There’s a 13th-century building in Florence called Orsanmichele. Statues of the saints line its exterior walls. There has to be a back-story. There is. It’s the story of how Florence crawls out of the Dark Ages – taking the rest of the western world along with it. Continue reading “Florence Crawls out of the Dark Ages”
Florence – It All Started 800 Years Ago
We’ve just arrived in Florence, Italy. The train ride from Venice was easy, so we checked in, unpacked, and headed out to explore the neighborhood. It didn’t take long for us to learn that when it comes to Florence, it all started 800 years ago. Continue reading “Florence – It All Started 800 Years Ago”
Florence, Italy – Mamma Mia!
Florence, Italy – by all accounts, one of the most beautiful cities in the world. It’s a renaissance art-lover’s paradise. Michaelangelo’s “David” resides there in the Accademia Gallery. The place oozes history. And of course there’s bistecca alla fiorentina. What are we waiting for? Andiamo! Continue reading “Florence, Italy – Mamma Mia!”
When Italy became Italy
We’re on a train traveling from Venice to Florence. The trip takes us through Italy’s “foodiest” region – Emilia Romagna. When Italy became Italy – not that long ago – much of the action took place in Emilia Romagna. Let’s pick up the story where we left off. Continue reading “When Italy became Italy”
Train Ride from Venice to Florence
We’re at the train station in Venice, or I should say, “Stazione di Venezia Santa Lucia.” (It sounds so much nicer). We’re taking a train ride from Venice to Florence. Our reservations are confirmed and we’re ready to go. We just have to find “Binario Quindici.” No, that’s not the conductor’s name — it means “Track #15,” remember? Continue reading “Train Ride from Venice to Florence”
Welcome to Stazione di Venezia Santa Lucia
A nice thing about cruising is that you don’t have to think about anything. Someone else takes care of just about everything for you. But this morning we disembarked. Now we’re back on our own, standing on the dock in Venice, luggage in hand. We need to find our way to the train station – Stazione di Venezia Santa Lucia. Continue reading “Welcome to Stazione di Venezia Santa Lucia”
Greek Isle Cruise Recap
We’ve spent the past week on a big Italian cruise ship, plying the Adriatic, Aegean, and Mediterranean seas. We chose an Italian cruise line, (Costa), because we thought it might be more interesting to cruise with Europeans than with our compatriots back home. Was it more interesting? I’m not sure. We’ll just have to do it again on a U.S. cruise line. Oh well! Here’s a Greek Isle cruise recap. Continue reading “Greek Isle Cruise Recap”
Dubrovnik’s Recent History – You Can Feel It
So many European destinations ooze history. We love it. But it’s usually the middle ages or ancient history that comes alive. Visiting Dubrovnik is different. The Old City and it’s awesome wall are ancient enough, but the history here is still fresh. Almost too fresh. You can feel it. Continue reading “Dubrovnik’s Recent History – You Can Feel It”
A Walk through Dubrovnik – and a Walk through History
We’re in Dubrovnik, Croatia. Our big Italian cruise ship pulled into Dubrovnik’s Old Harbor this morning. We jumped onto tenders that took us into the harbor, then entered the Old City and started our walk through Dubrovnik. Continue reading “A Walk through Dubrovnik – and a Walk through History”
Pulling Into Dubrovnik. Wow.
Last night we made the 700-mile journey from the Greek island of Rhodes to Dubrovnik, Croatia. Now our big Italian cruise ship is pulling into Dubrovnik. It’s a spectacular scene, seeing the city walls from just outside the harbor. Let’s go see what’s inside. Continue reading “Pulling Into Dubrovnik. Wow.”
