Cinque Terra Pictures

May this be yet another reason to visit Europe (we should, of course, be your primary reason!). Cinque Terra is perhaps the most unique, interesting, and beautiful place we have visited thus far in Europe.

See the Cinque Terra Pictures

Trouble in Monterosso

We went to a small trattoria in Monterosso for a drink and a bite after arriving. This place was half full, so it wasn't a problem getting a table. They advertised , "No Cuperto," a silly cover charge of about $3 each that most places in Italy charge. We sat asnd I ordered three glasses of wine for us. I asked how big the pizza was ("Che cosa e la dimenzione per la pizza?"), and she showed me with her hands. I ordered the margherita. She asked, "Three?" I said, "No, solo uno." "Only for you?" Kristie answered, "To share." The waitress clicked and tsked her tongue the way a nun does in Catholic school when she finds a boy hiding a girlie magazine. "Tsk, tsk, tsk. No, you must order all." She walked away without more discussion on the matter. The three of us sat and stared at each other. We got up and left feeling embarrassed and angry. I wished that I had least knocked a glass over in my rage. That would have showed her.

If I knew more Italian, I'd go back to express my displeasure at her treatment of us. Then, I'd throw a glass and run quickly towards to sea.

Wedding Vows

In Corneglia, Cinque Terra.

We had three macchiatos and three paninis. Kristie got mad at me because I unknowingly took the best part of her panini.

I guess "to have and to hold" in the wedding vows do not apply to a sandwich.

Lunch at Vecchio Firenza

It's a grand room with colorful paintings. It must be listed in an Asian guidebook, because we are one of the few Anglos in here. Asians kept coming out of what seemed like the kitchen area like clowns from a circus car.

At a Florence Cafe

I'm standing at a bar having a cappuccino and croissant like a real Italian. The men come in for a shot of espresso (they order a "cafe"). The barista is a 40-year-old man, quite different from the Starbucks teenagers manning an espresso machine. The first woman since I've been in here walks in dressed in black to match her dark hair and dark eyes. The men fawn over her and she smiles. She carefully sips instead of the usual gulping I've seen. Two of the men talk in elevated tones, and it sounds like rhythmic arguing. The place is full of morning people seeking fuel and a quick social interaction. Perhaps this is the Italian equivalent to Cheers, only if Norm gulped his beer in two quick sips.

We all are standing at the bar, even though there are tables. Why is this such a standing culture? The barista asks if I'd like another, and I say yes, although it seems like I am the only one doubling up on a drink. A few more women come in, but they don't create the same fanfare that the dark-haired one did.

While the constant stream of patrons continue, the same man talks to Mario or Luigi at the dolci bar. Each seems to be in a good mood, although it's difficult to see how one could be in a sour mood with opera-like cadence, wide smiles, and caffeine.

I'm back to thinking that I want to move to Italy. I know the tourist experience is different than the resident one, but I do love this experience.

The name of this place is Cafe Porta Rossa. I want to ask the barista's name, but that could sound strange.

I think that it's time to go, as I'm only taking up space, both at the bar and in this entry.

My Favorite Florence Picture

Florence 2007
Originally uploaded by macron

A picture from the Ponte Vecchio. I think this rivals Kristie's photos, but don't tell her that I said that!

More of my photos from Florence can be found HERE

Living (and Dying) in America

In 1985, James Brown had a bizarre appearance in Rocky IV. Today, he died.

Imagine if someone told him in 1985 that he would die on the opening weekend of Rocky VI. He would have laughed at the possibility of two more sequels.

Coincidence is almost as humorous as irony.

Christmas Eve

We drove up the Rhine on a castle tour. Unfortunately, most everything was closed. We went up to Koblenz, then further on to Cologne to attend the Christmas Eve service at the Cathedral. It turned out that we missed the Mass, but we were there for the bell ringing service.

Monastery in Eltville:


Wine Tasting in Ruddesheim:
We tasted German wines in a cellar owned by Japanese folks, and there we met a Singapore woman who is visiting Germany from England, but is on her way to New York.


Lorelye:



Marksburg:


Cologne:

The Cathedral
Kristie in Starbucks.

Christmas Eve Eve

Katrina arrived today, and we went to the Christmas markets in both Wiesbaden and Mainz. I suggest that you avoid the gluwein at these markets. It's disgusting, yet potent. Katrina and I winced after each sip, yet we finished it. Memories of high school...

We ended the night by watching Ed Burns's The Groomsmen. I'd suggest that you skip that. And Ed Burns, in case you are compulsively reading my blog, what happened to your career? I'll still watch all of your movies, though.

Aslan and Nemo

Aslan and Nemo, originally uploaded by roncoia.

Nemo is Aslan's German friend. He's a yellow Lab who lives a few houses down. Ollie and Kirsten bring him over often, so this is his second home. He's peed and puked in our house. Adorable...

Aslan had no friends in Korea, so she welcomes Nemo. Over Christmas while we are in Italy, Aslan will stay with Nemo. By then, she'll know more German than we do.

Ollie and Kirsten