We rented a room for 2 nights in a monastery in February and we were the only guests during our stay. We only saw 2 caretakers the entire time and neither spoke English so we got by with smiles and gestures. The atmosphere was peaceful and the view from their back balcony over all of Cortona was breathtaking. The caretaker made a very simple breakfast for us each morning. One morning I woke up and saw this dusting of snow on a flower pot outside our room window.

Cortona Italy - Home of Under the Tuscan Sun

 The window with the drapes below is also from a hall in the monastery. I hope to return to Italy's Hill Town hospitality.

Assisi

St Francis of Assisi Church in Assisi Italy

Prague Czech Republic - Town Square Tower

Rome Vatican Guards

Apartment Balcony

A balcony entrance to the apartment we rented in Rome Italy

Nordlingen Germany

While walking along the empty streets early one morning I thought it funny how this man on a bike stopped for the red light even with no car or person in sight

A castle outside of Vienna Austria - Krueuestein Castle

Prague Czech Republic

Cesky Krumluv - Czech Republic

Walked through a cave entrance to get to this spot for lunch on the river

Budapest

Stonehenge England

Kitzbuhl, Austrian Alps

Porta Vallarta Mexico

Quebec

Whistler

British Columbia

Victoria Island

Canada

Florida - Mt Ranier - Picture Rocks Michigan - San Antonio Boardwalk

Seven women began a journey in 2 different locations. Two flew to Dublin, one dropped out, Paul took her place and he and I jetted off to Italy's Cinque Terre.

Staying in Vernazza we planned to hike the trails between all 5 towns, but being off season only the trail between Manorola and Riomaggiore were open. Hopping trains allowed us to explore the rest of the Cinque Terre and mingle with the locals. I definitely need more time here on another trip.

Although the Dublin and Cinque Terre groups arrived in Pisa on the same day, we missed each other at the train station by 1/2 hour. Without cell phones to make contact we followed a detailed itinerary and continued on to Florence. After checking in to the hotel Paul and I walked out at the same time the Dublin group exited a taxi at the entrance. Finally we met up to continue the adventure through Italy's Hill-towns together. In Rome we added 2 more travelers.

 Tied with Assisi for my favorite Italian town. I could live,.....or, have a summer house here for sure.

Get a feel of walking the cobblestone alleys in the heart of Assisi.

I fell in love with Assisi - one of the Hill-towns between Florence and Rome. It's romantic aura was particularly appealing to me. I spent a morning walking through the town on my own and ended up in St. Frances Cathedral by myself - no other tourists - only a guard and a monk at a booth near the entrance. As I walked through the Cathedral I glanced at some pamphlets for sale in many different languages. I slowly walked through the Cathedral admiring the intricacy in the frescos on the ceiling and walls. As I stood at the far end I heard footsteps and turned around to see the guard making his way toward me with something in his hand. He approached me and handed me a pamphlet in English and said the monk wanted me to have it. My heart felt touched by the gesture because there could be nothing more fitting of the place I was in. A Cathedral in memory of a man who shunned materialism and led a humble life of service. To give being better than to receive. I'll always remember the feeling I had and experience of St. Frances's Cathedral. (Lavon)