TEVERE RIVER BOAT RIDE

The Tevere River runs through the center of Rome.  Meeting new people at breakfast is always a delight. As I was getting into the elevator, two women joined me and we struck up a conversation. They were sisters from South Africa and travel frequently. They asked if I had taken a boat ride on the Tevere yet, and highly recommended it. I asked if I could tag along. Being on the water sounded cooler than walking in the center of Rome filled with tourists and big buildings.

Italy has the tiniest, cutest trucks, no doubt to traverse the narrow streets. This one is no more than a 3 wheel motorcycle. More photos of Trastevere tonight, restaurants and market. 

A clever way to use an antique truck for a bar.

Yes I actually was here in Rome! You don't want to hand your phone to just anyone. 

New friends enjoying a moment in time, on the Tevere River boat. Sisters Belinda and Hanalii, from South Africa, Glen and Mia currently living in Sweden and yours truly. After the boat cruise we had  lunch together in a lovely cafe. Glen is from New Zealand (I loved his accent) and we (they haha!) had some lively discussions about the South African and New Zealand rugby teams. Glen was quite fun, and the sisters threatened throughout our half day together, to tell him which of their teams had won the day before. It was hilarious! He was going to be sorely disappointed when they arrived home the next day. But the girls never hinted, of course. We parted after our selfies and Glen and Mia were conveniently going to the under ground train, subway. I gratefully followed, going back to my hotel to peeeeeeel off my clothes and jump into the shower. Drinking lots of water, showers, resting a short time, and letting the body cool down, is what one needs to do in 100 degree weather! Because an hour later, you can go out to mangiare...to eat! An important word to know if you ever come to Italy.

Buon viaggio con amici!! 

TO FLORENCE VIA TRAIN

 

Trains have always fascinated me. Flying 95 mph it is a very smooth ride. The ride from Rome to Florence was very comfortable, and only 1 1/2 hours. The trains are very nice, clean, air conditioned, and comfortable. Plenty of room for passengers. 

Florence is magical. The little streets with cafes and restaurants, the architecture, history dating centuries ago. Once again ancient history classes come alive.

Piazza della Republica, Duomo (Dome)

Basilica of Saint Mary of the flower. (We were told Basilica actually means Palace of kings, nothing to do with churches or religion.)

A Medici family residence at one time, the plaque above almost gone. (I love the large, wooden, ancient doors...the work is exquisite and timeless.) 

Charming little winery and restaurant, wine bottles hanging from the low ceiling....wonderful ambiance. The name Mangiarino is a clever use of the verb mangiare (to eat) and of course vineria meaning winery.

Notice e flag....Museo Casa Di Dante....on my guided walking tour of the duomo and Piazza de la Republica, our guide mentioned Dante, his works, Dante's Inferno, and his influence.

When Michelangelo wanted to choose good marble, he walked through and marked each piece with this symbol....three circles intertwined. This simple piece of information moved me, took me away.

I invision him walking through hot and dusty paths, wearing a long robe perhaps, with sandles of course gathering dust with each step. It's a lovely thought to me, to imagine seeing him choose  his own marble. For us to enjoy his gifts today....more than 700 years later!

San Michele Church.

I can't remember the name of this statue....I will blame it on the 103 degrees!

Look at the beautiful architecture...imagine how lovely at night! 

The Uffitzi Gallery....as I left my walking tour, unable to join them inside. But I will visit both Florence and Venice another time. 

I have to show you a little furry friend I met, Lilly, a Tibetan Terrier who looks a great deal like my Tibetan, Tashi. Lilly is the second Tibetan I saw on this trip, quite unusual. Patricia and her husband Luc came from Denmark, and adore their little friend, as I did mine. I miss Tashi terribly! My family and friends will appreciate this, but to my acquaintances, please excuse me for being so sentimental. 

Piazza Della Signoria, I found I had this one good photo of the Uffizzi Gallery!

You will recognise these stores....but, H&M in Florence? 

I had to add this one, Luc and Patricia with Lilly, I just found it. We kept running into each other and I so wanted to hug Lilly!

A beautiful train ride, I met Lilly and family, went on a guided walking tour, had delicious pizza (again), and took photos of that please me. I hope you enjoy them as well. Arrivederchi Florence! 

TO ROME AND THE VATICAN

Never travel without checking the weather. Unless of course 100 degrees doesn't bother you. With my personality, I sometimes get excited and without thinking, I act. And so happened my first day in Rome. I walked for perhaps 20 minutes looking for a bank to get euros, and felt sick and a little weak. My first full day was mostly spent in my very comfortable room (with air conditioning). That is when I finished my France photos. (I also googled what to do in high temperatures, signs of heat stroke, etc.) 

Surprised and delighted, my body acclimated.

The hotel Relais de l'Opera, in the center of Rome. (Yes, it's a French name!) Convenient, quiet, and very comfortable. The building is 200 years old, and the elevator is gorgeous and operates beautifully. 

Delicious breakfast is included and the coffee is exquisite!

Friday I took a cab to the Vatican and a 3 hour walking tour. It w as crowded and our young Italian guide was quite an historian. You will recognize many. 

Some of the photos were taken while walking through the corridors, and you will notice beautiful gardens. They were taken from open windows and not accessible to the public. 

Sicily is where my paternal grand parents were born, and I hope to visit there with my friend Terri next year. And I believe I will meet cousins I have never met before!

The Sistine Chapel...in my excitement, I shot these 3 photos before the security guard came over and said, No photos signora! Many places at St. Peter's Basilica you may take photos. Well...I have my photos and wasn't asked to leave, or to delete them. I was happy, and very happy Juliano did not get in trouble. 

Fountains adorn Rome every where. With fresh, cold delicious water. Always save an empty bottle to refill.

Our guide, Juliano, walked out with me. I had enough of crowds and photos and heat. But I also was blessed with more important details. Notice the building set back on the right. On the top floor, second window from the right....Pope Francis' apartment! 

 

And of course The Pieta, St. Peter's Basilica.