But at long last, here are a few photos from my vacation. We did three days in Rome, four in Venice, and four in Florence -- not nearly enough!! It was probably the best vacation I've ever taken, and I can't wait to go back to Italy.
The Colosseum in Rome. Just breathtaking.
Trevi Fountain. It's jammed with tourists all the time, and it's really crowded -- you'd think this would be in a big plaza with plenty of space. It's not.
I always take photos of random things. I love architecture, especially doorways.
This one was on a street near the top of the Spanish Steps in Rome.
A group of gondoliers, just hanging out in Venice. No big deal.
The Grand Canal in Venice. That's the Basilica of Santa Maria della Salute.
I think it's the most beautiful thing in Venice.
This is the oldest restaurant in Venice, from about 1500. It's around the corner from our pensione. We ate dinner there the last night and had the best lobster gnocchi in the world. There are framed letters from the 1700s and 1800s hanging on the walls.
The Arno River in Florence.
A giant head of David in the Boboli Gardens in Florence. Different than the more famous statue of David in the Accademia Galleria, but still beautiful.
Our hotel in Florence, just down the street from the Duomo.
It's a converted monastery, originally built in 1527.
View of the Duomo in Florence from the Campanile (tower) of the Palazzo Vecchio. I didn't climb up to the top of the Duomo but the view from the Palazzo Campanile was amazing.
I'll post more photos later, and then it's back to blogging as usual.
Beautiful pictures. It must be amazing to see them in person.
ReplyDeleteIt was!! I don't think I stopped smiling the entire trip.
DeleteGlad you enjoyed my country :) Firenze is my favourite city in the whole world (sadly, I don't live there, but I try to visit it as often as I can).
ReplyDeleteAnd welcome back to blogging, of course :)
It was beautiful and everyone was so friendly! I can't wait to go back -- and I have to visit so many new places too! And I want to learn Italian, such a beautiful language.
DeleteWell, if you really want to learn, or you're already learning and need someone to speak to, I'll gladly give you some help :) it always makes me feel proud when someome wants to learn my language. Just let me know :)
DeleteWhat beautiful pictures! I love Rome and Venice but have never been to Florence. I'm glad you had a good time.
ReplyDeleteFlorence was wonderful, the food was great and there's so much to do! Sadly, I didn't have time to visit the rest of Tuscany, but I want to go back as soon as I can.
DeleteWelcome back! The pictures are lovely - and I'm glad you had such a great trip.
ReplyDeleteBest. Vacation. Ever!! And I haven't even mentioned the gelato yet.
DeleteLovely photos, thanks so much for sharing them. I am glad you enjoyed your vacation and also very glad to have you back! I was a little worried there when you commented on Thomas' blog about considering quitting blogging.
ReplyDeleteIt's just gotten harder with a full-time job. Sometimes I have to choose between blogging about a book, or actually reading one. Reading usually wins out.
DeleteOh, gorgeous. I'm perishing of envy. I'd love to go to Venice, and I've never been -- the streets are full of water! (You may have noticed. :p)
ReplyDeleteI loved all the places, but I think Venice was my absolute favorite.
DeleteIt all looks amazing!
ReplyDeleteIt was pretty wonderful. I'm so jealous about people who actually get to live in Italy!
DeleteGorgeous - I love the details of the building with the face/mouth. I wish I was in Italy now!
ReplyDeleteThere were a lot of really cool doorways, and especially door knockers. I love architectural details.
DeleteI was worried that you'd fallen into a canal! Thanks for sharing the photos. I've never been to Florence or Rome, but my husband and I spend a wonderful week in Venice about fifteen years ago. Amazing place!
ReplyDeleteNo, just some personal things came up right after our trip and I had to take some more time off work. And didn't you just love Venice?
DeleteBeautiful pictures... welcome back!
ReplyDeleteWelcome back and what wonderful photos! I've taken a similar trip and your pics brought back some great memories of wandering through the Boboli Gardens in Florence.
ReplyDeleteWow, I'm very jealous - never been to Italy but would love to one day. Thanks for sharing the photo's. while I'm here I should invite you back to Paris in July - Karen and I are hosting it again, with some different aspects and we'd love to see some of our regulars joining in. It might not be Italy, but Paris in July is always fun!
ReplyDeleteWelcome back and thanks for the photos. You just took my dream vacation--we had been hoping to do this trip in the fall, but it looks like we'll have to wait a year...again. Anyway, I love your itinerary and length of time in each spot--although I'm hoping to through in a day trip to Vesuvius from Rome.
ReplyDeleteI love the picture of the gondolas in Venice, and really all of them. I may hit you up for hotel recommendations when we actually start booking our trip.
Glad you had a wonderful time--looking forward to hearing more about the trip.