Missy in Italia - Part two - Rome

Finally, in our apartment in Rome.

It is the first time for Melissa in Rome and what a wonderful treat for all of us after having a great time in Montalcino!

Carolyna e Melissa at the Spanish Steps

Then on the first day, the important ritual, coffee at our local with Fabio.

Fabio and Maurizio at the coffee shop

And in front of one of the magical fountains of Rome (designed by Bernini) in Piazza Navona.

And yes, one does get hungry being a tourist...so off to lunch in Trastevere....and yes we are dining "fuore" (outside) in winter. It was a balmy sunny 16 degrees.

Then it's off to see the amazing area around the antiquarium Roman fish markets 

And one of many tourists posing for the camera on Capitoline Hill outside the amazing Capitoline museum.

From there its just a short walk to the Roman Forum. Here Melissa had a great view over the Forum.

The Roman Forum

And no visit to Rome would be complete without a visit to the Fontana di Trevi, a wonderful example of Bernini at his best.

"Three coins in the fountain, which one will the fountain bless....". I think from Roman Holiday with Gregory Peck and Audrey Hepburn.

Then onto the fabulous Vatican museum.....one of the best...a must visit

Here Alan with his audio guide listening to an explanation about the god of wine and intoxication. I wonder why Alan was so interested..........??

The beautiful ceiling in the antique map exhibition hall at the Vatican museum.

And of course the Sistine Chapel and the genious of Michelangelo Buonarroti.

And again Michelangelo's Pieta in St. Peters

Protected by the famous Swiss Guard.

Melissa outside St Peters

On our way home from the Vatican looking back at St. Peters.

What can I say...the "girls" had to stop for a look in Via Condotti...."THE" shopping street of Rome.

Next day and what a wonderful experience to be standing inside the Colosseum

The interior of the Colosseum

Then onto the Vittorio Emanuelle monument to commemorate the first king of Italy.

Limoncello....one of the favourite after meal drinks in Italy.

At one of our favourite restaurants "Settimo delle Arancia" not far from Via del Corso.

Followed by.....

Espresso

Missy just could not be stopped...museums, restaurants, shopping, walks, coffees and a ride on a vesper......okay it wasn't hers.....and the key wasn't in it......and the owner was nowhere to be seen........a girl can dream though!

And the final day lunch at "Gusto" before Missy caught a plane back to Australia.

What a wonderful time

Baci a tutti

Carolyna e Alan

Missy in Italia - Part one - Tuscany

What a treat for Carolyna to have her sister Melissa visit her in Italy.

We picked her up from the airport and drove her straight up to Montalcino.....here we are on the road to Montalcino and she is looking quite bright after 33 hours of flying.....very excited to see us!

Melissa in Montalcino with Alano

After a good nights sleep and a yummy brekkie we are off to do some serious sightseeing of Toscana....

Melissa and Alan in one of our favourite parks in San Quirico just near Montalcino

San Quirico

Lunch in San Quirico.....what should I try first....a risotto or a pasta or abbachio?

A visit to Monte Oliveto to see the extraordinary frescoes!

A visit to the wonderful abbey of Sant Antimo near Montalcino

Dinner at Grapolo Blu in Montalcino....she opted for homemade gnocchi here....and now is converted to Tuscan red wine...sorry pinot grigio's! 

A living nativity scene in Florence

Melissa, the tourist taking a photo of the Duomo in Florence

Also the river Arno in Florence...or maybe she is taking a pic of the Ponte Vecchio

Oh, here she is with Alan and the Ponte Vecchio in the background!

Carolyna e Melissa on the Ponte Vecchio with the dome of the Duomo behind in the distance

The three Magi procession in Florence

Above Rinascente looking toward the Duomo

Alan e Melissa outside the Fortezza in Montalcino

View of Montalcino from the Fortezza

Carolyna e Melissa(with the sun shining in their eyes) on the fortezza walls overlooking Montalcino

Melissa e Carolyna having a vino overlooking the Val D'Orcia...it's a tough life but somone's got to do it!

Arrivederci Montalcino........looking forward to visiting again but now I am off to visit Roma!

baci baci

ciao ciao....a dopo

Carolyna e Alan



Capodanno in Italia

New Years Eve (Capodanno) with friends in Montalcino was a special treat!

Here are some photos of a wonderful evening at Querce Bettina Villa and vinyeard with hosts Roberto and Sandra and a group of wonderful Italian friends. 

 Alberto, Alan e Carolyna in Piazza Popolo Montalcino before dinner to watch the lighting of the bonfire.

The traditional fire is lit in Piazza Popolo for New Years Eve.

Dinner at Roberto's and Sandra's. Among the wine consumed was a fabulous 1958 Barolo. What a treat! 1958 is also the year of birth of a special person we know!  Both are outstanding for the age of 52!

Francesco, Roberto and Margaret with the '58 Barolo

Alberto and Barbara having fun in the cucina (kitchen) making polenta.

Barbara, Sandra and Alberto in the cucina.  Our menu for the evening was carefully planned and executed by everyone as this is the most special evening of the year for food!! Even more important than Christmas!

It all began with a glass of prosecco or two and of course some freshly shucked oysters from France.  Roberto and Alberto shucked them just before we sat down to eat them - impressivo!

Then came the sardines with caramelised onions.

Cuttlefish with an amazing black squid ink sauce (made by Alberto)

then the Baccala (cod) whipped with only olive oil!

then came the sea snails with a pepperoncino sauce....thank you Sandra!

then came the spaghetti handmade by Alberto with black squid ink and fresh seafood inc prawns, vongole, mussels...

Serving of the pasta by Francesco.......it was sooooo delicious!

Alberto's polenta!

then came the octopus with terrine made by Roberto!

then....a beautiful salmon cooked and decorated by Sandra.

Alan e Barbara sharing a joke over dinner and looking forward to dolci...

Roberto overseen by Sandra serving...

and here it is ......Sandra's dolci of mandarin sorbet!

then the ricciarelli dolci - a specialty of Siena - they are filled with an almond marzipan.

homemade jam (marmalata) with shortbread...Alan's favourite!

Even if I close my eyes I know this wine is very, very good...mmmmnnn...a Barolo?

Roberto, Sandra, Margaret e Carolyna taking a little break in between courses...

Is it the New Year?...baci, baci

Francesco e Antonella

No New Year's evening can be concluded without .... Grappa

Allora amici

Fino alla prossima volta

Ciao ciao e baci

Carolyna e Alan