Wednesday, May 31, 2017

Rainy Day on the Coast

The plan was a boat ride along the Cinque Terre with stops along the way. The weather was cool, windy and rainy.  It was decided the sea was too rough for sightseeing on a boat. Our inventive tour manager and a local tour guide planned a day on the coast for us with the motor coach traveling through the mountains. We were disappointed that the boat was cancelled,  however, we had a wonderful day despite the weather.


Porto Venere
Quaint, isolated and beautiful even in this weather!
I loved the narrow streets with shops and residences along the way.



I bought a jar of pesto in this shop.
Delicious!


Steep stairways everywhere.


At the end of the street is the Church of St. Peter.
It was pouring rain and VERY windy so we opted not to walk over.
We were protected somewhat from the blowing wind and rain between the buildings in the narrow walkway.



Beautiful even on a  rainy day.
We were fortunate to be here just before the tourist season.
Sometimes it is a good thing to avoid the crowds.






Vineyards
The coast is mountainous with wonderful views.



Marble stairs, tile and old wood.




Just look at the finish on this old wooden door.




All along the street were interesting old doors with whimsical knockers.



I would love to stay here.










This street makes my heart sing!


The shopkeepers take pride in their shops.
The customer service is incredible.




A closer look at the Church of St. Peter

                                                              Porto Venere - Postcard Perfect



More Vineyards


In the afternoon we stopped at another coastal town.
I don't remember the name.


Cars are not allowed (except taxis), so we had to walk from the bus parking lot down a long hill into the town. The weather had improved somewhat so the walk wasn't too difficult. (I did take a taxi back up the hill to the bus.)



We had a wonderful lunch in the green building.
I will do a food post later.


Fun day in this unique part of Italy.

Next San Gimignano.

💟Peace,Myra






Saturday, May 27, 2017

A Windy Day in Pisa

Our day in Pisa was windy and chilly. Pisa was definitely the most touristy destination on our Tuscany trip.  It recently made a list of ten travel destinations to avoid.


I am glad I visited Pisa. There is just something about being there that can't be captured by even the most accomplished photographer. As it was early in the season it wasn't too crowded.


Yes, we took the "holding up the tower" photos.
I'll keep them for my "personal" album.




Detail Cathedral Door



Carved Column Center Door of Cathedral (see below)



Pisa Cathedral



Pisa Baptistery 


Detail Tower


Piazza dei Miracoli (Field of Miracles)


Fallen Angel statue by the Polish artist Igor Mitoraj.

We had new iPhones and used them for most of our photos.
Unfamiliar with all the new features created problems with our photos.
I don't like the "live" setting and wasn't aware that it was on.
We also kept changing the settings accidentally and ended up with lots of unintended videos and such. I wish I had used my camera more especially here at Pisa.

I'm also working with a new computer with an unfamiliar photo program.
I am not able to find the edited photos so I'm having to basically go with the originals.
I really like playing with the editing. 

Next a rainy day Cinque Terre.

💟Peace,Myra

Tuesday, May 23, 2017

A Day in Siena

Here we are in Siena, another ancient walled city on top of a mountain. The historic center of Siena is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.


The Piazza del Campo 


The Torre del Mangia (Tower) 
Sorry I cut off the top of the tower!





Typical scenery around Siena.



The Piazza is the site of the Palio, a medieval horse race that is run twice a year.
During our visit the locals and tourists alike were enjoying a beautiful sunny day.



The streets were narrow and hilly.



Siena Cathedral



Shops and restaurants lined the ancient streets.
For lunch, I enjoyed a delicious slice of pizza followed by lemon gelato while walking down this street.




Fountain on the piazza.



Vineyards with olive trees


Following our time in Siena we were back on the motor motorcoach for a scenic drive to a winery for wine tasting and tour. Here is our tour guide with the huge wooden barrels. 


Salute!

Another enchanted day in Tuscany.

Next - Pisa.

💟Peace, Myra