Rossini Pesaro

... heard of San Marino but as Sue mentioned it is an independent state named after a Christian stonemason Marinus from around 300 when he hid in the mountain peaks to avoid persecution by the Romans and started a community there. It must have been a case of too small a fish to worry about as today, the mountain state exists as the 5th smallest country in the world. The buildings and scenery were breathtaking. Well worth the long bus ride to get there

... as each seat filled the novelty soon wore off. It became cramped and uncomfortable... both physically and socially. As soon as we got to Austria however, the stunning views of the huge, steaming mountain forests, and ice blue rivers took our minds off the traveling conditions. On several occasions we couldn't help but gasp and 'wow' at the surroundings (which I felt quite guilty for doing because there was a blind woman in our carriage).

Nevertheless, it is an understatement to ...

... the world) it was one of the more enjoyable and relaxing days we have had. Also pretty funny was when we went grocery shopping they actually had their own vats of wine in the store but funnier than that was when Jen got caught by the armed security gaurd taking a photo and he started ranting in Italian at her. Not much else to say just a real different kind of beach town that has a historic center. Very relaxing and fun. Now it is off to Verona the next morning...

No program for the afternoon so we planned our escape to the beach by the pool. Whilst it is difficult to leave the pool adventure is a foot. Cagli was an option but the beach had the greater pull. about a 45 minute drive to Fano. Denis Hieke Mandy & I set off after lunch but the clouds were set to close in on us as we headed towards the coast.

Fano is a topical Italian beach resort town. I have never seen so many beach umbrellas and ...

We left for Urbino after breakfast for a quick trip (Birth place of Raffaello - painter) of course coffee & gelati was part of our plans with some sights thrown in.

Nice place and worth the trip. No time to view the museo a bit of a shame as there is a section with Rafael.

We had some great views going over the mountains going to/from Urbino. Mandy is handling driving the larger car just fine.

Ciao

... The best of all is a large pool to lazy around after Yoga and eating, what a life, the weather was fantastic during the week, high 20's

I think I did too much on the first day of yoga as I couldn't back up on the Tuesday (lucky to get out of bed) but once moving I did both afternoon sessions (playground) breathing in the afternoon and then meditation after dinner.

Wednesday afternoon is free time so we are planning on a trim to the coast Fano

Ciao

... the track prices were so high for the gear and we got it for joining the fan club. From here we went to the town of Rimini and tried to find the Italian National motorcycle Museum. The GPS had us in the area but we couldn’t find it , even asking around was fruitless so we drove around the local airport side road amongst farm houses and came upon it tucked up a side road with very little signage. The man was heading out for lunch but also told us ...

... with the proprietor who had started out his hotel career at the tender age of 20 as a receptionist at Claridges to improve his English. We congratulated him on his #1 spot on Tripadvisor and he told us that he hadn't been able to have a proper night's sleep since it happened! He sounded almost apologetic because people expect so much of the hotel which is in actual fact nice, clean, but pretty ordinary to look at. It's ...

... decisions to make, i.e. do I stay or do I go? The weather's good, so warm in fact that I have to open my hotel window to let the radiator heat escape. I certainly wasn't having that problem across the water in Croatia... what was it... less than a month ago? It seems like a lifetime. It's so warm I buy a gelato and walk down the street slurping it like I'd almost forgotten how. My hotel room's okay, if small ...

... in granting licenses to practice medicine in Italy. After a huge schmoozing by Steve with these two women, we got all the info necessary to take the medical exam in Italy if that is the path we decide to follow. So that is all for now- we are on our way to Pesaro- this is a small beach town where Steve's friend, Titti, has invited us to stay and participate in a week long yoga seminar he has organized. We are not sure of what to expect, but will let you all know....Take care for now!!