City of Canals

Venice,

an ancient Italian city,
is well-preserved and unique.

Famous landmarks,
like St. Mark's Basilica,
possess more artistic beauty than one imagines.











Canals, bridges, gondolas,
hotels, shops, museums, music, cafes; it's all there to be explored.









Pigeons too!
A whimsical, little lady
in the square
gave tourists a quick lesson on "how to feed the birds".
(much to the dismay of finger shaking locales
who consider the birds a nuisance)

I happen to have some biscuit cookies with me
and could try out what I had watched.
After crunching the sweets in my hands
and then holding them out,
gently and slowly pigeons came for a taste.
The birds didn't peck at all.
Helping another tourist enjoy the moment was more fun!
Simple pleasures remain the best!!

Mamma Mia! Pizza Pie!

Tom savored every bite
of the food that has made Italy famous.
When you eat pizza
use your knife and fork please!
Europeans do not separate the pie
into triangles or squares
and pick it up with their hands.

NO! NO!

Properly cut it,one piece at a time
and then use your fork!

Even at outside cafes, that only serve one kind of pizza
(take it or leave it) on a paper plate, silverware is given with individual plates. Also keep your knife and fork in your hands at all times, don't give yourself away as American by resting the knife on the table.

Tourism, being a major industry, annoys some and puts money in the pockets of others.

On your bumper driving is the norm, as is almost running you off the road, complete with rude hand gestures. (ask Tom) Skinny babes, with red tinted hair, have the "why are you here" glare well practiced. (personally,, I think they need to quit smoking, it doesn't look fashionable with Gucci clothes)

Hotel Villa Foscarini located in Mogliano Veneto
(15 miles north of Venice) was so perfectly Italian.
Croissants, espresso and fresh fruit were a delicious breakfast.
Innkeepers spotlessly kept the property and greeted us with welcoming charm and flair.

European countries (especially eastern)
register your passport number when you are a guest.
Italy now also asks for a signature on a departure form,
that is turned over to local police departments,
when checking out.

By The Sea

Coastal Adriatic areas in Croatia, Slovenia and Italy,

were as predicted,
beautiful and historical.
Seductive Mediterranean climate,

blue sky and sea waves capture one.
Venetian-style towns,
beaches and marinas are magical,
like a fairy-tale.










Rovinj is one of the most photographed cities in Croatia.
Old Town is a tangle of steep pedestrian streets









paved with cobblestones
that lead to galleries, shops and cafes.



















Wandering, it is impossible not to stop
and pause to enjoy a refreshment.








Slovenia has only 45 miles of coast.Seaside Piran is a jewel.
A town of alleys, squares, old rock streets and beautiful churches.Climbing up to St. George's,
perched on hilltop,
a panoramic view awaits everyone.
A display of rooftops, cliffs, seagulls, boats, steeples, rolling waves
accented with a relaxing breeze
was one of those "Grand Canyon" moments.
(nature at its best)

What To Do With Ten Kuna?

Life is full of decisions,
some easy and others not.
Does one want what to try and bring about world peace
and think of others,
or do you want to spend it on yourself?

Tom with ten kuna (Croatian $$$)
purchased two ice cream cones.
(I won't disclose if he ate both or shared.)

Katie, believing that children are our future,
purchased a seashell from this young lad.



I figured this might
be the start of his college fund.




His father was near
coaching him on salesmanship skills.
He did not pick our pockets
while I was deciding on which shell.

In case you are wondering 10 kuna = 2 dollars approximately.

Welcome to Croatia

After a couple of days in a bustling city,

we were ready to experience the slower pace of Croatian countryside.
Our lodging was a tiny, former vineyard home.
It had electricity and running water,
but no internet.When traveling it's a goal to feel at home,
make it special,
put out family photos.

On the back road (the only road) to Viscar,
we were attracted to roadside cafes with pigs roasting.


FYI: an innocent, young pig at three months already weighs 40 pounds
and
is ready for market
and
then onto a grilling spit!


Our evening dinner hosts were most welcoming and conversational.
(even offered to snap a photo)
They cooked up a delectable, memorable meal
ending with a complimentary jam-filled pancake for dessert.
(possibly causing future indigestion)
Instead of a valet service,
a host motioned for oncoming road traffic to stop
as one backed out (that would be Tom) into it.

Driving back to town,
passing several honey, wine and grappa stands,
we found it tempting not to purchase an item or two.
You never know what gourmet treat hasn't been discovered yet!

Budapest Hungary

A very international city of over two million people,

Budapest reflects various influences and flavors.
(heavy on the Turkish)

Hungary is a part of the European Union,
however it seems to shift political focus often.
Metro skyline photos are recognized worldwide,
especially those from and of Buda castle.
"Hop On, Hop Off"
bus rides around such a bustling area
are a "good thing"
as my friend Martha Stewart would say!
(so we did, cuts down on marital tension too!)
Being first in line, we got the best seat;
top deck in the front,
ready with dual cameras and English audio guide
complimented by classical background music
when stuck in traffic.

Tom and I both did some travel shopping.


I purchased, for 10 euro,
a beautiful, handmade tablecloth from Grandma Hungary
in front of the National Museum.




Slightly more expensive,
for 20 euro,
my hubby chose a CD.
Sunday evening at Pesta Buda, a traditional Hungarian restaurant,
we were stared down by musicians until purchasing.






Memories, oh sweet memories!

Bratislava Slovakia

Blowing into Slovakia, first stop on our "Good Bye Europe Tour",
we landed in capital city Bratislava.
Slovakia became an independent nation in 1993
from the Czech Republic.
Like Poland, Catholicism is strong,
with people lined up for services.
Many energetically work to move their country forward,
which is evident.



The largest of Communist era housing projects (around 150,000 residents)
is the first visual one sees entering from the west.
After that a beautiful Old Town,
artistic bridges,
churches and a stunning castle compete for attention.
The city is basically litter free,
graffiti of course is around.

Summer is festival time and we luckily hit another.
"Slovensko" a folk art event entertained us with music, craft and treats!