Everybody likes free wine

This past weekend Dena and I were supposed to go to Brussels but we are such globe-trekkers we decided to bag that trip and stay in Geneva. Why you ask.....the Cave Overt, that's why. Brussels will be there for a long time but the Cave Ouvert only happens once a year. The same time every year the wineries around Geneva open their doors for tastings... free tastings. So we packed a lunch, met up with some friends and headed to the train station. We took am 11am train and got off about 20 min outside of Geneva in a small town called Staginy. There are about 4 wineries around this small town and we made it around to all of them to sample the goods. Some were better than others and we even bought 4 bottles by the end of the day. We had whites, roses, reds and some dessert wines. We didn't get back into Geneva until about 5pm so it was a long day but lots of fun. This weekend we are heading to London so lets hope it doesn't rain too much. Au revior

Firenze, Italy

What can I say about Florence...amazing food, beautiful sites, friendly people and a rustic bed and breakfast. We went for my 30th Birthday and I have to say it was one of the best Birthday's I've ever had! Every day I said to Brian "I can't believe how amazing this place is..." It is hard to describe, but it is something you feel when you are there. The historical aspect of Florence is one of the best things about it. So many talented artists and intellectuals came from Florence. We spent a full three days and hit every major site. On Friday we went to the Duomo group, climbed over 400 stairs to see views of Tuscany from the cathedral. We went through the Piazza della Signoria and crossed the Ponte Vecchio bridge where they sell all of the gold. We stopped for a light lunch and headed to the Bargello museum to see frescos and statues and then headed over to the Uffizi. It was amazing! One of the most amazing museums we saw. A lot of famous paintings here (Birth of Venus). We passed through a market and bought some salami, cheese and wine to take back to the balcony off of our room. So delicious! Dinner that night was at Aqua2Al. They are famous for their steaks and pasta sampler appetizer. No certain pasta is a guarantee. It is whatever the chef decides and they bring out 5 different small portions of pasta that you share with the table. SO GOOD. On Saturday, my actual Birthday, Bri gave me a beautiful diamond eternity band! So did not have to do that! As far as sites, we hit the Accademia that houses the statue of David. Looking at the real statue (there are copies everywhere) gives you chills. We then went to the Mercado Centrale to see local goods and food, San Lorezo. We had a great lunch overlooking the Arve river and then headed to the Galileo museum and Pallazza Veccio - this huge palace. It was awesome! We went to dinner at Cafe4Leoni and met 3 guys who thought Brian was good-looking...he just loved that....On Sunday we went to the Palazza Pitti, the Boboli Gardens and Santa Croce. The gardens were beautifully manicured and relaxing. Santa Croce church was near our B&B so our last stop before leaving. Very famous people, such as Michelangelo were buried here. You can see their actual tombs. Very cool. Overall, this trip definitely had the stars aligned. Everything was perfect..including the steady 73 degree weather. Next trip is London.