I am so sorry I have been missing in action! First it was work, then I had visitors from the homeland - and then the visitor broke an arm in Boston! So I just got back from Boston and am trying to catch up on work and everything else.
Before I start writing more detailed about the trip, here are some highlights! It really was the best and most awesomest trip ever.
- The hospitality in Puglia. It was not my first time in Puglia but once again I was floored by the warmth of the people. Loved it!
- Hanging out with friends in Bologna. All those wonderful people, so many great memories. Meeting my friends' baby!
- Trento (in the Trentino). We spent an evening there en route to Bolzano, and it is such a lovely place! The town is beautiful, surrounded by mountains and with the most gorgeous square. We had a fabulous spritz on the piazza before the biggest dinner I had in Italy. I couldn't finish half of it! Trento is called the painted town because of the beautifully decorated buildings there. I want to go back!
- My BB in Lecce: Casa dei Mercanti. Well priced, central, super clean, spacious, gorgeous!
- Carciofi alla giudia in Rome...
- Hiking and horseback riding above Bolzano. SO beautiful! Hiking in Norway will never be the same - in Italy they do it right: when you get tired, you find a little mountain restaurant that serves good food and delicious drink. And the weather was beyond belief!
- Spritz (with Aperol.) It gets its own line. It's that good. I'll add aperitivo in general to this.
- Lunch in Mantova: Great food, cheap sparkling white wine, a gorgeous sunny day. A perfect stop between Bologna and Trentino-Alto Adige (although a little off the highway.)
- Having J. with me in Italy! I think we should move there. :)
The piazza in Trento:
Comments (8)
Yes, you and J should move there. I'd come and visit. It sounds as if your trip was well worth the agony of getting there. So glad!!
Posted by Jane | May 29, 2009 12:03 AM
Posted on May 29, 2009 00:03
Oooh it all sounds wonderful. I can imagine the sights, sounds, tastes...tell us more...
Posted by Barb Cabot | May 29, 2009 1:56 AM
Posted on May 29, 2009 01:56
What a great highlight list! Trento looks like such a beautiful town. I too am a spritz fan though I usually go for the bitter version with Campari (but I like Aperol too).
So glad you had your best trip ever.
Posted by Annie | May 29, 2009 8:47 AM
Posted on May 29, 2009 08:47
Yikes -- I hope your guest is doing okay. How unpleasant, to break a bone during a trip.
I love your list, so many great things. Trento sounds wonderful -- mountains, beautiful buildings in town. And now, I want to try a spritz! Is that similar to wine spritzers in north America? How do you order, una spritz??
I'd definitely encourage you and J., to move to Italy. That's my long-term plan, too, so maybe we'll meet there for spritz.
Posted by sandrac | May 29, 2009 4:27 PM
Posted on May 29, 2009 16:27
Add another couple who would love to move to Italy!
Loved your list!
I too was wondering what goes into a spritz.
Posted by nancyhol | May 30, 2009 4:34 PM
Posted on May 30, 2009 16:34
Ok...everyone move to Italy so I can visit!! :)
Loved reading your highlights. Can't wait to hear more about each - but of course Bologna first since I will be heading there soon myself!
I am glad you enjoyed Trento. I really enjoyed my stay there. I need to write about my hotel story one day while I was in Trento. Funny story. I also owe you an email about Bologna and promise to do that as soon as school gets out next week.
I hope your family member is doing ok.
Posted by girasoli | June 1, 2009 2:54 AM
Posted on June 1, 2009 02:54
Just trying to catch up on some blogs here.
Wow, your highlight list sounds great! Can't wait to hear more.
Love the hiking/horseback riding in the mountains! Sounds great!
Posted by candi | June 1, 2009 1:01 PM
Posted on June 1, 2009 13:01
Great highlights of your trip. It all sounds wonderful. Yes, we need to all take turns moving there for a year at a time! Lots of visits.
Posted by Palma | June 14, 2009 12:19 AM
Posted on June 14, 2009 00:19