Budapest - in to Eastern Europe

After a week in the Veneto region of Italy we took a Ryanair flight from Treviso, just north of Venice, to Budapest. The flight was interesting as it was almost aggressively commercial. The backs of the seats carried ads for food services and luggage lockers all had ads on them. During the flight the PA broadcast ads and promoted Ryanair scratchie cards. The plane left 15 mins early and arrived 30 mind early.

We passed over snow covered landscapes until we had nearly reached Budapest where there is just a remnant of old snow. First impressions were dial during the trip on from the airport , but the city proper is impressive and interesting.

We say some of the lit buildings along the the Danube before eating at a 170 year old restaurant and enjoying local dishes to the sound of a brilliant ensemble of cembalon, 2 violins and bass. The cembalon player was a real master of his instrument. For the first time this trip we have really felt as if we are in a strange country where we can't read signs or understand what is written. We're looking forward to 2 days of exploration before taking the train to Bratislava in the Slovak Republic. .

Dolomites - In the snow

After almost a month since anything but a fleeting and distant glimpse of snow, we have finally seen it under ideal conditions.

Giacinto and Egidia, our very generous hosts in Conegliano, (in the Veneto), took us into the Dolomites, a special part of the Alps where jagged peaks of the mineral dolomite abound. Snow had fallen overnight but today was fine and sunny , with barely any breeze. Once above the low-lying fog we had just wonderful views of peaks and ridges, forests and fields with a blanket of thick, fresh snow.

In 2009 we had a picnic lunch beside a lake at Misurina. Today the lake was frozen and close to it the ski-tows were running for the Nordic skiers. Parked cars had almost been buried and men were clearing house entries and some roofs of snow. A little lower down the mountains we had lunch at Auronzo di Cadore and walked the streets feeling that although we missed a "White Christmas" we had certainly experienced a gentle and beautiful "white winter".

Conegliano - veggie tales

Those who know me will be amused, even puzzled, by today's images as I'm not a big eater of salad vegetables. Here in Conegliano (a small city in the Veneto region north of Venice) and surrounding towns "Radiccho is King" at this time of the year. Radicchio comes in many shapes, colours and sizes, most of which are unknown to us. Radicchio di Treviso is the prestige variety. It is served sliced like coleslaw or whole looking like a tray of little octopus marinated in oil, salt and peppercorns. Towns have tastings, exhibitions and even "radicchio week"! We have had radicchio served to us at most meals (except breakfast) and we see people eating it in cafes in the towns we visit. I tasted some to be polite but it didn't win me over , so I'll stick to my old favourites.

PS Egidia , our host and friend, shook her head in disbelief and said I must be the only person in Treviso province not eating and enjoying radicchio at the moment.

Florence - farewell

After 3 days in and around Florence (way too short) we leave this morning for Conegliano in the region of Veneto.

We find the Duomo in the centre of the city to be our magnet. Day and night we are attracted to it and captivated, even overwhelmed, by its splendour. It's amazing to ponder the vision and faith of the people who started the enormous building project knowing that they and generations of descendants would not see it finished. Their plans included features for which the technology was not yet developed.

As seen here, even at night this is an impressive building.

Florence - beautiful city

Yesterday we left Rome and travelled north to Florence, capital city of Tuscany. It has been an enjoyable return visit for us as memories of the 2009 visit are strong.

* image 1 - morning refreshment (a glass of Prosecco) traveling at 240 kph on the train

* image 2 - lunch of home made Tuscan soups, bread and local wine in a small kitchen

* images 3 & 4 - the Duomo in the late afternoon sun, and at night. A magnificent building. We are captivated each time we see it.

* image 5 - Florentine beefsteak and Chianti at the "Zio Gigi" cafe ("uncle Gigi")

We've had a lot of night rain but only intermittent drizzle by day so the weather has not been a problem.

Our small hotel has a plaque on the outside wall announcing that the famous painter Rafael lived here in 1505. We are not only walking in history but sleeping in it as well.

Rome - Arrivederci Roma

We couldn't connect last night so our "farewell to Rome" is a day late as we are now in Florence. Again it was a big day, but Rome has south to be seen. I wish we had a pedometer to track our movements as Wendy have racked up a couple of hundred kilometres walking.

Pictured are some of the attractions visited.
* The "Ara Pacis" erected by Caesar Augustus 2000 years ago to celebrate an unprecedented period of peace during his reign.
* The steps leading up to Trinita on the mount church - not many people sitting on the steps because of rain.
* Michelangelo's massive memorial to Pope Julius and close-up of Moses
* The chains believed to be those used to shackle St Peter during his final imprisonment.
* Cliche shot - the Colosseum on a rainy day.

Surprise of the day: catching a "gypsy" with her hand in my pocket after a suspicious bump on boarding a metro train. Nothing lost as pocket only had handkerchief (clean) and a folded map.

Just as well we had dinner at a small place very close to the hotel as a thunderstorm and wind brought lashing rain on and off for an hour.

Said a sad farewell to Mary and Carlo, our wonderful hosts at Hotel Welrome.

Rome - Roaming around Rome

On our first day in Rome we covered a lot of ground and have walked many kilometres (that cancels out the wonderful pastries we are enjoying). After a light breakfast in our room we had a cup of "heart starter" coffee and hit the road! Colosseum, parts of the Forum, Pantheon, Piazza Navona, Trevi Fountain, Spanish Steps, a Roman Pizza for lunch, exquisite gelato, a couple of really old churches - and more.

The sky was generally overcast and we had some light drizzle but occasionally blue sky broke through.

After dark we went out to see some lights - St Peter's basilica, Castle St Angelo and bridge, Trevi Fountain and the Colosseum. A long but rewarding day.