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Friday, April 1, 2011

Italia


Well, hello, friends. 
Or should I say, "Buona Sera!"
Good evening!
I am now fluent in ordering coffee in italian.
"Caffe Late, decafianato, per farvore."
That's all one really needs when in Italy.
And a camera.

I am a little overwhelmed with putting pictures together, as there are several hundred to go through. At the same time, I MISS BLOGGING and really want to show you the sights! So, I'll do a little at a time.

First of all, I have to tell you that my daughter is doing fabulously well. So well, in fact, that when I left her, I cried like a baby as I knew a chapter in her life had definitely closed and she is on to bigger and better things in life. A good thing to be sure, but as a mom, well, tears are acceptable now and then.

On to the pictures:
We had a very uneventful flight and I loved every minute of staying put for 10 hours. Even if it was a little cramped. When my sister and I arrived, we acted like we had been shot up with jet fuel and walked 10-12 hours a day for the next three days taking in everything we could. Let's just say cobblestones are not kind to the feet. 


This is the view outside our hotel room. Every morning, we would throw open the window and see how the city was coming to life. We would judge the weather from what everyone was wearing. Mostly warm coats, hats, scarves..it was cold!




This is outside the Duomo, in the main square.









My sister and I traveled very well together. Even when she got food poisoning. Have you ever cleaned up apple barf from your sister before? I'll save that story for later.



Florence is a bustling city, but there is unique feel of community.


My all time favorite part of each day was 5 o'clock.
Every one stops in to the many different Pasticcerias and has a cookie of some sort and some coffee. Most people stand at a bar and partake of the evening's offerings, but we would always sit so we could watch the people.


This is a Bombolino.
Otherwise known as a slice of heaven.


These are creme filled, but they also come filled with Nutella.
Yum.


Or Apricot. I think the Nutella was better.



The biscotti aren't too shabby, either.

Everyone gets a treat at 5 o'clock!



This was an especially beautiful bar area. We made friends with the Barista and he showed us the best treats in the case. I think we went back 3 times.


Just another fabulous cup of coffee.


Word for the day:
SHAKERATE.
(shak-er-roll the r-a-te)


Hot espresso put into a martini shaker with ice and sugar.
Shaken, not stirred.
Poured into a beautiful glass.
Perfection.
Paired with carote torta? (carrot cake)
Priceless.



I'm wondering if you are bored silly with vacation photos by now.
No? Great, 'cause I'm just getting started!!!!
Next up-
It's all about the boots, baby.

xoxo
for now,
Lynn




11 comments :

  1. oh to dream....a real cup of joe from Italy, and the cakes and goodies.
    I think I just gained 20lbs from your post. LOL
    Oh your poor sister, how horrible to get sick on vaca. Hope she is better and enjoying the good memories you two shared.
    Can't wait to hear and see more.
    Amy

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  2. Glad you are back safe and sound. Look like you had a wonderful time. They do love their sweets!

    What is funny is you mentioning boots. My mom was there at the end of the summer and said they were everywhere. The weather didn't matter!

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  3. Oh dear.

    That almost makes me want to go traveling.....

    Almost.

    The streets look narrow like our neighborhood streets here in Deadwood, but much more stylish. HA!

    And those coffees and treats! Ahhhh.....

    I like the 5:00 sit-down idea for sure.

    Especially for {Nutella} Bombolino.

    Or carrot cake.

    Still wondering about the sheep???

    Glad you're home!

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  4. Bored??? Are you kidding me??? I kept checking up on your blog to see if you started posting pictures! Just bring them out darling!

    By the way, bare in mind that we have to share your daughter from now on!!!!!!!

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  5. It must have been like waking up in a painting every day! No wonder so many artists called Florence their home, right? Looking forward to the upcoming installments! Bella!

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  6. Gorgeous pics! I love all the treats and the coffee too. Keep them coming.

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  7. I'm sure loving what I see so far so bring it on!!

    I love the 5:00 tradition. I'm thinking if I could combine the Bristish 4:00 high tea with a little Italian 5:00 sweet time, it might tide me over until dinner at, say... 6:00.

    Just kinda kidding.

    Loved your pictures. I'm anxious to see more. I just hope you didn't take a shot of the apple barf.

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  8. so glad you had a wonderful time.
    the photo full of vespas...heaven.
    the fact that i could get nutella in italy...amazing.
    can't wait to see what's next!

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  9. Your photo look wonderful.. What a fun trip.. Everything looks so yummy.. I am not getting bored at all. Keep the photos coming.. Just seeing them makes me want to plan a trip... Thanks so much for sharing them with us.

    Hugs, Linda

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  10. I want more, I can tell you that! You will definitely NOT run the risk of boring me!! Glad you're back safe and sound!

    Can't wait to see more!
    HUGS,
    Becky

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  11. Loving your travel pics and stories Lynn!!!
    I always say the next best thing to taking a trip myself is to enjoy others travels!
    Bella Bella
    Godere Godere
    I still remember the hazelnut gelato I had way back when I was in Rome...many years ago now!
    Happy Spring!
    oxo

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