Darphynia's Diary

Day 7b:  Lake Maggiore **I wrote this when I got to the hotel, hence the tense.** Our patio. The room.  Yes, there are 2 beds. A view of the lake from the patio. After quite a lengthy drive from our last hotel near Venice, we arrived at Hotel Simplon, which overlooks Lake Maggiore.  The ceiling was made of stained glass, and the dining hall reminded me of a fancy hall from a 1940’s movie:  chandeliers, white tablecloths, and a view of the yard and mountains.  Did I mention that it has been raining all day with few breaks?  It is currently pouring outside the room.  Unfortunately, due to the rain, we were not able to utilize the outdoor patio area.  It’s so lovely, and even has AstroTurf!  A small fence separates the patios from the rest of the yard.  It is located in the mountains, but (if you haven’t been here) it’s not quite what you think.  They aren’t mountains like we know them in California....

The BEST pizza flavored snack EVER! On our way to Milan (Milano) we made a pitstop, and I picked up some of these crispy, pizza-flavored bread squares.  They were the best snack item I have had in a long time.  Why did I choose them?  Well, I figured if the Italians couldn't get pizza flavored snacks down, nobody could.  They tasted of tomato, cheese, and basil, yet contained no cheese/milk products!  Yes, they were...are...vegan.  Anyway, if you ever see them, give them a try. An old shopping center across from La Scala. The first Prada Store. We continued on to an old shopping center (Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II in Milan), which houses the first Prada store ever established (1913).  Our local guide was so fun!  She had a story about the families who controlled the area, and even got our group involved.  After the shopping center we had some free time.  We went into Duomo di Milano, then had lunch before headin...

Day 6:  Venice, Part II For a few euro, you can take a photo with them. It was raining on the boat, but I got the angle. So much graffiti!  The second day in Venice was filled with walking.  First, we stopped at a Murano glass company where we watched a demo, followed by a walking tour with a local specialist.  It was overcast and drizzling for a better part of the day, but nobody minded.  Venice, especially, is not for people who have a difficult time walking.  Because Venice is comprised of several small islands, there are tons of bridges and stairs.  It’s not that they are steep.  They are very abundant and uneven.  The steps have warped from centuries of people walking on them.  Anyway, our local specialist was this adorable older woman, who grew up in Venezia.  She pointed out how much has changed since in the time she has been there.  The water level keeps rising, but the government isn’t really...

Day 5:  Assisi to Venice & Gondolas Street performance. Giulietta. The famous balcony. Venice (Venezia) is home to Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet (Giulietta).  Yes, the people did exist, but their story is that of fantasy, as far as we know.  The famed balcony where Juliet begins with, “Romeo, Romeo.  Wherefore art thou, Romeo?” is quite an attraction.  You can enter the balcony, but I believe they charge.  At the archway to the balcony, on a wall opposite the arch, and within the small courtyard, people have written and posted love notes or the initials of whom they are with.  In hindsight I wish I had done that.  I may never get another opportunity.  Anyway there is a statue of Juliet near the balcony.  Part of the statue is far more shiny than others.  Why?  Well, for some reason (and nobody really knows why), those who take a photo with the statue often fondle her breasts.   Kissing brid...