Hotel Internazionale 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 ...

... walk quick as I did so, and he said something to me as I passed, but my heart was pounding so loud in my ears I didn't hear what it was. I practically ran back to the castle, but luckily, he didn't follow this time. Once I was on the right road my heartbeat went back to normal and I was able to enjoy the day again. I bought my ticket home and sat on a bench with Coldplay in my ears and the sun on my back and a thought hit me-who is this girl ...

... toilet. We took the obligatory photos at the Rialto then just planned to walk towards a different section of the Grand Canal, but ended up just wandering through the back streets soaking up the atmosphere. There were tourists everywhere we went and of course shops selling Murano Glass and other souvenirs- I don&#8217;t know how they all survive. We ended up losing our way constantly until we got the Grand Canal opposite the ...

... and Tara went into the toilet and found it was one in the ground that you had to squat over so she refused to go.<br><br>We then went to have gelati and search the old city for toilets and found some near the tower which everyone refused to climb as they said they have climbed enough towers. They also refused to go into a church as well. We decided to have lunch before we went to the Roman ruins north of the river. These included a small amphitheatre and lots of ...

... We also went from having German co-travellers to Italian ones. It was certainly pleasant hearing Italian for change. Arriving into Verona, we appreciated that it was a bit warmer. We checked into a nice motel which was great as the bathroom was nice and we had our own little room where we could shut the door.<br><br>We were a short walk from the old city where you walked through the arches of the old wall to a piazza where the ...

... you soon!<br><br>Oh, Oh, OH! Rudi and Gabi, as you know Mauro and I have been exchanging emails. I am sure you will not find it at all surprising that tonight I sat in a pub for a mere 20 minutes and in that time saw Camaronesi have a hand in scoring two goals. He truly is magnificent. But I think I am the Jessica to his Romo. ****, neither of you watch American football. Let's just say I am the Posh to his Beckham. Capito? Capito.<br><br><br>

While staying in Matera, we were lucky enough to be present for the annual festival, held on the 2nd July, where the town celebrates its patron, the Madonna della Bruna (the Brown Madonna). The festival starts at dawn, with Mass in the Cathedral, and culminates in the evening, when the statue of the Madonna della Bruna is taken from its Cathedral home and is raised onto a large papier-mâché float. A colourful procession winds it's ...

I am all settled in my new home. And I love being able to put out my things, 'stock' a fridge and cook my own meals. I even enjoyed washing the dishes last night. Obviously still the honeymoon period. I think it's been good too, because I've been feeling a little sick. I'm out-mentaling the sickness so far, but it was good to have a quiet afternoon yesterday and a slow morning. Plus I think it's just a head cold so I'm ...

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. :)