Italy: Part 2

After our busy schedule of book signings, battle celebrations and dinners we were able to do a little sight seeing. Monday we packed into the Opel wagon and drove through the mountains to Florence. We didn't spend as much time as I would have like there but I'm so glad we went. They did have some amazing shopping and I'm not typically a shopper. 

Tuesday we drove over the Lamborghini museum. Edith promptly spit-up all over the floor as soon as we arrived and then 2 more times before we left. 

What I would give for a slice of this pizza right now! Yes, I did eat the whole thing.

We had dinner with the mayor of Castle Del Rio one night. Alberto is pretty amazing and he speaks wonderful English so that we helpful.

What I would give for a slice of this pizza right now! Yes, I did eat the whole thing.

My parents raved about this little pizza spot hidden up on a hill in Castle Del Rio. It was probably the best food I had while in Italy. This little dessert of mascarpone cream and berries was heavenly. I'd go back just for it.

As we were leaving it was fun to see some of the family members of the restaurant cleaning mushrooms for pizza. Grandma, son, and grandson all working together. 

Wednesday was market day so we didn't leave Castle Del Rio plus it was nice to just hang around and I wanted Edith to get a couple good naps in. 

There was an amazing little bakery down the road from our hotel. One morning Edith got up early so we walked down and I got a pastry and coffee. 

On our last day in Italy my dad, Edith, and I loaded up and headed to Pesaro on the Adriatic. I was ready to jump on a plane and head back to my boys but seeing the beautiful sea made me want to stay a little longer.

Our lunch overlooking the ocean.

Nathan made a connection through his motorcycle forum and has done some side work for these guys. Ivan (middle) was very hospitable and showed us around Pesaro and his families motorcycle shop.

The daughters of the inn keeper were all about some Edith. She was a huge hit with everyone. 

Last night pictures with Edith!

George had a blast while I was gone and didn't realize he missed me until I came back. He was too busy fishing, feeding the dog, and playing in the rain. 

Italy: Part 1

It's a little hard to gather my thoughts on my trip to Italy. It was a little crazy and I'm still amazed that it all happened. I went to Italy!! 

So, it all started on Sunday when I flew to Georgia with both kids. We got to the airport early and George had a chance to get his wiggles out. Edith slept in the Ergo almost the whole way and George did great. Cleaning the windows and playing with the seat belt buckle were very fun. 

I thought it would be good to stay at my parents for a few days before leaving for Italy so George could get settled. It was sad to see him say bye to Nathan and when I said bye knowing that it would be so long before we saw each other again. I put him to bed Tuesday night before we left for the airport.

Our flight left Atlanta around 10:30 and headed toward Amsterdam. Edith did AMAZING! Seriously, she slept 7 of the 8 hours we were flying. We arrived at the Amsterdam airport and had a short layover before heading to Bologna. 

Nonno (my dad) got a lot of good Edith holding time during our trip. 

We made it to Italy around 4 (Italy time) on Thursday. Our Opel wagon was waiting for us and we hopped in and headed for Castel Del Rio. We lost a little time on the way because Google Maps decided to to take us over the mountain instead of around. Thankfully we caught it soon enough before we spent an extra hour weaving around Italian mountains. We made it to our hotel and because Edith was at her travel limit they brought dinner to my room. 

After a nights sleep, some amazing coffee and breakfast we wandered around town in the rain. This is the castle and for some reason I didn't expect there to actually be a castle in Castle Del Rio.

Framing this one.

My grandfathers pretty much a celebrity when he's in Italy. On the first day we went to Imola for a book signing. 

The square in Imola

Book signing time. The building was pretty amazing!

This was the best book signing because it was followed by champagne.

It was a little difficult taking pictures because I was either holding a baby or she was strapped to me. I had the most amazing pasta that was made at the hotel/restaurant we were staying at. 

Our quiet dinners at the end of our busy days were one of the things I look forward to most...or maybe it was breakfast.

The place we stayed at was amazing at having everything I needed for Edith. A crib for our room and this amazing bassinet for when we were eating and hanging out downstairs. Edith loved it and so did I!

This was our view during breakfast.

My dad has started this neat thing were he gets his hair cut when he travels (Charleston, New Hampshire) so he had to add Italy to his list. I had to make sure we got a picture. 

After haircut time we headed to the castle to look at the WWII museum. It was one of the best museums I've seen .

It's hard being a world traveler. 

The view of Castle Del Rio from the castle.

One afternoon we went for a ride in the mountains.

An old monastery that we happened upon. 

On Friday there was a big dinner at our hotel for all the Americans in town for the celebration and a few Italians.

We had course after course of amazing food. 

Sunday was celebration day. The 70th anniversary of the battle on Battle Mountain. This celebration along with the release of the new book about my grandfathers battalion was the main reason for our trip. 

Like I said...celebrity

The two veterans. My grandfather (89) and a British soldier Stephen (91). 

I've never seen more amazing uniforms or more regal hat plumage. 

After the celebration lunch was served. More amazing, pasta, bread, wine, and dessert. These people really know how to eat. Oh, and the weather was perfect. 

More to come...