Posts tagged Leg
Buzz: Where To Sleep In Italy
9
I’ve found that for some reason my Italy recaps keep getting pushed aside and I just need to fit them in! If you missed my first recap on food, you can find it here. If you want an update on my leg from my accident make sure to watch the video.
Let’s talk lodging. One thing about D and I, we are budget travelers, especially when it comes to lodging. I think we’d stay in hostels if we were able to have a guaranteed personal bathroom (definitely a requirement). The point of our lodging is to sleep because we don’t travel to hang out in hotel rooms. We don’t need anything fancy but I like clean and safe. Even though we stick don’t tend to spend much on our where we stay I still do a ton o’ research by scouring reviews on multiple sites. Comparing and contrasting location, cleanliness, etc. Let’s just say I’m thorough. With a few exceptions, thankfully my research has paid off and we’ve had pretty decent luck on our vacations when it comes to lodging.
Colosseum B&B – Rome
The residence is comfortable and quiet but VERY accessible to the central activity of Rome.
Prior to our arrival we were contacted by Daniela and Valter via email to state our expected arrival time. They were quick to offer assistance with transportation from the airport to their residence. Upon our arrival in Rome a gentleman met us as expected and our transfer couldn’t have gone any smoother. Once we arrived at the B&B we found Valter awaiting our arrival. Due to our arrival time our rooms were not yet available but we were still checked in our bags were able to be placed in the kitchen area.
Unfortunately we had some communication challenges as we do not speak Italian and Valter does not speak English. However, with the help of an app on his tablet/iPad we were able to communicate easily. He offered to let us use their computer to quickly send a “we arrived!” email to relatives, gave us a key, and we were out exploring Rome in no time.
When we arrived back to the B&B that evening our bags were placed in our room already. The room was very clean and nice. The bathroom was up-to-date and also provided a mounted hairdryer. There was a TV available but we didn’t watch as we had no time. Free Wi-fi was also available through a secure network. Every so often we would lose the signal but I had read this may occur in the older buildings. All we had to do was move to a new location in the room and we would reconnect. Our room was cleaned daily.
For breakfast, we received vouchers for juice and pastries for a location around the corner. Once again we had a slight issue with communication, as the workers spoke very little English, but we were able to collect our breakfast and walk 2 blocks to eat our breakfast just outside the Colosseum .
Although we were so close to the activity of the Colosseum and so many surrounding restaurants the location of the bed and breakfast was peaceful.
Osteria del Borgo – Montepulciano
Arriving in Montepulciano wasn’t easy. The roads are steep, one way, and narrow. It’s not easy to navigate and I wouldn’t recommend it for everyone, but it is do-able. Upon our arrival we got off track with our navigation. We parked the car and hauled ourselves up the hills to the bed and breakfast and were immediately greeted by Francesco. He warmly greeted us, thankfully spoke EXCELLENT English, helped guide us through the city by providing directions, and graciously helped carry our heavy luggage up 3 flights of stairs. We randomly checked in throughout our stay and Francesco was always right there to ask how everything was going.
We booked Panoramic Room #3 and the view was spectacular. The living quarters were large. Although the bathroom was separate from the room, it was just steps away and was our own private bathroom.
Unfortunately we had the wrong electrical outlet adapters and someone had taken Osteria del Borgo’s backup adapters for visitors. With that being said we didn’t use our laptop or other electronics much as to conserve our batteries. But when we did use the free wifi we had no issues.
Breakfast wasn’t included in the price but was available for 5 euros/person in the mornings. We ended up sleeping in both days so we did not get to try out the breakfast.
The owners also run a restaurant/bar below the rooms. On the last night we knew we had to eat at the restaurant. Upon our arrival to the restaurant we quickly realized we should have made reservations but we were quickly seated by Francesco and taken care of just the same. The food was absolutely delicious.
When we booked with Osteria del Borgo I couldn’t help but wonder if the photos on the site were real. Within moments of our arrival I found that they were. Oh my. Absolutely gorgeous. This is what we came to Italy for. We cannot say enough about Francesco and his family’s hospitality. 
Bonsignori B&B – Florence
Whatever I write, I cannot say enough about Bonsignori. Hands down, this was our favorite bed and breakfast that we stayed at during our vacation in Italy. Out of all of our bed and breakfasts we stayed at Bonsignori was the first one to make contact with us and followed through on everything they promised for our stay.
We stayed in the orange room, which was absolutely gorgeous. Private bathroom, hot shower, clean bed linens, many electrical outlets to choose from, and a reliable free wifi internet connection. Riccardo welcomed us in, showed us the residence, gave us the low-down on breakfast, provided an abundance of pamphlets/maps, and we were good to go.
In addition to the information they provided, there was also an “information cubby” of even more pamphlets, from taxi phone numbers to doctor contacts if needed. A cell phone is always available to make local calls.
Breakfast was available bright and early in the common area kitchen. Fresh fruit, bread, individual Nutella/honey packages, homemade marmalade, 2 choices of cereal, meats/cheeses, yogurts, juice, milk, water, tea, andcoffee. A toaster, microwave, and nice coffee machine is available to use. Every morning there was also a fresh baked good/pastry. One morning we even had the option of homemade tiramisu! You can eat in the kitchen or take to your bedroom. 
Initially we were concerned with staying at a bed and breakfast where the owners actual live on the premises and sharing a common area with another room, but this wasn’t an issue. Although we would pass them along with the other visitors every so often, we were on different schedules.
Another concern was staying south of the river/Ponte Vecchio but I’m glad we didn’t let this hold us back from staying at the B&B. It was easy to access and within walking distance of everything.
There you have it! We were thrilled with our lodging during our stay. I hope this helps anyone looking to travel to Italy in the future! I have post a TON of photos here, including photos of our room’s bathrooms and all. Yes, I’m thorough 
Keep Smiling and Be Grateful =)
Don’t Fight With Light Bulbs
29
It’s Friday, which means this should be a “vegan” post. Well folks, sorry about this, but going to sidetrack a bit today. But now worries! Next Friday I’ll have a brand new vegan post for ya’ll!
Like I said Wednesday, on Tuesday I had an accident at work. I’d love to play it off like a shark attacked me during an open water swim or something “exciting”. Unfortunately I was attacked by a light bulb. Yeah, not real exciting.
Basically I was attempting to open a very high window with a contraption made to open the window. After opening the window I pulled the contraption toward me, knocking a light fixture, which then in turn busted a 4 foot fluorescent light bulb. The light bulb crashed to the ground, gouged my left calf in several places, leaving a not so pretty sight.
The first few seconds I didn’t think anything of it…until I actually looked down at my leg. My initial thought, “OH NO! MY TRAINING!” Seriously. Nothing else entered my mind. Then the blood came and I rushed to get a rag as to not bleed all over my workplace. Then, since I work alone, I decided to make a few phone calls. I knew I could drive myself to the hospital but thought it best not to. Unfortunately D wasn’t in the area so my parents rushed over to pick me up and take me to the hospital.
I’m not for grossing people out so if you want to see the “before” photo of my leg, you can see it here. Ye be warned, it ain’t pretty and viewer discretion is advised. Here’s a PG version…
As I sat in the waiting room (yes, I had to wait an hour to be seen) I had a triage nurse come out and grade my lesion. In passing I said I was a triathlete and how I’m training. She laughs and says, “Well, not for 2 weeks you won’t be!” Cue my tears. I wasn’t crying because of the pain I was in or that I had an inch of skin and fat dangling from my leg. No, I was crying because there I sat, once again with a wrench thrown in my Half Rev3 training. It seems as though I just recovered from my foot issue of unknown origin and now there’s this. Yargh!
I was seen by the doctor, numbed up, and put back together again. Here’s the finished product…..
Looks pretty good I’d say. I headed back to work and finished my shift for the day, because that’s what Buzzbombs do.
As for my training, I was told no running or biking for 5 days and no swimming for 10 days. I had planned to run my first triathlon of the season in just a few weeks and had already registered for a 5K for this Saturday (tomorrow). I have yet to decide if I’m running either of those. Time will tell.
Mizunos are all cleaned up and staying clean & secure with Tommie Copper
I’m trying to see this as a blessing in disguise or seeing some reasoning behind all of this happening. I know there’s a reason, but it has yet come to light. All I can think of is, “why the heck is there this negative energy trying to keep me from training?!” Thankfully it’s early on in in the season and I’ll adapt and overcome….because that’s what Buzzbombs do.
Keep Smiling and Be Grateful =)
PS Do you follow me on Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook? If not, you should be! I posted continuous updates of this fiasco in real-time. Yes, I tweet and post photos of EVERYTHING!
