realskiers

We had a fantastic trip. although peole say you don't need to know Italian, you better have a decent working vocabulary unless you want to stick to the tourist traps. We started in Rome, which we loved. We had a incredible private tor of the vatican and then Rome. We both really love history art and such. We try our best to avoid anyhting touristy other than the museums and all. Learned a lot and of course ( learned many crazy pope stories and the history around the Sistene chapel- wild story), we ate at some great local restaurants and such. Every day was a 2 hour lunch and a 2 plus hour dinner. food there is great. I love seafood and fresh pasta's cooked with simple ingredients. Florence was aslo great; such history and beauty. More graet food and wine. Went to see "david" and the Uffizi museums. Again, more local spots and good rustic foods.? venice? Well, venice is pretty much a giant tourist trap that is very beautiful but is in disrepair and over priced. We found one of the streets which was named for our family in the 1500's.? That was very cool. There are actually 3 others in venice with my name. It's OK to visit a couple of days but I wouldn't go back there. We did take a ferry over to Burano, a small fishing island with multi-colored homes. Not much to do there but eat, so we did!? I had incredible octopus (poli-pulpo) and grilled fresh sardines. The owner of the tratoria recognized the last name and started to send over a few rounds of Lemonchello and grappa!? We went with our neighbors and the 4 of us walked about 10 miles per day, Even with all the food we ate (although the food was very healthy, they don't really use cream sauces) and the wine we drank, 2 bottles at lunch and dinner!!!? My wife actually lost a pound I lost a couple as well. One thing we noticed, the only fat people were the Americano tourista's.......
some pics-

our street!


Rome "No Bush Day" grafitti, gotta love it


my better half at Trevoli fountains? (amazing!)


Just some cathedral ceiling incredible


Classic Venice scene


REAL proscuitto- Grand reserva sorrento Bellisimo!


Typical 4pm rosso vino break....


A killer piatta (plate) of Assagio (assorted) griglia (grilled) mare chaira (seafood)