Friday, December 31, 2010

Pitti Gola e Cantina - Dinner and Wine Tasting

Wednesday  night we had dinner and a wine tasting at Pitti Gola e Cantina.  One of the owners, Zeno, spent several hours with us describing the food and wine.  There was an amazing 7 course meal that included a great tagliatelle with duck as the main course and plenty of wine.

Here is the link to Tripadvisor's many reviews of Pitti Gola e Cantina (ranking #1)










Wednesday, December 29, 2010

Some pictures from our walks through Florence Dec. 29th

Walking across one of the bridges over the Arno, I took this photo of the view....It was just beautiful.




Florence is a great city....lots of amazing museums, churches, terrific walks, fabulous food...yada, yada.  But, the cost of entry to all the museums and churches does add up.   Maybe it is because we are so spoiled in Washington DC that all of the National Museums are free...but there are some places that you feel do not warrant the entry price.

The Leonardo DaVinci Museum is one of these places....a slight rip off.  Lots of wood models of what DaVinci drew in his notebooks....somewhat hands on...but, not really worth the cost of entry.   After we went into the Galileo Museum and loved it...this was a major disappointment!   



But as you walk through the city, you see wonderful sights like this...



We decided to walk up to the top of the Duomo this morning, especially since Chris arrived yesterday and he could be included in this moment of tourism!   and yes, there is a fee to climb to the top of the Duomo, but it is so worth it.    463 steps and winding tunnels and you eventually reach the top and outside walkway.


On the way up to the top you come to an interior walkway, where you are very upcose and personal with the frescoed ceiling of the Duomo.   


Nora and Chris at the top of the Duomo.



Nora, Kevin  and Kate....a bonding mment



lots more pictures to post...





Tuesday, December 28, 2010

We Had Company


Nora and her friend Leigha from UVA.  Leigha and her family stopped by for dinner this week. We had a great time and found out both families like subarus and must clean the house before their maid service comes......







After a night out.

Friday, December 24, 2010

Buon Natale!

Buon Natale!    The kids have arrived....and as you can guess, Kevin's luggage was lost by the airlines....they promise it within a few days??!?!?!   We are enjoying walking through the city and eating at the various trattorias.  




Nora and I during one of the non-rainy moments in Florence!


 Here is a picture of one of our showers....looks somewhat like a spaceship...but, it works!   And a picture of one of the sculptures in the Piazza della Signoria. 




We found Gusta Pizza....the top rated pizzeria in Florence.  There is a place under the table glass to leave your number with a note for friends.   So, Nora left a note for her friend Amanda who gave us a list of recommendations for places to eat in Florence.    And a lovely picture of Nora and Ed near the Santo Spirito church.



More pictures to follow!


Enjoy your holidays.   We miss all of you!

Arrived in Italy

We are settling in in Florence,  Weather has been rainy.  Kevin is still awaiting his luggage.