6.24.09 ~ Be Back Home

Departing for home, my last day of vacation...

Parting, with vacation, can be such sweet sorrow...to misquote Shakespeare. Oh, it's always nice to sleep in your own bed, but I do so love that carefree vacation feeling! Last summer we decided to cash in our accumulated frequent flyer miles and set about deciding where to go, many great places that we still hope to visit were discussed, but in the end it was Italy that won. Neither of us had been there and we wanted to branch out from our Asia or beach trend. I must admit that the year we spent waiting for this special trip to Italy was well worth it. We originally were planning on spending a few days in Rome then the rest of the time down the Amalfi coast, but everyone we talked to that had been to Italy, some multiple times, insisted that we HAD to go see the art and history of Venice and Florence as well, so we took their advice and I must admit that they were right, Venice and Florence are must see's in my book now too. Being the lay on the beach and relax vacation types we took on this sightseeing trip with a chilled attitude - see what we want, take breaks for naps and above all - eat great food (my husband is a foodie above all else!) I took around 800 pictures, so I will spare you the pain of going through someone else’s endless vacations photos and just share a few favorite photos and thoughts from each city...

Venice

I fell in love with Venice the second I stepped out of the train station and saw the surprisingly blue waters of the Grand Canal seeming to hold up huge colorful and delightfully charming old buildings. It was just an easy city to love - we could walk anywhere we wanted to go, we could wonder down small avenues and discover breathtakingly charming piazzas with delicious pasticceria (think bakery meets chocolate shop - YUM!), we could sit on small bridges and watch the boats navigate the canals...it was just lovely and oh so picturesque. I will always treasure the memory of sitting along the canal one evening with my dear hubby and watching dusk take over the sky while the water lapped below our feet.



Florence

Florence will now always be the fashion capital for me, I was so inspired by not only the great little designers shops (by that I mean small shops opened by designers to showcase their designs NOT big name designers like Gucci, which was there but not exactly my price range or interest), but the fashion scene of the Florence residents was quite inspiring, so classic and hip all at the same time. I am happy to say that the extra money I'd earned over the year was well spent in Florence. :) Clothing and shoes aside, Florence also had charm to spare. Situated around the Arno river the narrow stone streets were full of historic churches and villas with a spattering of old world art such as water fountains from the 16th century and Michelangelo sculptures you could just happen to stumble upon. The art featured in the Uffizi - was fantastic for my art loving soul, I must admit seeing The Birth of Venus - was really inspiring. Another highlight for me was visiting the mountain top church of San Miniato al monte and finding the monks chanting filling the ancient church. I also braved my fear of heights and climbed all 463 steps to the top of the dome on the Duomo, the worlds 4th largest cathedral...

Rome

My love for Rome came slowly, much like falling in love with my husband, it was a bit of a shock to my romanticized travelers mind to hit a large metropolitan city after Venice and Florence, but by the time we left we were already planning to try and return. Rome's long history, dating back to 1 AD!!! makes it a history lovers paradise (that would be hubby). After being totally overwhelmed by the possibilities of things to see and do in our 3 days there we focused solely on the historic section of Roman ruins (Colosseum - with the cross above, Pantheon, Roman Forum and Palantine ruins) and Vatican city sights. We added a few other fountains and fun stops, but for the most part wanted to get a feel for the city and not just "do” all we could.

As with all travel, it's the exposure of new places, new ideas and new ways of living this life that inspires me. I return home changed, even if just a little, for having seen and experienced a little more of this great wide world.

“Italy, and the spring and first love all

together should suffice

to make the gloomiest person happy.”

Bertrand Russell

For those brave enough to sit through about 100 pictures, click here :)