montrealmia's TravelStream™ — Recent TravelPod.com entries TravelStream™ news feed for member montrealmia on TravelPod's free travel blogs service http://www.travelpod.com/syndication/rss/montrealmia en-us Copyright ©2010 TravelPod.com Tue, 19 May 2009 22:59:32 -0400 http://www.travelpod.com WAS I dreaming??? — Montreal, Canada http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/montrealmia/1/1242785460/tpod.html http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/montrealmia/1/1242785460/tpod.html#comments Travel Blogs http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/montrealmia/1/1242785460/tpod.html Tue, 19 May 2009 22:59:32 -0400 A dream to realize...
Montreal, Canada

I wake up in the morning dreaming about Italy! Honestly!!! I've dreamed three times since I've been back! And when I wake, I say to myself "ohhhhh bummer, just a dream.... ;-( ...but my trip!!!....I WAS REALLY THERE!!!"

Summarizing Italy isn't easy! But adding a few more photos is....I took over 2,000 photos in 14 days! Since I've arrived home everyone's asking me "what city did you like the best?" my response: "they're all truly special in their own way".
Besides the 3 P's ; Pizza, Pasta & Pesce...I loved all the cities I visited....but I only visited 8...

I loved Milano for the salon di mobile! It was shocking how huge it was! I wasn't' able to see everything in the time I was there, and I literally walked NON-STOP every minute! I loved the shopping! And the people! And the stores! And since it was the 1st city I visited in Italy, it will always be special to me, because when I got off the plane and rode the train downtown I felt like I was a child in a Disneyland candy store again!

But I ran out of time to see the "Last Supper" and I didn't go to Brera...so I must go back. Anyway, I left my flat iron there, it overheated the first day I used it (hence why my hair was always pulled back or just wildly free for the rest of the trip!).
Verona - special too! So quaint and romantic! So glad I made this stop on my way to Venice. I wasn't expecting to see so many designer shops in the small town, and the cathedral was a beautiful, unexpected surprise!

Everyone who's ever been to Venice can agree that this is a city totally unique from any other! Canals, gondolas, everywhere! And I mean EVERYWHERE! I didn't expect that there would be one after another! My palace - to die for! But I ran out of time to visit the "must see" ghetto area, and the museum next to the San Marco. And I left my favourite green earrings in the closet of the bedroom I stayed in, so I must go back!

Before I left for Italy, a lot of my friends told me they like Florence the most - now - I know why. There's so much to see in such a small area! And everywhere you look, it's impactful! I loved the view on top of the Campanile, and it was only when I was on top that I could see that there were people in the dome on top of the Dumono too, waving at me! I must go back and do that at the same time I visit the Galleria Degli Uffizi and the jewelry stores on Pont Vecchio, because I didn't buy a new gold "M" charm since they were all closed on May 1st!

In Tuscany, driving through the green hills filled with endless vineyards was just indescribable!!! So breathtaking! So fresh, and delicious! The small town of Montefiorelle....so special and unique, but the church was closed so I'll have to go back, because I missed the art.

Then there was Vieste, how at home I felt! But also it was like I was on vacation! The beach! The people! The historical town! All so very special! They begged me to stay for the May celebration, so I'll have to go next year, same time!

Roma, yes, the 2 businessmen I met during my lunch in the Jewish ghetto were probably right! Rome is the most beautiful city in the world! But I haven't seen the rest of the world yet! And I have to finish visiting Rome too, so I shouldn't judge until then...

What will I miss the most?

The perfect espressos made in an instant, standing at the bar drinking them with the locals at ANY time of day!

The beautiful surroundings, so different from North America!

The discovery, heavenly feeling I had EVERY DAY!

The art, the architecture, the rivers, the beach, the mountains, the olive trees, the spring flowers, the smell of fresh pasta, and fresh coffee!

Riding on the train with my head glued the window!

Picking up a chocolate croissant at a local bakery, some orange yogurt, and a banana at an outdoor Mercado and sitting in a square next to an older gentleman reading the morning news. NOT reading the morning news, NOT carrying my blackberry or wearing a watch!

Struggling with the right words in Italian - I wanted sooo much to communicate in their language, I felt like if I could - then I'd feel like I was part of their culture, and I did...

I'll miss the people, so genuine, kind and helpful. They always responded to me with a smile and gave me their best advice, helped me in every way.

The morning I took the taxi to go to the airport from my hotel in Rome, was the most perfect spring day! I had the window completely down and my head sticking out with my sunglasses on. I wondered if the driver purposely drove through downtown area and next the forums so I could soak up EVERY last minute - because I did - and I will carry that feeling with me until I return again next year - because I will!!!!

Thank you Italy!!!! You made my dream come true - it was MAGNIFICO!!!! And yes - this is just the beginning, I'll be back!!! ;-) Thank God, it wasn't a dream!!!
]]> Roma, Roma, when will I let go? — Rome, Italy http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/montrealmia/1/1242518520/tpod.html http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/montrealmia/1/1242518520/tpod.html#comments Travel Blogs http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/montrealmia/1/1242518520/tpod.html Sun, 17 May 2009 09:55:24 -0400 A dream to realize...
Rome, Italy

I've been home from Italy a week now, and am still carrying my Rome map with me in my purse! I feel like it belongs with me...and it gives me the feeling of being there. The impression this city made on me is just incredible!
The art, the architecture, the fountains, the views, the history! All apparent from everywhere I went in the city. When I arrived from Vieste around 7PM I started my visit, I went directly to the fountain de Triton and the Spanish steps! Perfect timing for the sunset, I saw the Spanish steps from the top and walked down to see the sunken boat, it was amazing!
I planned on visiting the Vatican and the Vatican museums the next morning, but by the time I studied the map and tried to semi-plan my day it was already 10ish, Joey at the hotel advised to get there early the day after instead. So off I went to check out other sites. The Trevi fountain was in amazing shape, not sure what I expected, but I was quite impressed! I threw in some Euros, made a wish & then I walked down to the Roman forums - holy shit! This was spectacular, and so huge!!! The Colosseum impressed me too! And it's just unbelievable what took place there and that it's still standing!!! Why can't we build like that today? We have better technology 2,000 years later, but nothing lasts!
I continued touring more forums, looking for clues of temples, and basilicas, wishing I studied archaeology! At the top of the hill overlooking the Palentine area were 3 tourists with an amazing book! I befriended them and was able to see images of what it used to look like over laid on top of a "today" photo! They were kind people from Holland, who shared the moment with me!
Off I went and walked towards the Tiber River, stopping at the church with the mouth of truth, and into the Jewish Ghetto. I crossed over the Sisto bridge and wandered through the Trastevere area shops then off to Via Giulia. Somewhere along the way I found some beautiful modern furniture stores & old fountains in the same block! That's the beauty of Rome, the old and the new, so easy and so right together.
Campo de Fiori & Piazza San Andrea della Valle took my breath away, but it was Piazza Navona that made me really love Rome! Yes, D I had the best tartufo of my life at Tre Sacalinis, while admiring the 3 beautiful fountains! French tourists were curious about the tartufo so I filled them in, rich chocolate gelato mixed with dark chocolate pieces topped with whipped cream! It was hard to believe that they NEVER heard of a tartufo? And how did they know I spoke French? Then they asked me for a good restaurant in the area, so I directed them to the trattorias in the Trastevere area (now I felt at home, because I was doing what I do in Montreal - always giving tourists advise). As I took out my map to show them - I realized how close I was to the Pantheon, it was 6:15 already and I had to go! My timing was perfect, I had time to visit before closing! The Pantheon was truly amazing!
There's so much to say about Rome, so many things I saw, people I met, but mostly the feeling I had when being there...
The next morning I arrived at the Vatican early. Every corner was filled with art, statues, and history, my mouth and eyes wide open. After walking around the side areas towards the front, I turned to face the doors I came in through and this feeling hit me. The sunlight beamed through the windows above the doors and it made me feel just soooo light and free inside. It was just beautiful!! As I was walking towards the left side of St-Peter's there was a small chapel, still within the basilica, where people were praying towards and alter. It was time I said a prayer too, so I walked in, knelt down, and within 2 minutes the bells rang and 2 priests walked in and a mass started! What perfect timing! There was a angel on my shoulder! I felt like I was in a dream, seeing a mass being held INSIDE St-Peters Basilica - the Vatican!!!
My next stop was the Vatican museums, and the Sistine Chapel of course. The museums were huge, impressive but overcrowded and therefore hard to appreciate. I tried to absorb as much as I could between the crowds around me, but it was hard. The buildings were quite impressive, and I didn't expect to see such ornament on the ceilings! When I finally arrived inside the Sistine chapel it was at least 2 hours later - and this ceiling - WOW - major impression! The chapel was smaller than I expected, but the interior was gutted with no furnishings, just packed full with tourists. There were some benches along the outside walls filled with more tourists, sitting. I couldn't grasp the feeling I had inside the Vatican, so I tried to shut out the humans around me and concentrate on the art above and in front of me. It worked for a few minutes until a voice over a loud speaker interrupted my thoughts - in 4 languages they begged for silence, and insisted on NO PHOTOS! Oops! I didn't know! I stopped taking photos, but at the same time was glad I did, because I wanted to take this special place with me somehow...
I've already written so much about Rome...are you really interested in the rest of my stay? In short it was unbelievable! I carried the "light interior feeling" with me while I walked back toward the Galleria Borghese, stopping to admire the Castello Angelo, and lunching at an amazing cafe, shopping on Via del Corso & Via Condotti, one last look at the Spanish steps (this time from the bottom up) and finally strolling leisurely through the beautiful, green, full of spring flowers Villa Borghese. On the way I stopped for my last gelato, and true Italian espresso (which I will soooo miss!!! )
It was my last night in Italy ;( ......sad but true, and as I walked back from the museum, fate was in my face - HARRY's BAR!!! It was just outside of the Villa Borghese, I couldn't believe it and of course I stopped! Timing perfect for a few Bellinis and salmon & shrimp on tiny Italian breads! I was in heaven all over again!!!


]]> A beach town with special meaning — Vieste, Italy http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/montrealmia/1/1241958120/tpod.html http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/montrealmia/1/1241958120/tpod.html#comments Travel Blogs http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/montrealmia/1/1241958120/tpod.html Sun, 10 May 2009 11:53:40 -0400 A dream to realize...
Vieste, Italy

The voyage to get here was long, and out of my way in the sense that Vieste is not a typical destination for first time solo travelers to Italy. My reason to come was simple: this is the town where my Grandma Rosetta Moretti-Amendola was born and lived until she was 15 and I just had to see it.

Most people know of Vieste as being part of the Gargano coast and national park. Vieste, on the eastern side of Italy, located on the heel of "the boot" is a beach town but also has a historical area full of homes built on a continuous structure. It is so very special! The beach is so white and clean, the sand so fine and soft, the surrounding mountains filled with olive trees and orchids! The smell so simply incredible!

The historical center was built on a small mountain where the town homes were nestled together with narrow streets some not more than 5 feet wide. There were areas where to get from one street to another they built arches where one must duct to go through, the homes continue above them to save space.

In the center of the historical center is a small cathedral. It's built on a slope of course and almost impossible to photograph in full because of the homes surrounding it so close. There are several sets of stairs that surround it; as a matter of fact the entire historical area is composed of streets with stairs, some stair-streets short and high and others long and wide. It was so impressive! Then there's the castle, at the top, unable to enter I admired it from the outside.

But what impressed me the most were the people. It started with Mariangela, who, without agenda, drove 100 kms for an hour and half though the mountains from Vieste to Foggia where the train ended to pick me up, in her own car & on her own time! She did this on her own initiative, after I called between transferring trains in Rome to ask how to reach Vieste if there was no bus service on Sunday night. I was so impressed by her generosity!

Matteo at the hotel was amazing too! He was the only one I met who spoke fluent English, but it didn't matter to me. I managed to communicate no problem, and my Italian was improving. It seemed like the more I spoke the more I learned, and the more I screwed up, the nicer the people were!

There's not much to do in Vieste, since it's not tourist season, and everything closes in the afternoon for about 4 hours, so I walked and discovered the town and the people. Everyone I met there I would tell my story - why I came all the way to Vieste - and they took interest - greeted me with welcome smiles and kind words.

I couldn't resist to run next to the beach my first morning, especially after my amazing pasta and fish dinner the night before! It was the most beautiful run I have ever had!

As far as I know, I have no more relatives living in Vieste, but I felt like I was surrounded by my family just the same.
]]> Tuscany's castles — Chianti, Tuscany, Italy http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/montrealmia/1/1241642820/tpod.html http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/montrealmia/1/1241642820/tpod.html#comments Travel Blogs http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/montrealmia/1/1241642820/tpod.html Wed, 06 May 2009 17:47:49 -0400 A dream to realize...
Chianti, Tuscany, Italy

I felt quite brave renting a car, alone, but just the same thought maybe I should follow someone else going in my direction. Mistake number 1, never follow another tourist! But luckily ,again, my broken Italian and smile, I found a nice italiano who literally drove me back on track. I know there's an angel following me on this trip! It was a beautiful drive from Florence! The hills remind me of Napa Valley, so green, hilly & such fresh air that smelled like heaven!

The castle was amazing! No one to great me so I headed around the side and met Nicola who tends to the cellar and wine tasting. My first time drinking Castello Gabbiano wine and it was splendid! Cornelia arrived moments later, but I was now into my wine, and not rushed to enter my room. Sitting in the sun, looking at the hills full of vineyards 360 around me was so uplifting! The interior of the castle was to die for! Amazing! Just beautiful!

Later that night it rained but not before I entered, and the thunder was so loud it echoed inside the thick stone walls. I still slept;like a baby just the same, it must have been the wine that made me feel so at home!

Earlier that afternoon, I headed off to see the small town of Montefioire only 15 minutes away. I read that Amerigo Vespucci had lived there and since he is my ancestor on my mother's mother's side, I had to see it. I knew when I rose to the top of the hill before entering the village, I should park my car there.

Reading that there was a small church with some good art, I thought it would be a good place to start. But it was closed and there was no cafe, no information center, and no shops. But there was an old Italian man! Bingo! "Senore - per favore - dove e la casa di Amerigo Vespucci? Dove?" He mumbled in Italian behind the church......but I didn't see any signs? So I ask again "dove?, per favore Amerigo Vespucci mia familia!" he answers - "no lo so"....and then he led me to the house - with no sign, and no name, just the family symbol. I gave him a kiss on the cheek, because he made my day| The photos say the rest.
]]> A few days @ the museum...or not! — Florence, Tuscany, Italy http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/montrealmia/1/1241559960/tpod.html http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/montrealmia/1/1241559960/tpod.html#comments Travel Blogs http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/montrealmia/1/1241559960/tpod.html Tue, 05 May 2009 18:52:02 -0400 A dream to realize...
Florence, Tuscany, Italy

I know, everything can't be perfect in life - but my time in Florence was pretty close. The weather was perfect! The hotel - far from it. I think I was just reallllly spoiled in Milan and Venice, even Verona was really nice - although small. The location, in Florence however, was perfect! Situated at Piazza della Republica, I was able to walk everywhere I wanted to go.

Thursday when I arrived, I started at the Square of course, and headed to look for the shopping district. Since Friday was May 1st labor day, the hotel clerk told me stores would be closed, but museums open, so shopping it was! I never made it to Via Dei Tornarloni on Thursday because I walked right into Mercado Nuovo where the leather and souvenir merchants are. OMG!!! I HAD to have a purse from Florence!!! But soooo much choice! What to buy? Purse? Briefcase? Luggage? Belt? Wallet? Coat? Gloves? So much choice! I met Sergio who sold beautiful gloves, and told him my dilemma. He suggested that I check out the other market too, behind the San Lorenzo Church. So off I went.

On my way I couldn't miss the Duomo, WOW! The outside of this cathedral was spectacular! I can see why it took almost 150 years to complete! Full of marble, and gold art (however after visiting the museum behind I found out that most of the art on the outside were replicates, and inside the museums were the originals).Quite something just the same. The museum also housed Michaelangelo's Pieta, (quite beautiful) and Brunelleschi's equipment that he used to built the dome of the cathedral. I couldn't resist the campanile 82 meter high tower, my feet in pretty good shape so I was up for climbing the 414 stairs. What a spectacular breathtaking view of Florence. But it was a very unsafe and narrow winding staircase. It had room for one when climbing, and 2 when turning sideways, I went back on my path to the market, and when I reached it, OMG! OMG! Much bigger? 4 times bigger! and lots of choice! The stands line several streets, and behind them are bigger shops full of more choice! And just like in NYC they take you by the hand and bring you to the shop in the back. Now, I had a bigger dilemma, and a small budget. After quite some time I finally bought a silver belt, after haggling for 2, I ended up paying a good price & a kiss on the check! These Italians!

I met up with Alfredo, the furniture owner, who was working in Florence for the day. We walked to Piazza della Signoria, and on the way stopped to rub the snout of the Porcellino. I left a Euro in the fountain because the saying is it will bring you fortune, and you're sure to return to Florence. We walked to the Palazzo Vecchio, where the reproduction of David is, and the famous Fontana di Nettuno, and then to Ponte Vecchio. Belo Ponte, crammed with tourists! I wondered if there were apartments on the bridge? It was getting close to 9 and I realized I hadn't eaten since my breakfast in Venice. We found a nice restaurant on the other side of the bridge overlooking Ponte Vecchio, and Alfredo did the ordering. Steak, and salad, perfecto! The THICK bisecca alla Fiorentina comes on a huge T-bone and is cut at your table. It was amazing! To thank him I bought him a gelato on a stick! My first!

Friday - May 1st - Museum day! HA! Well, the Galleria dell'Accademia was closed, AND the Galleria Degli Uffizi, so I headed over to the Ponte Vecchio, I just wanted to SEE the jewelry stores on the bridge - closed too! ;-( So I took out my map, and looked for something else ~ following the crowds, I ended up at Palazzo Pitti - BINGO! And only a euro to get in! Belo Palazzo! Belo Belo! And the gardens! Bellissimo!

More shopping, and walking, and around 6ish I walked by the river and there it was - Harry's Bar! ;-) It was time for a bellini, and Leo the 80 year old bartender was my new friend. We had a great time, and he fed me to the fullest degree, appetizers, then he cut up a full peach, went to get me some fried palenta, delicious shrimp, then the typical limencello, cafe, and to finish it off chocolate covered orange! He charged me peanuts for just sitting with him! It made my last night in Florence special.

I couldn't leave Florence without seeing the most famous statue in the world, so Saturday morning I intended to be the first at the museum door - HA! the line was down the street and around the corner! After talking to the gang in front of me, I found out we could buy tickets at the Archaeological museum around the corner and wait in a shorter line, so off I went! David was beautiful! One piece of marble, so detailed, and smooth looking. I loved watching the people around the statue, crowds of tourists, tour guides with their microphones and flags, young and old sitting and sketching, and then the people like me - eyes & mouth wide open in amazement.
]]> Piccola Roma <3 — Verona, Veneto, Italy http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/montrealmia/1/1241128080/tpod.html http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/montrealmia/1/1241128080/tpod.html#comments Travel Blogs http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/montrealmia/1/1241128080/tpod.html Fri, 01 May 2009 03:35:45 -0400 A dream to realize...
Verona, Veneto, Italy

Verona ~ so cute! Situated between Milan and Venice, it's an old town they call "Picola Roma" - little Rome. The story of Romeo & Juliette was born here, and it's full of touristic charm surrounding Shakespeare's theme.

The arena in the centre of town was built in the 1st century AD! I wonder how the Italian's manage to build such wonders and make them last sooo very long? They do it right, pay attention to detail and design for infinite life.

I visited the cathedral Basilica di San Zeno Maggiore - the 20 minute walk in the rain was worth every step (although I had shin splints my focus was on my surroundings and not my pain!) As I left the cathedral I thanked the receptionist and asked to use the WC - she directed me to the front of the church where I found a small chapel that I missed on my first tour. This chapel had another chapel with underground stones and sculptures that were visible through the glass floor, it was amazing!! AND It led to another chapel where a wedding was taking place...it was Sunday.
]]> Venissimo!!!! — Venice, Veneto, Italy http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/montrealmia/1/1241130480/tpod.html http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/montrealmia/1/1241130480/tpod.html#comments Travel Blogs http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/montrealmia/1/1241130480/tpod.html Thu, 30 Apr 2009 19:16:18 -0400 A dream to realize...
Venice, Veneto, Italy

Venice ~ how to describe it? First impression, bellissimo!!! And for 3 days it was still bellissimo!!! EVERYWHERE canals, gondonlas, small charming streets, beautiful people, small cafes, and of course tourists - always with a map in hand!

My palace was amazing!!!! Thank you D!!! It made me feel like a true principessa! I was alone in the house for 2 nights surrounded by comforting Italian antiques and a view of 2 canals!!!

San Marco ~ so impressive!!! I visited the museum above the cathedral first, and when I went down to enter the cathedral it was closed, but my broken Italian "per favore senore???" and smile allowed me to enter through a back door! It was empty - except for the chapel to the left, a mass was being held. I lit a candle, said a prayer, made a wish, and left a Euro - as I always do when I enter a church - and left with a HUGE smile! The rain made me hungry for soup - and the soup was perfecto, macaroni and beans!

I was able to do everything on my list - Gallerie dell'Accademia WOW!, Peggy Guggenheim museum, shopping in Rialto, riding the vaporetto, going to the top of the Campanile WOW WOW ! , breakfast outside at the campo Santa Margarita, having a bellini (OK 2!) at the original Harry's Bar, appetizer's at Do Mori, visiting Santa Maria Gloriosa dei Frari, and almost getting lost!

I enjoyed EVERY minute, watching, listening, smelling the life of the Venicians! It's beautiful!!! But I just couldn't bring myself to go for the drinks / cafe at Florians or Quaddri, instead of the 9Euro espresso, I stopped at a few family cafes, and had espressos like the Italians do - standing at the bar!

Venice ~ I must come back, because I've already created another list for my second trip! And yes, J I left something there ;-)
]]> Italia - just the begining! — Milan, Italy http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/montrealmia/1/1241125020/tpod.html http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/montrealmia/1/1241125020/tpod.html#comments Travel Blogs http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/montrealmia/1/1241125020/tpod.html Thu, 30 Apr 2009 17:47:56 -0400 A dream to realize...
Milan, Italy

WOW! La Bella Italia!!!! It's one week and 1 day since I landed in Milano, and I'm still smiling about everything I see and everywhere I go. The people I meet are soooo amazingly simple, kind and authentically Italianos!!! I feel like a child, discovering everything I see!

Milano was amazing! My mini-hotel kind of B&B like was adorable, clean, and full of antiques. My room amazing! Only a 10 minute tram ride to downtown, and the bus was at the corner that brings me to the subway. I felt safe and even took an hour to run in the area, it was a feeling of freedom and discovery!!!

The Salone di Mobile was enorme!!! It was the most beautiful furniture showcase I have ever witnessed! Non-ending high end Italian furniture, a true designer's heaven! My only regret was wearing my pumps, after 2 days of continuous walking I acquired a second toe on each foot! New York walking is NOTHING compared to what I did in Milan.

The third day I spent downtown Milan, at the Duomo Cathedral (the world's largest of it's kind), La Scala, the Piazza Del Duomo (shopping!) & the Quadrilatero d'Oro (golden-quad) where all the true designer flagship stores shine - Gucci, Prada, Versace, D&G & Moschino!! That night I was invited to dinner with kitchen representatives from the show. NONE of whom spoke English, but one older gentlemen (Alfredo) spoke a bit of French. It was a blast!
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