Thank you so much for visiting! Be sure to visit our Boutique. Hope to see you again soon!

Reaching the end of my Italian Adventure takes me away from Lucca and I’m off to finish up this life-changing journey with the one and only Leaning Tower of Pisa. I smile recalling my first view of Lucca was a sign about Fido, and as I leave , my last look is, well, take a look.

Ole' Faithful says arrivederci to me as I leave the Lucca Train Station bound for Pisa.

(more…)

Showered, spiffed and seeking to get stuffed, it’s time for supper in Lucca tonight.

First stop, a Roman Amphitheater just off the main shopping street. Now called Piazza Anfiteatro, it has been converted into touristy shops and restaurants.

(more…)

Time to say arrivederci to the Italian Riviera, Cinque Terre. Could I ever find somewhere else as captivating?

As I walk out of Monterosso on the way to the train station bound for Lucca I get one more glimpse of a sweet soul who sets up her lonely wares in hopes of a sale.

Such a hard and hopeful vendor prideful of today's fresh catch.

One last fresh smell of the sea and then off to a swift train ride to arrive at my next city to explore ~ Lucca (pronounced Lewkah).

(more…)

We last left each other as I was shaking in my boots trying to find my way to Lerici by the Sea to enjoy a dinner extraordinaire at Ristorante i Pescatori.

Partial English, botched-up Italian, staying clutched to the bus driver’s hip, I finally make it to a hidden away secret that very, very few tourists get to see. And is it worth it? You be the judge.

Why can't Washington be like this? Look at this scene!

(more…)

We’ve definitely gotten our exercise and it’s time to see the last two cities of Cinque Terre – heaven along the Italian Riviera. But this time, by train! Our first stop is Manarola.

I arrive at the train platform.

An easily pronounceable city, Manarola peaks out from the rock cliffs nearby.

(more…)

Ok, my buff-n-tuff legs are now taking us to Corniglia, the third of 5 towns along the Italian Riviera of Cinque Terre.

Believe it or not, the public path connecting these 5 towns weaves right past this person’s front door. Gotta love people if you’re going to live here!

Everyone who has ever walked the path from Vernazza to Corniglia has to walk up these stairs as they pass by these private home entrances. With all those people walking by every day, notice how clean it is?

(more…)

Ok, yawn, stretch, jump out of bed, it’s a warm day so dress lightly because we’re going to Vernazza.

I must first leave my apartment and see what my quaint pathway to town holds for me in the early morn.

This little plant has the right to flaunt its tenacity this morning as it says, "No dirt, no water, but that's not gonna stop ME from grabbing for the gusto of life on this barren rock wall."

(more…)

Time to leave Siena. Destination the Italian Riviera with my first stop being Monterosso by the Sea.

I put on my backpack and decide to forgo the bus ride to take a long stroll from my Hotel to the Train Station. Seeing how life is beyond the travel books is what I’m after.

On the way to the Train Station I pass by a local Market that happens only on Wednesdays in Siena.

Siena's version of have-mall-will-travel. I'm stoked. Time to find a gift for my wife.

(more…)

Early evening has arrived in Siena, Italy. I’ve refreshed, dressed up, and thought I’d catch a couple more unusual local shops before absolutely spoiling myself with a very extravagant dinner tonight (in which you’ll soon join me.)

The first shop I decided to see drew me right in because of . . .

Wipe 'em off before you come in. Are these unique, or what?!

(more…)

I’m getting ready to leave Florence for Siena and I hear something that is not found in America.

The moment has arrived and it’s one of those role-reversals. I’m the kid, and my daughter is the grown-up endeavoring to jam-pack into my confused head all there is to know about traveling on a Train to get to Siena, Italy. Here goes.

(more…)