Under the Tuscan sun........it sounds so romantic and wonderful.  And it was.  I was fortunate to be able to travel to Tuscany and Rome in September and spend 12 days with my husband's undivided attention, and we still love each other!  No T.V., no computer, just driving around making memories in a lovely country.  The only thing I would change, would be the time change, and the drag it puts on your body.  I've decided I'm getting too old for European trips. Yet, I love Europe.  Perhaps, if we had rented a Tuscan Villa and relaxed I may feel different. But, our trip was 9 days of non stop GO!

I had found a itinerary on the internet for how to see Tuscany in seven days. We pretty much followed it to a tee, with the exception of making the last day our first, and then rearranging another day due to rain. We then took the bullet train to Rome and spent two full days exploring the beautiful ruins.

Here is the Tuscany link: http://www.discovertuscany.com/itineraries-in-tuscany/one-week-in-tuscany.html

Before I start to elaborate on my wonderful trip, I need to set the scene. It all starts with a cheap platter that I bought at a store in San Jose, California.  It's titled, "Under the Tuscan Sun," and it became my inspiration piece.  That was followed by a kitchen remodel with an Italian feel, and then a floor mat that says, "Villa Toscana.  A new pair of shoes made in Tuscany, but purchased at Marshall's in San Jose, and I was fully immersed and ready to start my adventure. I had surrounded myself with the "Italian" feel, but now I was ready for the real deal.

Platter titled, "Under the Tuscan Sun"

Italian shoes direct from San Jose, Ca

Italian Kitchen

Ready for departure!

Tuscany did not disappoint!

We left on Saturday morning and finally arrived at our hotel in Florence around 6pm Sunday. We managed to stay up a few more hours, then plopped our weary bodies down for a Tuscan slumber.

DAY ONE took us to Cortona, which was about 1 hour 45 minutes away from our hotel.  We enjoyed just relaxing in the Piazza. When we went to find our car, we went the wrong way, which resulted in a nice stroll around Cortona, and my health app on my iPhone said we walked 9.24 miles!

Guitar serenade, Italian style

I want to rent the movie, "Under the Tuscan Sun," and see if I can recognize sights I saw in Cortona.

We also went to Arezzo and the Piazza Grande. Arezzo is believed to have been one of the twelve most important Etruscan cities.

DAY TWO took us to downtown Florence to wonder at the sights of the Basilica of Saint Mary of the Flower, David, and the art in the Academia and Uffizi Gallery. It doesn't matter if you look up to the ceilings, or down to the floor, everything is so beautiful. I couldn't believe the floors we were walking on. They were "Art" in my mind. I couldn't get into the Vasari Corridor, where my first cousin three times removed, Cecilia Beaux, has a self portrait. But, at least I now know where it is located.

Cecilia Beaux

You can't fully capture the splendor

Judas is bowing his head in shame

Two hunks

Seldom seen view

Ponte Vecchio Bridge and Vasari Corridor. The Vasari runs from the Uffizi across the Ponte Vecchio to the Palazzo Pitti.

Before we returned to our hotel, we walked to the Piazza Michelangelo where you get a fantastic view of downtown Florence.  

My health app clocked us in at 7.4 miles.

Artsy photo of Chianti

A little rain couldn't dampen our mood!


 

DAY THREE took us to Greve in Chianti. It was raining, so we changed the suggested day itinerary and headed for a winery that our hotel recommended, Castello di Verrazzano. It turns out some of the stones from here made it to New York and the Verrazano-Narrows Bridge linking Brooklyn and Staten Island. We didn't take the actual wine tour, but ended up eating lunch and tasting the four wines that the tour was having. So we got the explanation without having to do the whole tour. I mean, what's really important? I say getting right down to eating and drinking! 

Selfie with a gorgeous Tuscan landscape 

All homemade by "Mama"

After our wine tasting we headed to San Gimignano. We had to have the Gelato at Gelateria Dondoli. We found out later that it was rated #28 in Tuscany. We would find # 1 later in Pisa.

I chased this pigeon around because it was a different color than you normally see. I say it was Tuscan colored.

I liked the saying about fast food

Later the same shop was enhanced by a white Vespa.

DAY FOUR took us to Pisa and Lucca. I don't think we took enough photos of the leaning tower. Mitch had to capture it from every angle!

The tower isn't the only remarkable thing here

Mandatory selfie

We brought our "This is Sharks Territory" sign 

Rated # 1 Gelato in Tuscany

Peach Bellini

From Pisa we went to Lucca and enjoyed riding bikes around the walled city. We rode to a special tower that has trees growing at the top.

This old lady can still ride a bike

Torre Guinigi

Rainbow leading us back to Florence after a full day of fun

DAY FIVE took us to Siena and Monteriggioni. We first took a quick detour off the road to visit the Marchesi Antinori Chianti Classico Cellar in Bargino. Most of this expansive facility is underground, concealed within a hill.  It was super cool. They have been in the business since 1385 and specialize in Chianti. They are known for ushering in the "Super Tuscan" revolution with their Tignanello.  We didn't taste any wine here, but spent a fair amount of time just taking in the grandeur.

Impressive building and views

Cool couch and wine display

I told Mitch he could have one glass!

One of many impressive art installations

From Antinori we continued on to Siena, which I have to say had my favorite Piazza,  Piazza Del Campo.  I could have laid there all day!

I saw people laying so I joined in.

Mandatory foot shot!

A photo doesn't do it justice!

I can't believe you get to walk all over this!

My favorite steps

Cracking Art installation called, "Rigeneramento" through October 31, 2015

After a lovely lunch in the Piazza, we continued on to Monteriggioni where I took my favorite photo of the trip.

Charming walled Medieval Castle

A perfect "Picture Window"

The only Red Poppy and Yellow Sunflower I saw

Inspiration photo I found before my trip. I put it on FACEBOOK and said to "color your life wherever you go."

It wasn't the right season for flowers, so I "Colored" the landscape. This is my favorite photo because I did what my inspiration photo suggested and "colored my life wherever I go." I bought the top in a cute shop in Sausalito and intended to take a photo in it when the moment was right.

DAY SIX took us to the wine regions of Montepulciano and Montalcino, and perhaps, my most favorite outing. I just loved driving through the Tuscan landscape. Of course, the Vino Nobile di Montepulciano and the Brunello di Montalcino were also great.

We got directions from the hotel, but somehow we took a wrong turn and GPS directed us through narrow streets right in the middle of all the action. Funny, but scary moment. I knew we were in for some fun when we barely made it by a car and the man told us in broken English it would be best if the wife got out of the car! 

Rosemary and wine bottles growing from the wall

The lady asked if we wanted ham and cheese with our tasting, and this yumminess is what we got compliments of Cantina Gattavecchi

We had to order the real Bruschetta.

Pulled off the road to capture this beauty

Brunello tasting at Fattoria dei Barbi. It has produced Brunello since 1892 and was the first to export if to Europe, America and Asia.

I literally walked the sole right off my shoe!

DAY SEVEN took us back to downtown Florence. After dropping off our rental car, we took our only taxi ride of the entire trip from the Rental Car lot to downtown Florence. We were lucky that both the Hilton in Florence, and the Hilton in Rome had complimentary shuttles to the main centers of town. 

So colorful!

"I Eat Earth" an homage to Expo 2015. According to the artist, this piece is about more than physical hunger, it alludes to hunger for life, thought, freedom, experiences, and openness to others. 

Gallery Art Hotel

"Jeff Koons in Florence" juxtaposes contemporary art with timeless masterpieces.This piece is Pluto and Proserpina.

This turtle joined us at our lunch

We left our heart in Tuscany

Lots of pink shirts. I think this was a Breast Cancer Walk. We got to hear American songs being broadcast from the Piazza.

All bathrooms should have a personal sink!

Rome bound. On the bullet train.

DAY EIGHT was our first full day in Rome.  We took City Wonder tours, which I highly recommend.  Before the tour started, we had to get from the shuttle drop off to the Vatican. We decided to walk and thoroughly enjoyed it. By days end my iPhone app would say we walked 8.56 miles. While I enjoyed the Sistine Chapel, I wasn't allowed to photograph any of its glory. I have to say I was equally amazed by all the stuff in the Vatican Museums leading up to the Sistine Chapel.

First sighting of the Vatican

Just some ordinary bridge art

Splendor on the floors, walls and ceilings!

I love Peacocks

Cortille della Pigna at the Vatican Museum

"Sphere within a Sphere"
 by Italian sculptor, Arnaldo Pomodoro

I always said that Mitch reminded me of Roman and Greek Gods.

Resurrection of Jesus Tapestry at Vatican Museum. One of the best examples of moving perspective, and the best executed on a tapestry.

Unbelievable talent

The School of Athens by Raphael. Heraclitus, the "weeping philosopher" is personified by Michelangelo. He was added as a tribute after Raphael saw his work on the Sistine Chapel.

Holy Door

This will be opened for the Jubilee

Holy Selfie

Vatican City

Spanish Steps

Trevi Fountain under renovation

Pantheon

 DAY NINE took us to the Colossuem, the Forum and Palentine Hill.  It still seems unreal to me.

First sighting of the Colosseum

Beautiful ruins

Another Shark Attack

Arch of  Constantine, triumphal arch situated between the Colosseum and the Palatine Hill.

They built using iron pins through the marble. They used the iron for weapons and the building began to collapse.

Arch of Titus is oldest at the Forum Romanum.

 You can see chain marks on the columns where they tried to bring them down.

Palentine Hill 

Cordonata (Michelangelo designed the wide-ramped stairs so horse riders could ascend the hill without dismounting) at the Campidoglio at Capitoline Hill. 

Last night in Rome. I didn't like the dessert on the menu so I asked for chocolate and this is what they brought. 

I still can't believe I saw everything that I did in Florence and Rome. Living my entire life in "young California", it is so hard to imagine things that date back to 70AD.  I will never forget the remarkable ruins, frescoes, mosaics, steps, stones, and even "New" art that we saw.

It truly was a dream trip and something I can now take off my bucket list.

Daily reminders of Tuscany and Rome adorn my kitchen

All we came home with was a 50 cent Euro and a lifetime of memories!

ARRIVEDERCI!

The heat, the heat, and the HEAT!

Today I can't stop thinking about heat!  I just booked a flight to Puerto Vallarta for next February. While it may not be hot in San Jose at that time, it's going to be wonderful in Mexico. The highs should be around 82 with a low of 63.  I'd call that almost perfect.

Then my mind races to what is in store for this week in San Jose. The ugly nineties!  UGH!  I can't stand the heat, and I'm not in my kitchen!  I love 75 to 82 degrees.  I hate, (I know, that's a strong word) anything over 82 degrees!  Luckily, I don't have too many really hot days in San Jose.

My nights are a different matter!  I'm now starting to have the dreaded NIGHT SWEATS!  No fun, no fun indeed!  I can't understand why I have them regardless of what I'm wearing. I can be wearing next to nothing, and yet they arrive!  I can't remember the last time I actually slept through the entire night!  This is my "new normal" and I don't want to be "Normal!"

I haven't even started having the official "hot flash" and God help me and those around me. It's not going to be a smooth ride. I'm telling you now that the "BITCH" will come out!  I may have a big smile on my face, but don't let that fool you!  I can be horrid!

I guess I'm just going to have to be on board with it. I'm aging, and I can't do much about it.  But, if anyone knows the magic cure, please don't be shy.  Tell me!  I said, TELL ME!" Don't keep me in the dark.

I hate the heat. I'm getting ready to remodel my kitchen.  Perhaps, I need to give a real thought to the idea of having a meat locker!  Now that's something I would use all the time to cool off.  I'd probably use it more often than I use my actual oven. Of course, I'm not going to actually design this.  For now my salvation will be relegated to sticking my head in the freezer.  A mad woman must do what she must do!

Well, enough said and written. I need to go cool off! I'm sticking my head in the freezer. Oh and I'm having a margarita on ice!

It's Freezer Time!

It's Margarita Time!

Cheers!

Sylvia

Oh the sweet smell of roses!

View of Jackie's Condo from the Rose Garden

Today I took a walk with my daughter through a little treasure land: The Heritage Rose Garden right off of Taylor Street in downtown San Jose.  I've lived so close my entire life, but never been before.  It's a very easy stroll through the garden and the smells were potent, but in a wonderful way. 

I think I took even more enjoyment in the names of some of the roses, than the actual roses themselves.  Armed with my iPhone I took photos and then captured the names in my notes app.

Imagine my surprise when I even found my namesake: Lady Sylvia.  She was a beauty! I'd expect nothing less! (Just kidding.)

Sylvia meet "Lady Sylvia"

Other treasures included "Carefree Wonder," "Perfect Moment," "Thanksgiving," "Betty Boop," "First Kiss," "Golden Glow," and "Picasso." 

"Carefree Wonder"

"Tina Turner" and "Reba McEntire"

"Perfect Moment"

"Thanksgiving"

"Betty Boop"

"First Kiss"

Don't know the name, but it was beautiful!

"Golden Glow"

"Picasso"

All this beauty got me to thinking about famous quotes about roses. With the help of the Internet I found these treasures:

Gertrude Stein's poem Sacred Emily written in 1913 and published in 1922 had this line:

 "Rose is a rose is a rose is a rose."

William Shakespeare had Juliet say this:

"What's in a name? That which we call a rose

By any other name would smell as sweet."

"I ONCE HAD A ROSE NAMED AFTER ME AND I WAS VERY FLATTERED. BUT I WAS NOT PLEASED TO READ THE DESCRIPTION IN THE CATALOGUE: NO GOOD IN A BED, BUT FINE UP AGAINST A WALL." - ELEANOR ROOSEVELT

And here is my new quote, " Some may be simple, some more complex, but all so sweet to my senses." My sight and my smell were tickled today!

And might I not forget to add, that afterward my taste buds were delighted.  I went to Chili's with Jackie and enjoyed a Skinny Margarita!  

Cheers to a wonderful day in nature!

Lady Sylvia

Five dollars and some walking power took me right back into San Jose history!

Today was too nice of a day to stay indoors so I decided to take a walk.  I wanted to go somewhere I hadn't been before, so I got in the car and drove to the Discovery Museum in downtown San Jose.  That wasn't my destination, it just had a cheap parking lot that cost only $5.00 for a day pass.

I purchased a day pass at a little after 1p.m. and then took off by foot on a journey around the Guadalupe River Park and Gardens. I had a map that listed several points of interest and I made it my mission to see 1-14.

I completed my task in about 1 hour 38 minutes.

It was fun and educational at the same time.  I saw a few items not on the detailed map (like homeless people) but I'm sure they had some history to tell as well.

I would recommend this trail for anyone who wants a fairly easy walk (from Discovery Museum to HP Pavilion and back) and likes public art.  I had no idea we had so much art to see in downtown San Jose.  Surprises at almost every corner!

Big shoes to fill!

Monopoly in the Park

Parade of Animals

Veterans Memorial 

Okayama, Japan Sister City Plaza

One of the most interesting facts I learned today was about the Muwekma Ohlone Tribute. The Native Americans, who once lived along the Guadalupe River,  are honored with animal sculptures important to their tradition on the Park Avenue Bridge. These include the Coyote, the Hummingbird, and the Eagle. The four flags that fly from atop the bridge represent the past and present governments of the area: Spain, Mexico, California and the United States.  According to the Muwekma Ohlone creation story, the Coyote was the father of the human race who was responsible for creating people and teaching them how to live properly. Hummingbird was wise and clever. The Eagle was a leader.

I don't usually like insects, but I had to admit these sculptures were pretty cool.

Wildlife of the Guadalupe River

View of Jackie's Condo while on the trail

Vietnam War Memorial

Another Art piece celebrates the Costanoan-Ohlone Peoples, especially the Tamien Ohlone Indians who inhabited the land along the Guadalupe River where the sculpture is located. The Weavers' Gifts is a site-specific artwork composed of four elements: the names of the 54 Ohlone tribal groups who inhabited California in the late eighteenth century, inscribed on pre-existing grant seat walls; a four-foot high carved-granite basket representing a functional and creative part of the Ohlone culture; a five-foot high carved granite mortor, broken to represent broken tradition; and a stone representation of an unfinished coiled basket inlaid into the paving with inscribed text that speaks to the history of the Ohlone people.

The Weavers' Gifts

Near the HP Pavillion is the Five Skater's Art Piece depicting Peggy Fleming, Debi Thomas, Brian Boitano, Kristi Yamaguchi and Rudy Galindo.

A trip through history wouldn't be complete without paying homage to the rich soil in this valley. I found the Remembering Agriculture art piece that recreates the distinctive shapes of farm buildings. These structures include a water tank tower, a windmill, a barn and small shed.

One last piece of art worth mentioning was at the Center for Performing Arts. I'm not sure what it is named.  

As I was heading back to the parking lot, I looked back in time to see a plane fly overhead. I'm not quite sure what creature was adorning the Discovery Museum. I'm kind of partial to the yellow rubber ducky!

 Now that I've mastered this part of the Guadalupe trail, I think next time I will go check out items 15 and 16, and then the Guadalupe Gardens and Heritage Rose Garden.

With tired feet but a new sense of the importance of San Jose I say Adios!

Sylvia

I'll Walk With You My Friend!

Yesterday I was reminded that time plays no factor in how deep a friendship can be. I have only known my good friend for a few years, due to us working on the Decennial Census together. But, this is a deep and rewarding friendship.

Sure, she takes me to the mall and shows me where to get all the free stuff. And I pointed out the $2.00 tops on sale, but I'm really not talking about monetary rewards. I'm speaking about the reward you get when you just go out exploring with no expectations and by days end, you feel so fulfilled.  Those are the days I've been experiencing with my special friend.

I feel like she's my "kindred spirit" and I can't really pinpoint why.  So, I'm not going to over analyze things, I'm just going to let it be.

My friend  and I spent yesterday in Capitola. I haven't been there much, but she knows it like the back of her hand. So entrusting in her wisdom, I let her be my tour guide.  I didn't know what I would see or feel.  Thanks to my iPhone, I was able to take spontaneous photos whenever the moment felt right.  Here are a few of my favorites.

Mural on Wharf Road

Someone got their priorities straight!

Tiles at the Capitola Beach!

Enjoying the birds, people, and beach!

Beautiful California Poppies!

Letting music fill us up!

After our walk we went back to her sister's condo, and I learned something I didn't know about her. She comes from a very talented and artistic family. She shared with me that she used to write and sing songs on her guitar.  In a moment of pure joy, she picked up her nephew's guitar and started playing some of her original music. One she composed for a funeral, the other for a wedding.  It struck the perfect cord with me!  Music can heal us, and make a major life moment even deeper.

I was so happy to see her let loose on that guitar. She hasn't been well so she stopped playing. My hope is now that she will start to play her guitar and write some new songs.  Because music can be a friend too!

I don't know where our next adventure will be, but I'm counting on it to be just as fun.

I'll walk with you my friend...

Sylvia