Finding Florence

Final Thoughts

2006-09-27T15:05:00.000-07:00

Hello!

I'm sorry I've taken so long to publish these last photos, but the jet lag has been unpleasant. And I've started up at school again, so time has been short!

I've posted these all today so that you wont have to go back to the beginning trying to find the new ones. These are just some of my favorite shots and things that I felt should have been added earlier but weren't, due to time.

So that's it! Our wonderful Italian honeymoon. I hope you all enjoyed reading along. We'll see you on the next trip!

Ciao!

Art in the Vatican

2006-09-27T15:00:00.000-07:00

Vati-cat

2006-09-27T14:57:00.000-07:00

I liked the look of this Egyptian-looking cat at the Vatican Museum.

Leaving Florence

2006-09-27T14:54:00.000-07:00

Yes, even Italy has delayed trains! Only 40 minutes here so it wasn't too bad. By the way, if anyone ever wants to hear a... funny... story about the subway in Rome, ask me next time we talk!

Fish lips

2006-09-27T14:53:00.000-07:00

Ok, this is just silly, but what a shot! I got up close and personal with the fish in a fountain at the Boboli Gardens in Florence.

Boboli statue

2006-09-27T14:38:00.000-07:00

Back in Florence you learned of my love of statues... here is another!

More detail

2006-09-27T14:35:00.000-07:00

More mosaics

2006-09-27T14:32:00.000-07:00

A ceiling in one of the 5 churches in Ravenna that we visited. Its one thing to paint a whole ceiling, but I can't imaging the time and concentration it took to mosaic an entire church!

Leaving Venice

2006-09-27T14:27:00.000-07:00

Our view from the front steps of the train station in Venice. We took a water taxi from our hotel to the station. A very convenient way to travel!

San Marco

2006-09-27T14:00:00.000-07:00

This beautiful basilica in the heart of Venice was built around 1063. The original was built in 832! Venice was influenced culturally by Byzantium... I sound like the guide book! This is the front of the Basilica di San Marco- there were mobs of people around the square but I tried to just show the beautiful architecture.

Another view from the square.

A romantic evening

2006-09-27T13:49:00.000-07:00

While we never took a gondola ride, we did enjoy seeing them maneuver around each other all day long. This man was lucky to have very little traffic.

My Gladiator

2006-09-27T13:42:00.000-07:00

Don't worry! There is a story here!

While at the Colosseum they had a big poster with a backdrop like these cobblestones and the shadow of a gladiator. I felt the need to recreate it here with Brian! Pretty creative!

Housekeeping

2006-09-27T13:37:00.000-07:00

Well, housekeeping missed our room today so I had to send Brian out on a special mission!

HOME!

2006-09-24T15:44:00.000-07:00

We made it home late last night. Safe and sound. It feels so good to be back in the states! Back in Seattle! Back in our own apartment!

I do have a few more photos to post- and a story or two to share. But not yet. The jet lag must be dealt with first. It isn't pretty, I'll tell you that right now!

So stay tuned: I'll post a bit more in another day or so. Until then, thanks for joining us! Talk to you soon!

Buona Sera from Rome!

2006-09-22T08:45:00.000-07:00

Well, Brian and I head for home tomorrow morning. We have many more photos to post, but will do that from Seattle. Time to eat dinner, pack and prepare for the crowds at Rome's airport!

This has been such a special trip and it has been so much fun to share it will you all! We'll talk to you soon- stateside!

Ciao!

Views from the Colosseum

2006-09-22T08:43:00.000-07:00

The Romans sure knew how to build a masterpiece. This was one of my favorite parts of our trip- to be walking around in this huge building that was constructed almost 2000 years ago.

Pillars of the Earth

2006-09-22T08:41:00.000-07:00

My latest obsession (since I saw very few statues today) are pillars. I found plenty in the Forum- crumbling ruins of the old Roman marketplace.

Trevi Fountain

2006-09-22T08:37:00.000-07:00

This photo doesn't do the fountain justice, but it was just lovely. We then walked down an alleyway and had a nice quiet dinner in a small ristorante.

Very Mini Sports Car

2006-09-22T08:35:00.000-07:00

I really enjoy all the little cars over here - Molly thinks I have a fetish.

I think this may be the smallest sports car I've ever seen. Looks like fun though.

Vatican Knockers

2006-09-21T06:27:00.000-07:00

Straight to...

2006-09-21T06:21:00.000-07:00

This sign was a little startling as we exited the Vatican down the spiral staircase. Was it a warning not to fall? Or was it a warning to sinners?

Most Honorable Mention

2006-09-21T06:19:00.000-07:00

The Sistine Chapel...

What to say? Unfortunately cameras were not allowed. What an amazing piece of art! From what I remember, it took Michelangelo 4 years to complete it. I did purchase a book on the Chapel so I could learn more. I'll educate myself and then pass along my knowledge.

I had to have a print of the ceiling since we couldn't take any pictures. Some day I may even have it framed!

Needless to say, I could have spent hours just staring up at that ceiling!

*** I also forgot to mention Michelangelo's La Pieta in St. Peter's Basilica. It was so moving. I'll try to find a picture! ***

More Vatican floor mosaics

2006-09-21T06:05:00.000-07:00

It was important to remember to look up as well as down- there was so much to take in from all directions.

Dress Code

2006-09-21T06:01:00.000-07:00

Thankfully neither of us were wearing bathing suits to our Vatican visit.

From the Vatican

2006-09-21T05:49:00.000-07:00

Ceiling and wall art: in the hall of maps.

Another statue!

One of the many gorgeous ceilings in the Vatican Museum.

Not yet one with the force...

2006-09-21T05:31:00.000-07:00

Molly hasn't yet perfected the Zen art of photographing one's self without 3rd party intervention of nice passer-bys. Brian has much to teach about self-reliance without needing those other pesky tourists!

Part of Raphael's wall in the Vatican

2006-09-21T04:52:00.000-07:00

This was a part of the works that Raphael did in the Pope's apartments between 1508 and 1524.

Molly in the morning...

2006-09-21T04:51:00.000-07:00

This is what happens to me when I don't get enough beauty sleep!

Prehistoric Keens

2006-09-21T04:47:00.000-07:00

At last! Undeniable proof that Keens were popular footwear, even in ancient Rome!

Vatican Art

2006-09-21T04:44:00.000-07:00

The Vatican Museum was truly magnificent. The floors were works of art in themselves: when we weren't walking on marble floors, they were these gorgeous mosaics.

I married a genius!

2006-09-21T04:43:00.000-07:00

Brian got us back on track! More fun and photos to follow!

In line for the Vatican Museum

2006-09-21T04:40:00.000-07:00

We were in quite a line here, but it moved fairly quickly. In Florence the museums are smaller so they only let in a certain number of people at a time. Here, it is so big that they just keep moving people through.

Our day with the Pope

2006-09-20T08:55:00.000-07:00

Hello again!

We were up early and off to the Vatican Museum and St. Peter's Basilica. Wow. The pictures that we do post will in no way do these places justice. It's very toasty here, but we had minimal time standing in lines in the sun. Look at that line!!! Off to the Colosseum tomorrow.

More to follow. Soon, I hope!

Arrived in Rome

2006-09-20T08:53:00.000-07:00

We have arrived in Rome!

Unfortunately, we haven't been able to upload any photos in the last few days. Not sure what is going on. But check back, I'll get it eventually!

We're planning on visiting the Vatican tomorrow: I'll let you know if the Pope is gracious enough to bless our marriage!

From the Pitti Palace

2006-09-20T08:48:00.000-07:00

This is the view of Florence that greeted us as we entered the Boboli Gardens- at the Pitti Palace. The Duomo is prominantly displayed.

And there's more! (More photos that we hope to someday show you!)

Chewbacca

2006-09-19T08:04:00.000-07:00

(At some point we'll get a photo uploaded!)

The door to our hotel room at the Aprilé appears to be Chewbacca reincarnated! When it opens or closes we hear the distinctive sound of Chewie!

Now I find out

2006-09-19T06:04:00.000-07:00

I learned this trip that Molly *loves* statues - photographing them, thinking of them, touching them. Now, even BEING one!

More from Boboli

2006-09-19T05:25:00.000-07:00

As you can see...

this was an oasis...

It was very hard for me to walk out of here!

Self portrait

2006-09-19T05:20:00.000-07:00

We have perfected the art of taking a picture of ourselves... Plus, we didn't want anyone to forget what we look like!

Ok, I admit it! I, Molly, have NOT perfected this art... Its all Brian! I was just trying to steal some of his thunder. The term *we* was used a little too freely by myself...

Florence hills

2006-09-19T05:06:00.000-07:00

This is the view that greeted us at the top of the gardens- the lush countryside. There were several artists up here painting the landscape. It was so quiet and serene- no traffic, no crowds, no noise. A perfect little escape.

Obsession with statues

2006-09-19T05:02:00.000-07:00

I was a bit out of control in the gardens as a new obsession crept in: I love these old Roman statues! I may have taken a few too many this day... But they are just beautiful!

Danger

2006-09-19T05:00:00.000-07:00

Let this be a lesson to all of you who don't wear sun screen! Look how the Roman sun can ravage the tender skin!

Boboli

2006-09-19T04:58:00.000-07:00

In the Boboli gardens on a beautiful day in Florence. There weren't really any flowers- but plenty of trees, shrubs and statues!

I give up!

2006-09-18T09:19:00.000-07:00

I have been trying to upload a photo for the last 30 minutes and have had no luck. I need Brian!

We spent the day in the beautiful Giardino di Boboli and took too many pictures! I cant wait to share them with you all, but it will have to be tomorrow. We had sunny and warm day- perfect weather for our last day in Florence. We leave for Rome in the morning.

We'll be in touch soon! I hope everyone is enjoying the blog so far!

Leather!

2006-09-18T02:58:00.000-07:00

Leonardo's Leather Works was another great recommendation by Sandy and Dave, and is one of the premiere Leather shops.

I found a notebook jacket for jotting down all those inspirations as we walk through Florence. They had bookmarks, boxes, jackets, purses, belts, gloves - well, you get the picture.

My favorite little fountain!

2006-09-18T02:52:00.000-07:00

Views from the streets

2006-09-18T02:46:00.000-07:00

Everywhere I look in Florence I see something amazing- the architecture here is unbelievable!

The Ponte Vecchio

2006-09-18T02:37:00.000-07:00

This bridge crosses the Arno River. It is famous for its gold and silver shops. Good thing Brian and I already have our wedding rings! We merely browsed.

... But so worth the wait!

2006-09-18T02:31:00.000-07:00

This is a view of Florence from inside the Uffizi as we made our way to the second half of the displays. We saw works from artists such as Michaelangelo, Raphael, Da Vinci... it was amazing! The main corridor running through the museum was filled with marble busts and statues. It was hard to take it all in at once. So much to see!

A morning of waiting...

2006-09-18T02:25:00.000-07:00

We were unable to get a reservation for a shorter line to the Uffizi Gallery (kind of like the Fast Pass at Disneyland!) so we arrived early- just after it opened. The sign posted near where we ended up in line read "1-2 Hour Wait".

We waited.

And Waited.

We made it through in about 2 1/2 hours.

Will the real David please stand up?

2006-09-18T02:19:00.000-07:00

This is a replica of Michaelangelo's David in the courtyard outside of the Galleria degli Uffizi.

I so wanted to knock on this door!

2006-09-18T02:16:00.000-07:00

Hotel Aprile a hit

2006-09-16T10:08:00.000-07:00

Dave and Sandy's Florence hotel recommendation was great! Palazzo dal Borgo - Hotel Aprile is very pleasant - great service, nice rooms, tasty breakfast, and walking distance to the train station.

The nearby area also has a lot of internet stations, and there's self-service laundry down the street.

Man seeking belt

2006-09-16T10:05:00.000-07:00

Even with all that pasta, I found a belt to be necessary. Lots of leather goods at the Florence markets.

Florence from above

2006-09-16T10:02:00.000-07:00

A view of the city from the top of the Duomo. I took quite a few photos up there... more than necessary, but it was a great excuse to catch my breath!

Feet in Florence

2006-09-16T10:00:00.000-07:00

A lamp post with nice feet.

Brian being patient

2006-09-16T09:31:00.001-07:00

I tend to stop every few feet to take a photo or look in a store window... Brian is always there, waiting for me!

Dreaming of Ibuprofen

2006-09-16T09:31:00.000-07:00

After our climb to the top of the Duomo, our legs needed some serious rest! But you can't beat the view of Florence from up there.

I want a Smart car

2006-09-16T09:25:00.000-07:00

If I was looking for a car, I'd be proud to drive one of these cool little buggers! I think I read that Mercedes will be introducing these in the US.

Side note: BMW did a nice job introducing the Mini, but they sported them out and I was amazed to see an ad where they "boasted" 30 mph. That didn't seem very high to me for a car that size.

Top of the Duomo!

2006-09-16T08:47:00.000-07:00

After a morning of walking the streets of Florence in the rain and spending a few hours with David (Michaelangelo's, of course!) we climbed the 500+ steps to the top of the Duomo... Needless to say, our legs are a bit weary at this point. But what a view! From the cuppola we got a 360 degree view of Florence. Absolutely breath-taking! (And not just because of the height!)

Finally... Florence!

2006-09-15T22:56:00.000-07:00

We're safely in Florence. As you can see, we did get some photos uploaded. Will have to do some more tomorrow evening- my computer time is about done!

We'll be post dating some photos and entries, so be sure to occasionally go back to the beginning and look things over.

More soon!

Ciao!

Molly being Catholic

2006-09-15T21:20:00.000-07:00

First time seen: A Mosaic Store

2006-09-15T21:05:00.000-07:00

After leaving one of the churches, near Piazza Popolo, we discovered a store of a type I'd never seen before - a Mosaic store! They were creating beautiful works inside, plus I loved the jars of tiles waiting to find a home in a future mosaic.

So you want to see some mosaics...

2006-09-15T20:52:00.000-07:00

Ravenna seems to be the mosaic capitol - we toured several monuments full of them, and the artwork was amazingly intricate. (No flashes allowed, so a bit blurry on the darker ones)

The floors were nice, too

2006-09-15T08:55:00.000-07:00

... and the walls

2006-09-15T08:52:00.000-07:00

Mini-sinks!

2006-09-15T05:32:00.000-07:00

Our hotel in Ravenna had the cutest little sink!

... :o)

Wi-Fi Woes in Ravenna

2006-09-15T05:05:00.000-07:00

Well, I know you are all anxiously awaiting our spectacular photos, but it is just not meant to be today...

Technical difficulties... please stand by... we hope to upload photos from Florence in the next day or so. Believe me, they're worth waiting for!

Venetian Window Treatments

2006-09-13T18:11:00.000-07:00

I loved the windows in Venice. The buildings were such pretty colors and a lot of the windows had shutters and flower boxes. This was one of my favorites.

Lunch on the Grand Canal

2006-09-13T13:37:00.000-07:00

This photo was taken just before I was served the best lasagna I've ever had... sorry, Mom!

Where are we?

2006-09-13T10:34:00.000-07:00

We may have been lost at this point... but I'm pretty sure we weren't where this little arrow said we were!

Our hotel courtyard...

2006-09-13T10:26:00.000-07:00

... as viewed from the gelato stand.

Pasta Perfection in Venice, and Hotel al Vagon

2006-09-13T10:03:00.000-07:00

Molly has been enjoying the glass shops, while I've been enjoying the snack shops. It is a bit toasty here in Venice, and I think I have an instant farmer's tan.

55 Euros for Spaghetti and Lasagna for lunch?! Yes, but worth every tasty bite while relaxing next to the Grand Canal. And to be fair, there was birra!

We've been neutralizing those calories with a lot of walking and getting lost around Venice ("How did we end up on the wrong side of the Grand Canal?"). Though Gelato is probably un-neutralizing a few.

Hotel al Vagon has been a nice place to stay - a bar/cafe out front which was nice after a long trip, airconditioning, and it is only a few vaporetto stops from the train station.

We're off to Ravenna to see mosaics and churches tomorrow - the 3 hr train ride will give our feet a needed rest. Ravenna will be the quietest of our trip locations.

Where's the WC?

2006-09-13T09:48:00.000-07:00

Can anyone see the WC sign???

I sure couldn't!

It was like a bad case of 'Where's Waldo'!

But the sign was there... Somewhere.

WC Dash

2006-09-13T09:47:00.000-07:00

This really may not be appropriate, but it seems to me that folks here just don't need to use the restrooms! We went on a wild goose chase today, trying to find the WC! After following these mysterious and elusive signs throughout various alleyways and squares, we gave up: we were steps away from our hotel. We never did find the restroom... I'm not fully convinced that they exist...

2006-09-13T09:46:00.000-07:00

Another Bridge...

2006-09-13T09:44:00.000-07:00

Bridges in Venice

2006-09-13T09:43:00.000-07:00

Some of the beautiful bridges over the canals...

As some of you may remember from our Ireland blog, I had a thing for stone walls. Well, Italy has inspired a few new things for me to obsess about!

Greetings From Venice!

2006-09-13T09:37:00.000-07:00

Buona Sera!

Brian and I arrived in Venice, Italy yesterday morning. What a long trip! We were both so wiped out and tired but made ourselves keep moving around until it seemed like a decent time to go to sleep... yeah, it was 5 pm!

Venice is gorgeous! The buildings are beautiful and colorful and full of personality. We have spent a few hours, here and there, sitting back and watching the gondolas drift by.

This may surprise some of you (Melissa and Jack!!!) but we got so completely LOST yesterday afternoon! We would have been back at the hotel and asleep by 3:30 pm, but we couldnt find the hotel! Eventually we did, but we were on the wrong side of the canal! But... I didnt break down or get cranky! Well, not too cranky, anyway!

We have many photos to share with you already, but will probably not post any until tomorrow night as there is no wi-fi in our area. We leave for Ravenna tomorrow morning. I will have plenty more to write about then!

We just want everyone to know that we are here, we are safe, we are happy! Talk to you soon!

Finally Married!

2006-09-10T19:56:00.000-07:00

Well, yesterday was our big day! Brian and I are finallly married! We are frantically packing for our honeymoon- off to Venice, Italy tomorrow! We will be updating this blog and look forward to sharing our travels through Italy. Ciao for now!