Exploring Peloponnese, Greece

Guest Post By: Karen Mills

Taygetos Mountain, Greece;The Peloponnese is a large, beautiful island, or peninsula which is now characterized as a part of the mainland because it is connected by a bridge over the Corinth Canal.  This part of Greece is said to have been inhabited since prehistoric times.  Patras and Kalamata are two of the larger urban centers, but I spent my time in small villages in the area such as the coastal resort town of Kalogria, Artemesia, Olympia, Sparta, and Mystras.

Flying into Athens, I rented a car for the journey to The Peloponnese.  Be sure to get a GPS, because the road signs are in Greek!  Go figure!  The ones in Athens are also in English, but when you get to the smaller villages, you will need a map of Greece with the proper Greek names of the cities to get around.  Set the GPS on fastest route and not shortest.  I had it on shortest at first and took a trip through an olive grove, which was a little scary!

The land surrounding Athens is rocky and not so attractive.  As you cross the Corinth Canal into the Peloponnese, the land becomes densely mountainous and green with evergreens and olive groves terraced on the hillsides.  The coast is magnificent with the clear blue waters of the Ionian and Aegean seas.

Kalogrias, Greece; Kalogria is a resort town, and when I was here in late September, it was almost deserted.  By the end of the month, most of the restaurants and hotels would be closed for the season.  The weather was still warm and lovely during the day, great for the beach and cooler in the evenings.  Beware of the mosquitoes which make it difficult to enjoy dining outside, although most places have terraces for this.

Kalamata is a more urban area, with a beach that stays open longer.  It is a great place to base yourself if you want to take daytrips to some of the archeological ruins such as Olympia, Sparta, Mystras, and Corinth.  Olympia is the original home of the Olympic Games and the torch is still lit there every year before making its trip to the Olympic location.  There is a museum outlining the history of the games over the centuries.  It is a tourist town, so outside of the park there are nice shops for gathering souvenirs such as olives, jewelry, wines, liqueurs, and postcards.  There are also some great restaurants.

Mystras is a fortified town built in 1249.  It is located on a hill and about half way to the top is a beautiful church with Byzantine frescoes that make climbing the 240 stairs worth it.  The views are spectacular.

You won’t be disappointed with the food in Greece.  Meals are simple and served family style which makes it easy to order many things and share in order to try all of the wonderful foods and flavors.  Greek salads consist of fresh tomatoes, onions, cucumbers, olives and usually have a large block of feta cheese with oregano and olive oil.  It is delicious!  Try the tzaziki, which is a yogurt and cucumber based dip for bread…usually heavy on the garlic.  Seafood and grilled meats are popular and many restaurants serve a mixed platter of grilled chicken, beef, pork and lamb.  Don’t forget to dry the famous liquor ouzo and the Greek coffee!

Plate of Greek Sardines

 

 

 

 

 

 

Guest Post By: Karen Mills

Karen Mills is an American woman who made the decision to leave her corporate life behind to live “la dolce vita” in Florence, Italy, Read more about her experiences at An American In Italy or contact her at anamericaninitaly@gmail.com

 

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Visiting the Uffizi Museum When in Florence Italy

Uffizi Museum, Florence ItalyGuest Post By: Karen Mills

When you come to Florence, visiting the Uffizi is practically an obligation.  The Uffizi is one of the oldest and most famous museums of the western world.  It was originally built in 1560 by Giorgio Vasari as commissioned by Cosimo I de Medici.  Cosimo I wanted to consolidate all of the offices within one building.  He also wanted a few rooms in the building to put some of his growing art collection.

Over the years, the Medici collection grew to fill the entire second floor of these offices.  Anna Maria Luisa, the last of the Medici heirs, gave the entire collection to the commune with the understanding that the collection is never to leave Florence.  The gallery has been opened to visitors since the 16th century, and in 1765 was opened to the public.

Waiting line to enter Uffizi Museum, Florence ItalyWhen you visit, it is a good idea to have a plan on exactly what you want to see.  The collection is vast, (1700 works on display and another 1400 in storage) and unless you have a particular interest and/or knowledge about art of this time period, it can easily be overwhelming.  I recommend before you go purchasing your tickets on line.  There are many vendors so check around for the best price.  These vendors will charge the price of the ticket, plus a handling fee, which can vary.  There are also guides available should you prefer that.    Online booking might cost a little more, but will insure that you get into the museum when you want, and don’t have to spend your precious vacation time standing in a long line waiting.( I have heard as long as 5 hours)  The prebooked tickets will insure an entrance time, so that you can plan your day accordingly.

Uffizi Clock Tower, Florence, ItalyThe interior of the museum itself is worth the visit, with the beautiful wood and frescoed ceilings, marble floors and statues.  The light from the windows along the perimeter is lovely and some of the views from the loggia at the end near the Arno are stunning.  Although you aren’t allowed to take pictures inside the museum of the art work, the area of the loggia looking over the river and the Ponte Vecchio is a great place to get a beautiful panorama.

Before you enter the museum, take a minute to acclimate yourself to the art and artists that you want to see.  The galleries are divided by the artists and time periods, so once you know which ones you are interested in, you can go directly to these salons.   I guess it goes without saying that you absolutely do not want to miss the works of Botticelli, Annunciation, La Primavera and The Birth of Venus, Leonardo DaVinci’s Woman’s Head and Adoration of the Magi, Michelangelo’s Doni Tondo, Raphael’s self portrait, and the Venus of Urbino by Titian.

Dumo from Uffizi, Florence, ItalyThere is a nice café in the museum, which has outdoor space on the top of the loggia.  You can get coffee, drinks, or a light lunch here.  As you might guess, it is expensive, but worth taking a look even if you don’t indulge, for the close up view of the campanile of the Palazzo Vecchio and the Duomo.

For more information on Florence sites, visit www.anamericaninitaly.com

Karen Mills is an American woman who made the decision to leave her corporate life behind to live “la dolce vita” in Florence, Italy, Read more about her experiences at An American In Italy or contact her at queenkaren0@hotmail.com

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Spending a Day in Greve in Chianti, Italy

Guest Post By: Karen Mills 

Main plaza, Greve, Chianti, ItalyYesterday I visited the Chianti area.  Chianti is a region in Italy that spans from just below Florence to North of Sienna.  The Chianti Mountains border the area on the west and on the west, the valleys of two rivers, the Pesa and the Elsa.  Many people think that Chianti is an actual town, but it is a region with several towns within it.  Chianti is famous worldwide for the wines that it produces.

It is believed that the Etruscans were the first to cultivate grapevines.  This area between Florence and Siena was the location of many disputes and was under lengthy Roman rule.   Finally, in the mid-1500’s the eight municipalities of Chianti signed the Pact of Pontignano, which defined rules for protecting and promoting their shared identity.  In 1932, the boundaries of Chianti were defined and the production one of Chianti Classico was granted a certificate of primogeniture.  This means that it was the “first” or the “original”.   For wine to contain the designation of Chianti, it must be produced with at least 80% sangiovese grapes.

Bell Tower in Greve, ItalyThe most famous route for touring this area is I222, if you are driving, but I took the Sita bus.   Today, my destination was Greve in Chianti, a small village in the heart of the region.  The route is very scenic with small picturesque villages and vineyards of grapes and olive orchards along the way.  The winding narrow roads going through the hillsides made me glad that I wasn’t driving!  It took about an hour to get out of the Sita Bus station and into the Piazza Trento.  The bus ride cost 3,30 euro for one way, and the buses leave every 30 minutes.  The Sita Station is located on the south side of Santa Maria Novella, and you can buy tickets there and obtain information about the routes and schedules.  The area is very spread out and although many wineries do tours and tastings, they are not really set up for commercial business.  For most of them, it is important to make a reservation before dropping in.  There are many organized tours out of Florence which will allow you to visit one or two of the wineries for tours and tastings.  I have been on one of these before, but found it expensive and disappointing. So, I decided to tackle Chianti town by town on my own.

La Cantine di Greve in Chianti, ItalyWhen I arrived at the stop of Piazza Trento, in the center of Greve in Chianti, I took a right and continued along the main road there and came to the Wine Museum.  I didn’t go into the museum, but did get information on the main piazza, church and a large cantina for wine tasting!

The main piazza is Piazza Matteotti.  There are shops for purchasing picnic items and souvenirs and several restaurants.  The main church in the village is located at one end, and there is a large statue of Giovanni di Verrazano, an explorer of North America whose ancestral home is in Greve.

Wine for the Tasting, La Cantine di Greve in Chianti, ItalyThe highlight of the day was Le Cantine di Greve in Chianti.  This very large enoteca below surface near the Wine Museum has over 150 wines for tasting.  You buy cards for 10, 15 or 20 euro for the tasting.  There are stations where you insert the card and select the wine you want to taste.  The tasting is automatically dispensed and your card debited for the cost of the taste.  The tastings range from .60 to 5 euro depending on the cost of the bottle of wine.  Of course you can buy all of these wines here, and they do ship!  Other wine accessories and souvenirs are also available.  There is a free tasting of olive oils with the purchase of a card.  I loved the olive oil with tartufo and the peperoncini!  There are also samples of cheese and salamis available for purchase.  The cantina is opened for 10 until 7 daily.  I highly recommend a visit!

For more information on Florence sites, visit www.anamericaninitaly.com

Karen Mills is an American woman who made the decision to leave her corporate life behind to live “la dolce vita” in Florence, Italy, Read more about her experiences at An American In Italy or contact her at queenkaren0@hotmail.com

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Shopping in Florence, Italy

Guest Post By: Karen Mills 

While visiting the many wonderful historical sites and museums in Florence, many want to take

advantage of the tremendous shopping opportunities for wonderful Italian designs. There is no

shortage of opportunities in Florence!

Ferragamo Shoe Museum, Florence ItalyFor the really high end designer stores, head to elegant via Tournabouni. Starting at the river near

Ponte Santa Trinita, you will find the Palazzo Spini Feroni, which now houses Salvatore Ferragamo.

Alongside the retail merchant of Ferragamo, there is a shoe museum housing all of the creations of

Ferragamo, including those for his most famous clients, such as Sophia Loren and Audrey Hepburn. If

you head north towards Palazzo Strozzi you will find Prada, Bulgari, Gucci, Cavalli, Pucci, Burberry, and

more. There is even a Tiffany’s!

If you don’t spend all of your money there, or prefer more moderate options, there are plenty of those.

Mercato Centrale Florence, ItalyThere are three major Italian department stores in Florence, OVS, Rinascente, and Coin. Rinascente

is the high end, Coin, more moderate, and OVS the lower end. OVS is located near the train station of

Santa Maria Novella on via Panzani. Rinascente is located on Piazza della Repubblica and Coin on via

Calzaioli. All of these department stores carry the latest Italian fashions and have huge sales in August

and January.

If you have time to take a day trip just outside of Florence, consider going to the Barbarini Outlets. You

can take the SITA bus from the station adjacent to Santa Maria Novella, and spend a few hours there. It

is an open style outlet mall with all the designer names.

Street Shopping San Lorenzo Market Florence, ItalyOne of the most famous places to shop in Florence, and definitely the oldest is the Mercato San

Lorenzo. This is located in the San Lorenzo area and is a street full of vendors selling leather bags,

jackets, wallets, belts, purses, clothes, watches, and jewelry. You can also find leather bound photo

albums, diaries, handmade glass items and souvenirs. Be sure to bargain with the vendors for the best

price available. It is expected! If your time is too short to make a trip into San Lorenzo, try the Nuovo

Mercato, located in Piazza di Porcellino, near the Ponte Vecchio. You will find that the selection is not as

large, and the prices will be a little higher.

If you are looking for food gifts to return to friends and family, or something for a picnic, stop in Mercato

Shops of San Lorenzo Market, Florence, ItalyCentrale, also located in San Lorenzo. This market houses many small shops selling fresh meat, poultry,

fish, and vegetables, but also Italian delicacies such as prosciutto, salami, pecorino cheeses, olive

oils, pastas, and balsamic vinegar. There are wine shops and small restaurants where you can get a

sandwich. Even if you aren’t in the market for buying food items, go in and take a look at a great part of

the Italian market culture in Florence.

There are many artisans and small boutiques throughout the city of Florence and across the river in the

Oltrarno district. These small boutiques sell one of a kind fashion at a variety of price levels. There are

also the internationally famous stores for the younger set such as Zara, and H & M, also located on via

Calzaioli. Happy shopping!

For more information on Florence sites, visit www.anamericaninitaly.com

Karen Mills is an American woman who made the decision to leave her corporate life behind to live “la dolce vita” in Florence, Italy, Read more about her experiences at An American In Italy or contact her at queenkaren0@hotmail.com

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Top Tips and Suggestions for Traveling in Italy

Guest Post By: Karen Mills

Leaning Tower of Pisa, ItalyWhether traveling in Italy for the first time, or a return visit, there are some important things to remember that can make your travel experience a little less stressful.  These things aren’t always easily remembered or recognized if this is your first trip.  It is the little differences in processes, procedures, and culture that can make things uncomfortable if you aren’t aware.

1.            Learn some Italian words.  There are many English speaking Italians, and generally the language barrier is not a problem if you are in the larger cities.  Traveling to small towns can prove to be more of a challenge when it comes to language.  Italians are friendly, generous, and welcoming so a few words go a long way.  Take the time to learn “please, thank you, excuse me, I’m sorry, and Where is the bathroom?” at a minimum.

2.            When you go into a bar (this is a coffee shop, sandwich shop or cocktails) in Italy, always pay first before you order.  Take your receipt to the counter for ordering.  Remember that the prices are different if you sit at a table rather than stand at the bar.  It costs more to sit down, even if you order at the bar and take it to a table.

3.            Most bars have restrooms, but they are for customers only.  Schedule these bathroom breaks around your coffee breaks to insure you are comfortable while you are sightseeing.

4.            When using the trains in Italy, Don’t forget to stamp your ticket before boarding the train.  There are bright yellow boxes that look like time card stamps located at the front of each track.  Insert your ticket to be stamped with the date and time.  This is true for all tickets that do not have an assigned seat, so the regional trains.Florence Italy

5.            Carry a scarf or shawl in your bag to wrap around your shoulders when you enter the churches.  In the summer if you have on shorts, or a short skirt or bare shoulders, entrance might be denied, unless you have something to cover.

6.            Remember that service in restaurants in Italy is different than in the USA.  It is more relaxed, and you must always ask for the check (Il conto, per favore!).   If you are in a hurry, do not go into a sit down restaurant.  In Italy, meal time is almost sacred and the kitchens and wait staff are not prepared to accommodate you in a short time frame.

7.            Sandwiches can be enjoyed in bars quickly if necessary, but won’t be available on restaurant menus.  Italians don’t eat butter with their bread, nor do they pour oil on plates and dip the bread into it……this is an American thing.  They will accommodate you if you ask for it, but it is not their custom.  Salads are served at the end of the meal.  House wines are available in almost all restaurants and are usually much less expensive, but delicious.  I recommend you try them!  Three courses are customary in Italy, but not required.  If you are eating pizza, the three course custom is not expected.  If you decide to try the Bistecca Fiorentina while in Florence, expect it to be served rare.  This is a very thick cut of meat and is customarily served this way.  Don’t be surprised if they are unhappy with your request to cook it longer.

8.            The use of ice in soft drinks and water is not customary in Italy.  If you want ice, you will need to ask for it.  When you do, don’t be surprised if you get only 3-4 cubes.  Ice is an ecological drain, because of the water usage and electricity for freezing as well as the space that it takes up.

9.            Be “ecologically aware”.  In Italy, most lights are on timers, escalators in airports on motion detectors, etc.  In hotels, you may need your key to be inserted near the door to work the lights.  Many places will not use air conditioning, and at certain times of the year, air conditioning may not be available in your hotel.

10.          Make time in your travels to sit in the piazzas and enjoy the culture.  Piazzas are one of the most important cultural aspects of Italy.  In your busy travels, it might be easy to overlook taking the time for this important activity.  Enjoy a beverage or picnic in the square while people watching.

For more information on Florence sites, visit www.anamericaninitaly.com

Karen Mills is an American woman who made the decision to leave her corporate life behind to live “la dolce vita” in Florence, Italy, Read more about her experiences at An American In Italy or contact her at queenkaren0@hotmail.com

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Florence, The Boboli Gardens at the Palazzo Pitti

Boboli Gardens at the Palazzo, Florence ItalyGuest Post By: Karen Mills

It was years after I started coming to Florence that I finally got around to visiting the Boboli Gardens. Being interested in the art and architecture of Florence, I focused my efforts on the museums created for those purposes while failing to realize that the Boboli Gardens has all of that and more! Now, it is one of my favorite places and I visit it frequently to take advantage of the cool green space and enjoy the art and architecture there. I even take a picnic and some wine, and have a spectacular view of the city!

Before you go, or when you get there, I recommend that you buy the guide book before entering. This way you can read about what you are seeing as you see it. I think this makes a more enjoyable experience than reading about it after the fact, and maybe not getting to look at certain features or details that you might have otherwise. The gift shop and book store is to your right as you enter the grand courtyard at the Pitti Palace.

Boboli Gardens, Florence ItalyThe land of the Boboli Gardens was part of the estate that Eleanora of Toledo, the wife of Cosimo I acquired in 1550 from the Pitti family. The gardens have had extensive work over the years, and vegetation has been changed and replaced. In the 1840’s the labyrinths were removed to build a pathway for carriages. However, the grounds still reflect the characteristic Italian garden from the original creation.

When you enter the Pitti Palace, you will pass through the Ammannati courtyard. This courtyard has 3 full size walls of the building and on the fourth wall; straight ahead you will see the Artichoke Fountain. Don’t miss the Grotto of Moses located within this courtyard and under the fountain.

Fountain Boboli Gardens at the Palazzo, Florence ItalyAs you make your way up the stairs and into the garden, you will start to get an idea of the views that are waiting for you as you go higher up into the garden. There is a lot of walking and much of it is uphill, so keep that in mind. Fortunately, there are places to sit and stop for a breather along the way, and you will want to do that to enjoy the panoramas, and the art work and statues. Continue to the top and stop at the Forcone Basin while making your way to the Statute of Plenty which was started by Giambologna, and finished my several other artists.

At the top of the hill you can see stunning views of Florence, and the path that you have traveled back to the Pitti Palace. From here you should go right and visit The Knight’s Garden. Here you will find beautiful views of the Italian countryside and the city wall as it makes its way to Porta Romana. Heading down to the Island Pond you will walk the Cypress Lane. It is beautiful itself with the tall cypresses, but the statues make it extra special.

Dwarf Morgante, Boboli Gardens, Florence ItalyIf you go back towards the Palace and explore the garden to the left, you will find the Annalena Grotto. The Grand Grotto, or Buontalenti’s Grotto is almost at the exit, and visits are permitted only upon authorization. I don’t know how you get authorization, but if I find out I will let you know. It is worth investigating, as once when I was in the garden it was opened and I got to go inside. It is worth seeing! Michelangelo’s prisoners once stood in the corners before being moved to the Accadamia, and currently there are copies there. As you exit, don’t miss the infamous statue of Dwarf Morganti, although the statue is fondly called Bacchus. I would plan a minimum of a half day to explore the gardens and more if you want to have a picnic and take some time to relax.

For more information on Florence sites, visit www.anamericaninitaly.com

Karen Mills is an American woman who made the decision to leave her corporate life behind to live “la dolce vita” in Florence, Italy, Read more about her experiences at An American In Italy or contact her at queenkaren0@hotmail.com.

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Piazzale Michelangelo, Florence Italy

Guest Post By: Karen Mills

Piazzale Michelangelo, Florence ItalyAt least once per week and sometimes more in the summer, I head up to the panoramic view at Piazzale Michelangelo. The overlook was built by Giuseppe Poggi and was part of the cities urban renewal. At the time, Florence was the capital of Italy. (1869) This overlook can be reached by a few streets in Florence for a nice, uphill walk, or by bus number 12 or 13 from a variety of points throughout the city. You can buy tickets at the Tabbacci stores and they cost 1.20 euro and are good for 90 minutes.

The overlook is beautiful at any time of the day or any time of the year, but the sunsets in the summerFlorence City Wall from Piazzale Michelangelo that take place around 9 p.m. are breathtaking. The sky turns a variety of shades of yellow, orange, pink, and purple and with the Tuscan Hills as a background and the beautiful renaissance buildings of the Florence skyline, it makes for a romantic evening. You can see the Tuscan country side to the left with a view of Tuscan villas and olive trees and the rambling city wall that makes its way to Porta Romana. Inside the wall, you can see the Ponte Vecchio, Ponte Santa Trinita, and Carraia, along with the tower of Palazzo Vecchio, The Duomo and bell tower, San Lorenzo and the Chapel of the Medici, and Santa Croce.

Piazzale Michelangelo is a large open space with parking for cars, vendors who sell souvenirs, watercolors and food, and there is a monument to Michelangelo. (1871) The monument contains a bronze replica of the David, and the base of the statue is decorated with copies of the statutes that Michelangelo did to decorate the tomb of the Medici. (The originals are located in San Lorenzo).

There are a few restaurants at the Piazzale, offering a variety of foods. The restaurants include sit down dining with pastas and pizza, as well as a bar with sandwiches and gelato. There is an upscale restaurant located in the loggia which was built by Poggi and was intended to be a museum that would house Michelangelo’s work. That idea never came to fruition.

San Miniato al Monte, Florence ItalyIf you go in the summer, take a picnic and a bottle of wine. Go early because it gets crowded here for the sunset! Sometimes in the evening there is live music at the base of the stair facing the west where you can sit and enjoy the sunset.

Located above this site is the church and adjoining monastery of San Miniato al Monte. This church is one of the finest examples of Florentine Romanesque architecture in the city with its striking white and green marble. The view here is magnificent. At 4:30 in the afternoon, the monks of the Olivetans community perform Gregorian chants. There are works of art by Michelozzo, Gaddi, and Luca della Robbia.

Don’t miss the gift shop to the left of the church. There are handmade soaps, oil, liqueurs and honey made by the monks in the monastery.

View from Piazzale Michelangelo, Florence ItalyFor more information on Florence sites, visit www.anamericaninitaly.com

Karen Mills is an American woman who made the decision to leave her corporate life behind to live “la dolce vita” in Florence, Italy, Read more about her experiences at An American In Italy or contact her at queenkaren0@hotmail.com.

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The Great Piazzas of Florence-Piazza Santa Croce

Guest Post By: Karen Mills

Basilica of Santa Croce, Florence, ItalyPiazza Santa Croce, located a little distance away from most of the main tourist attractions, yet still within walking distance, was built during the Middle Ages, in the 13th-14th century.  It gets its name from the Franciscan Church located at the East side of the piazza which is one of the best examples of Florentine Gothic architecture in the city.  The piazza is a very large rectangular space and because it does not get shaded from the buildings is one of the warmest locations in Florence.  It is great in the winter, but can be blazing hot in the summer.  There are beautiful palaces along the sides, as well as vendors of leather and jewelry.

Tomb of Michelangelo, Florence ItalyThe Basilica of Santa Croce is one of my top sites to see in Florence, and although it is overshadowed by the Duomo, the church itself contains more interesting pieces of art as well as the tombs of some great Italians such as Michelangelo, Ghiberti, Galilio, and Machiavelli.  Because of these famous Italians along with many others, the church is sometimes called The Temple of the Italian Glories.   Artists on display in this Basilica are Brunelleschi, who created a domed chapel in the cloisters, Luca della Robbia, Taddeo Gaddi, and Cimabue.  Giotto painted several large frescoes within the 16 chapels. Much of the Basilica as well as the art within were damaged by the great flood of 1966, but it has been restored and replaced within the church.

The construction of the church began in 1294 and the basilica was consecrated in 1442.  A beautiful statue of Dante adorns the left side of the church.  The two famous historic palaces located in the piazza are Palazzo Cocchi-Serristori, which today is the headquarters of Quarter 1 in Florence, and Palazzo dell’Antella painted with a beautiful façade by Giovanni San Giovanni, painted in 1620.

Every year, the piazza hosts the Calcio Fiorentino, a historic event of football played out on the piazza.  This event occurs in June every year and sod is laid in the piazza and each Quartiere dons their uniforms to compete.  Because of the size of the piazza, many sporting events have taken place over the centuries in this Piazza.  This year’s calico matches will take place on June 18, 19, and 24th.

Off of Piazza Santa Croce, you will find the street via Torte which leads to via della Stinche and one of the best gelato shops in Florence, Vivoli.  Vivoli is closed on Monday, and one slight drawback is that they only sell gelato in cups, no cones.  Try the chocolate fondente with cocco, for a frozen “Mounds bar” like treat!

Streets of Florence, ItalyWhile on Piazza Santa Croce, you will find street vendors and entertainers, and for a bite to eat, try Boccadama.  Boccadama is opened 11-3 and 6:30-10:30.  There is outside dining in warm weather.  You will find traditional Tuscan fare at this hot spot in Florence.

There is a renowned leather school n the back of the basilica and a beautiful cloistered garden on the outside of the church.  Admission price to see the Basilica is only 5 euro.  I recommend the audio guide for an additional 5 euro to give you all the details that you need to understand the altars and the artwork. For more information on Florence sites, visit www.anamericaninitaly.com

Karen Mills is an American woman who made the decision to leave her corporate life behind to live “la dolce vita” in Florence, Italy, Read more about her experiences at An American In Italy or contact her at queenkaren0@hotmail.com.

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The Great Piazzas of Florence-Piazza della Signoria

Palazzo Vecchio, Piazza della Signoria, Florence ItalyGuest Post By: Karen Mills

The most dramatic and historical piazza of Florence, Piazza della Signoria is today still the civic center for the city. It is the political hub and meeting place for Florentines. Upon entering the piazza you will be awe struck by the looming Palazzo Vecchio. It was erected at the end of the 13th century and was originally the location of the city’s governing body, The Signoria. Cosimo Medici used it as the ducale palace until the mid 16th century, when he moved his family across the river to the Palazzo Pitti. Today, it still functions as the city’s town hall, and there is a museum inside. The first floor entry of the building is free, and worth walking into. The David by Michelangelo stands in front of the Palazzo, but this one is a replica. The original is in the Galleria Accademia.

The piazza also houses the Loggia dei Lanzi named after the architect who created it. This loggia houses many important sculptures, some of them originals and others copies when the original was moved into a museum. Some of the noteworthy sculptures on the Loggia are Giambologna’s Rape of the Sabine, the bronze Perseus with the Head of Medusa by Cellini, and Judith and Holofernes by Donatello.

Grand Fountain of Neptune, Piazza della Signoria, Florence ItalyThe grand fountain of Neptune by Ammannati, has a colorful history. Used as a washbasin in the end of the 16th century for the cities laundry, it was not particularly appreciated by the Florentines who to this day call it Il Biancone (the white giant).

Historically, the piazza was the location for the great “Bonfire of the Vanities” when Savonarola burned books, fine dresses, art, and fine furniture in the center of the piazza. There is a round plaque on the ground in front of the Neptune fountain noting the exact location where Girolamo Savonarola was hanged and burned for heresy in the spot where he had conducted the “Bonfire of the Vanities” earlier.

Around this piazza there are many bars and restaurants. Rivoire, a beautiful historical tea room, bar, and restaurant has the patio directly across from the Palazzo Vecchio where you can enjoy views of the entire piazza. Plan to pay a large premium for the view. The corner bar, Perseus, also has a restaurant and you will find the prices slightly more moderate. In the evenings there is a nice apertivo inside and their gelato is said to be some of the best in the city.

To the side of the Loggia and before you enter the Piazza dei Uffizi, you will find entertainment day and night. Classical guitarists play during the day and there are street performers dressed in costume emulating some of the statues contained in the piazzas. A mime performs regularly from 3-5, and you can sit on the steps of the loggia to watch his wonderful comedic act. Every evening, Ken Mercer plays guitar and sings American pop music favorites from Simon and Garfunkel, James Taylor, U2, and Cat Stevens. www.kenmercermusic.com

Street Mime, Piazza della Signoria, Florence ItalyNo matter what time of the day or night you wander into Piazza dell Signoria there is sure to be an abundance of activities and sites to delight the senses. For more information on Florence sites, visit www.anamericaninitaly.com

Karen Mills is an American woman who made the decision to leave her corporate life behind to live “la dolce vita” in Florence, Italy. Read more about her experiences at www.anamericaninitaly.com or contact her at queenkaren0@hotmail.com.

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Barcelona Travel Tips

Guest Post By: Karen Mills

La Rambla, Barcelona SpainI was in Barcelona for only 4 days but packed in a lot! I flew Ryan Air from Pisa to Gerona for only 130 euro. If you are traveling within the European Union, consider these low cost airlines for some trips! They are very serious about their baggage policy, so please be sure you review it carefully, as violations can be costly!

I found an incredible hotel, Live and Dream, for only 48 euro per night. The hotel is a small boutique hotel, in a great location, and had everything I needed. There are some sitting areas, free wifi, or a computer room for 2 euro per hour. There is an outside terrace with tables, and you can get breakfast for an additional 5 euro per day. It is located at Rossend Arus, 23. It is near the Placa Sants metro station on the red line, so you can get to everything. www.liveanddream.com There are nice restaurants, pastry shops, and shopping in the area.

Spanish Tapas Barcelona SpainThe Barcelona subway is easy to use, clean and convenient. I bought 10 tickets for about 8 euro and in the 4 days had to purchase about 3 more tickets to get to everything I wanted to see. I also did a lot of walking.

When you visit Barcelona, it is mandatory that you eat tapas and drink Sangria. An excellent restaurant for enjoying tapas is called Txapela and is located at Passeig de Gracia,8. These bite size dishes cost 1.50-2.50 euro, so order several and taste away.

You can purchase postcards at many souvenir shops and stamps at the Tabacco shops around town. Stroll down the wide commercial pedestrian street called La Rambla to take in the many sites there. You will find souvenir stands, street performers and busckers, live music, stalls selling flowers and live birds, and places to sit and have a drink to take it all in.

Sagrada Familia, Barcelona SpainSagrada Familia, the Gaudi Cathedral that has been under construction for 80 years so far, and is not expected to be completed before 2026 is a must see. If you are an art lover also consider taking in the Picasso Museum and Foundation of Joan Miro. For nature lovers there is the beautiful park of Parc de la Ciutadella . There is a zoological park there as well as the grand Arc de Triomf entrance.

The days start later in Barcelona with most businesses/shops opening at 10. Don’t even think about going to dinner before 9 p.m. If you do go at 9, you are likely to be the only one in the restaurant as most Spaniards dine at 10 or 11 p.m. I recommend you try some of the wonderful seafood such as the rice dish Paella. Paella can be purchased in many types such as Valencian, seafood, or mixed. It is considered the national dish of Spain.

Gotic Quater BarcelonaWhatever sights you chose to see, make sure to leave plenty of time to enjoy the music on the street, walk through the Gothic Quarter, and enjoy the pulse of this vibrant, international city. For more information on Florence sites, visit www.anamericaninitaly.com

Karen Mills is an American woman who made the decision to leave her corporate life behind to live “la dolce vita” in Florence, Italy, Read more about her experiences at www.anamericaninitaly.com or contact her at queenkaren0@hotmail.com.

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Guest Post By: Karen Mills

Have you traveled to Barcelona? Visited other parts of Spain? Do you have any advice or recommendations for our readers?

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