Back to Italy in August!

Italy of the Beaten Track

Visited the Republic of San Marino today, beautiful city.
Entered the historical centre through the Porta San Francesco and continued on to Palazzo Publico and the three Castle towers, Rocco Guaita, Rocco Della Fratta and Rocco Montrale.
Watched the changing of the guard and then lunch, surprising well priced food and clothing for such a touristy place.
Only one night in Rimini, stroll along the beach and a gelato then tomorrow off to Pescara and surrounding area for a couple of days.

Italy of the Beaten Track

Boat ride to Portofino today, sea with a big swell but the ferries are running.
Visited the Castle Brown in Portofino, fantastic views from there, how the other half lived!!
After a 6Euro coffee in Portofino returned to Santa Margarita for a more economical lunch.

Packed the bags for the trip to Parma, Modena and Bologna the next day.

Italy off the Beaten Track

Well it has not really been "off the beaten track"! First stop was Rome visiting the Coliseum, Roman Forum, Spanish Steps, Sistine Chapel, The Vatican and of course St Peters and all that in the first three days!

Day four saw us visiting the town of Ariccia and Frascati for wine tasting at a local winery.

Next day we were off to Orvieto. Access to the town is by a restored funicular railway, visit to the Cathedral and St Patrick's Well (248 steps down and the same up), lunch in a lovely cafe in the town. Overnight in Orvieto and a night stroll to see the Cathedral illuminated.

Day six and day seven in Florence to visit the Uffizi Gallery and Galleria dell'Accademia, to view David.

Next day walking tour of Florence visiting Piazza della Signoria and Ponte Vecchio.

Having some beautiful lunches and dinners in typical little Italian cafes and bars, mostly away from the main tourist strips.

Day eight in Pisa visiting its famous landmarks, the Leaning Tower (climbed to the top), the Cathedral and the statue of Romulus and Remus being fed by the she wolf.

Day nine staying in a beautiful hotel in Fosdinova near La Spezia for the next three nights. The hotel has the most spectacular outlook over green hills all the way to the sea.

Today we were supposed to visit the towns of Vernazza and Monterosso by boat, but because of the weather (a huge swell was running) that was cancelled and we went by train.

I am back!! and off to Italy

Off to Italy next week, so will be writing about the journey whenever I get a chance.
It has been a couple of years and am looking forward to some warm weather, pasta and vino Rosso!!
Art and culture also.
Will be visiting Rome, Bologna, Parma, Florence, Rimini, La Spezia and the Cinque Terra plus, plus!
I had better start packing.

PIAF - Place Des Anges - 11 February 2012

What a fantastic celebration! Les Studios de Cirque created a spectacular aerial display last night in the centre of Perth for the Festival.

Wires were strung from several buildings in Perth and the performers (Angels) flew through the air leaving trails of feathers in their wake.

 

At the end of the performance everything, including us, was left in a deep layer of soft feathers, amazing.



Perth, at the moment is jumping with things to do, the International Film Festival, PIAF, and the Fringe Festival, its all too much really, I think I have to have a nice cup of tea and a lie down just thinking about it!

Perth International Arts Festival Opening 10 Feb 2012

6:00 AM, Cottesloe Beach, Perth, WA.

Opening ceremony for this years PIAF. "Dawn/Dusk."

Dawn at Cottesloe beach then Dusk at Albany in the far South.

Lovely weather, beautiful singing from the choir and a "Welcome to Country" ceremony from the local indiginous people.

Fantastic.

Check the video!

Great morning.