Culture Observed

When packing for Italy there are a few things you want to keep in mind: You likely won't have access to a clothes iron or ironing board. Everywhere you go requires walking and usually walking on uneven terrain including unevenly spaced steps. It is worth it to spend money on high quality, thick soled walking shoes. Sidewalks and other paths are usually dirty. Expect dry cleaning or laundry to be more expensive than in the United States. Pay for regular wash by the kilogram. Pack so that everything fits in one carry-on bag.  Then pack a second bag that can be checked on your way home. Consider how you might bring large liquids like balsamic vinegar, olive oil, and wine home with you.  What are the airport and customs regulations that might impact how you pack? The toilet paper rolls are smaller so you if you are a large consumer of TP, you'll go through a roll much faster. Italy is warm. Unlike the United States where we over-air-condition, many places do not have A...

After eleven days in Italy, we were ready to go home. The last meal we ate in country was at La Locanda in Fiumicino near the airport west of Rome. The atmosphere was brilliant.  It was something that could be replicated by Italian restaurants in the states. There were several different eating atmospheres. One could go to the bar area for live music or karoke. One could go to the patio under the tents to listen to the Beatles and enjoy the wonderful outdoors. Another option was an outdoor seating area where a movie was playing. And finally, the typical indoor dining was an option. I ordered artichoke pizza because I still hadn't had it and was determined to try it before I left.  Unlike the reviews online, it was really good.  I think many reviewers haven't yet adjusted to what is "normal" Italian pizza: the thin curst, the spotted cheese, meats that are cured not fried or baked. My husband ordered the pizza without cheese and he seemed to enjoy it. Our waiter wa...

On our last night in Italy, we stayed at Bed and Breakfast Smallville near the airport in Rome.  This was the largest room we had our entire stay. It was up a few flights of steps, but not too bad compared to some of the other places we had stayed. There was no elevator, but our hostess Daniela helped us carry our bags up to our room.  And then she gave a thorough tour of the space, including how to use the light in the hall upon late night entry.  Daniela has a real gift for hospitality and paying attention to the little things that make a difference. This was the first place where we stayed where we were shown how to use the air conditioning unit.  Two pillows were also supplied on the bed for each guest (as Italian pillows are thin compared to U.S. American pillows).  The room decorations were especially welcoming to English speakers, including signs in English, and images of London, New York, and Rome on the wall. There was even a First Aid Kit an...

In Venice, we booked a room at Domus Ciliota because we were told it would be clean and it was recommended by a former classmate. We were also warned that the furnishings would be simple. And they were.  My husband compared our room to a dorm room, which seemed an adequate description. For this blog entry, I thought I'd write it as advice for anyone staying at Domus Ciliota. This would be a great place to stay as 20-somethings backpacking Europe. It isn't so great for a married couple in their 30s looking for a romantic weekend in Venice. When you arrive in Venice (Venezia San Lucia), stop by the Vapretto (water bus) ticket booth inside the train station and purchase a pass for the number of hours you plan to be in Venice.  The Vapretto will be your main transport throughout Venice. The train station opens up to a busy square and the main water thoroughfare.  Along the river there will be several square box waiting areas to catch a Vapretto. Each are numbered....

The highlight of our trip to Italy was our time in Cinque Terre. It was fabulous! And what made it so fabulous was the hospitality of our bed and breakfast host and his friend, Edoardo. My husband and I highly recommend that if you stay at 5 Terre Pelagos you take advantage of the boat tour they offer and make reservations to eat at Trattoria Dal Billy. TRAVEL Getting to Manarola was a bit intimidating.  We took the train from Florence to La Spezia Centrale (passing through Pisa) and from there to Manarola.  At La Spezia there was an elevator that could be used to switch platforms. There wasn't an elevator at Manarola - which with our luggage was a bit challenging.  But, once we arrived there we followed the crowd around a corner and through a tunnel. On the other end was beautiful Manarola! THE HOME To get to 5 Terre Pelagos we went up the main street to the right and then turned on the first sidewalk (alley) on the right.  Then we walked up the hil...

During our time in Florence (Firenze), Italy, we stayed at Hotel La Scaletta.  This hotel is known for its dining and its view of the city, and the view did not disappoint. We ate elsewhere, as the menu did not look appealing to our midwestern U.S. American preferences. Hotel La Scaletta should also be known for its great location and great customer service.  The host at the front desk directed us to some excellent restaurants that are favored by locals and even made reservations for us.  They also pre-arranged for us admittance times to the Uffizi Museum and Accademia - which was a huge plus! The hotel is just across the river from the Uffizi and surrounded by stores, restaurants, and night life. We were also able to take advantage of the computer and Internet in the lobby to book our train tickets.   The hotel appears to share a building with other businesses. When you arrive at the address, you'll walk down a hall and then turn to the left.  There w...