Only Footprints

It is our last day here in Rome. Things have changed a lot since we were here 6 weeks ago as the temperature is much warmer and hence much more bare skin is visible, shorts, tank tops and strapless dresses….. we look the same! André has gotten a little more germy and as Tanya would… Continue reading Rome, farewell Italy

Another beautiful day predicted, so we are going south from Spoleto to visit Mamore Cascada. It is only a short drive, we need tickets to get into the park and I notice they are also selling plastic ponchos. We get our jackets from the car and after a confirmatory reconnaissance by Tanya, we head to… Continue reading Last Day in Umbria

After my relaxing day surrounded by bumble bees and bird song I am ready to join the family in our adventures today. No rain predicted just a nice mild , sunny day. We have been keeping track of our expenses with a fun App that gives you feedback on how your daily spending has been… Continue reading Spello, Trevi exploring southern Umbria

Mariola has been unwell for a few days so today she decided to stay behind and soak up the gorgeous outlook and recharge her batteries. Andre and I were left to our own devices and decided to go to Assisi. We packed our backpacks and Andre put the map for Assisi in his back pocket… Continue reading Assisi

We are probably pushing our luck trying to run the gauntlet of a third day of predicted rain, but we did so well with the previous two that we try anyway. Our destination is Arezzo, north – east of us and an important commercial centre with historical roots dating back to the XII -XIII  centuries.… Continue reading Arezzo and Spoleto

Since we managed to get a pretty good day in around the rain yesterday we choose to take our chances again despite another day predicted of rain. Despite it being overcast the birds around our home are in full chirp to greet us and encourage another day of exploring. We have really enjoyed this base… Continue reading Montepulciano and Pienza

We have had recommendations from a few people to visit Cortona and we are now within a stone throw from there, so even though predictions are for rain we risk it. Cortona is perched high on a hill and we again have lucked out with Tanya’s instructions to find a car park at the base… Continue reading The beautiful Cortona

We are now transferring a bit further south to Lucignano. This is a tiny village and they seem to be having a celebration for the emergency services from the surrounding villages. It is a big affair with lots of flags and trumpet playing and we happen to witness the tail end of that. We are… Continue reading Lucignano- Southern Tuscany

Today we go to Pisa. As Tanya says it is quite remarkable that so many people feel compelled to visit what is in fact an engineering oopsy. This time no elevators required and we get easy parking close to the piazza. Having said that,  the complex is really impressive, they clearly put lots of effort… Continue reading The engineering marvel of Pisa

To the east of where we are staying spreads the famous Chianti region. When we examine the map roads seem to travel from north to south with not many traversing across implying significant flow of mountains or hills. All the roads show extreme tortuosity and we decide that this is too much of a challenge… Continue reading A quick explore of Chianti