Toscana

As Jake mentioned, our Euro Tour has ended, but since we missed the last few days of our trip due to lack of internet we thought we would try to make some final posts now.

Our final days were spent in beautiful Tuscany. If you enjoy indulging in local flavors (both food and wine), living as those around you, and are confident and not afraid of getting lost then Tuscany is the place for you. I can't say enough about the amazing foods and plentiful wines, the relaxing and carefree attitude of the locals, the ever so winding streets, and the beautiful fields of sunflowers. Not to forget our amazing B&B situated on a hillside with great views from the terrace and our Italian host, Simone, whose English was just enough for us to understand what he was trying to tell us.







A few of my highlighs of our time in Tuscany...

Our Cooking Class...
Our cooking class with a local restaurant owner was quite the expereince. We worked side by side with the chef (and our translator) to create traditional Toscana entrées . Later we were able to enjoy these dishes along with the local workers that came in for lunch. The five course meal was to say the least filling.





Wine Tasting....
I learned more about Chanti Classico, and for that matter any wine, than I have ever have learned in about a 30 minute presentation at one of the wineries we visited. We toured, learned, and tasted! Wine lovers, this is THE place to go!







Overall, Tuscany is a fabulous region of Italy. I look forward to going again, but next time during harvest season.

Hope you all have enjoyed following our Summer Euro Tour!

Ciao Ciao...

Let me start off by apologizing for the major delay in posts. There was no Internet to be had for the Italian leg. We are actually all back from Europe now, but I wanted to post on our first couple days in Italy. We took the train from Nice to Genova. The sites along the way are pretty amazing! It was my first European train ride, so it was an interesting adventure.
Our night in Genova was somewhat uneventful, which was not necessarily a bad thing. We still had our obligitory house red and amazing meal. Obviously, in the birthplace of Pesto, you must eat the local cuisine. Our first taste of Italy did not let us down. The service was great and the food even better.
The next morning, we woke up early and picked up our very european blue Fiat Punto - we appropriately named him Papa Smurf. The drive to Florence was also picturesque as can be. Jon navigated his way through the hills and tunnels of Western Italy as we took in the views. A common theme of Italy was the GPS being either the savior or dagger of our day trips. Luckily, we were saved this time as driving through the streets of Florence is frantic to say the least. Our hotel location couldn't have been better. The Duomo was two blocks away, Accedemia 4 blocks and Uffizi down the street. The little old lady at the front desk was so accommodating and endearing that it made us feel right at home. Jon and T used the remainder of the daylight hours roaming the streets of Florence and doing what Jon loves best - shop. I managed to sit in line to hike the 463 steps of the Duomo.







We went to another fine Italian meal that evening and capped off the night having a few drinks at a fun Irish pub by the hotel. The next day Jon and I woke up early to go to the Uffizi and take in the Italian classics. We walked around Firenze and observed the city that is one colossal Museum in and of itself. After seeing David at the Accedemia (and that's about all you get for the 10 Euro entry fee), we departed for Tuscany. Yet another adventure in the Summer Euro tour 2009.

As the locals say...Ciao Ciao

Au revior France

We could not leave without a meal prepared by me and Jon. We decided a somewhat Americano breakfast was necessary prior to our departure consisting of scrambled eggs with vegtables and raisin bread french toast. We were able to squeeze in a few hours of sun before heading to the train station to begin our journey through Italy.

As for a wrap-up of our time in the French Riviera, visiting with the Udden family was to say the least amazing! The hospitality they gave us was unbeatable. I do not even know how to describe it because the words I am finding do not give enough credit to the entire family’s kindess and fun-loving attitudes. They are all truly spectacular!

As for our highlights of the trip, you can read the other entries... But I will mention, the many one liners thrown out there followed by lots of laughter. Meals on the terrace as a large group, usually at least 14 people, were always a highlight of the day. Relaxing and soaking up the hot sun was what we did everyday. Our old and new Swedish friends, new American friend from NY, Sara, and our new friend from London all added a little spice to the trip. Special thanks to the Udden family (Sara, Sofia, Anders, and Karina) the extended family (Clara, Oscar, Erik, and Suzanna) and all the other visitors that helped make this portion of our trip so memorable!







”Easy peasy lemon squeezy...” just say it with a British accent and you’ll understand. ”Oscar Tootles....” ”You want some nibblies...” ”Cheers mate...” ”Lila (beautiful little Clara)...” And I don’t know how many times we said cheers and in about 10 different languages!

"Early to bed...early to rise"

Tara and I wasted no time sleeping in on this day as we awoke early and crept through the quiet house like a mouse. Tip-toeing past the many bedrooms, making our way to the kitchen for a quick bite! We snuck out of the house and started to walk the narrow stone streets in search of Grasse. It turned out to be a great morning walk as we quickly window shopped the downtown shops, as many were just beginning to open their doors. We purchased a few fresh loaves of bread, olive’s and some freshly made olive tapenade and walked back to the house.



By the time we got back, the house was alive as usual with all the doors and windows open with people gathering for breakfast on the terrace. Few were still sleeping, but it wasn’t long before we all got together for a “family meeting”. Together we made plans for the day as well as discussed all of our different departure times and needs for the following day.

After breakfast, my day got a whole lot better as Anders handed me the key to the Bentley, asking me if I wanted to drive Goran’s car to his house in Antibe. We filed into all four vehicles and our caravan was off. Anders and Jake sat in the back while Tara sat shotgun. From the moment we started out of the drive way, Tara was a nervous wreck! There was one particular moment where everyone puckered a bit as we squeezed past another vehicle and a very close stone wall. Finally we hit the freeway and I was ready to open this baby up! Anders was very cool in the back and I felt like he wanted me to push it a bit. I took full advantage of the situation and graciously changed lanes and in the blink of an eye all 600 horses of this fine automobile came to life as I stomped it to the floor! We passed up our lead car and by this time Tara was screaming!!! I could only stay in it for a few seconds as even I knew that I was pushing my own limits.

We arrived at Goran’s beautiful 1908 Art-Deco French Riviera home and took the tour. Let’s just say this place was quite the bachelor pad! He was very excited to walk us throughout the property. We left his car and made our way to the beach! The streets of Juan les Pins were packed! We entered into Moorea Beach Club where we settled in for the rest of the day. The club was a totally laid back hot spot that reminded me of an island bar done up by Jimmy Buffet himself. From the entrance to the water was less than 40 yards so every inch of real estate was taken up by some sort of beach bar, hammock, random seating and tons of full length pads to lay out on. It was without a doubt the best beach spot I have ever been to!









After hitting the boardwalk shops we made the drive back to Le Refuge for the night. We stopped along the way and ordered pizzas for everyone and went home to shower. We had another fabulous night on the terrace eating pizza and drinking wine. The conversations were filled with constant laughter as we all shared are newly learned foreign words and phrases. It was truly another perfect day!

The Big American Cookout

Friday was another day spent at the beautiful Le Refuge, the Grasse home of the Uddens. The day started off with a small project for the boys. Jon, myself and our new English friend Craig installed a mosquito screen for Jon and T's room. It took us about an hour and a half, but we felt much more useful upon completion.



After the project, we all hung out by the pool. The sun seemed to be much more warm than the previous day, so the girls tried to practice good sun prevention by wearing some pretty stylish hats.



Anders, Stonie (an Udden Family Friend), Jon and I then went to the grocery store to get the rations for the night's upcoming "Big American Cookout" (as Anders calls it). It's quite an experience to go grocery shopping in a foreign country. While many of the things are the same, some are different. For instance, you pay for plastic bags and shopping carts! Upon our return, another beautiful lunch was prepared and we all hung out by the pool until it was time to prepare for the before mentioned, Big America Cookout. It was truly a team effort as well all did our little piece in getting ready.









The meal was fantastic and enjoyed by all 20 members of the "BAC". It truly felt like being part of a big family meal. I know I can speak for Jon and T when I say that the family has done nothing but make us feel welcome the entire time we've been here.
Drinks continued to flow after dinner as we moved the party into the indoor bar. We talked, drank and played pool until the late hours...







Au Revoir...

Le Refuge

Last night we arrived in Grasse, France. The Uddens welcomed us into their magnificent French Riviera home as part of their own family. We enjoyed wine, fruit, and cheeses as we sat on the terrace soaking up the warm summer night.

Our first full day in France is coming to an end, but by no means was it short on an assortment of activities and entertainment. From lounging by the pool to our stroll into town for a dinner in the square, all were magnificent.

Our amazing lunch at the house...

Relaxing poolside...

Dinner in the square in Grasse...

Me & Jon with our side-kick (Goran's daughter)...

I think Jon and Jake's highlight of the day was driving Goran's custom Bentley. They were like little boys when they returned so excited that they had the chance to drive this 600 horse power (whatever that means :-) car through the narrow and winding streets of Grasse. They are still talking about it and probably will be for the remainder of the trip.

Jake lovin life...

An evening with this crew is never without excitement. As we were walking home from dinner there was yet another incident with the Jakester. The poor guy pretty much ripped off half of his big toe nail (and skin too) on some metal piece from the gate coming into the house. It was pretty disguisting and extremely painful as I could tell by the sweat dripping off his face. Dr. Jon fixed him up good though. We'll see how much walking he is up for the next few days...

Jake not so happy...

No cell phone....no worries!

Hola! Diego here! Welcome to my holiday! We've all heard the expression before, "the trip of a lifetime". Well...I'm living it! Today it is my turn to pick up where Jake left off and describe the more memorable moments from day 2 in Barcelona...or atleast what I can remember! Day 2 kicked off like any good vacation day...in the sun! With no desire to venture far, we wandered down to the local beach to see the sites! The beach was busy with many tan bodies, decent sand, and let's be honest...topless women! We threw the football (Americano) for a bit while people stared as everyone else kicked soccer balls and played some version of beach tennis with small paddles. Most of the day however was spent lazily lounging by the pool back at the Hilton. The amenties were fabulous and the day continued on.





We decided on this night to venture out towards the marinas for dinner and clubbing. After walking up and down the boardwalk we settled into a great restaurant patio for a very filling meal. Lucky for me the menu had pictures and I chose the local cuisine! As the seafood was rumored to be best along the water, I chose seafood! Mind you I ordered the half ration as it was on the menu for two! I figured the only way to really enjoy this dish was to dive in! What else can I say but Fabulous!






After dinner we made our way up the boardwalk towards the clubs! Jake's research pointed us in the direction of club Opium! Truelly a magnificent wonder! We bought discount tickets off the street as a special guest dj was in town...Paul Oakenfold! The club was huge and layed out! We chilled out on the deck on the custom leather couches and drank gin and tonics. Shortly after the first dj mixed tracks while we danced into the night. We waited until after 3 but Paul only stood by. Tara and I left and retired for the evening, while Jake danced on. When I woke up in the morning...Jake was sleeping in his roll-a-way bed. We left him be while Tara and I went down to the pool for some more sun!

Till next time...Adios Amigos!!!