Hello from Italy

[NewJeffCT]

We're in Florence today, heading to Venice tomorrow. Weather has been great - around 70 and sunny each day.

We felt the earthquake a bit in Rome, but I wasn't sure what it was... for all I knew, it could have been a passing train. I woke up and said, "I wonder if that was an earthquake," and then fell back asleep... living in CT, I had never felt one before.

Surprised at how many people speak English, though I would guess that Chinese is probably the 3rd most common language, judging by the plethora of Chinese restaurants and shops in both Rome & Florence.

I'll post some pics when I get back.

[Haole Girl]

1. Hi Jeff!

Hope you get to see the glass blowing in Venice. That was something my mother really enjoyed. :hi:

[WilmywoodNCparalegal]

2. Glad to know you're ok

I hope you're having fun and enjoying the sights!

Take care!

[NewJeffCT]

5. thanks - some great sites

I'm an atheist, but was still awestruck by the vatican, sistine chapel & st peter's basilica.

[CaliforniaPeggy]

3. My dear NewJeffCT!

Glad you guys are OK, and having a good time!

Looking forward to your pics!

:hug:

[bif]

4. When in Venice be sure to take the vaporetto to...

Murano, Burano, and Torcello.

[elleng]

8. for glass, that is.

keep an eye on the water!

[NewJeffCT]

12. what does that mean?

we've been playing it by ear so far...

[bif]

14. There are many islands in the Lagoon. Torcello has some famous mosaics

In the church there. And it's cool to get away from the main island which can be quite crowded. I wish I could have explored more of them when I was there. I hope to get back some day. I don't know what the poster was talking about.

[MissMillie]

6. "I'm in Italy Now"

lol

I'm glad you're ok.

[NewJeffCT]

13. you're in italy?

whereabouts?

[TZ]

7. Glad you are okay..I've heard great things about Italy

My Uncle (also an atheist) has travelled to most of Europe and a lot of other places and says Italy is his favorite

[elleng]

9. Italy is MY favorite, and that of my whole family.

Ones religious belief is irrelevant. Its a joyous place, for the people, the art, architecture, food, vino.

Just SMILE!

:hi:

[NewJeffCT]

17. well, about the people...

I've been to plenty of crowded big cities before - NY, Shanghai, Beijing, Boston, Las Vegas, Orlando, etc - and everywhere people would make room for you if you were taking a picture, or at least make an effort to pause and/or get out of the way.

Here, people just walk right in front of you, not even caring that you're taking a picture.

[elleng]

21. Its been too long for me wisely to comment on your comment,

all I can say is I've always enjoyed the people. I hope I have more opportunities.

(25 years ago was my honeymoon there. Been back briefly since then.)

[derby378]

10. Looking forward to the pics

My brother and his wife just came home from Paris and Normandy last weekend. They had a blast.

[bigwillq]

11. Have fun!

Glad you're safe from the quake. How terrible.

Enjoy the trip. :) :hi: :hug:

[Blue_Tires]

15. bring us all back Ferraris!

[TZ]

16. Would you really trust lounge lizards with Ferraris?

Really, they'd be crashed in 15 minutes of one of us getting a hold of one...:rofl:

[tigereye]

18. glad you are all well and having fun

envy you seeing Venice and eating all that great, genuine Italian food.

[CreekDog]

19. I'm glad you're okay

:hi:

[mnhtnbb]

20. We were in Florence and Venice from March 6 to 16! We had great weather, too.

If you are at all interested in modern art, go to the Peggy Guggenheim museum in Venice. I found
a biography about her in the English speaking section of the bookstore that is just off the Piazza
San Marco--and was fascinated to read about her life. She was quite a character.

I can also recommend two little restaurants in Venice run by a husband wife team (across the alley from each other)called Oliva Nera. He is Dino and she is Isabella. They both speak excellent English.

Here is the website www.osteria-olivanera.com (It has an English version, click upper right) Your hotel can probably call to make a reservation for you. They're located about a 10 minute walk from the Piazza San Marco. We ate one night at his restaurant and one night at hers and they were both excellent meals (different menus).

[edbermac]

22. Mom and sis will be there at the end of the month.

Watched the news about the quake; hope it's still standing when they arrive. :scared: