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Cool Annie's Travels
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  • Italy 2022
    • The process before leaving town...
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    • Annie Hart Cool
  • Life as it appears to me
  • Blog
  • Italy 2022
    • The process before leaving town...
    • About
    • Annie Hart Cool
  • Life as it appears to me

Cool Annie's Travels

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Chin up! Weight loss is a process!

12/30/2017

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Hey hey hey! Chin up buttercup! This is a process! Not a quick fix! Your body is a machine in adjustment mode! A science project. If your stalled it’s just your body protecting itself ! Down 27 pounds is awesome! More pounds ever in 41 days! Count your victories! Calm down, take a breath. It’s going to get better! You did this because you love yourself enough ... keep it up!


❤️
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A new Journey down a different road

12/30/2017

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I’m 17 days in to this new life. So take what I have to say with that knowledge ... I am new to this! This may be “honeymooning”. Or it’s just my “glass half full DNA”.


In these months leading up to surgery and these last 17 days I’ve learned a lot about me.


I’ve learned that my personality preceded my weight. When people describe me they rarely mention my extra 130 pounds. When I tell them of my surgery ... they are astonished! “Why? They ask.”


Truth is, I miss my self. I miss being active. I miss playing tennis, skiing, hiking. I miss fancy clothes and being comfortable in my own skin. I miss the ease of moving about the country! But I’m 60. I’m no spring chicken.


I did the surgery not to be thinner as much as a preemptive strike against diabetes. You see, all 4 older siblings have diabetes! Surgery was a no brainer.


10 years ago I broke my neck in yoga. 10 years ago with the installation of my metal neck my thyroid was removed. Over 10 years I’ve put on 12 pounds a year on average. No matter what diet or exercise program I tried.


This “tool” is a game changer for me. You see, I believe I’ve tasted and enjoyed everything I’ve needed to. I believe I’ve offered myself a huge gift of extra years to my life as a result of this surgery. I see the process as a huge blessing not a curse.


I spend my days protecting my inner stitches. Trying to avoid foods that may cause a “leak”. I have been out to restaurants and have wanted the big meal but have been satisfied with the soup ...I am learning.


I’m dealing with the thinning hair, the dry skin, the constant reminder of vitamins, the logging of food, the attention to protein and the need to nap! I’m forcing the water...the occasional constipation.


I have no regret ... yet! But I am older than most who go thru this process. I’ve got more time on planet...


I read some of your struggles and I say a prayer for swift relief of your challenges! I’m here for you! I’m a pretty good cheerleader! Reach out!


Thanks for all your support! This “newbie” appreciates your courage in taking this huge step toward your personal health!


You are fierce! You are mighty! You are warriors! Love every pound you release! Be blessed in 2018!
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Our Bike and Barge Itinerary!

Day 1: Individual arrival in Mantova


Day 2: Mantova, 21 mi. (35 km)


Day 3: Mantova - Governolo - Zelo, 32 mi. (50 km)

Day 4: Zelo - Ferrara - Adria, 31 mi. by bike + 37 mi. by bus (50 + 60 km)

Day 5: Adria - Po Delta Nature Reserve - Pellestrina Island, 25 mi. (40 km)

Day 6: Pellestrina Island - Venice, 19 mi. (30 km)

Day 7: Venice, free day

Day 8: Venice,
​departure following breakfast
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Mantova is one of the most beautiful towns in Northern Italy as many worldwide know artists have left their masterpieces for us to enjoy, thanks to the famous Gonzaga family! Benvenuti a Mantova!
Day 2: Mantova - round trip tour - 21 mi. (35 km)


This entire day is dedicated to the discovery of this wonderful city and its surroundings, dominated by the wealth and influences left by the Gonzaga family, who owned the city for over 400 years.

Mantova was considered one of the most important cultural cities in the Renaissance and it still maintains a lot of the landscapes and the building that made it famous during that period.

​ In the late afternoon, a local guide will lead you through the most known highlights of the town.

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Day 3: Mantova - Governolo - Zelo, 32 mi. (50 km)

After breakfast, on board, you navigate from the "lakes" of Mantova and cruise through the lush wetlands that lead to Governolo Lock, where Mantova's Mincio River flows into the Po.

​ From here, by bike, you follow the broad sweeps of the levee towards Ostiglia, renowned for its medieval fortress and fierce fighting in 1945, as the Allies drove Hitler's forces back.
Bergantino, home of the distinctive Museum of Fairground Rides and its collection of street organs, all expertly restored (and thunderous!).


This village is also in the heartland of Grana Padano, the arch-rival of Parmesan. A visit to the local cheese factory, sampling some well seasoned Grana, is a must-do.

​You meet the barge in Zelo, a sleepy village on the Canal Bianco, the waterway which runs parallel to the Po.
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Day 4: Zelo - Ferrara - Adria, 31 mi. by bike + 37 mi. by bus (50 km by bike + 60 km by bus)
Following breakfast, you will start cycling towards Ferrara. Once you have reached the town, which earned the name of "city of bicycles", you will be enchanted by the historical center, still surrounded by the old city walls.

​You will enjoy a guided town tour. From Ferrara, a short bus transfer will bring you to Adria, an ancient Greek port, famous for trading amber coming from the Baltic. It's a remarkable museum that also bears witness to its Etruscan, Roman, and Venetian Heritage.
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​Day 5: Adria - Po Delta Nature Reserve - Pellestrina Island, 25 mi. (40 km)
After a short ride on board, you cycle into the delta of the life-giving Po. This unique wetland is the prime reserve in Europe for herons and home to a sizeable colony of flamingos. Weather permitting, as you continue towards Chioggia, you can also enjoy a stop at a beach and a dip in the Adriatic - not forgetting a hot savory piadina! Chioggia is also known as "Little Venice", a colorful fishing hub. The overnight takes place on the island of  Pellestrina, just in front of Chioggia.
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Day 6: Pellestrina Island - Venice, 19 mi. (30 km)
Venice beckons, but first another world altogether: Pellestrina, the first of two islands you traverse today – a humble and tranquil fishing backwater, picturesque as ever with its cottages, boats, and nets. A short island-hop by ferry transfers to Lido. Fashionable in high society ever since the Belle Époque, the Lido di Venezia is now home to the International Venice Film Festival and its galaxy of stars.

​ After rejoining the barge, you will enjoy a leisure cruise in front of St Mark’s square to the final destination. After dinner, you can savor Venice at night, now free of the crowds and at her most romantic: Benvenuti a Venezia!
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Day 7: Venice, guided walking tour and free time
A guided walking tour of Venice begins around 11 am and lasts approximately 1.5 hours. It begins in St. Mark square and continues towards the bigger "sestiere" of the city, Castello.

You will visit Campo Santa Maria Formosa where you can experience a characteristic market and then a city hospital and large gothic church in Campo dei Santi Giovanni e Paolo. Later, you will go to Campo Santa Marina and to the Rialto Bridge. During this tour, the guide will explain these sites from the outside, no entrances are planned. 
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I guess I always knew this… but forgot?

As we prepare to leave on vacation the energy in the house is a mix between excitement and dread. You know the anticipation? The expectation ! And all the things you forgot.

I take a breath and lean in to my suitcase. I don’t know why I fret. The few things I pack can be washed and reworn!

If Covid taught us nothing it taught us sweat pants can last a week if handled carefully! Two weeks in Italy requires comfort clothes and something a little stylish… but wait, I live on Cape Cod!

We have completed most of the requisites. The note to the Dog sitter, the walk about with the gardener, the cleaned out refrigerator… but then it dawns on us…
what about the storage on our phones?

​TONIGHT. Tonight we will be deleting everything. Sorry, but it’s true.
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