197. Favorite City? Venice, Favorite regions.. the Dolomites, Val d'Orcia in Tuscany, and Puglia

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Favorite Cities: Adding Venezia

• Beyond the Crowds: Kimberly and Tommaso admit Venice can be crowded. They share how to see it in a less crowded way, even during high season. Knowing where to stay and when to visit certain spots helps.
• A Unique City: Venice is unlike any other city. It feels enchanting, otherworldly. Walking narrow alleyways (calli) transports visitors back centuries.
• Engineering Marvel: The city’s ingenious foundation system uses wooden pilings. These pilings are now as hard as concrete because they were oxygen-deprived for centuries.

• Historical Achievements: Tommaso shares Venice’s contributions to Western civilization.
• Early system of checks and balances in government (675 A.D.).
• The Arsenal shipyard, the world’s largest industrial complex before the Industrial Revolution (1104 AD).
• First street lighting ordinance (1128 AD).
• First state-guaranteed national bank (1157 AD).
• Invention of the elevator (1160 AD) for the Piazza San Marco bell tower.
• First government bonds (1171 AD) from forced citizen loans.
• The bill of exchange for international trade (around 1200 AD).
• Infused soap, inventing perfume and deodorant (1200s).
• First brick hearth with a chimney and flue (1227 AD).
• First child labor laws (1284 AD) for Murano glass production.
• Returning to Venice: Tommaso is a serious fan, therefore he plans on many returns.

Favorite Countryside Regions

The Dolomites:

• Kimberly’s History: She has a long history of hiking trails and staying in refugios. She recalls picnics with friends in alpine meadows. Skiing was a frequent activity.
• Tommaso’s First Visit: His first visit was last December. He notes the unique, jagged peaks compared to US mountains.
• Cuisine and Air: The Dolomites offer high-end, creative cuisine and excellent wines. The fresh mountain air is invigorating.

Toscana: Val d’Orcia:

• Picture-Perfect Landscape: This area in southeast Tuscany is idyllic. It resembles a painting or a movie set. It defines what many imagine when they hear “Tuscany.”
• UNESCO Status: Recognized in 2004, Val d’Orcia is a cultural landscape shaped by humans in harmony with nature. This status ensures its visual preservation. No modern buildings or businesses will alter its appearance.
• Medieval Villages: The area has authentic villages like Montepulciano, Pienza, and Montalcino. Locals live in these villages so it’s not just a tourist destination.
• Winding Roads: Narrow, two-lane roads without shoulders connect the villages. This maintains the beauty. Lack of streetlights at night makes driving challenging for non-locals.
• Wine and Food: Home to famous wines like Brunello and Vino Nobile di Montepulciano. The cuisine features cured meats, ragu sauces, and pici pasta.

Puglia:

• Distinct Landscape: Puglia stands out geographically. It resembles Greece, Turkey, or even the central Australian desert with its burnt orange soil.
• Architecture: The stark white Trulli buildings and Masserias contrast with the colorful soil. This creates a unique landscape.
• Kimberly’s Favorite Cuisine: Puglia’s cuisine is Kimberly’s favorite in Italy. They use many vegetables in dishes. These vegetables grow in the region’s rich soil.
• Wines and Bread: The region produces diverse, full-bodied wines such as Primitivo and Negroamaro. Tommaso notes that their friend “Breadbasket Bridget,” claims Puglia has the world’s best bread.
• Growing Popularity: Puglia offers fewer crowds, different cuisine and wines, and unique places to stay. The refreshing sea breeze adds to its appeal.

Kimberly and Tommaso plan to discuss their favorite experiences or meals in the next episode.