Happy Halloween from the Rest of the Munchkins!

Grandpa loves Captain America (Jaden), Black Spiderman - he's the bad guy apparently (Taylor) and the cutest little ladybug you ever saw!

There's a new Golfer in Town!

Connor looks like he could go pro.  But he better check his handicap stats first on the iphone!  Happy Halloween!

On Our Way Home!!!

Yippee!!!!

Coming Home!

Didn't know there was an airberlin? You, we are on it. We've also traveled Egypt Air, South African Air, British Air & Swiss Air in the last two months. We are happy the airline market is so strong in Europe and Africa. We have traveled without mishap. Thank You!

Guten Morgen Dusseldorf!

Breakfast of Champions

Wow!

The sun keeps trying to come up but we are staying ahead of it over a place that is, in my opinion, best viewed from afar. (like 39K ft)

View of the Arctic Circle From 39,000 Ft

Spectacular view of frozen tundra from the plane. The windows are a bit icy too!

Arrivederci Firenze!

Leaving our two story hotel room that we called home for the last 10 days. Not so sure about having the bathroom upstairs but the neighborhood (Porta Romana) was great! Embarking on our two day trip home. Spending the night in Dusseldorf, Germany tonight.

Sienna - Molto Buona

So far Sienna has the most impressive gelato, restaurant and cathedral. Glad we came. This place might be worthy of bringing home some Christmas ornaments!

YUM!!!

Nannini Panpepato

I think is similar to panetone. This was a beautiful store. The Nannini's know how to do it right!

Nannini - Sienna

Sounds vaguely familiar???!!

What's Wrong With This Picture

On the bus on the way to Sienna....stopped on a bridge, no driver, everyone out of their cars. Hmmmmm

Italian Cooking Class

I took a cooking class today with Chef Sylvio. We went to the open market and learned about local fish, meats, vegetables, spices, etc and purchased what we needed make our meal. It was so good I think I might take another before we leave.

Football in Florence???

Leave it to Dennis to find a bar that is playing American football.

Menu = nachos, tacos, ribs, wings, burgers, etc. Yum, yum!!

Italian Lotto

A few colleagues and I (including my sister) have just invested in the Italian lottery. Wish us luck. I may soon be investing in a Tuscan Villa! Ciao!

The Bargain of the Holiday

The dinner we just had just cost us about 8 Euro including a bottle of wine and A half liter of beer. The wine was great. If I thought I could carry it home there would be a case on the plane! Buon Appetito!

An Italian Masterpiece

We have been in Lucca all day. When we arrived back to Florence we decided to fix dinner ourselves. Caprese salad, chicken baked at the market a fresh loaf of bread and of Course beer and wine. The wine cost a grand $2.85 and is fantastic. I'll post the label next.

Commune Di Lucca

In Italy even the utility covers are charming!

Palma Kids in Lucca

John Palma would be proud

Now That's a Pharmacy with Style

It gets my vote

No Explanation Needed

Pasticceria - Lucca

Hmmmm.. It All looks good! This is what I would call a delightful dilemma!

David's View From Piazza Michaelangelo

David

This a bronze statue of David that sits above the city I'm the Piazza Michaelangelo. Check out his view on the next post

Honey, I'm Home!

The area we are staying imhere in Florence is villa after villa with trees and grounds. Spectacular!

Don't Forget the Pool Area

Changing Season!

We've been gone so long the leaves are falling from the trees. What happened to summer?

Basilica Abbaziale

You would think once you've seen one church you've seen them all but they are so beautiful that it is hard NOT to take a picture!

Basilica Abbaziale

The Ponte Vecchio

On the Piazza Del Duomo

I knew he was around here somewhere

Just Posing in the Street

Duomo in Florence

Arguably one of the most impressive cathedrals in the world

Ladies - See Anything You Like??

Driver in Training

Never sure if it is going to be a good day when you get the taxi driver in training.

Hotel Villa Front Door

Florence Hotel

Our hotel is an oldVilla in a residential neighborhood. Very pretty and peaceful.

Locks on the Ponte di Vecchio

I think they do this just to leave their mark. As if they are saying "I was here"

Fair Warning - Beware Cafe Pitti , Florence

I didn't think you could find a bad meal in Italy but we just proved that theory wrong. Even the bread sucked.

Arrivederci Roma!

On our way to Florence (Firenze). We will be home in 10 days Yippee! I am ready to see all the babies. Miss, miss , miss them!

I'm the meantime we will have a home base in Florence and take day trips from there. Ciao for now.

Dad trying to get the TV to Work!!!

Hilarious. Maybe you had to be there but trust me it was good!

The Sistine Chapel

Not sure if the pope is back. He was at the Monreale Cathedral in Sicily yesterday. We missed him there by two days.

St Peters Square

It is still an impressive place.

Today's 'Lunch with a View'

A view of the windows of Italy

The Sounds of Roma

The Spanish Steps

So this is where the crowds start

The Colliseum

Bellisimo!

Villa Borghese - Out Building

Guest quarters perhaps?

Trinita Dei Monti Church

At the top of the Spanish Steps

Villa Borghese

Ah, home at last.