In Italy and Loving It #2

My feet are killing me! We woke this morning to showers and overcast skies, but that didn't keep us from heading out early on the train to Mantova. Our first stop was Palazzo Te. Palazzo Te was built in 1525 by the Gonzaga family. It was a private Outside the city retreat of the family. The Room of the Giants was the reason we headed to the Palazzo - but we enjoyed it all. We hiked across town to visit the Ducal Palace which was the Gonzaga family "home" - you need to understand -they ruled the city for almost 400 years. The Palazzo was big but the Palace was HUGE. The main attraction at the Palace was the Bridal Chamber. The ceiling was beautiful, cute, fun and showed an interesting perspective! Look it up. :)

We stopped into several churches, found stores we couldn't resist, ate lunch at a great local restaurant, and walked arm-in-arm under one umbrella. the fast train back to Verona was booked so we foind ourselves on the slow commuter train home! Happy to get off our feet, we enjoyed the ride.

I have not been able to post pictures - the iPad won't let me . . . So much for technology!

Well, goodnight to all! We are staying local tomorrow - Verona.

In Italy and Loving It #1

Yes. I am in Italy, once again - I might add. End of March I traveled to take Daughter #1 to study in Italy for 10 weeks. Sir and co. went with me. I am back in Italy traveling with Daughter #1 on her spring break. Life is good!

We have planted ourselves in Verona, but take day trips out to small towns in the country side. Our first stop? Pad ova or Padua. We loved walking through the town but was a little discouraged when most of the shops were closed, we bought REALLY bad fruit from a street market and toured the wrong church. Once a old man who spoke no English pointed us in the right direction, we happily made the most of the day. We toured a big, beautiful church had lunch on the piazza then went to Scrovegni Chapel. Daughter #1 studied it in her art history class in high school and was thrilled to finally see the chapel. It was amazing. We ran for the training eating McDonals on the train on the way home!

Today we traveled to Vicenza. Daughter #1 liked it better than Padua. The town was smaller and cute. We spent the morning touring the Teatro Olimpico, which is the most amazing thing I have seen in all Italy. The theatre was started in 1580 by Palladio, a famous architect who lived in this area and had a big impact on architecture during this time period. We walked the streets looking at the buildings associated with his name. After a tour of the museo civico palazzo chiericati and another great lunch, we headed out of the city center to see the Villa la Rotonda and the Villa Gazzotti Grimani Curtis, both works of Palladio's. We were impressed with the architecture but under whelmed with the "famous" frescos and furnishings.

It has been a beautiful two days. We are loving the towns and enjoying each others company. We are tired tonight but heading into Verona's city center for dinner. We have an early start tomorrow!

Atlanta Bound

I just spent a quick week-end in Atlanta. Headed south, to my old stomping grounds, to host a baby shower for my niece. While there, I lived through the terrible storms that devastated part of the country. Luckily for us, we were all tucked in without a problem.

We had a great baby shower. I was happy to visit with so many of the people that touched my life when I was just out of college living with a roommate - the days before Sir took me away to the Midwest. We laughed, ate cupcakes, opened gifts and took many pictures.

In the evening, we headed off to Turner Field enjoying a double hitter . . .but the weather was cold!! Braves won both games - sorry Mets! It was a beautiful night at the ball park.

I was sad to leave but know I will be back in July to see little Madelyn!

Really?

All I can say is . . . really?

Snow on April 18th?

My poor daffoildils.