Cool pics of Paris in the Spring

More pics of Paris on a beautiful spring day.

Eiffel Tower

Charles de Gaulle

Arc de Triomphe

Champs Elysees

French Open

We took one last quick trip into Paris. The weather was perfect for a stop at Roland Garros.


Still cold in late May!!


The crowds exiting after Blake's first round loss.

Giro d'Italia

The Giro d'Italia went through Biella on Friday morning. The Giro is the Italian equivalent of the Tour de France.

The start of the race, in front of the Esselunga.

Parade of sponsors.

You can't really see them, but the Italian alps are in the background. Here's a picture of Alex standing in one of the rice fields outside of Biella.

Biella

Alex's old team in Biella was in the first round of the playoffs against Vidi Vici Bologna, so we went to the game on Thursday night. No pictures of the game as this blog is basketball free. Alex had a great time catching up with old friends and also seeing a bunch of old teammates from both Biella and Bologna.

Milan

We stopped in Milan for some shopping and a visit with Alex's shoulder surgeons.

The Duomo is still under renovations, but they uncovered the top half. Look at how clean it is now. Looks brand new!!

AC Milan was playing Liverpool in the Champions League Finals. The AC fans started gathering in the Piazza in front of the Galleria early in the day. This picture was taken around 5 in the afternoon. The game did not begin until 9:00.

Final score: AC Milan 2, Liverpool 1. We heard fireworks and cars honking all night after AC's victory.

Tuscany

Montalcino
This is where Brunello is from, one of our most favorite wines.


View from the top of Montalcino.

Montepulciano
Vino Nobile, another awesome Italian red wine, is made here.


You can see Montepulciano on top of the hill in background. One of the very few pictures of Alex in this blog


View from the top of Montepulciano.


We got stuck in traffic on the way back to Florence. We were so happy to be in Tuscany with the beautiful views and warm sun that we actually enjoyed sitting in the car for an hour.

ITALIA

Our stay in Europe would not be complete without a trip to Italy, so we took the TGV from Paris to Milan.

Florence
We drove straight down to Florence as soon as we arrived.


The Duomo. Still beautiful and impressive.

Gorgeous afternoon in Tuscany. The sun was just beginning to set.

Ponte Vecchio. Bridge over the Arno lined with jewelry shops.

Lindsey & Naya

Two of Alex's teammates, Darnell and Brice, have the cutest little girls. Here are a couple of pictures.

Lindsey, 13 months.


Naya, 7 months.