Sunday, July 9, 2017

I had to do it.


Traveling these days is not easy.

But Italy was calling.



Innocently, I was checking air fares.

Important tip:

When booking flights check  the "Flexible Dates" box and 
"First/Business Z" category (Delta Airlines) 
You will find days when prices are $500 to $1000
lower.





The destination?  Italy, of course. 



Relais Sant Elena in Bibbona has room for us. 



I need one more pasta making lesson.




And another visit with my favorite friend Mario in his studio in Montelupo, Fiorentino.   


I just had to do it.  
Click, and it was done.  



 It was only 3 months ago, we said that we wouldn't get on another long flight. 

How soon one forgets. 




We will take care of our garden before we go.



and harvest our garden, preserve fruits and vegetables. 
Then in September, we are off. 

Have a great week ahead, dear friends.  
Gina 

12 comments:

  1. Great news dear Gina, and we need to travel as long as we can, if we can. Know you will have a fabulous time - all looks amazing where you plan to return to and, in these days of 'troubles' in so many places around the world, returning to places we are comfortable with is probably the best way to go rather than seeking out the unknown and unfamiliar!
    Pasta lessons always exciting, gelato never lets one down in Italy (the pistachio in Sicily was unbelievable for us), painting your beautiful ceramics with friends, and just enjoying all those splendid vistas. . . . . . . . .I'm already envious and may be checking fares too, haha!
    What a fab photo of Gene too! Know you will both have another terrific trip - much to look forward to come early Autumn.
    Hugs - Mary

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    Replies
    1. Dear Mary, You are so right. Safe places to visit have become more and more restricted. We are trying a different travel plan this time. Paris and Amsterdam direct flights from Salt Lake would be the easiest. However, Mr G refuses to fly into either of them. Those airports have become too large. Munich has won best airport for the past 6 times. We will try Munich and drive a car over the scenic Alps and into Italy. Italy is especially beautiful in the Fall.

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  2. This post was simply enchanting . . . I say if you can afford it, go for it! Life is too short to not enjoy each day to it's fullest. Have fun in your garden and in planning your next trip.
    Connie :)

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    Replies
    1. Hello Connie, Yes, there will be lots of work especially when everything in the garden matures. It is wonderful that we can look forward to making yet another trip across the big pond. Soon, we won't even qualify for a rental car. What a dreadful thought.
      Thank you for your visit.

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  3. Dear Gina - we too are off on a long flight in September, and I have also said it must be our last, but who knows?
    It is those very same moments that Italy gives in abundance which capture me too.
    Everything is looking wonderful in your garden - lots of colour and lots of produce to preserve for the winter months.

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    Replies
    1. Dear Rosemary, How exciting for you (and for us) that you will soon be going on another trip. You always travel to the most interesting places and I can not wait to see where it will be this time. I am already looking forward to seeing your photos.
      We feel the same as you. Maybe this trip will be our last. But I have said that before.

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  4. What a wonderful place the pictures ar wonderful
    Laura

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    Replies
    1. Hello Laura, How nice of you to come by for a visit. Thank you.

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  5. Dear Gina,
    Relais Sant Elena must be a very special place for you to follow its call again. It certainly looks lovely and
    inviting. "Kennst du das Land, wo die Zitronen blühn?" (Goethe) Dahin! Dahin, willst du mit dem Geliebten zieh'n.
    Surely a wonderful trip to look forward to at the end of summer.
    Hugs, Sieglinde

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    Replies
    1. Dear Sieglinde,

      Relais Sant Elena is like no other place. Everything about it is spectacular...the scenery, the accommodations, the Tuscan villages nearby, the food and the staff.

      Und die Zitronen blühen auch hier.

      You are right, after all the hard work in our garden and harvesting our fruits of labor, it is so rewarding to be able to look forward to this trip.

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  6. The travel bug is hard to resist - to Italy most of all! I can't wait to see your pictures, Gina. Happy travelling!
    Karen x

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    Replies
    1. Hi Karen,
      It doesn't take much for me to feel the wanderlust. Your many beautiful posts about Portugal helped make our trip this Spring a great experience.

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