Chris & Kelly's Travel Adventures
After a wonderful breakfast, we took a 40 minute walk to Santa Maria Della Grazie to visit The Last Supper. Requirements were very strict to get in...temperature checks, ID, vaccine card, metal detector and no bags allowed in...only camera's (no flash) and your wallet. But it was worth it to spend 15 uninterrupted minutes with this 500 year old masterpiece
Next we walked a couple of blocks to the National Science Museum with a huge Leonardo Da Vinci Gallery. We quickly realized there was much more to explore that you could do in one visit. Chris was particularly interested in mechanisms that would do chores, but powered by water. Also a a mechanical contraption that would grind lenses...even parabolic lenses! He was just fascinated. But, alas jet lag is not done with us yet, so we left with the promise to come back another day for a better look with a less foggy brain.
We grabbed a taxi and decided since we were both hungry and tired we would make a visit to Pecks (a very exclusive deli) which happens to be next door to our hotel. Maybe a picnic in the room! I have no idea if Pecks proceedures are an exception or the norm, but I was not ready for this learning curve. A maitr'd met us at the door, takes our temperature, and hands us a "shopping card" and invited us to start shopping in this 4 floor deli. Its is separated into catagories much like what Americans are used to: fresh produce, deli, bread, meat, cheese, wine, to go food, desserts. So we headed to the produce...1 important point...NEVER TOUCH THE FOOD!... only point and they will ask quantity and ask for your card, they then give your card back with a paper ticket (but not your food) then you proceed to the next section and repeat. When you have all you want to go to a cashier with your card and tickets and pay. After paying you get 1 long receipt. Then you proceed to front of the store and start each section again...Wait in line, show receipt and they give you a parcel of food that looks like Santa's elves have personally gift wrapped...colored foil with ribbons or in designer bags that Tiffany's jewelry would envy and you continue until you have collected all your purchases. Our lack of Italian and their lack of English contributed greatly to the confusion. Please understand what I just explained above is what we learned after a very frustrating experience. We spend 1.5 hours to collect 5 things, because no one explained this process so we ran around in circles with people shouting tickets or card to us. The cherries were good!
Dinner at Obica's. Wonderful views, best food I've ever eaten. Stuffed Pumpkin blossoms with cantaloup sauce, Ossobucco ravioli with parmesan cream on a bed of mint pea puree, Sea Bass with lemon yogurt and fried cheese crisp and modern version of tiramisu. We shared everything and ate slow...I could get used to this! :)
This picture is for our Grandgirls, I know how you love Macarons!! Grammy & Grampy miss you!
