End of the Trip

 

So we're back. Compared to some of the trials during our trip over (and transport over there) coming home was pretty easy.

The recap:

• Milan - Only because it's a good jumping off point 
• Varenna - It was OK but Rick Steve's touism has ruined the town mostly. A few good restaurants and Lake Como is worth a visit but stay elsewhere.
• Bergamo - Yes. And Stay at Gombit Hotel. Good food definately worth two nights
• Verona - Fun and worth a visit. Doubt I'll be back. A day or two is plenty.
• Deaenzano - Yes but a day and plan on biking here.
• Trento - Yes Head to teh hills
• Bolzano - Will go again and hike more.
• Modena - Been there done that.
• Turin - Meh don't bother unless you are into museums 
• London - As always I miss it already

As always there are stories of people, experiences, places, adventures, and food I've missed. But I'm happy I documented this whole trip. Not fun but I think it'll pay off in planning for the next time.

Play Round Up Spring 2026

 Last night. Finished our last play. Here’s our take on all of them:

• Betelgeuse - OK and a fun way to start. Followed the movie for the first act. Second was better. 4/5
• Kinky Boots - Fun story about tolerance and men wearing high heel shoes. Go see it.  5/5
• Sherlock Holmes - Fun cause it was Sherlock and we saw it in out door theater. Fine but no need to see it again. 3/5
• Operation Mincemeat - Superior must see musical about a serious historical wwII event 6/5 MUST SEE
• Sinatra - Meh...singing and dancing were OK, talented performers. Story wasn't well written. 3/5 OK but there's better stuff .

So that’s it for the spring. Loved Kinky Boods and Operation Mincemeat. Betelgeuse was worth seeing. The others I could take or leave.

Trafalgar Square

 In Trafalgar Square with Big Ben off in the distance yesterday. Today there would be clouds and rain in the picture. Somehow they’ve managed to scare off the billions of pigeons that used to inhabit the square. Also they’ve put a fence around Nelson’s monument so you can’t climb on the lions anymore (we have photos of the kids on the lions). 

Foodie Post - Claro London

 Haven’t been doing a lot of food posts this trip. Not sure why, the food has been mostly pretty good but I think I’m getting pickier and pickier about what defines “excellent.” Anyway last night we had a pre-theater (read early) dinner at a place called Claro. Really amazing Moroccan food. Here are a few highlights in pictures:

Drinks. Martini and their take on a Negroni call the “Fighi” - made with fig infused vermouth

The “Taste of Claro” - an olive oil heavy bread with lot’s of pickles and dips

The Lamb Cigar

Lamb Kabobs with a salad on pita

Pork rib with pears

A side of potatoes with cheese in a creamy sauce

As you might guess after all this we were too full for a dessert. Delicious meal and I’d do it again.