gary's back home! Time for abuse......

[Ron]

welcome home Porky!  Now it's time to lay off the pasta and litres of vino and get back to skiing! 

[midwif]

Gee Ron. Let the guy unpack, put the dirty and now, too tight clothes, in the hamper before you start in on him!

Gary. Welcome back. 
Pics when you have a spare moment between trading barbs with Ron.

[Philpug]

Did you bring us anything???

[midwif]

Maybe a nice bottle of chianti and some homegrown fava beans???

[Glenn]

Do they haven Dunkin' Donuts over there? Ron wants to know..... 

[Ron]

D&D in Italy? You are almost shot there for ordering a cup of coffee- "cafe Americana", as it is, D&D would be used as  Bush Torture device.

[Glenn]

I will say, the coffee over there is good. Well, the capachino and esspresso. Which my non coffee knowing self beleives those are both different from a regular cup of coffee.

I should open a D&D in Italy....I'll call it' "Ron's" 

[Ron]

you know how to hurt a guy!  btw- there are virtually no chain stores there

[Gary]

hey gang....back in the mix and have to say this trip had the wow factor! Started in Venice for 3 days and the city is fascinating and charming....Florenc e for 2 days...was just OK for me but went to some Ufeetsee Gallery (spelling) and saw great things but the city felt rushed, and busy. Next stop was 5 days biking in Tuscany and Umbria and this was just so much fun....and yes...there are tons of hills so the legs are ready for snow. The food, the wine, the architecture, the people...did I say the food and wine...oh yeah the cheeses, the meats...did I say the food....geez, did I mention Gelato....and did I mention the pizza...and the wine and the food and the wine and the food. Now top this with Midevil castles, mountains, sunny weather in the 70's for the entire trip...you got the next best thing to 18" of blower snow.....

Now...to that 4lbs I gained.....you see what Alice didn't finish, I did and what our friend Sally didn't finsih I did....did I mention the food....they made a riccotta stuffed gnoche the size of marbles that was to die for...the pastas were out of this world.

We had a great time, never saw so many toilets without toilet seats....so many freakn' people that smoke, they're everywhere....learn ed so much about the country...

DId you guys know that the USA is an older nation than Italy...Italy was a country of independent states until 1870...it became a nation!

Ah ha....and so many more cool bits of info but unfortunately, no receipes. Did however buy some Balsamic Vinigerette that smells like viniger but tastes like sherry wine. Great for pouring over fruits or with cheeses.

I'll still be singing the praises of the trip come RSIII....

Still.......GOod to be home in the Great USA....NOW back in the gym and a NORMAL diet!

Best,
Gary

PS the tight biking clothes where tighther when I finshed the trip and worth every ounce !

[Glenn]

Welcome back! I'd love to get over there again one of these days.

[Gary]

Hey Glen, I know you and your wife would love the bike riding in Tuscany and Umbria....it's very romantic and beautiful. Bike Vermont is supposed to be setting up a tour in Sicily as well and the guides said this is even more beautiful than Tuscany AND better food.

Truly hard to believe but it might be a biking trip our gang will have to experience.

G

[Glenn]

That sounds pretty cool Gary. I bet that's some awesome riding over there!