I decided to BLOG to share with you, the reader/follower, my travels, politics, and humor. Whether you agree or not, or simply enjoy some of my posts, I would appreciate your comments. I have posted some of our vacation trips that include: NE US and Canada (1997); London(1998); Paris(1998); Germany(1999); Austria(1999); Italy(1999); Philly-DC (2000); France(2001); New York and PA (2008); Glacier NP,(2010); and Cruises: Caribbean(2002), Hawaii(2003), Panama Canal(2003), and Alaska(2004)

Wednesday, January 28, 2009

ITALY 1999


On May 6th, 1999, Carol and I left Innsbruck, Austria and headed south on the Autobahn over the Swiss Alps on our way to Italy. Since April 30th, we had been touring Germany and loving every minute of it.

What follows are photos of our tour of Italy from May 7th thru May 15th, this time returning to Berlin via train.


We had just left Innsbruck--note the snow on the Alps.

Approaching Venice, Italy.


We had just dropped off the Hertz rental car we picked up in Berlin Germany on May 1st, 1999.


Venice St Mark Square. This is the hub of Venice with shops, cafes, hotels, etc. And did I fail to mention, pigeons? Pigeons are every where--and will come up and eat off your plate if you let them!


John on our own personal boat Taxi from the mainland en route to Venice and our "very small--but expensive" hotel room.

Carol loving every moment of the Taxi.

Carol enjoying Gelato (soft ice cream--some of the best in the world) near The Square in Venice.

Carol along the narrow streets in the shopping district.

A major Taxi stand.

One of many Gondolas.

Who says gridlock is limited only to I-285 around Atlanta?

Looking toward one of many canal bridges from one of our boat rides.

Leaning Tower of Pisa.

John in front of tower.

Duomo and leaning Tower of Pisa.

The very famous bridge of jewelry shops--Ponte Vecchio in Florence.

A pick-up in Florence, Italy. Not your typical Ford F250.

Here I am in a local shop looking for "pepperoni pizza" in Florence.

Fiuave Arno River in Florence.

Florence famous Duomo. An interesting story. Carol and I were taking a break--sitting out in the open around this famous and historic tourist attraction. Out of no where, three Asian tourists came up and sat near us. They were smoking. Carol, without hestitation, demanded they either move or extinguish their cigs. They promptly did the latter. That's my girl--instituting a "smoke free" Italy--LOL.

"David" by Michael Angelo. Please do not tell the museum officials I took this photo!

A busy day at The Vatican--smallest country in the World.

A good view of The Vatican.

Our hotel in Rome--only about three blocks from The Vatican.


John at a fountain in Rome.

Rome sign as we arrived/departed.

Fountain of Trevi.

Rome ruins.

Rome's "Pyramid of Caius Cestius"

Rome's Policia and their Ducati's.

Piazza Venezla.

Carol and I having a good time by one of many Roman fountains.

Carol beside an older Fiat--Rome has thosands of these micro cars since gas is very expensive and the streets are very narrow.

Carol in front of Roman Colosseum.

1999 was the year the Italian government chose to clean a lot of it's historical attractions. See the scaffolding for such a purpose.


Carol in front of fountain in Rome.

In Rome--do as the Romans. Get around on small and cheap transportation such as these scooters--they were every where. In fact, at any stop light, don't be surprised when young women wearing dresses and talking on cell phones (BTW--Pronto means Hello in Italian) nudge up to the light in front of and around tourist buses and the like.


2 comments:

Tabitha (From Single to Married) said...

That's so cool - I've never seen your Italy pictures and they're beautiful! one of these days I'll make it over there too...

ps - love your glasses Dad! :)

John von Cannon said...

Italy is really fun and a really neat place to visit--especially Florence!