Wonderful post! In addition to having a copy of your documents on your phone, email them to yourself and someone you trust. If your phone dies or is stolen, you have a back up that you can retrieve at an Internet cafe.
Great advice. I've always marveled when I see tourists in Rome setting out for the Colosseum at 2pm in July. No Italian would ever do that. Sometimes it's good to try to learn from the lifestyle of the people who have lived in the environment for a thousands of years. Mid-day break, have a snack. All of the sites will still be there at 4:30.
The first time I met you in Florence you took me to the market to buy a teeny tiny wallet that I still use and love to this day. It fits perfectly in a front pocket and holds just what I need.
Buongiorno Judy! We visited your lovely city in the Fall of 2021 when the Green Card was required and it was less touristed. The last time we visited was forty years prior! Thank you for the beautiful photos! I noticed one of them showed a line marking a flood in 1966. Thanks to google, I now know this was the worse flood in Florence since 1557.
This is such a helpful article. We’re traveling to Florence and Bologna soon and I was horrified to realize, after booking, that I had landed us smack in the midst of tourist season (not just before, as I’d assumed…we live in Portugal and tourist season picks up here in June/July). These tips are very insightful. Thank you!
I adore Bologna... went to meet up with my brother last month. Since it's smaller, it's less crowded, except in the tiny streets around the downtown food stalls.
Yes, Oltrarno. I’ve stayed on the other side of the river previously but a friend recommended this location. I always wear a crossbody bag close to my body or my backpack which has a zippered compartment against my back. We currently live in Sicily but my Italian is so bad as I’m always mixing it with Spanish and little bits of German.
Buonasera Judy, thank you again for a wonderful article. My wife and I eat often at I Due G...near the termini. You probably know it but if not it is off the beaten track and mainly locals. Wonderful food and great staff. Give it a try if you have not already. Buona giornata...
A great lot of hints there for the lucky people who may be going to Italy for the first time, or those fortunate enough to be on their return trip. I would be very happy to do a third, but can’t see that happening anytime soon, so I will just have to keep enjoying your posts which bring back some wonderful memories
Wonderful post! In addition to having a copy of your documents on your phone, email them to yourself and someone you trust. If your phone dies or is stolen, you have a back up that you can retrieve at an Internet cafe.
Great advice. I've always marveled when I see tourists in Rome setting out for the Colosseum at 2pm in July. No Italian would ever do that. Sometimes it's good to try to learn from the lifestyle of the people who have lived in the environment for a thousands of years. Mid-day break, have a snack. All of the sites will still be there at 4:30.
Mad dogs and Englishmen!!!
All good tips! Have fended off many pickpockets visiting and living in Italy.
I watch out for other people too! Don’t be shy , scream PICKPOCKETS
Brava Judy!
The first time I met you in Florence you took me to the market to buy a teeny tiny wallet that I still use and love to this day. It fits perfectly in a front pocket and holds just what I need.
Perfect!!
Buongiorno Judy! We visited your lovely city in the Fall of 2021 when the Green Card was required and it was less touristed. The last time we visited was forty years prior! Thank you for the beautiful photos! I noticed one of them showed a line marking a flood in 1966. Thanks to google, I now know this was the worse flood in Florence since 1557.
The signs are all over the city and from various floods.
Let me know if you come to the Como markets and I’ll show you around! 😍
Memories of earlier times. Thank you, Judy!
This is such a helpful article. We’re traveling to Florence and Bologna soon and I was horrified to realize, after booking, that I had landed us smack in the midst of tourist season (not just before, as I’d assumed…we live in Portugal and tourist season picks up here in June/July). These tips are very insightful. Thank you!
I adore Bologna... went to meet up with my brother last month. Since it's smaller, it's less crowded, except in the tiny streets around the downtown food stalls.
I am stopping in Florence for 2 nights, by myself, in two weeks with a later arrival.
Where are you staying? downtown?
Yes, Oltrarno. I’ve stayed on the other side of the river previously but a friend recommended this location. I always wear a crossbody bag close to my body or my backpack which has a zippered compartment against my back. We currently live in Sicily but my Italian is so bad as I’m always mixing it with Spanish and little bits of German.
Wonderful read.
Andrea and I of course are proud card carrying 70 yr olds as well. Just returned from “another Italy” Buenos Aires and Rio.
So many from Italy they call Napolitanos
“Tanos “. Prosciutto becomes Jamon
Lo sai probablamente
would be great to study how the recipes travel!!! and the dialect
Davvero
Posso dire le pizze in Argentina e Brasil è solo meno male.
Tutti è veramente come CARNE
Quelli sono meravigliosi ma
Doppio statins sono necessario
😉
Buonasera Judy, thank you again for a wonderful article. My wife and I eat often at I Due G...near the termini. You probably know it but if not it is off the beaten track and mainly locals. Wonderful food and great staff. Give it a try if you have not already. Buona giornata...
yes, Due G is one of the best kept secrets!
great post, Judy. getting me excited for Italy next month!
I feel like I am back there again! Ti ringrazio molto!
grazie amore!
Excellent report!
Grazie!
A great lot of hints there for the lucky people who may be going to Italy for the first time, or those fortunate enough to be on their return trip. I would be very happy to do a third, but can’t see that happening anytime soon, so I will just have to keep enjoying your posts which bring back some wonderful memories
Reading this post made me very hungry! Thanks for the excellent Italy tips.