This is such an amazing trip! I envy you, but glad for you also. Again thanks for the travel log. Where do you go next after Italy? Back to Washington?

My next trip is probably going to be to Oregon and Washington and I'll probably ask for some tour ideas (which might not be readily known through Frommers...

When I visited Tuscany and passed Pisa, I was unlucky enough to be there about a week before it re-opened after renovations.

I also thought that the Duomo was amazing and made up for not being able to go up the tower.

What lens?

You know... I think you should forget about normal life and just keep vacationing and taking pictures! That way my virtual travels can continue.

Did you take trains everywhere or drive? I'd be interested in getting your intinerary from you, as you've pretty much just taken my Dream Trip To Italy.
Did you plan the whole thing yourself? Had you been before?

Awww look the tower is trying to peek at you from around the duomo, I think you've found a friend :-)

Gaaaahhhh! MRKisThatKid has returned!! Nice to have you back!

:-)

Randy: I don't know that Frommer's has a guide for us here in the Pacific Northwest! When you're ready to come, email me with what interests you, and I'm glad to help out!

SSP: I totally agree. You hear so much about "The Tower" but nothing about the amazing Duomo there... I was taken completely by surprise.

Ben: Good question! I talk about the lens here:
http://www.blogography.com/archives/2004/06/day_tripper.html
http://www.blogography.com/archives/2004/06/sixteen_to_thir.html

Chaz: Works for me. When you come through with the financing for my life of eternal vacation, please let me know and I'll get you my Swiss bank account where you can wire the money! :-)

Karla: I would not drive in Italy. Ever. Maybe the countryside, but even then I am thinking no. Italians drive INSANE. The driver I hired to get me to and from the airport drove 200 KILOMETERS PER HOUR on the highway, and was dodging traffic, flashing his lights, and honking his horn all the way. Terrifying, really... there isn't a thrill ride to touch it. So, to answer your question, I travel by train and did all the planning myself. It was fairly easy because I knew what I wanted to do, as I had been to Rome twice before and needed something more out of a trip to Italy. The only time I wish I had a car was in Tuscany, as that's the only way you're really going to see anything good.

MRKisThatKid: Unfortunately, my new friend didn't allow me to climb him. Oh... wait a second... something came out very wrong there... :-)