Italia

Once in a while, you are asked by your little brother to tag along while he finishes his homework.  When that includes sketching in Italy, the answer must always be yes!!  We jumped at the opportunity this spring to go with two of my brothers, their wives and one little baby girl to Italy.  It was wonderful!!  We toured the country in our little fiats, got lost every day, and enjoyed the wonder of this beautiful country.  It was a whirlwind trip and we were exhausted when we returned, but it was well worth it.  Thanks for letting us tag along Jeff! We hope you get an A!

We started off with a couple late flights, lost luggage and a late arrival into Verona.  Our Bed and Breakfast was beautiful.

 I love the yellow houses and buildings!!

 ...and the laundry hanging on the balconies!

 Our first stop was Cinque Terre.  We walked down to the town of Manarola as the rain poured.  Colorful buildings and umbrellas!

 These towns were incredibly beautiful.

 What rain?  Who cares, we're in Italy!

 There was a nice stroll down "Lover's Lane" to the first little village.  We were happy the rain stopped so we could enjoy it!

I love the flowers everywhere!

 

 

Our next day started in Florence.  This is the Duomo.  Phil had done his research about this amazing structure and we decided to take the tour.  So glad we did!

 From the Roof!

 That guy in our picture is the one who got us to Italy, so I can't really be upset, can I?

 The "fake" David since the real one was closed that day.  Still very impressive.

 This little Piazza della Signoria had many statues, live music and fun people watching!

 Without our kids, we had to do the goofy shots!

 Ponte Vecchio bridge.  Gorgeous!

 This is our view from our room in our Villa in Pistoia.  My favorite hotel.  Loved the food, the rooms and the view!

 Seriously?  How can that not make you happy?

Siena was like a college town.  Phil loved it.  This is Il Campo

 My favorite memory of Siena was singing Opera in the Accademia Musicale Chigiana, this little alcove that had incredible acoustics.  I got some funny looks, but it was awesome!

This gave new meaning to putting on a facade.  The front of the buildings were incredible, then you'd turn the corner! 

 

Our drive into Rome was a nightmare. The cars were separated, both lost and in some dangerous situations at times.  We ended up getting there late at night with no one to greet us to get into our rental apartment.  Thrilled to be reunited once again, we grabbed some pizza and waited on the steps for someone to let us in.  Needless to say, it's a good thing we didn't go with our first impressions of Rome!!

 Refreshed after a good nights sleep, and once again ready to go, we hit the Vatican City first.  

 

Phil had to see School of Athens, and be in the picture with it of course!  We also were awestruck by Michelangelo's Sistine Chapel.

 I was pretty excited about this photo.  Notice the Colosseum in their sunglasses!

 Pretty magnificent sight!

 Oh, just some ancient ruins on our way to the next totally incredible stop.

  

I loved the pantheon.  Can you say 120 AD?

 

Our little friend Irie.  Loved having her on this trip!

 

 I loved hanging out on the steps in front.  Surreal!

What a fun group of people!  This was taken at Piazza Navona.  A great taste of Rome.

 Throwing coins in Trevi fountain ASSURES us a return to Rome!

The Spanish Steps were a great conclusion to our day in Rome.  Beautiful!

 
 Beautiful countryside on our way to Assissi.  One of my favorite spots. 

Assissi was incredible at every turn!!  I think Assissi my favorite stop (ok at least one of my favorites!)

 
St. Francis' Church

 
 On to Venice (Well, ok we had to get extremely lost and end up in a random field somewhere at 10:00 the night before first!!!  Funny memory!)

We took Rick Steve's advice and stayed of the main tourist areas.  Venice is beautiful.  A picture in every direction!

 Finally had to embrace the graffiti instead of avoiding it!!

 My favorite canal "street"  Fond. ca. Balla.  So pretty!

Rialto Bridge.
 
 

St. Mark's Basilica.  St. Mark's square was very fun.  Dueling Orchestras, lots of people and even a bit of dancing for Phil and I.

We splurged on a Gondola Ride.  Pretty cool, though he didn't sing enough!

 Our last day was spent in Verona.  Tried to catch church, but they had moved it to the afternoon that day (go figure), so we did the next best thing:  the house of Juiliet!

 Verona was another beautiful city!

 

After the day in Verona, we couldn't help but be drawn back to Venice for our last night of the trip.  We had to see it at night (and the night before we had to run to catch a train with .03 seconds to spare!) 

Is it possible to be homesick for somewhere you have only spent one week?  Cause I think I am after looking through these pictures.  Thanks Jeff for allowing us to come with you and a HUGE thanks to Phil's parents for tackling Spring Sports season at the Stevens home for a week so we could go.  And thanks Phil, for showing me another amazing part of this beautiful world!