Italy Recap

Best news first -- gluten didn't bother me at all.  No joint issues or cold sores (just tight pants from way, way overeating!!).  We even found a REAL gelato place (not the fluffy fake stuff) that served 5 flavors dairy free.  We ate every meal at a local place -- our rule in Europe.  We spend a lot of time and ask lots of questions finding local spots.

Started in Rome.  Food tours of 4 neighborhoods, Vatican, lots of other history stuff and fantastic local neighborhood dinners.  I met up with my high school friend and she gave us some great "things to do" suggestions while the kids saw some of the sights we saw last time.  Weather was overly warm for this time of year, but the rain held off until we left.

Florence and Tuscany.  We did an evening food and history tour of Florence.  We hadn't seen much of the city last visit.  Then 2 days in the country side.  First day was a cooking class that started in the market in Florence.  It was a ridiculously great experience.  Next day was a private wine tour with the most amazing meal we had the entire trip.  Cooler temperatures and only a little rain.

Here's a sampling of pictures.  People and food pictures are my favorite.  They'll load out of order, of course (I'm on a third attempt to load them -- me and technology, always a fight).

Tuscany.  Small town shopping stop.
I got a new bag -- picture later in the week.

Everywhere was this pretty.

Only picture from the BEST meal since I left my phone at the hotel - ugh.
Pictures on hubby's phone still.  This is from FB.  Our meal starter with wine tasting.
The balsamic was 30 years old and incredible.
The green olive oil (top right) was a fresh press (it was harvest season).
Spicy and delicious -- it starts off really green and they make "greasy bread."
On the spoon is pickled garlic -- only thing I didn't eat -- too chicken.

Florence

Cooking class in Tuscany -- time to eat.

Cooking class property.

Taking a wine break between cooking dishes.

Hubby hard at work (on right)

Carpaccio - incredible. 

Typical Tuscan starter.

Vatican.

Rome neighborhood tour.
Fantastic 3 pasta lunch.

Our hotel in Rome -- fancy.

Rooftop drink in the heart of Rome.
High school friend in the middle.

"Big Nose" water fountains all over Rome.
Water from a natural spring.

Waiting to meet my friend in Rome.
Long day!!

Pasta making!

Rome.  Jewish Neighborhood.

Incredible pizza for late morning breaks.
No cheese until on pizza until noon.

Touring Rome's neighborhoods.

First night.  Exhausted but managed to stuff my face with all things good.

Success!  

Wine tasting.  One of three that day.

Few more Italy things to catch up on later in the week.  Back to reality is tough, but it's COLD in ATL for the next 3 days and that makes me incredibly happy.  It was only hot from April to November LOL (!!)