September, 2016 - ernie's website and blog

Returning motorcycle in Milan

The great Italian motorcycle adventure ended here in Milan. It started in Rome and took me through Sabaudia, along the Appian Way, through the heart of Italy. The weather was perfect.

The ride from my hotel in Milan to the rental agency was quite an adventure… the GPS was a bit wonky (operator error?) and as midday led to afternoon I found myself riding in circles among the Milan streetcar tracks that run along the streets… with the streetcars. I came across an intersection that was blocked because they decided to rearrange the traffic pattern. OK, go around. Then, construction. Try Google maps, sketchy. Back to the on board GPS. No luck. Back to GPS… I knew I was close, ask a utility worker. No luck. Try again… finally found the garage where the rental agency was located. That was easy, eh? NOT. I wanted adventure and got it 🙂

Sirmione

I made my way to Sirmione and a beautiful hotel. I took this picture of the front desk from the second floor balcony because I was relived to find a nice hotel while traveling without making reservations ahead of time, it was a bit sketchy not getting a hotel as the day was ending in Verona.

Garage for Motorcycle in Montepulciano

Stefano suggested Montepulciano, it was wonderful. I was lucky enough to find a hotel with a garage. I found the hotel with the help of Francesca and Philipe, 2 locals who I asked directions of.

When leaving, I got a bit lost in the city center and ended up seeing some very cool things. I had to drive past the tourists using the horn on the motorcycle to clear the way…

Preparing for the ride to Verona

Settled in at the hotel in Montepulciano

www.albergoilmarzocco.it << the hotel’s website

Having a bite to eat in Orvieto, Umbria Italy ^

en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Orvieto I’m not quite sure why I want to post pictures of my meals???

On the way to Montepulciano

Trying to get the smile off of my face, no go.

Cappuccino Stop

Stop #1 heading out of Sabaudia. Just another roadside bar (p.s. it’s a restaurant, Dad).

On my way

This is my first stop on my motorcycle journey from Sabaudia heading north toward Milan… still can’t get the smile off of my face, Bernie.

Sunset in Italy

This beautiful Pontenia sunset is a reflection of the wonderful people in Pontenia, Italy

About Italy

Nothing but smiles with Daniela 🙂

Thanks Daniela :)

Soccer Match

In bocca al lupo !!
http://www.italymagazine.com/news/good-luck-italian

crepi lupo!
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Unicusano_Fondi_Calcio

Maurizio Mazza

When my cousin Joyce and I went to pick up some pizza in Sabaudia, we ran in to Maurizio Mazza who promptly helped us order our pizza and then paid for it, absolutely refusing to allow us to pay. He stayed with us in line, and we had a wonderful time getting to know each other. It was fortunate that the line was so long, we had more time to chat! He restores furniture and showed us some of his work on his cell phone. Maurizio lives in Sabaudia and evoked a genuine feeling of affection toward us.

Futbol

What a good time to attend the soccer match with Daniela and watch Rafaele and his teammates play a great game.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Unicusano_Fondi_Calcio

Italian Life

Cappuccino and biscotti, life is good.

Morning sun

Hitting the village across the valley

Luck

I found my way back to my airbnb apartment and had some daylight left so I went up the hill on the motorcycle and stumbled across the Conad super market… And picked up some roasted peppers and eggplant, panini bread, pecorino all peperoncino cheese and chianti. Otherwise I was looking at some smushed granola bars for dinner. What luck!!!

btw, I brought the goodies back to the Sezze airbnb apartment and enjoyed it there.

Month: September 2016