1
Minnesota

3 large bags, 3 carry on’s and some anxiety about our big day.

Through security and the plane is actually early and only half full. Lucky day so far.

2
Via dei Benci, 7

Dinner out and first pizza in Italy.

Hanging out in our apartment during the midday. Now I get the concept of a siesta. It’s been mid 90’s to low 100’s since we arrived

3
Firenze Santa Maria Novella

Waiting for the train to Rome and then on to Dubrovnik, Croatia

4
Villa Erna

Arrived in Dubrovnik tired from trains, airplane and taxi but happy to be here and excited to check out this part of Croatia.

High speed train to Rome

Croatia airlines… we were all a little nervous about our first time in a plane with a propellor but technology soothes all things

5
Villa Erna

Enjoying the pool in Croatia

Lovely dinner out with delicious food and good company in Dubrovnik, Croatia

Old city Dubrovnik

6
Port Gruž

We started the evening in Port Gruz in Dubrovnik and took a replica merchant marine ship (aka “Pirate ship” according to Collin) around the peninsula and ended in Old Town Dubrovnik. It was a beautiful evening and the cruise was enjoyed by all.

7
Forte di Belvedere

View from Fort Belvedere after an amazing concert performed by “The Subconscious Trio” at the Firenze Jazz Festival.

Florence becomes the best version of itself at night.

8
Bagni Etruria Castiglioncello

Waiting for the train back from Costiglioncello after spending the previous day at the beach

9
Villa Bardini

View from the Villa Bardini in Florence.

Listening to Lucy Woodward sing amazing jazz at the Firenze jazz festival with our friends Jon and Wendy.

The Duomo at night

10
Piazza Maggiore

Spending the day with Grammy and Papa in Bologna. We had lunch (burgers and fries!) and then a train ride.

11
Acetaia Malagoli Daniele

We toured a family run Balsamic factory and enjoyed a lovely meal together in addition to a balsamic tasting. We were so impressed with the dedication and artisianship to maintaining the traditional way it was produced. The barrels are traditionally handed down from mother to daughter and the owner Barbara has barrels that are 150 years old!.

12
Nelson Mandela Forum

The Cure is putting on an AMAZING show tonight in Florence! The Italians are a fun bunch to be at a concert with

Italians are SERIOUS about soccer!!! We saw Milan AC versus Firenze in Milan with 70,000 other fans. Lots of energy and use of flares (we think). Crazy fun