Observations

 We are home now from a wonderful trip to Italy. I can't express how wonderful it felt to have my quilt excepted in this Italian venue. I think my Nonna would be so very happy for me. I didn't win any awards but it really doesn't matter. My quilt hung in a gallery in Verona. And I got to see it, and meet people and make new friends. I'm a winner already.


The other day I was thinking how very polite and civil the Italians are. For example: While being seated in a restaurant the couple next to us (the tables are sometimes very close) acknowledged us. And when they were leaving wish us Buona Sera (Good evening) This happen most of the time. Even on the train going from one city to another. If we were sitting next to someone and they got off before us, they said goodbye. You walk into a store and its Buon Giorno and when you leave its Arrivederci...Please and thank you is always used.  I wish I could say the same for us New Yorkers. I'm going to try and keep this in mind when out. I think sometimes we are in such a hurry that we forget to be polite. Arrivederci everyone,

Milan and My last day

Well my trip to Bella Italia is almost over. Tomorrow we leave for home. Today was such a beautiful day here in Milan. And we were able to go to the Duomo and climb to the top.  Yes, that's what I said, climb to the top. We did not take the lift. Come on, next to the bell tower in Florence this was a breeze. Only 250 steps as apposed to 414..... Duomo is truly amazing piece of architecture. I took a lot of photos of the stain glass windows inside. But really, it doesn't do it justice. The photos outside and on the roof were much better. Here are just a few 















 


                 

It was beautiful sitting up on the top. Sun shining and warm. So very relaxing. Lots of young people up there just laying on the roof soaking up the sum....After we left the Duomo we walked over to the Sforza Castle. We just walked around the grounds. We had no desire to check out the inside and walk up more steps...There is a limit...LOL..

 We walked through the court yards of the castle. All the way to the back. And found a beautiful park. Spring has started so some of the trees were blooming...I think they maybe cherry trees, but I'm not sure..I did see some magnolia's in bloom though...
 

Florence

One of the rooms at the Pitti Palace. Taken before I was told NO photographs.  Which was strange because I didn't see any signs about not taking photos...Maybe I wasn't looking in the right places..

We arrived in Florence on Friday and stayed for 3 days. So after we checked into our hotel we took a walk to the Central Market.  They were just starting to close so we walked over to the Duomo. Took lots of pictures and then decided to climb the Bell Tower. 414 steps to the top...What possessed me to do that is a mystery....LOL...I guess I wanted to prove to myself that at 66 of age I can't still do it...Well we did. And what   amazing view of the city....I really felt I accomplished something...very satisfying.







Saturday we  visited the precious stone museum. What a nice museum. Such beautiful works of art. Paintings that where then interpreted in mosaics.  All I can say is WOW. I took loads of pictures. I just might interpret one into a quilt. After lunch we went to the Pitti Palace. Sunday we visited the Academia and saw the David. I was standing next to a guild who was lecturing on the David..Very Interesting..No pictures of David though. I found the signs..NO PHOTOS

The bottom is the painting and the top the mosaic rendition 

  

il Latini restaurant

I can't believe I ate the whole thing....Oh! did I forget to tell you? We're in Florence....We left Venice on Friday. But I'll get back to that Dopo (later)...see enough wine and I can speak Italian...LOL...Anyway back to Il Latini. this restaurant was recommended by a couple we met in Venice. Well let me tell you it is quite an experience.  I have never eaten some much in my life.  OH WHY DID I DO THAT...First you must make a reservation. We had ours for 7:30. Everyone who has the 7:30 res meets outside the restaurant and waits for them to open.  Then there is a crush to get in. You are seated at a group table from 4 to 8 people. First they bring out the prosciutto, then crostini with a little chop liver, after that mozzarella and tomato. Then there is the pasta course. We had bolognese  e  penne. Than we had Tuscan steak enough to choke a horse with roasted potatoes to die for. My husband makes  great roasted to potatoes .But I had to tell him that these were better...and then spinach....Of course there is a nice Chianti, some Vin Sante with biscotti and a desert wine. Oh, I almost forgot, desert. panna cotti...Would somebody please burp me....                                             


Not everyone has arrived yet.... We had fun, but I don't think I would do that again...Way to much food for me.....

Venice

While in Venice we went to the Correr Museum which is in Piazza S. Marco.  we both enjoyed it very much and then since the ticket was a combo we went to the Doge Palace the next day. The art work is so amazing. It just blows me away. It was a miserable rainy day so perfect for the museum.

Our stay in Venice few by so fast. And it was hard to say good by.  I had a nice visit with Yvonne. Then our friend from Rome, Cinzia, came for a quick visit. And on the 17th we all met up with Karen & Michael, who live in Venice, for dinner.
We had also taken the vaporetto across the Laguna to San Giorgio. Unfortunately it was closed so we couldn't take a tour...Oh well something to see the next time.  I did take some nice pictures though.

Some photos of Verona

Even here a Mickey D's this one had an outside eating area.

Arena

Just few more quilts

Natasha Lehrer won for best use of color

 

Silvia Dell'Aere won a ribbon for "emotional impact"

These small quilts were in one of the many antique shops

 

The following quilts were displayed at the Loggia Barbaro

The traditional quilts where on display in a church.

Lunch in Verona with friends Saturday 12th

My wonderful friend Yvonne who changed her reservation so that she could arrive a week early and attend the quilt show here in Verona

Lunch with new friends. Francesco & Laura .
 Then on a little walking tour around town and stop off S. Zeno
BTW Lunch was delicious.....

  

bronze door