Call your banks!

Don't forget to call your banks and credit cards and alert them you'll have overseas charges so they don't think it's fraud and freeze your cards.

Just a reminder.

 

Confirmations +

FYI--

I have confirmation emails in with Florence, CT and Rome lodging. Just to be safe.

Also, I asked for the address and walking directions from the train station in Florence. Will post when I get them. Please send a text when you arrive in Florence, so I know your eta and so I can get you any other important info you will need.

HOLY CRAP, here we go!

Ciao, buddies.
-cr.

good news for iPhones in Europe

FYI: sort of hidden in all the apple news today was a little tidbit that's good news for those of us iPhone re: texting in Europe... there are a lot of us, so here ya go:

The new iOS 5 operating system (releases Oct 12) includes a change to texting in that it goes over 3G and wifi instead of thru your phone service. So in Europe when we have our service off and 3G off, we'll be able to text from our regular numbers (to other iPhones) when connected to wifi, instead of using a 3rd party system like text+.

iLike it.

Ciao.
-cr.

 

Rome Blog

Great Rome blog, from Kit:

http://www.roninrome.com/

Ciao.

lodging moula + deposits and stuff...

FYI, I have an email in to the guy in Florence regarding that whole thing with the huge security deposit that is due (600 euro) up front along with the total lodging expense.

Given that the vickster and I arrive a full night ahead of everyone else and it's all due on arrival, I'm hoping he allows us to give him the deposit in a travelers check or with a credit card number or anything other than cash. It's just too much cash to travel with -- I feel uncomfortable at the idea of it -- and getting that much cash out of the ATM isn't really an option either.

We're okay with covering the lodging part, we can make sure we have that cash amassed, and have you give it to us right on arrival. Or we could get it from you in advance -- whatever works for you.

I'll let you know when I find out from him. Also, I have a more detailed breakdown of how much money is due where coming your way shortly.

Thanks.
-cr.

What exactly is the difference between gelato and ice cream ?

Just because I've always wondered...

-- gelato is made with a higher proportion of whole milk to cream, which gives it a lower fat content. because of the less fat, gelato doesn't coat the mouth as like ice cream does, which enhances the flavor.

-- gelato is churned at a lower speed than ice cream and has much less air whipped into it (almost none), which makes it creamier and denser.

-- gelato is never served frozen, always at a higher temp than ice cream. so no ice crystals and less mouth-numbing due to the cold = more flavor.

-- gelato, at least in europe/real Italian places is typically made in small batches, fresh daily, vs. the mass produced ice cream we know and (still) love. this is good, for obvious reasons, but also because it allows for fresh fruit ingredients instead of processed stuff meant to last for awhile in our freezers.

All of this, to me, makes gelato a superior product to ice cream, a theory we should liberally test whilst in Italy. Like every day.

Ciao, buddies.
-cr.

Wines of Cinque Terre

VERY important information...

These are the wines we will most often find in CT (the cheap, local table wines), with the first two the most common.

CINQUE TERRE
Color: Pale straw yellow with pale green reflections.
Bouquet: Subtle, delicate and persistent, with good finesse and elegance with clean scents of field grasses and cedar.
Taste: Dry, clear freshness, light and continuous.


SCIACCETRA  -- sweet (I think that none of us like sweet wine.)


COSTA DE CAMPU WINE OF MANAROLA
Color: Pale yellow with slight green hues, brilliant.
Bouquet: Broad, intense and finely persistent, with hints of lemongrass, Russet apple and resins.
Taste: Dry, but quite soft, fruity and good persistence.


COSTA DE SERA WINE OF RIOMAGGIORE
Color: straw with delicate golden hues, brilliant.
Bouquet: Intense and persistent, very fine, with hints of flowers and pleasant background of acacia honey.
Taste: Dry, good flavor, very persistent, harmonious and comprehensive structure with a pleasant and typical bitter aftertaste.


COSTA DA POSA WINE OF MANAROLA
Color: Straw yellow with golden hues, bright and good smoothness.
Bouquet: Of good intensity and gently persistent, with hints of cut hay, musk and flint.
Taste: Dry, balanced soft, at the same time nervous and of good continuity.

Wine Tours

Hey, all. Just wanted to update ya'll that I am on the wine tour from Cinque Terre search. It hasn't been as smooth as I thought it would be-- I think we'll have to get a little more creative... like, go to La Spezia first or something like that. I have a lot more to check out-- will let you know.

FYI.

Ciao ciao.
-cr.

Rick Steves on 9/11

This is interesting-- Rick (yes, we are on a first name basis, Rick and I) was in Cinque Terre on 9/11: http://www.ricksteves.com/news/travelnews/1109/hi.htm#continue

Random items.

A few things:

Interesting slideshow listing what you can and cannot bring home, customs wise.

AOL Travel's best 11 travel apps for smartphones/iPads

Ann -- I know you've been all over apps and such. If you find awesome things you think we should all have, will you post here, please?

The Uffizi gallery (Florence) site has downloadable stuff and also has a link to reserving tickets, but from what I can see there is a pretty big charge for the online service, which shouldn't be needed-- you can reserve tickets (recommended to avoid long lines) at the Uffizi office in advance for just a small charge. So, for those of us who want to hit the Uffizi for sure, we can reserve tickets when we get there, a day in advance. Plus, it sounds like you can reserve tickets for the Accademia (where Michaelangelo's David lives) at that same office.

Also, I'm checking into Chianti region tours; there are a lot of options. I'll update you after I narrow it down. I'm looking for Sunday, half day.

Grazie!
-cr.

p.s., please be sure to reply with ideas, thoughts, things to share. I think it's easy to do once you set up an account the first time. Or you can do anonymous, just be sure to say who you are. Thanks.

Rome Lodging, F yeah!

Ciao!

I've finally secured what I think is a totally kick ass place for Rome. This place looks great, check it out: http://www.homeaway.com/vacation-rental/p831025

Not a lot of reviews on Trip Advisor (it's new on the scene), but they are good ones

The location is really killer; just off of Piazza Navona, close to the Pantheon, near the river on a quiet street. It looks spacious and light and newly remodeled, which is a real score in Rome. 3 bedrooms, 3 baths + sofa bed in living room. Right on the hop-on-hop-off bus route.

 

And it's a great price:

1150 USD total for 3 nights + a $425 deposit on arrival, fully refundable. So, 1150 / 3 = 383/ night / 4 couples = about $100 per night, per couple.

I know. Awesome.

I have it reserved with lovely Filippo, but I do need to send one night's rent for a deposit right away, so I'm hoping to maybe get some money from each couple -?? I'd like to talk money for the other apartments in general-- will be calling a meeting asap. FYI.

YEAH.

Ciao.
-cr.

These look pretty cool for packing needs...

Especially for cords, which always kind of flummox me when packing.

 

> http://www.cocooninnovations.com/grid.php 

Insider Tips: In Case of a Lost Passport

How to deal: Passports can often be issued at a U.S. embassy on the same day if you can prove your identity (the U.S. Department of State has a full list of embassies and consulate offices around the world). Of course, it's hard to prove your identity when your wallet—and everything in it—is MIA. The best first step in this situation is to go to a police station to get a statement declaring your situation. Take this statement to the embassy, and they should be able to retrieve your information in their system. You won't be charged any fees for a limited validity passport (the kind you get in an emergency), but you will need to pay the normal fee (around $110) to replace your full validity passport when you get back home.


Insider tip: Before you depart, sign up for the U.S. Department of State's free Smart Traveler Enrollment Program. Store your passport number and other details in its online database, making it easy for you to receive emergency assistance from a U.S. embassy or consulate during an emergency.

Booking airfare

I've been holding off booking airfare mostly for it to get close enough that it shows up farecasting/predictive technology searches. I just ran our scenario through (into Paris, out of London) and all indications say buy now, prices are rising.

So-- I think we're going to book soon. Like, now.

LET'S DO IT!

Currently working on:

Lodging for Rome.

 FYI.

Florence Lodging

Ciao!

Awesome update on lodging for Florence > click here

I'm really in love with this place-- the location is amazing (right at the foot of the Ponte Vecchio, right across the bridge on the boboli garden side), the size & amenities are perfect for our needs, it's looks lovely, has great reviews, and... the price is ridiculous. (see my cost breakdown below.) It has 3 bedrooms with double beds and a study with a pull out, 2 marble bathrooms, living/dining room, kitchen, washer/dryer, and balcony with a view of the Arno river. Amazing.

COST:
I have it reserved for 4 nights, Thursday, October 20 - Sunday, October, 23. I know not everyone is there for 4 nights, but check this out-- the TOTAL cost of the place per night is $288. Seriously. I'm working on the model that there will be 4 of us there the first two nights (VR, CR, Ann & Kenny) and 8 of us there the second two nights (+ Amy & Kris, Kit & Jamie). So...

first 2 nights @ 4 people, the cost is $143 per night/couple (far less than any hotel in this area);
second 2 nights @ 8 people, cost is $72 per night/couple;
total for 4 nights = $430 (averages $107/night)
total for 2 nights = $144

Pretty fab, eh? And even if this fluctuates a little, as I know not everyone's dates are set in stone, the price difference isn't a huge deal.

So-- let me know what you think. I have a few more details to talk through with it (mostly the fact that ALL the money, plus a significant, but refundable damage deposit is due upon first arrival), which we can do when we have our next meeting... after April 15. As I said, I'm pretty excited about this and consider this a major score. The price just kills me, not to mention the idea of waking up with Italian coffee and a view of the Arno.

Grazie!
-cr.

Rick Steves on Italy

Rick Steves is one of my favorite travel resources. Check out a couple of these quick links and then linger around the site for a while.

• Everything Italy

• Cinque Terre overview

• Vernazza (we chose well)
  

• Cinque Terre cuisine (!)
  

And, just for fun:

CAMPARI IS KING (by Heidi Sewell)

For anyone who has ever tried it, you know Campari is an acquired taste. It's so bitter it makes your toes curl!

But the before-dinner drink is almost a sacred event for many Italians, and knocking back a casual aperitivo (cocktail) with friends is the way locals shake off the workday and whet their appetites for dinner. Many beverages qualify as aperitivi, but Campari is king.

This bitter liquor, made from aromatic herbs and orange peel, was invented in Milan in the 1860s and today enjoys an understated sophistication.

Campari is best when accompanied by salty snacks, like potato chips, which counterbalance the jet of saliva shocked from your salivary glands. You initially might think you hate it, but as you continue to sip, you'll begin to appreciate the depth of the liquor and the contrast between the jewel-red elixir in your glass and the salt of the snacks offered at the bar.

There are many ways to drink Campari but the simplest preparations are sometimes the best. Italians will order Campari e soda or Campari e vino bianco, also known as Campari macchiato or "stained" with white wine. If you go to the Veneto region of Italy, you'll find people drinking their Campari in a much more complex cocktail called a "spritz", made of Campari, Cynar (a bitter herb liquor), white wine, and soda water garnished with an olive and a wedge of blood orange.

However you decide to order your Campari, be sure to stand at the bar to maximize your opportunity to rub elbows with the locals, nibble the snacks, and enjoy this quintessentially Italian aperitivo.

Cin Cin!

Cinque Terre Lodging

Ciao, friends! I have an update on a pretty sweet place I've found for our lodging needs in Cinque Terre. As i expected, the right kind of place to fit us all, in Vernazza, right in/by the square, and that is affordable doesn't exactly exist... but I think I've found the next best thing.

Franca Maria Rooms is a collection of rooms, ranging a little in size and scattered around (but all really quite close to each other) the main square area of Vernazza. I worked online with the lady and we found the perfect combination of rooms to accommodate our group for the lowest price. I booked three rooms, each sleep 2 - 4. They are all pretty large, so 4 people in there should be fine; all close to each other; all similar in price.

We have rooms 1, 3 and 7. We can certainly figure out the details later, who wants which rooms and with whom. I'm operating under the assumption of 10 people, so it would most likely be 4, 4 and 2 (but there would be room for another couple of people, if needed). The room with 2 would be a little more expensive, but would also offer some privacy and quiet, which might not appeal or we might be fighting over : ) Pricing: Room 1 = $200/night (4 people) Room 3 = $140/night (2 people). Room 7 = $200/night. I had to give my card info to hold the rooms, but no deposit is actually charged and we pay with cash there. We are booked to check in Monday, October 24 and out on Thursday, October 27. I know there were maybe a couple who were coming in a day later or something, which we can figure out later.

Here is a little map, showing the square, the rooms and the train station: http://www.francamaria.com/francamaria_map.htm

So, take a look and let me know what you think. I think it's FAB and a real score. The train station is just down from the square and it sounds like the Vernazza stop is the only one that has an elevator, so we don't need to lug our crap up flights of old stone steps that are everywhere else. Yay.