First week at Il Poggiolo!

Il Poggiolo Pool

Spent today at this beautiful pool at my Italy house with my siblings, nieces, nephews and friends.Set amidst olive trees, cypress, rosemary, lavender and hibiscus.  Che fa belle oggi!

ROME!!!

A wonderful tour guide for Florence

Lucia Montuschi
Tour Guide - Lecturer
lucia.montuschi@tin.it
+39 55 8827312

We did the Vassari Corridor private tour with her. She is just lovely. Speaks fluent English with a wonderful accent and is incredibly well versed in all of the nuances of Renaissance art and the history of Florence. 

Medieval Jousting - July 25th

Giostra dell'Orso, Pistoia
Pistoia Giostra dell'Orso (Joust of the Bear) takes place after a magnificent procession held on the 25 July in honour St. James, patron saint of Pistoia. Twelve knights take part in the Giostra, a mediaeval jousting tournament. The knights' goal is to hit two stylised bears with their lances to the sound of drum rolls and fanfares. The bear (orso) is the heraldic beast of Pistoia and the Giostra is the highlight of the town's "Luglio Pistoiese" festival.

See the colosseo at night!!

http://www.pierreci.it/home-page/en/exhibitions-and-events/la-luna-sul-colosseo-–-notti-flavie.aspx If you are in Rome on a thursday or saturday, you can make a reservation to visit the coloseum at night. Beat the heat. Maddy and i did not get it together to do this but wish we had known in time.

We are in Rome!!!!

Madeleine and i arrived on time via AerBerlin. She made it without too much anxiety, thank goodness. She was a trooper. All flights were on time. Fabulous airline. They feed you for free! Non stop service, warm towels, any drink you want, dinner and breakfast. I slept thru it all. It is 1:45pm Roma time. I am lucky to not have any jetlag issues. Madeleine is napping before we venture out into the city. It is simply gorgeous. Nice and old! I LOVE europe. Our hotel is old world. Siswick's and Well's, you need to take advantage of the car service from the airport. Drops you right at the hotel. It is very hard to find. We were met at baggage claim, taken to the car and dropped right in front of the hotel for 50e. It is 40e if you use regular cab service. We did not have to wait and the driver knew exactly where he was going. Perfetto! Just email the hotel with the request, flight number, airline and arrive time. Be sure to tell them how many you are. Mad and i have 2 bags each and a backpak. We squeezed it all into the mercedes the driver had. Ciao!!

Price's To Do List!!

WhenJul 7 – 8, 2012
WhereArezzo, Tuscany (map)
DescriptionAntiques Market held in Piazza Grande and throughout
the center of Arezzo.
Arezzo - Antiques Market
WhenJul 7 – 8, 2012
WhereArezzo, Tuscany (map)
DescriptionAntiques Market held in
Piazza Grande and throughout the center of Arezzo.

Monteriggioni - Medieval Fair
WhenJul 6 – 8, 2012
WhereMonteriggioni Siena (map)
DescriptionThis charming medieval hamlet
still sporting its towers and walls steps back in time for two weekends in July
with knight tournaments, sieges and battles. Minstrels, jugglers and many other
characters and shows are put on to keep you on your toes. Delicious
medieval-inspir​ed dishes prepared!

Tavernelle - Tavarnelle si mette in mostra
WhenSunday, Jul 8, 2012
WhereTavarnelle Val di Pesa
Florence, Tuscany (map)
DescriptionAntiques fair in Tavernelle
Val di Pesa, every second Sunday of the month throughout the year.

Monteriggioni - Medieval Fair
When Jul 13 – 15, 2012
WhereMonteriggioni Siena (map)
DescriptionThis charming medieval hamlet
still sporting its towers and walls steps back in time for two weekends in July
with knight tournaments, sieges and battles. Minstrels, jugglers and many other
characters and shows are put on to keep you on your toes. Delicious
medieval-inspir​ed dishes prepared!

Prato - Collezionare in Piazza
WhenJul 28 – 29, 2012
WherePiazza San Francesco, Prato (map)
DescriptionEvery fourth weekend of the
month, a small flea market is held in the main piazza in Prato, a perfect
chance to look around and make discoveries among small antiques, furnishings,
minerals and such.