Memorable Italy

  When you have a 16 day trip oversea's; plan on an intense walking schedule when visiting France and especially to memorable Italy. 

Thank goodness we prepared a bit by walking 2.5 - 4 miles four times a week and sustained that from May through September. I know, that was beneficial to my husband and I. 

We arrived in Italy on a late night flight from Paris. We landed in Milan and found out we were minus one piece of luggage. Thankfully it arrived the following morning. We will spare you other unpleasant details, as we ran into some travel woe's along the way, and at the late night time of 12:30 AM.

We visited the area of the Duomo Milan Basilica while in Milan. The exterior was beautiful, as one would expect.  Unfortunately, the day we travelled there, the basilica was closed until the next day.

High-end designer shops are in this area, as were bars, restaurants and the like. Actually, many of the cities we travelled to in Italy all had beautiful designer displays in the windows. Through the glass you could see the refined fabrics hung within view. The craftsmanship was pure perfection!

Which city in Italy is known for its high end fashion?

If there’s one city that is worthy of the “fashion capital” crown, it’s Milan. Milan is without a doubt the capital of Italian and international fashion. Cosmopolitan, it incorporates luxury, art, gastronomy and culture… it’s the perfect place for fashionistas and industry enthusiasts. ie: You Are It

Since, that type of shopping wasn't included in our budget, we relaxed at a nearby bar for a light beverage and to rest our feet before departing on the tour bus we booked for this excursion.

While in Milan, we took a boat tour of Lake Como. OH my....such a lovely, secluded, quiet and scenic area. We promised ourselves if we ever return to Italy, Lake Como is a must destination at least for a few days. George Clooney and his lovely wife have great taste! 

The next day we took the Red Berina train to St. Moritz in Switzerland. On our journey we travelled through the Swiss Alps. So breathtaking!

Next stop was Florence, Italy! The first night there we met our daughter, son-in-law and step-grandson at the Pasta Class Florence cooking class. Our daughter booked it months in advance. What a wonderful and fun way to spend some time together in this beautiful city of Florence! We learned they were planning on coming to the States in Brooklyn to start their classes.
Upon arriving to their location, we were greeted by a new looking long butcher block rectangular table. The table was all set with a ring of flour with two eggs still in their shell waiting to be cracked open. Plus all the tools you would need.

It was a very clean environment and a fun learning experience! Chef Michele, (Michael) was such a wonderful host and teacher. We learned the recipe was 100 gm of 00 flour to one egg. We all had 200 gm of flour with two eggs waiting for us. We learned how to knead the dough and roll out  by dusting with a sprinkling of semolina flour. We made fettuccine, ravioli and tortellini. Michele (Michael) served us wine with our meal to those who wanted it. He had ricotta, salt and pepper with lemons for us to zest to include in the filling for the filled pastas! Our son-in-law was his sous chef that night; cooking and braising the beef for the ragu! By the way, there was between 8-10 people in the class. Some from the USA and abroad.

Well, Michele and his team are taking Brooklyn by storm as we have witnessed on Instagram! Hats off to you Michele (Michael), and the rest of the team! (see image below)

While in Florence, we visited the Opera Santa Maria del Fiore Church. There were figure painted ceilings, arches and there was the most lovely iron flowered stand with outreaching arms to the heavens. While holding candles to light for your intended love ones. I lit a candle wIth including a prayer for my family. (see image)

While in Florence we took a day trip with my daughter and her family to the Tuscany region of Siena. There was the magnificent Basilica di Siena with many steps up to the entry. We were so tired, we took a photo from the little cafe at the base of the steps. (see featured internet image top of page )

See Memorable Italy II soon~