Travel Blog

This morning, we were given free time to wander the streets of Florence. We started the morning off by doing a little shopping in the local markets, then had a leather demonstration at one of the many stores. Florence is well known for their leather and gold/silver products.

Next, we sat down at one of the many cafes and I had pizza, of course and Lisa had a focasia. I then went and got a much needed haircut and we're now in an Internet cafe catching up on a few things and just generally getting our net fix. :)

We then spent the rest of the day doing some shopping, Lisa got some nice shoes and I had a a very nice lemon sorbet gelati. For dinner, we went to a pizza restaurant, where they served up 5 different types of pizza to each table in our tour group. I'm now aware that 14 slices is my limit. ;)

Back on the road again, this time we travelled to the town of Siena. It was another lovely day in Italy, so we had a gelati, whilst taking in the sights. Unfortunately, most of the shops were closed due to the siesta. Still, the tour director gave us a bottle of wine he percured from the town, which I'll give to my dad when we get home.

We then headed out into the Chianti Hills for a Tuscan dinner consisting of Antipasta, Pasta, Florentine Steak and Tiramisu. Washed down with all you could drink beer and wine, everyone on the tour group got stuck in and a great night was had by all.

Today being a Monday, we got up early to beat the traffic and also so we could get in the cue for the Vatican and the Sistine Chapel.

We were told that 27,000 people a day visit the Vatican, at 15 Euros each; meaning the church gets approximately 405,000 Euros per day !!! Whoever said the church was poor ...

After seeing the Sistine Chapel (No Cameras Allowed), we headed off to see the Colosseum and the Forum. We then went to the Catacombs, I sent Lisa down with the video camera, but of course, no cameras allowed. Then we visited Michaelangelo's statue of Moses and his chains.

Today was mostly spent travelling as we left Venice behind and headed towards Rome. Our tour director played Gladiator on the bus TV screen to give us some idea of the ancient romans and also to pass the time on our journey.

After having an awesome meal at a local trattoria, we then had some free time to explore the city at night. We walked around, had a gelati and took lots of pictures of the Pantheon. Rome seems like a great city; full of history, so we're looking forward to our day trip tomorrow.

Today, we took a boat cruise to the mainland of Venice (again) to see a glass blowing demonstration by Murano Glass and then we had free time to explore Venice on our own.

We were told not to have a big lunch, as dinner was going to be huge, so we had a light sandwich, washing that down with the local drink - Bellini. Shopping is very overpriced in Venice, however, the odd bargain could be found.

For dinner, we took a boat cruise to the fishing island of Murano. Unfortunately, all the dishes were fish-based (would you believe Fish Lasagne ?), however, they were very accomodating by providing spaghetti and chicken instead. This meal was washed down with their local beer - Prinz or as I called it, the beer formally known as. :)