Let's Talk over Coffee....

The BakerWoman

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The blog about this Bibik who loves to makan, masak & indulge! FOOD IS LOVE, THANKS & NUTRITIOUS!

Blogs I enjoy reading:

  • Renzze
  • Elaine
  • Apple
  • Fashionista
  • Raves
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  • Peranakan Cultures
  • Nostalgic Singapore
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    E-mail: jelm_68@yahoo.com.sg

    MY EARLIER POSTS

    Sunday, July 22, 2012

    Pisa & The Leaning Tower

     On Left - am leaning on the Pisa, Centre - great views over the Field of Miracles & Right, our tour guide, Stephano giving tips on photo taking....

     The Leaning Tower of Pisa is undoubtedly the most famous building in the city.  What makes it more unusual than its lean, is the fact that it has always tilted.  Building began in 1173 and even when just 3 of its 8 storeys were built, it was already sinking on one side.  Over the next 180 yrs, architect after architect attempted to straighten the bell tower or continue building the successive storeys at an angle to compensate the tilt.

    A popular tourist activity is to pose for photographs pretending to "hold up" the leaning tower and preventing it from falling.

     Right - The Choo Choo train that took us to Pisa 

     Dinner - we had Osso Bucco, potatoes, salad & herb infused pork chop 


    An inevitable photo memories of The Pisa!

    The Bakerwoman - Coffee Talk at 10:29 AM 0 comments

    Saturday, July 14, 2012

    Tuscany - San Gimignano


    One of Tuscany's best preserved medievel towns, San Gimignano is nicknamed the "Medieval Manhattan".  The town is a small village with picturesque streets, pretty shops and beautiful frescoes that make some of the loveliest you'll find in Tuscany.

    My tour here started with a visit to a rustic charm of the Chianti countryside, one of the most suggestive areas of Tuscany, reknown all over the world not only for tis famous wine, but even for its landscapes and vineyards, olive trees and cypresses surrounding churches, parishes, castles and villages hidden amongst the hills.

    We were greeted by the owners of the wine estate and we visited the cellar and learn all the secrets of wine processing.
      
     Left - The Barn & Right - Olive Tree

     It was a great opportunity to meet fellow travellers while feasting on fresh organic farm food of homemade pasta, cured meats (homemade prosciutto and salami), local cheeses, a real garden salad and Tuscan biscotti... 
      
     After lunch we visit the enchanting hilltop town of San Gimignano where you have free time to roam the picturesque streets and squares, browse the local shops, try an award-winning gelato and walk among the town’s famous medieval towers.

    The Bakerwoman - Coffee Talk at 12:40 PM 0 comments

    Saturday, July 07, 2012

    Florence....Magical, Magnetic & Magnificent: a cultural heavyweight!

    Florence is utterly breathtaking.  The birthplace of the Renaissance, the Tuscan capital is responsible for some of history's greatest artworks (from Michelangelo's 'David' to da Vinci's 'Mona Lisa').

    For easy accessibility, I stayed in Santa Maria Novella (Hotel Aurora), hotel is situated directly outside the main train station and also where the main airport bus services drop off.  Santa Maria Novella takes its name from the beautiful Dominican basilica its center.

    Italian Beer & Risotto for dinner (after our hotel checked in)

    Risotto is a dish that's become associated with fancy high end restaurants, but really, it's the epitome of Italian home cooking and comfort food!


    The Best of Tuscany!

    Day 2 in Florence, I joined the Best of Tuscany  Tour.....we visited Siena, San Gimignano & Pisa.

    Left - Our Tour Guide in Siena ; Right - Piazza del Campo (here, twice a year, the entire city & extra onlookers crowd here to experience the famous Palio horserace).

    SIENA - is one of Tuscany's most iconic Medieval towns.  Exploring Siena on foot is the only way to discover this city of stone.   This medieval city is made up of yellow-ochre buildings, terracotta rooftops and green shutters.

    Left - Shopping in Siena, Centre - Palazzo Pubblico (Town Hall) & Right - Siena in medieval days!
    This is the Duomo of Siena.......this beautiful Gothic cathedral was one of Italy's first.  The Duomo holds several valuable works of art including works by Donatello, Bernini & the young Michelangelo.
    The spectacular gothic cathedral with an elaborately carved exterior: considered by many to be one of the most beautiful churches in Italy

    The real hghlight of this cathedral is the floor....Begun in the 14th century, the unique inlaid marble floor took 200 yrs to complete!  The 56 different panels designed by 40 Italian artists were created with the world's most precious marble....
    Left  - An old book in the Libreria Piccolomini &  Right - Heads of the Church

    Stunning & captivating wall murals....

    Left - the hexagonal dome of Siena ; Right - The Bakerwoman posing @ the entrance of The Duomo

    The interior of the Duomo is indeed a treasure chest of artworks!!!!

    The Bakerwoman - Coffee Talk at 10:57 AM 0 comments

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