Italy starts in Ancona after an overnight ferry, where we left a piece of clothing so our family could trace us in case we got lost. First stop Assisi, to learn everything about Francis of Assisi. By everything, I mean everything, as every corner, shop or car had some of Francis’s relics; well he was a good man after all.
Meanwhile some lost bikers from Tour the France got in front of our cameras.
Stop number 2 was Perugia, well, drive through I would call it, still nice. Then Siena, and that was something. High medieval buildings, narrow streets and “zebra” cathedral, towers to climb, and more towers to climb. At that point I realized that towers and me are not best friends; well there is still a pair of moms hands available. We stayed there till 7pm, moms had drinks, pizzas and I was feeding pigeons, which shortly after i realized that in Italy “fed pigeon is dead pigeon”.
Florence finally, great apartment and even greater heat. Marathon for 4 days, 12 hours a day for museums, churches, more museums and more churches. We had a private guide as Yvonka knew every story of each painting or sculpture. I learned about every saint, starting from Agatha with cut off breast or gouged eyes of St Lucy, lovely!
The Ufizzi museum took us all day! No comments. Be were Leonardo Da Vinici and Michelangelo was, that is something. Boboli gardens were pleasant, “trip advisor” ice-cream was nice too.
La Spezia, with little Cinque Terre was cute. We took the ferry/train on foot option this time. Pictures will show you more colours than my writing.
Ferrara was a break from tourists, heat. In the lovely country yard (15 min from Ferrara) we were resting, eating and spending evenings visiting places.
Comacchio and the wetlands were some of mom’s favourite places. Hundreds of birds and pink flamingos among them. Nice, quiet and easy place. Next Venice – I will dedicate new chapter for that.
