Name:   MrHodja - Subject:   Back from Tuscany.... Date:   9/22/2019 5:39:25 PM

Brings back great memories.  Spent many weeks working a Foreign Military Sales project for the Italian Navy in La Spezia, staying in Lerici.  Trips to Florence were frequent, with myself and my wife staying one weekend in Hotel Mona Lisa, a quaint little place built in 1370-something.  Toured Chianti, having lunch in Greve, and still have one of the bottles of wine...2002 vintage I believe.  Climbed the 467 steps to the top of the Duomo and from there got a great view of the old and new city.  Speaking of the old city, I got some Italians really excited when I missed the no cars sign and started driving down a pedestrians only alleyway.

Italy is probably the most friendly country to visit for Americans (although I haven't been to Israel).  People are friendly and English is pretty well understood everywhere.  Wine is good but the food is better.  Nothing like what is passed off here as Italian food.  

You didnt mention Rome but if you find yourself going there I know if some outstanding restaurants.  And if you ever go South to the Amalfi Coast, don't miss Ercolano.  Not as big as Pompeii but much better preserved and gives one a hint how they lived day-to-day, to include a LEAD water pipe that is still intact.  And hiking to the caldera at Vesuvius you can see the steam still escaping the rocks.

Glad you enjoyed your visit.