Hotel Anna Malcesine

Hi there, ok, so its been ages since i blogged......busy times in florence....<br><br>Right, the highlights that you have missed so far....<br><br>we spent a week in Impruneta (suburb of Florence in the begining of the Chianti region) at Steph and Barbara's summer place. So nice and relaxing being in the country side.<br><br>We took full advantage of being around during porcini mushroom season (YUM!!) We ...

... constantly, one side saying "what are you complaining for? You're in ITALY, you are spoiled with treats and sweet people, yet you want to return home? What is WRONG with you??" Then the other side pipes up in self-defense "these kids are exhausting! It's hard being here, not knowing the language, not having friends. Even when I'm done working I am still around them, I never have the mental break I need. Give me a break!" And then it ...

... across the square and to enter the cathedral. It was crazy with people walking through the water (getting wet), people pushing in and police actually trying to get some order. We decided to get out of that area quickly as everything was overpriced. We headed towards the Rialto Bridge and came across toilets which cost 1.50 Euros each person which apparently is the going rate. So for 4 of us, it cost $12 AUD just for us to go to ...

... painting in them were common. I&#8217;m not really into Italian art, but there were a couple of Bellini&#8217;s paintings which were a standout. The castle itself was impressive, including the bridge that crossed the river from the castle. After we left the castle, we searched for a kid&#8217;s playground that we read about, plus Tara wanted to go to the toilet so we thought there would be one there. When we found it, the playground was really suitable for small ...

It was still raining so we got a taxi to the train station as we were heading to Verona in Italy. A funny thing happened at the station- we were in the supermarket there when the security thing beeped as someone went out of the shop- we looked and it was a nun leaving the shop- the shoppers all were smiling. As the trained climbed across Brenner Pass, the rain had turn to snow but as we got into Italy the weather cleared ...

... it anyway. And in fact, it was COFFEE SHAKEN WITH MINT. Go figure, that's almost the exact translation. So I had my first espresso. And holy missoula, it was delicious! And afterward, I didn't have my typical coffee-shakes. Most of you have experienced java josie. And need I say more than "malignant M&amp;M?" I don't think so. But I will tell you what. I have found the motor oil that this particular engine should run on, and it is chilled ...

... But I've been drying everything out on the line outside. I don't think I've ever really done that before. It's kind of fun. Again, clearly still honeymooning. But this little taste of domestic life in the midst of my exploring has been just what the doctor ordered. Then on Friday I head to Venice, Saturday is the cruise and then a week of floating around the Greek Isles. I would have to say that life is pretty darn good.

So much so, that it is about to take the title of 'longest stay' while in Italy. I will spend 5 total nights here. Woohoo! I'm about to leave my fabulous hotel that I love to go to an apartment in the city, where I can live like a local with my own kitchen and everything. I am psyched! The only drawback is that it doesn't have internet. So I will do my best to bring my laptop with me and post updates while I'm in town picking up produce. EEEE! :)<br>

Verona may just give you a run for your money.<br><br>I'm in a glorious hotel, drinking German beer -- courtesy Olga at the front desk. And I am right in the very heart of Valpolicella country.<br><br>I've decided that in Paris and Rome I was touristing (though I recognize I didn't see nearly enough in either) but Verona is going to be relaxing time. Which I also recognize is ridiculous since I go on a cruise in less than a week. But whatever, it's my trip, I get to decide what I'm doing. :)

... quick visit to a local doctor. After playing charades and being translated by his daughter over speaker phone, he diagnosed me with Bronchitis and gave me a prescription for a few different things to make sure I got rid of it for the cruise. We stayed in Verona for 3 nights, much of which I took it easy trying to get better. We did have a look around the city one day, seeing Juliet's balcony and a few other sights. <br>