……..was at the top of our list of places to visit even though it’s not in Italy! Jim came across it in the Globe and Mail, I believe, sent it on to Marilyn who quickly agreed it was a must. It’s actually surrounded by Italy, is called the Republic of San Marino and is about a 40min drive from San Leo on those very narrow, windy roads but so worth the barfing……just kidding!
View from top of San Marino
Are we there yet?
San Marino, all 61 sqkm of it, is a world heritage site with a population of 32,000 and is an “…..exceptional testimony of the establishment of a representative democracy based on civic autonomy and self-governance, with a unique, uninterrupted continuity as the capital of an independent republic since the 13th century”…….at least that’s what their pamphlets say! This is a worth a ‘google’ if you’re interested as it has a fascinating history and is considered to be one of the wealthiest countries in the world in terms of GDP and has the lowest unemployment rate in Europe. San Marino has no national debt and a budget surplus……must send this on to PM Trudeau as an example of what’s possible. Unlike Canada it’s the world’s smallest repiblic and has had more female heads of state than any other country. In addition to all that info it has more vehicles than people which might, once again, explain the crazy driving on the roads. We enjoyed our stay there and hiked around for a few hours climbing stairs, seeing the ruins and, of course, a little window shopping. I might add that there are way too many stores for such a small population so obviously tourism is one of their major industries……….although once again it wasn’t too busy when we were there. We didn’t spend the night in San Marino as we so enjoyed the solitude and fabulous hotel we found in San Leo and we happily returned there for a siesta, followed by great pasta and excellent wine to wash it down.
journeywithmadonna 
Gracie, Google! I plugged in “journey with madonna” and it lead moi directly to your blog (well, I had to stay clear of all the hype about the other Madonna, the fake one!). Yeah, a typical Saturday early morning, with not much to do and/or not wanting to do much. It’s raining outside, so mowing the lawn is out of the question. i do have some marking to do, damnit! Dawn left for calgary on Wednesday and is back tomorrow night. She went to see a play (Once), then hang around her ex social workers/colleagues, then a couple of lunches/dinners with Diane and Vic, etc.. I took gaston to school for the past 3 days, not being able to get home early enough to avoid a doggy mess on the rug. He is a star and the kids were fighting to take him for a walk.Pat (of Pat and Gene) is staying over tonight (she is bringing dinner, good girl) before leaving for Zihuatanejo, Mex. She will have to do her third and last Gene’s memorial down there.
Canoeing down the Cowichan river on Nov 11. Did that last year and it was lot of fun: very fast river with lots of water and rocks and also a few salmons. Very cold too, so wet suit is a necessity.
Looks like you’re having a wonderful trip. You are a good writer and it is very entertaining reading you (you are a better writer that the grade 7s whose English stories I have to correct). Take care and be safe on the roads! love and hugs. yves
Hey there and good to hear from you and you must know that Marilyn, Jim and I are missing you on this trip. Thanks for the update and positive comments and see you in a few months. And by the way Happy Birthday from Jim as he knows it’s coming up but can never remember the date!
Very much like my little village, Smerillo! What great fun you are having! Cathy
Thanks Cathy – we Didn’t get to Smerillo……but to many like it……and they are all wonderful!