasty after almost three centuries.

 Frank and Wanda having a great time. Loved having these two with me for 12 days and touring Italy.

Found a Pub for The Friends :)

 Finally found a building with a point!!!

 Gelato and more gelato.... We did our part to try and help them reduce their inventory...

And they were yummyyyyy!!!  Bev Kaas, it might happen!!

Who is up on their Roman Numerals.  This was built in ????   1895?

Gilli Chocolate across from the Savoy Hotel in Florence

 Live Person

View of Florence taken from Fiesole. The opposite hill... you can still see the Duomo on the back left. 

 San Francesco monastery on top of the hill in Fiesole.

 Never go anywhere without my Brita Filtered water bottle

 Twas a very very steep climb.

 Smallest gas station??  In Fiesole.

Fiesole. The homes here are very, very expensive!! A home like this would be about $10 - $15 million

 Another church in Fiesole

Was walking down the street and couldn't resist this picture of old books and maps and this man.

And that concluded our Day in Florence!  Caught the Train back to Borgo San Lorenzo where the car was at the station, then back the few miles to Piccolo's where we spent the next two nights.  Another late supper with them, then time to study my Italian and rest a few hours.  

October 19th, Sunday.  Lovely day spent with these folks.  After church, we (Frank, Wanda, myself and Mariano joined in too) harmonized on some Hymns in English for them.  Aurora loved it, and was still very happy about it when she arrived home from work that evening.  She had to work from 1pm until 8pm that day.  Burhans and I got busy in the afternoon, getting all our plane and train tickets purchased, and boarding passes printed for the next day.  Later in the afternoon, we took a drive up to the top of a hill overlooking Vicchio where we got some awesome pictures.  Love Sunday afternoon drives... I drove like an old person too... you know, the ones we dislike so much in America... hee hee.

October 20th, Monday.  Time to pack up and get an early start into Florence.  Mariano agreed to ride in with us and keep Wanda company at the train station with all the luggage, while Frank and I returned the car.  Frank and I then walked to the station and we all had time for a coffee before catching our train.  I took the train up to Bologna with Burhans to help them with their luggage, then in Bologna they caught the bus to the airport where they would catch their flight to Barcelona, Spain.  We hugged and kissed and said our goodbyes.  I then caught another train to Bari. Twelve days, packed to the brim of sightseeing, fellowship, friendship, and bonds that will last forever.  Loved having them come visit me in Italy.  Awesome friends.... thanks Frank and Wanda!!! Love you guys!!!

My train ride back down the coast from Bologna to Bari.  Arrived in Bari about 6:30, walked to my apartment from the train station.  Called Freda to make arrangements for the next day to see her before she left on Wed. for Australia.  

Tuesday morning, 21st, I walked to Freda's for lunch, then after lunch walked over to the Lab to see Miscioscia's.  Caught the bus back, stopping at the market for groceries on the walk from the bus stop.

 quote from the 19th "happy that tomorrow you return to Bari"

The sea was so gorgeous this evening.

Wednesday, 22nd,  I spent pampering myself in the morning, then caught the bus part way, then a ride with Cristina to Caputo's for church.  Back home on Wednesday evening with a ride from Giuseppe.

Thursday, 23rd I crashed!!!  Over exhausted!!!   Called AnnaMaria for a massage!!  Wonderfully revived!  Then she stayed for supper with me and we had a great visit, even if we had to resort the dictionary many times :))

Friday, 24th, back on my game. Got up late this morning, after a great sleep, blogged most of the day, talked on the phone, facebooked, texted a few times and studied.  Took a shorter walk today, as it rained some this morning, and was a bit blustery this afternoon.  All in all had a great day!!  Plans to be out with friends for dinner tomorrow.

Ciao for now!  Buonanotte!!  Ci vediamo la prossima volta che il blog!!