I am typing this from a little caffee in Radicondoli, near Sienna. I just thought that I would share some of my experiences from a first time traveler.
We started out in Venice and I immediately fell in love. We stayed at a beautiful apartment in the Santa Croce area just off a small canal. It was peaceful and serene, nestled in a neigborhood next to a pizzeria, a Coop (small supermarket), a gelatoria and a square constantly active with kids playing soccer. (We found all of our places on www.vrbo.com and all have been winners). We did venture down to the basillica and Rialto bridge, but glady retreated to our neighborhood rest.
We then took the train to Florence staying one block from the Duomo in another nice apartment and on the same street as Grom gelato.
After two nights, we took a tour of Pisa and Lucca and ended up just outside Radicondoli in a town called Belforte in a villa called La Ripa where our gracious host greeted us with wine, bread with olive oil and cheese. From this home base we have explored some of the neighboring towns, but the thrill for me is every morning taking the 7 km drive to attempt my Italian at the bakery and Coop. I think Rick would be proud! Tomorrow we leave for Rome for three nights and then home with a lifetime of memories of back door Italy.
Mark