From Florence to Cinque Terre

This is Susan's dream and the whole purpose of our Italian jaunt. Here we are going to walk (and walk and walk) and eat seafood. On the way to CT we are doing a super quick in Pisa to see the Leaning Tower and then lunch in Lucca. I would like to hire a bicycle to tour around Lucca but it would be a solo journey as Susan and a bike is just not a picture any of us need to think about.

We are staying in Monterosso here. This is our rest stop after busy Rome and Florence and a chance to sit by the sea, drink a glass (or two in Susan's case – I am a very conservative drinker) of vino and enjoy the relaxing atmosphere.

Florence

Second stop is Florence. Staying at Hotel Silla from here will also see Sienna, Pisa and Lucca. I imagine this is the city that Susan will get lost in the museums and galleries and I will get lost in the streets. Thankfully we are going to buy cheap pre-[aid Italian phones so that when we are tired of being lost we can find each other.

DId you know that Florence was originally established by Julius Ceaser in 59BC? Nope neither did I.

I should point out to the well educated here that grammer and spelling is not my forte (neither is patience) - blame my school teachers. So I apologise in advance if you cringe as you read my posts and gasp at how different Susan and I are, how much more highly educated Susan is. The bottom line is I am MUCH nicer.

Rome

Our first stop is in Rome for 4 nights. We arrive around midday on Monday 6th and will somehow find our way to here. This hotel is not in the centre of Rome but very near the Villa Borghese. We will dump our bags and go in search of Gelato a block away from the Trevi Fountain (you are not allowed to buy Gelato anywhere near tourist traps otherwise you will get - well - trapped). We then plan on walking to the Spanish Steps and then collapsing into bed early. As I will have had at least two espresso's I may not, as such, collapse.

Dad if you read this could you please send me some Xanax for the other person going on this trip as she doesn't fly very well - though after a week with her I may be the one in need of it :)

In Search of Italian Gelato

On September 6th, Susan (my sister) and I will be departing Australia. Me in search of Gelato and Susan in search of all things Italian. In a jam packed three weeks we will be visiting Rome, Florence, Cinque Terre, Venice, Sorento and then back to Rome where I come back to work and Australia and Susan continues her journey to London and Scotland to meet up with long lost cousins.

This blog will be instead of postcards and email's and phone calls so do not complain when you don't receive them (Dad).

Today begins the countdown, three weeks and 1 day to go (and I could tell you the hours and minutes but better to be thought sad than to speak out and remove all doubt).

On a small aside Stef leaves for New York three weeks today to take up and internship with the very great Annie Lebowitz.