Goodbye Venice - Hello Florence - Day 15Good day to you!! Today, I'm off to Florence! I was in Florence only briefly last week to return our car and catch the train to Venice, so I'm very excited about spending some time there.  I WILL BE STAYING IN THE PONTE VECCHIO SECTION We will be staying in a private apartment in the Ponte Vecchio section. Actually, this was the first of my Italy accommodations that I booked and I did so a year ago. My hostess, Elizabeth and I built a very nice rapport through the past year and I'm so excited to finally meet her and her lovely family in person this week!  GOODBYE VENICE!! (FROM MY HOTEL BALCONY)
 MY LUXURY SUITE AT THE AI REALI HOTEL Last night was my last night in Venice - what an amazing stay this has been. My home for the past four nights in Venice was at the Ai Reali Hotel, located in the Rialto area, only a few blocks walk to the Rialto Bridge. I couldn't have asked for a nicer staff, including Gianni at the front desk, who helped us with restaurant suggestions and securing tickets to the Doge's Palace. I highly recommend this hotel, and I'm not alone, as it is recognized by Trip Advisor with a 5-star rating, as well as by Small Luxury Hotels of the World.
Relaxing and fun - we walked around the Rialto market area. I purchased a few souvenirs - one for Sheila, my wonderful housekeeper and dog sitter, who, I don't know that I would have done without for the past 9 years. And I managed to get a few Murano glass charms for my Pandora bracelet.  VIEW FROM OUR WATERSIDE RESTAURANT
We topped off the evening with a lovely dinner and fabulous desserts! As we walked home in the dark, we caught our last glimpses of Venice at night. What a trip!! Can't wait to tell you all about my arrival and stay in Florence!! See you back tomorrow! -E | Edinburgh to York - Day 15Howdy, Howdy, Howdy! It's Hump Day back in the states! How has the first half of your week been? Things are going great over here...thanks for asking! I've been looking forward to and enjoying Elisa's Daily reports! I love Italy. It is definitely my all time favorite country. And each day she reminds me of places that I'm so fond of! I was just there in March, but it's the type of place that you look forward to returning to even before your flight takes off! So thank you Elisa, for bringing back so many wonderful memories! Now you are off to Florence. I have a good (wonderful) friend who is born and raised in Florence. He still lives right there and had I thought about it earlier; I know that he would've just loved to meet some of my family and to show Elisa around, filling them in on all of the rich history that Florence has to offer! Now, in the meantime I'm a bit further north in Europe. And these summer days have certainly not been hot...I wouldn't even go to the extent of calling them warm.  We had a bit of drama in the second half of yesterday...nothing big, Mom! lol But definitely a story that I will be sharing in a future throwback Thursday!   Anyhow, we had a fabulous day of shopping, sightseeing, and a magnificent show!! We started with a very yummy (vegan) traditional Scottish breakfast - so good, we're having it again today! Then we were off, in search of a cap for Dave B, scarfs for each of us, and lots of other goodies and souvenirs! I even bought 2 Christmas gifts! We had a lovely tour of the Edinburgh Castle, Princes Gardens, the Beautiful 'Ross Fountain', the rather kooky 'Royal Mile', and other shopping districts. Had arrived at dinner stressed and late (more on this story in the future), and then somehow still managed to be in our seats in time for the very fabulous Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo! What a fun show!!!   As for today, we will be picking up our car rental, doing so more sightseeing in Edinburgh, including St. Giles Cathedral. Then we do a little road trip. Go check out Hadrian's Wall, and end up in York. Gotta check out the Shambles! lol It's been lovely here, and I actually think that both Dominic and Cosette will get a kick out of this town! So much more to see and do! Another trip to be planned! Catch up with you tomorrow for a throwback Thursday road trip across America! -T |
