Category Archives: Florence

A few Money Tips…

Posted on June 9, 2012 by Melonie

Don’t leave home without it…no, not your American Express…your Euro’s-the money of Italy! Depending on where you are traveling you would be wise to show up with money in hand. Cash is key, and credit cards are not used everywhere. … Continue reading →

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Horse tricks and turkey legs…

Posted on April 9, 2012 by Melonie

I’ll say it again and again….google “Festivals in Tuscany” or wherever else you are traveling in Italy and plan your trip accordingly. The festivals (food, flowers, men in tights) really put you in the vacation mood and throw you back … Continue reading →

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It’s a Park …not Disney World

Posted on March 11, 2012 by Melonie

I feel compelled to share with you the sweet, relaxing and informative “Pinocchio Park” in Collidi-across the mountain about a half hour from our place…if you take the winding road over through Bennabio (brave it if you dare…) I have … Continue reading →

Posted in Bagni Di Lucca, Family, Florence, History, Italy, Lucca, Things to do, Travel Tips, Tuscany, Uncategorized | Leave a comment

Along the S222…The Chianti Way….

Posted on January 2, 2012 by Melonie

As a Realtor, a “For Sale” sign always makes my head turn. In Italy, “Vendita” is the word for “sale” and as you travel along the S222 winding road in Chianti you will see these signs. I have often wanted … Continue reading →

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Gate of Paradise…

Posted on December 14, 2011 by Melonie

Statues sort of freak me out a bit-I must say Italy has helped me appreciate statues more. I know I could stare at the David for an hour and I am amazed at the detail and the strength that glares … Continue reading →

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All that marble….

Posted on November 10, 2011 by Melonie

The rain kept us from the marble mountains this fall but we have been through the Carrara and love the drive. Over 300 quarries that date back to Roman times and mostly famous for the fact that Michelangelo used this … Continue reading →

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Plant me a garden…

Posted on November 9, 2011 by Melonie

One day I told my hubby I wanted a garden, knowing I kill almost whatever is planted this translated to…”You plant a garden”. Well, he happens to be fairly good at planting and keeping things pretty if he has time to … Continue reading →

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Casa al Chianti

Posted on November 6, 2011 by Melonie

After a 12 hour flight-my friend and I were crazy enough to grab the Blue city bus at Florence airport (leaving our rental car right in the airport!) to tour Florence.  After we had our “gelato” pick me up at … Continue reading →

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Chestnuts roasting on an open fire….

Posted on October 13, 2011 by Melonie

Well it’s chestnut time in Tuscany. Called “castagne” in Italian and used for various foods like pancakes, honey, polenta, pasta, and a famous dessert called “castagnaccio”. A few years ago the kid and I gathered these heroic nuts and learned all … Continue reading →

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No scrambled eggs…sorry.

Posted on September 4, 2011 by Melonie

SO MUCH FOOD…..at night…… One cultural difference in Italy is the food and when and what they eat. I have several funny stories of us trying to find a “big breakfast” which does not exist except in hotels. The normal … Continue reading →

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