tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-89502226273968756712024-03-13T08:23:26.807-07:00Italy and SonJeanie Beckhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16949570288163706137noreply@blogger.comBlogger26125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8950222627396875671.post-57929859279901772712015-02-22T05:36:00.001-08:002015-02-22T05:36:53.656-08:00Check out our new website<p dir="ltr">We have made the move to http://www.italyandson.com. Please join us there for our latest posts!</p>
Jeanie Beckhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16949570288163706137noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8950222627396875671.post-52080286681037283542015-01-20T08:06:00.001-08:002015-02-08T14:18:33.257-08:00Italian Lessons<p dir="ltr">I am living proof that the best way to learn a foreign language is to experience the culture first hand.  Spencer and I spent 5 weeks in Italy this past summer. It was an incredible adventure.  Hearing and speaking Italian everyday was invaluable.  But when our trip ended I feared Spencer would lose his love and desire to keep learning the Italian language. I'm happy to report, he has not.  Since I home school Spencer I am able to include Italian lessons in his daily curriculum. We first started with Rosetta Stone, but it proved too confusing for Spencer. Then I found the key to success. Spencer now uses the Duolingo app, vocabulary cards, and a workbook that is suitable for his age. This educational trio has catapulted Italian to his favorite school subject. In a perfect world I would enroll Spencer and I in a language school in Lucca, but that's not yet in the cards. I look forward to the day Spencer gets another chance to practice what he's learned in Italy. Until then, we will help each other learn this beautiful language together. <br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-F-2zO7Rtkn4/VL59AW-rlRI/AAAAAAAAJ2k/g6lTZ_NQnHE/s1600/20150120_093257.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"> <img border="0" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-F-2zO7Rtkn4/VL59AW-rlRI/AAAAAAAAJ2k/g6lTZ_NQnHE/s640/20150120_093257.jpg"> </a> </div><br />Jeanie Beckhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16949570288163706137noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8950222627396875671.post-53224853098633498402014-08-10T16:54:00.001-07:002014-08-10T16:54:15.666-07:00Not adjusting well<p dir="ltr">Tonight a family member in Italy needed me to resend her a picture she had accidentally deleted. It was of my son Spencer and her dog, Daisy.  The camera flash made Daisy look more like Cujo. I can't help but laugh every time I look at that photo. But trying to find it was torture. I had to go back and look through most of my vacation pictures before I found it. It made me realize how much trouble I'm having adjusting to life back in the States. I've been home 3 weeks and I'm more convinced than ever, I left a good chunk of my soul in Italy. Don't get me wrong, I'm happy to be home with all of my kids, but they've all been to Italy. They all love it and understand where I'm coming from. In 2 years we are hoping everything works out and we are able to call Italy home. Until then, I will continue to torture myself looking back at our amazing vacation pictures, making lots of home made pasta and dreaming of La Dolce Vita. </p>
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After 5 weeks of morning cappuccinos and crossaints I find myself trying to keep the tradition alive. But of course my cappuccinos don't come close to the Rosy Bar & Cafe's in Maiori.  I did bring home a macchinetta from Italy,  and while it does make a mean coffee, I'm having trouble adjusting to life without my Italian cappuccino.  After a few days home I caved and switched back to my iced latte.   One night a couple of weeks ago Gregg and I watched an Italian cooking show. The host made fresh ravioli. Last night I pulled out my pasta maker and got to work. I made a lemon ricotta ravioli. The kitchen was completely destroyed,  but I have to admit my ravioli was awesome. I made a homemade ciabatta two days ago and used it to slop up the sauce from my ravioli dinner. After 5 weeks in Italy most people would be sick of pastas, but not me. I made enough dough yesterday to feed an army. <br>
I know it will be years before I return to Italy, unless I win the lottery. But since I don't play, I'll just have to keep my favorite Italian traditions going on here at home until I can hopefully someday call Italy, home. </p>
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The car service I hired to get us home surprised us with a limo again. I had only paid for a small town car. Great ending to our travels. <br></p>
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It's been a fantastic five weeks. I've loved every second and will miss our family friends, and new friends we made in Maiori. But my heart will bring us home again. </p>
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margin-right: 1em;"> <img border="0" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-fYYLa8jOUDA/U8DhiaSBMRI/AAAAAAAAASs/1YM2sp0mUew/s640/20140711_185919.jpg"> </a> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-r0YXdu3egmU/U8DhnA7W6dI/AAAAAAAAAS0/BogOuy4n65s/s1600/20140711_185734.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"> <img border="0" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-r0YXdu3egmU/U8DhnA7W6dI/AAAAAAAAAS0/BogOuy4n65s/s640/20140711_185734.jpg"> </a> </div>Jeanie Beckhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16949570288163706137noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8950222627396875671.post-73992701994167532282014-07-10T01:16:00.001-07:002014-07-10T01:16:30.938-07:004 weeks same belt loop, love the Mediterranean diet<p dir="ltr">I have been in Italy four weeks now and incredibly still using the same belt notch as when I arrived. I know I have gained a few pounds, but guessing only about 3 or 4. That's amazing considering all of the pizzas and pastas I've devoured over the past month. That is credit to the Mediterranean diet. Everything I've eaten has been freshly made, not processed. The seafood I eat at dinner is almost always caught that morning. And the portion sizes are perfect. Last night for dinner I had shrimp in a lemon sauce. There were only 5 shrimp on the plate. This was my favorite dish so far. I'd try to describe the flavors but it wouldn't do the dish justice. Even the pizzas taste like the dough was made just minutes before. Most of the vegetables are organic, grown in volcanic soil. I have never seen tomatoes this red anywhere. And the lemons are gigantic. I wish I could bring home some volcanic soil for my garden. Most Italians have a 3 or 4 course lunch and dinner. Lunch is usually my largest meal, especially when our family friend, Sandra cooks. One of my favorite meals she prepared was a mozzarella meatloaf, potatoes, zucchini, fennel and cheese. I ate everything and didn't gain an ounce. We always take her dog for several walks a day and we never snack between meals. I've gotten so used to long walks 4 or 5 times a day. I think this will be the hardest adjustment to returning home, not having long walks on the sea front. I have only a few days left in Italy and hope when I get home I can continue this Mediterranean lifestyle. It definitely agrees with my stomach and lifestyle. </p>
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text-align: center;"> <a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-ZAH73BifLpM/U75LyZaQhAI/AAAAAAAAAQk/DQ-pLLW99cE/s1600/20140621_170740.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"> <img border="0" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-ZAH73BifLpM/U75LyZaQhAI/AAAAAAAAAQk/DQ-pLLW99cE/s640/20140621_170740.jpg"> </a> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-4Mj6r0RqOIM/U75L0nqqqYI/AAAAAAAAAQs/BpGIoBOe6bU/s1600/20140620_203255.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"> <img border="0" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-4Mj6r0RqOIM/U75L0nqqqYI/AAAAAAAAAQs/BpGIoBOe6bU/s640/20140620_203255.jpg"> </a> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-cbzQR3gbFnY/U75L3HgMR2I/AAAAAAAAAQ0/g90SnF8qmoc/s1600/20140618_195623.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"> <img border="0" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-cbzQR3gbFnY/U75L3HgMR2I/AAAAAAAAAQ0/g90SnF8qmoc/s640/20140618_195623.jpg"> </a> </div>Jeanie Beckhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16949570288163706137noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8950222627396875671.post-37011373289944983382014-07-09T01:07:00.001-07:002014-07-09T01:07:11.750-07:00Evening stroll<p dir="ltr">Taking an evening stroll is taken very seriously in Italy. It's not only a great way to walk off your meal, but it's also a social event. Here in Maiori you can walk the sea front or really get a workout and climb up the hills. Last night our family friend Sandra took us on a fantastic stroll halfway up one of the many hills of Maiori. The views alone were worth the extra effort. I will miss these walks when we return home. As much as I love Indiana, it does not offer these types of vistas. </p>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-QNDlOOy0TUk/U7pPKBSdaGI/AAAAAAAAAOE/VrSRVAqItTg/s1600/20140706_193920.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"> <img border="0" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-QNDlOOy0TUk/U7pPKBSdaGI/AAAAAAAAAOE/VrSRVAqItTg/s640/20140706_193920.jpg"> </a> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-SyJ_2N2L0WE/U7pPLhwBxGI/AAAAAAAAAOM/yNn5BZhXWEA/s1600/20140706_204335.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"> <img border="0" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-SyJ_2N2L0WE/U7pPLhwBxGI/AAAAAAAAAOM/yNn5BZhXWEA/s640/20140706_204335.jpg"> </a> </div>Jeanie Beckhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16949570288163706137noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8950222627396875671.post-87742688021356351252014-07-05T07:22:00.001-07:002014-07-05T07:22:54.092-07:00America's birthday in Italy<p dir="ltr">I was blessed to have another fun evening with my husband, this time on the 4th of July. It was amazing walking around Capri and seeing American flags everywhere. We had an awesome dinner then went to a local bar for a bottle of wine. We toasted America's 238th birthday under the stars. Capri is much more fun in the evenings when all of the tourists have left the island. The squares were full of locals and people vacationing on the island. Tomorrow I'm hoping to convince Spencer we need another beach day. The waters of Marina Piccola are crystal clear. I took a few pictures when we stopped by it this morning. It's a free beach and that's music to my ears. Plus, Spencer spotted a cat which ensures he'll want to return. <br>
</p>
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We started the day at my favorite coffee shop, then packed our bags. After Gregg returned to work Spencer and I took a cab to Sorrento. We got incredibly lucky and made the 1:50 pm hydrofoil to Capri. I had booked the 2:25 hydrofoil, but the earlier one waited for us and left a few minutes late. <br>
Capri is beautiful, but I am staying in a B&B that is in Annacapri and off the beaten path. It's quite a shock from having everything out your front door, like in Maiori, to making a 4 minute walk up lots of stairs to access the main piazza. <br>
But I can't complain. My B&B is surrounded by vineyards, lemon trees and beautiful gardens. And there is a dog on the proprty, so Spencer is very happy. <br>
No walking to the beach here. Late this morning we will grab a taxi <u>and</u> head down to the beach on the southwestern tip of the island. </p>
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If you are looking for a more relaxing getaway in Italy look no further than Maiori. </p>
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There are breathtaking views in every direction. After a quick walk through the main square we entered Villa Gimbrone. If you want to see some spectacular views and gardens I highly recommend this tour. If you don't want to fight any crowds plan your arrival around 6:30 in the evening. There are buses you can take up to Ravello from the Amalfi Coast or you can take a taxi, or drive on your own. There are plenty of taxi drivers ready to drive you back down the mountain if you don't want to wait for a bus. <br>
Ravello should be high on your priority list if you travel to the Amalfi Coast. <br></p>
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David is an awe inspiring sight. I highly recommend either visiting the museum the moment it opens or taking part in a guided tour. Otherwise be prepared for very long lines. Spencer and I booked a walking tour of Florence that began with the Academia. As soon as you enter the museum you round the corner and see David standing at the end of a long corridor. <br>
Michelangelo began sculpting his masterpiece in 1501. He completed it in 1503. The statue represents the biblical story of David and stands 17 feet tall. Originally placed outside in the Palazzo della Signoria, it was moved inside the Academia Gallery in 1873. <br>
We spent almost an hour viewing David. Each angle offers a new perspective of Michelangelo's craftsmanship. This was one of my favorite tours so far in Italy. <br>
In the corridor leading to David are several unfinished sculptures commissioned by Pope Julius the Second. But when the Pope died no one wanted to pay for the sculptures and they were left unfinished. Our guide showed us a mysterious face carved on the back of one of the sculptures.   No one is sure why Michelangelo carved it or who it represents. <br>
After we left the Academia we moved to the Duomo and Baptistry. Our guide showed <br>
Lorenzo Ghiberti crafted the doors to the Baptistry to depict the Old Testament in the Bible. It was Michelangelo who called the doors, "The Gates of Paradise". <br>
It took Ghiberti 27 years to complete the bronze doors that include 10 panels. <br>
Due to catastrophic flooding in Florence the real doors where moved to the Museo<br>
dell'Opera. The ones housed now at the Baptistry are replicas, but still an incredible insight into the Italian renaissance. </p>
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It's hard to not take a cheesy picture trying to push over the Tower. I loved watching some people get really creative in their poses. <br>
You can buy a combo ticket that will let you in all three buildings on the Campo. <br>
</p>
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Next we moved into the room housing Leonardo da Vinci 's artwork. The highlight of this room is "The Annunciation". Thought to be da Vinci 's first major artwork, the painting represents the story of Mary being visited by the Archangel Gabriel, who explains that she is destined to be the mother of the Son of God. <br>
If you are looking for greater detail about all of the artwork housed in the Uffizi Gallery I recommend either a group tour or renting an audio guide. There are masterpieces everywhere you look. <br>
Spencer was fading fast by the time we finished the top floor so we stopped by the cafe and took a short break. If you're looking for some incredible views of Florence this is a great spot. <br>
At this point Spencer was ready to move on and since he dictates our schedule we headed out towards Ponte Vecchio and across the Arno River. This is where you will find the Pitti Palace and Boboli Gardens. The palace, once home to grand-dukes of Tuscany and later the King of Italy,  now houses more spectacular art collections. And it extends to the Boboli Gardens, one of the earliest Italian gardens. It's famous for its fountains and grottoes. <br>
It cost 10 euro for adults to enter, but free for children. The Boboli Gardens are massive. Luckily on such a hot day like today there are many shaded paths to explore. Bring water if you plan a visit. <br>
Spencer loved all of the twists and turns he found throughout the gardens. And he was intrigued by all of the statues. We enjoyed todays journey of art and nature. Tomorrow,  off to Lucca and Pisa. </p>
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We had to say goodbye to Maiori, our home for the last 10 days. Spencer did not want to leave. He loved the seaside town. But after our morning ritual of milk and crossaint for Spencer and cappuccino for me, we headed to the train station. <br>
A few hours later we arrived in Florence. We are staying at a lovely B&B within 10 minutes walk from the station in one direction, and the Duomo in the other. <br>
Our host, Marcella, took an immediate liking to Spencer. She offered him Italian bread with Nutella, what's not to love? But I got the better deal, in my opinion. Marcella pulled out a lovely bottle of wine and we toasted to our new friendship. <br>
After a short rest Spencer and I headed out for a stroll. We could see the Duomo from the Mercato Centrale and headed in its direction. After a few minutes we were in front of the Cathedral di Santa Maria del Fiore, better known as the Duomo. It doesn't disappoint. On Tuesday we have scheduled a walking tour and will go inside and down into the Duomo's underground. <br>
We didn't stay to fight the tourists in the area. We quickly headed back to the area our our B&B and found a small place to have dinner. Tomorrow we have tickets to visit the Uffizi Gallery. Luckily, I bought tickets well in advance, so we will not have to wait in the general admission line. As I write this the sun is setting on Florence and I'm ready to start the next chapter of our Italian adventure. </p>
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It's been 5 years since our last trip to this beautiful sea side town. Just rounding the corner on the ferry made it even more special. <br>
I knew that Spencer would not enjoy too much climbing, so I put him in charge of our direction of travel. He took us on a path past the cathedral and near the top of the town. We wandered into a few shops, but the only thing on Spencer's mind was finding animals to pet. Ah, to be 8 again. <br>
After our long walk we made our way back down to the sea front for lunch. <br>
Spencer had what he called, "the best chicken he's ever had", while I started with brushetta and then pizza. I love that the volcanic soil makes the vegetables so bright in color and incredibly delicious. <br>
We spent half a day in Positano. I could have stayed much longer, but Spencer dictates our schedule. </p>
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After his swim we returned to our hotel for a siesta. When we woke up Mother Nature had turned on us. <br>
We spotted two water spouts near Amalfi. Then what felt like a Florida afternoon storm hit, and hit hard. We have a mountain view from our balcony but the down pour erased any views. <br>
The storm passed after about an hour. But another is forecast for Monday. Hopefully not before we return from a day in Positano. </p>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-hz2PjhSr5XE/U55eX1u_FJI/AAAAAAAAACU/tWA1Dk80J34/s1600/20140615_123134.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"> <img border="0" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-hz2PjhSr5XE/U55eX1u_FJI/AAAAAAAAACU/tWA1Dk80J34/s640/20140615_123134.jpg"> </a> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-lF0iX6wP4rU/U55eaWh_8BI/AAAAAAAAACc/U7E26ClVGC0/s1600/20140615_125000.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"> <img border="0" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-lF0iX6wP4rU/U55eaWh_8BI/AAAAAAAAACc/U7E26ClVGC0/s640/20140615_125000.jpg"> </a> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-b443SCTUppg/U55ecDbPftI/AAAAAAAAACk/YQEoK2DfCaE/s1600/20140615_182212.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"> <img border="0" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-b443SCTUppg/U55ecDbPftI/AAAAAAAAACk/YQEoK2DfCaE/s640/20140615_182212.jpg"> </a> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-Q_5k9kHpHlk/U55edcwOOUI/AAAAAAAAACs/cxpZN_PqTx8/s1600/20140615_182423.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"> <img border="0" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-Q_5k9kHpHlk/U55edcwOOUI/AAAAAAAAACs/cxpZN_PqTx8/s640/20140615_182423.jpg"> </a> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-_STU-a5p_jE/U55effMVniI/AAAAAAAAAC0/uoWjZJ5ob4Q/s1600/IMG-1402850864839-V.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"> <img border="0" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-_STU-a5p_jE/U55effMVniI/AAAAAAAAAC0/uoWjZJ5ob4Q/s640/IMG-1402850864839-V.jpg"> </a> </div>Jeanie Beckhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16949570288163706137noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8950222627396875671.post-88984419328719156072014-06-12T14:27:00.001-07:002014-06-12T14:27:47.342-07:00From North to South<p dir="ltr">Today was our first full day in Italy. We woke up this morning in Milan, then after a wonderful breakfast at our hotel, we headed for the train station. We boarded the high speed rail for Salerno. 5 1/2 hours later we were in the southern Italy port town. <br>
A family member picked us up and whisked us down the coastal road to Maiori. <br>
I cannot say enough good things about Maiori. This small beach town is one of my favorite places in the world. It's located along the picturesque Amalfi Coast. The views are stunning and the beach is fantastic. <br>
We are staying at Albergo Riviera Pensione. It's medieval theme is a big hit with my 8 year old. I have a balcony room. Do yourself a favor if you stay here, pay a little extra for the balcony. The views are incredible and I don't even have a sea view. There is also a roof top terrace where breakfast is served. The owner told me I'm welcome to bring my own food and drinks up there and enjoy the beautiful sunsets. <br>
After a hectic 24 hours in Milan (see my post on the taxi strike), I can't wait to hit the beach tomorrow. <br>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-071tccVjUWc/U5obN8AbOWI/AAAAAAAAABs/w4R6cCjbilw/s1600/20140612_093402.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"> <img border="0" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-071tccVjUWc/U5obN8AbOWI/AAAAAAAAABs/w4R6cCjbilw/s640/20140612_093402.jpg"> </a> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-q1d6XX4A6q8/U5obQIF65fI/AAAAAAAAAB0/0D-aMoOENzc/s1600/20140612_164402.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"> <img border="0" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-q1d6XX4A6q8/U5obQIF65fI/AAAAAAAAAB0/0D-aMoOENzc/s640/20140612_164402.jpg"> </a> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-7tig7-RLewk/U5obR2IRxhI/AAAAAAAAAB8/s1600/IMG-1402585808529-V.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"> <img border="0" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-7tig7-RLewk/U5obR2IRxhI/AAAAAAAAAB8/s640/IMG-1402585808529-V.jpg"> </a> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-_n14UEBGXks/U5obULCVe1I/AAAAAAAAACE/CHcHfrcao_4/s1600/20140612_170747.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"> <img border="0" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-_n14UEBGXks/U5obULCVe1I/AAAAAAAAACE/CHcHfrcao_4/s640/20140612_170747.jpg"> </a> </div>Jeanie Beckhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16949570288163706137noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8950222627396875671.post-57737518028680800592014-06-11T11:06:00.001-07:002014-06-11T11:08:19.125-07:00Day 1 in Italy<p dir="ltr">We arrived early this morning after a long day of travel. Unfortunately taxi drivers picked today for their 24 hour strike. Getting to our hotel was an adventure, but we finally made it. <br>
There were 2 things on my must have list today, pizza and gelato! We found a great little place, il pinguino blu near our hotel. <br>
There is something magical about Italian pizza. As much as I've tried to duplicate it at home, my pizzas never come close. <br>
After a nap we got some gelato and returned back to the hotel. Unfortunately. The hotel had lost power. But with pizza and gelato in my belly, I didn't complain. <br>
Tomorrow we head for Maiori. Hopefully no more transportation strikes to slow us down. </p>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-zm9a1ZMgNy0/U5iallkOj7I/AAAAAAAAABc/zvv4UnvcJK0/s1600/20140611_122348.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"> <img border="0" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-zm9a1ZMgNy0/U5iallkOj7I/AAAAAAAAABc/zvv4UnvcJK0/s640/20140611_122348.jpg"> </a> </div>Jeanie Beckhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16949570288163706137noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8950222627396875671.post-38959903512255144132014-06-10T04:39:00.001-07:002014-06-10T10:07:23.681-07:00Vacation is here!<p dir="ltr">After weeks of planning, our Italian vacation has begun. And what a great start, our car service sent a limo. Spencer said this is the way to travel. I just had to remind him not to get used to it. <br>
It will be a long day of travel, but worth every second. <br>
I will start posting pictures and details of our trip tomorrow. Until then, ciao! </p>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-Je9tx_V12yc/U5buZrYY--I/AAAAAAAAABM/SepV0ySCab0/s1600/20140610_071550.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"> <img border="0" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-Je9tx_V12yc/U5buZrYY--I/AAAAAAAAABM/SepV0ySCab0/s640/20140610_071550.jpg"> </a> </div>Jeanie Beckhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16949570288163706137noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8950222627396875671.post-518855717602430212014-06-08T09:21:00.000-07:002014-06-21T20:02:42.080-07:00Two days to ItalyI am officially going crazy this morning. I have to run errands and am now cleaning my house before the big trip. Since I will have houseguests while I'm gone I'm doing a frantic clean today. Plus, I need to pack, get last minute items I forgot to buy this morning and find time to get my son a haircut. <div>
I feel like my heart is racing a mile a minute. I don't know if it's due to the excitement over the trip or all of the tasks I need to complete before Tuesday morning. </div>
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I have been studying Italian for months now. But I find myself second guessing words and phrases I already know. Must be my nerves. I'm hoping that after 5 weeks in Italy I will come home with a much better understanding of the language. I told my 8 year old son that he must order his food in Italian and make sure to greet everyone in Italian. Since we are hoping to move to Italy within 3 years, I want Spencer to really embrace the Italian language and culture on this trip. He was 3 the last time we traveled to Italy and doesn't remember very much at all. </div>
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I should just pop open the lemoncello in my freezer and take a few swigs to calm my nerves, but I think it would make me want to relax too much and I'd get nothing done today. </div>
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I know that if my nerves are on edge today, tomorrow should be an adventure. I will feel better once my feet are on Italian soil. Until then, it's go time. Go to the store, go to the hair dresser, go to the bank, go to the coffee shop! </div>
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Jeanie Beckhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16949570288163706137noreply@blogger.com2