The Big Wedding

Today is the big wedding in Florence of Kanye West and one of the Kardasian sisters. They told the papparazzi it was in Paris, but no it's here in the Barbini Gardens. Unbeknowst to me, I climbed the hills of the Oltrano across the River Arno, up, up, up, and up only to discover the gardens had closed early to prepare. Beyond the iron gate I saw workers setting up. All of Florence is abuzz, meanwhile Ialian demonstrations take place everywhere to denouce the Euro, wanting to return to the countries' national currency. But what the heck, today we dance!

For Gluten-free Italians

Here's what Euros are worth in May 2014 -- Canadian. I remember when the Euro was 1.34. You'll notice at the bottom is my Italian translation to show restaurant servers that I can't eat gluten. Ha! Now why on earth would a gluten intolerant person go to the land of pasta!

Actually, even the Italians  are struggling with gluten and the Monsanto-mutated wheat. In fact, if you need gluten-free pasta go to the nearest Italian pharmacy and they'll have an entire shelf of non-wheat and non-gluten products. Yes, that's right a pharmacy!

Then bring it to the restaurant of your choice and the chef will cook it for you. Or call ahead and they'll make sure they have it for you.

Ciao for now!

Ready To Go!

Passport, money, ticket...Passport, money, ticket...and wallet sith credit card and bank card(know your PIN numbers not letters). And my carry on size wheelie is good tp gp at 26 pounds. YES! Got my Euros typed up so I know what I'm spending. And I promise myself I will not get ripped off by a taxi cab driver, this time. So bon voyage, meet you in Italy!

Italy 2014

Getting ready to go. All flights have been booked thanks to Jenny at Travel Concepts, West Vancouver. And I booked my own hotels--pensioni--after much stress and no availability at this late date. Italy is a busy place! Hotels are booked months in advance and here I decide to leave in one and a half months! Yikes! So, I went through all my Italian travel books, and some from the library too, and sent off over two dozen emails. Most of the hotels were full. But they always get cancellations, so keep trying your favorite ones, or call them direct--it helps. I'm trying a monastery this time in the centre of Florence, so it will be quite different. And there's an 11:00 p.m. curfew; it has beautiful gardens to walk in and breakfast is included.

In Florence, I'm meeting my sister (not that kind of "sister", the family kind). She's flying over to be part of a Bowen Therapy workshop and retreat. After a few days in Florence together, we'll be traveling to the Cinque Terre. Hopefully, the winter storm cleanup will be finished and there will be no rain. I tried to get to Vernazza in June 2011 but the rains kept everyone away.

Will keep you posted!
Ciao bella - MJ ;O)