Not a lot to report today other than lying on the beach followed by reading and listening to music by the pool … oh, and eating a nice large 100% organic beef burger from a lovely little restaurant I stumbled across close by the Lido.  2 more days here of total relaxation then …. seawhathappens

Just over an hour on the train from Bologna, Rimini sits on the central east coast of Italy. With its beautiful long light sandy beaches and stunning sunsets I was pleasantly surprised! Wasn’t sure what to expect as I read that it’s popularity had greatly declined since the 60’s and 70’s where it was the “place to be”.

Young and vibrant it certainly is. San Giuliano is only a short bus ride from the main train station. The beach is lively but without being over bearing. This is certainly where the Italians holiday (and quite a few French) but I haven’t come across any Brits as yet! 

Hotel situated only 5 minute walk from the beach which is where I maybe tomorrow.   

Walking, eating gastronomic delights and consuming crisp Chianti has been the order of the day today here in Flo! The Leather Market is also worth a look! 

Tip of the day, especially if you are self catering … go to the La Lorenza market … lots of fresh produce, including all meats, fish, fruits and all vegatables. Upstairs there is every variety of Italian food you can think of … takeaway or eat there. Lots of gorgeous coffee and wines on offer too. You can also choose the meat and they’ll cook it in front of you! Now, thats fresh! 

Am done here in Firenze. Where to tomorrow? Cryptic clue … this place was made famous by the film maker Frederico Fillini. 

Just over 1 hour by train (a double decker one too …. had to go upstairs…. the child in me) I arrived in Florence. A 5 minute bus ride into the historic district of Flo (or Firenze) as it’s known and I was at Hotel Orchidea. What a fantastic choice I made too! Forget having to share a bathroom… this lovely 3 storey building with it’s quirky rooms was nothing short of lovelyness! Just had to show you my window seat! 

Anyway, moving onto Florence herself… so far I have seen another magnificent Cathedral…. probably more magnificent than Pisa (sorry Pisa but you do have your Tower to compensate).  Museum is also worth a look. Will explore more tomorrow. Sure she is hiding more wonderful experiences. 

My first night at the Tower Hostel in Pisa wasn’t too bad … a Dorm of 2 bunk beds …. just me and Gino then 2 other guys kind of crept in the early hours …. then crept out again around 8 am. Shortly after that little break in my sleep there  followed a huge electric storm!  After a couple of hours it dried off ….. so up I went.., climbing  the 259 steps to the top of the Tower.  Then the storm came again! What an amazing view, incorporating the lightening over the backdrop of endless brown slated rooftops! 

Another breathtaking vision was the Cathedral! I was totally wowed by its complexity of carvings and artistry. As I entered this beautiful building the choir was singing at the alter. Even as a none religious person … I was captivated.

Looking forward to tomorrow… guess where …. Clue …. She cared for you in Hospital! EASY!  

WOW! The Hostel where I’m staying for the next 2 nights couldn’t be any closer to the Tower without encroaching on the grounds. A 3 minute walk and you’re there! For 20€ per night I think that is a Bargain of the trip so far … given the fantastic location.

More magnification architecture surrounds the Tower with the huge Cathedral and prominent University. My guess is that the Leaning Tower must be one of the most photographed buildings in Europe.

I heading up there myself tomorrow so will hopefully get a birds eye view of this amazing City.  

Last day here … ditched the beach for more sight seeing … really happy I did otherwise I would have missed some more beautiful architecture! 35 degrees today … temperature dropped to 28 this evening! Not complaining… used to it! One way of keeping cool was dipping my feet into the fountain in the square …. within 10 minutes a dozen other people decided to join me …. love being a trend setter #keepingcoolbevstyle

Guess where I’m going next? Clue … don’t fall over!  

After a 3 and 1/2 hour train ride ( spending 1and 1/2 on the platform in Milan) I arrived in Genova. Found a hotel on Booking.com but failed miserably in following directions…. female brain and 2 and 1/2 hours later  (yeah, you better believe it) I found Hotel Bologna up an alley way! Nice though! After a cold shower, pizza, coffee and 2 very large glasses of red wine I was ready to rock n roll! Here for 2 nights so will explore more tomorrow. Beach me thinks!  

Arrived here last night … train and tube into Limo, Milan into  Hotel Demifoff . Still 32 degrees on arrival but nothing that a nice Italian salad and a very smooth Chianti couldn’t put right. Had a little stroll after … busy but very friendly city. 

Day 2 – tube into Duono where a beautiful cathedral resides. Then onto Cairoli to tour the Castle and its amazing grounds. Very relaxing sitting amongst the wildlife in the shade. Fantastic contrast of the hustle and bustle of city life.

Headed back to the main train station. Where next? Lets just seawhathappens.  

Commencing in Milan next Tuesday is the start of my Italian/ Greek Big Fat Adventure…. finishing off in Crete! No idea yet where I am going inbetween those beautiful places… lets just seawhathappens! Feel free to comment on my Blog …. happy to let you “virtually” travel with me. Watch this space!