Excuse the angry entry below...but it's hard to be told you can't have things...like a family. Seems like that's the right of any woman, whether it's having a kid or adopting a kid. If you want it and you can take care of and raise a child properly, you should be allowed to!
But anyways, I called my mom that night, half-heartedly expecting her to agree with my boss, but it was quite the opposite. She said to do what we feel is right and we'll figure it out. Whether my mom comes and stays with us while they try and sell their house, or my dad comes to help out, we'll figure it out. My mom said she'll be there every minute I need her and not to worry. That she's ready to quit working and be a grandma. We also have Jeff's mom, who's only an hour and a half away, and my adopted mom (our friend and realtor) who has very young grandkids herself and has a baby-proof house. So it's not as bad as we originally had thought and "no time is the right time" whether financially or whatever, but us, like everyone else, will figure it out.
So, we are really excited. I scheduled my doctor's appointment on November 11th for a consolation and for any exams and blood work I need done. We stocked up on the vitamins we'll need. What's funny is that I don't really have to change my diet any (except for wine and I'll have to cut back on sushi) because we already eat really healthy. We already eat whole grains, calcium rich products and veggies, and we're very good about not eating sugar. So at least it won't be a complete lifestyle change for me (being pregnant - I know it'll be a complete lifestyle change once it's born!). We're already putting things in motion to cut down on our spending and put more away. I'm upping my 401k to 3% beginning in January for our long-term savings plan. We already have all of the necessary medical care for pre-natal, delivery, and well-baby visits. Our cars are paid for and our only outstanding debt is our house and Jeff's student loan. We have a great buffer in our income to be able to afford a baby and still be able to put away money every month for emergencies and future travel. And we have great family and friends supporting us. So I feel really great about this, I'm so excited I can hardly stand it and I'm hoping that 2009 will be another amazing year for us.
Oh and the reason for the picture - not only do I like posting pictures with my entries - but I feel like a butterfly is a great symbol for my discussion in this post. :-D
Monday, October 27, 2008
Thursday, October 23, 2008
Being a Woman sucks
Growing up I was focused on going to college, getting married, starting a family, all the while having a career. There was no question that I would be a working mom. As time has progressed and reality has set in, the idea I'd had about "taking a few years off and then going back to work" has become a fantasy. It's apparent that after 3.5 years at Jeff's job, he'll never make more than I made with my starting pay here (4 years ago), and I'll never make enough to supplement Jeff's income so that he could be a stay at home dad. The reality of it is, is that we both have to work and most likely it will always be that way.
With that reality in mind, we set out on planning and discussing on how to make kids work in the next year or two. It seemed like it would be doable until a reality check (again) came from my boss.
Jeff had talked to his boss and she agreed to (4) ten hour shifts so he could have every Friday off to take care of the baby. That would give us one day of child care. Then I was convinced my boss wouldn't have a problem with me working two days a week from home, as my job is very doable from home, so that would only leave us two days a week for child care. Two days a week is affordable (with several cut-backs) and we could still manage to make it without a whole load of worry about paying the bills. That was until I finally decided to discuss this with my boss...and was shot down. Working two days a week sets a precedent that "it's ok" for working mother's to work part time from home and that I'll never really get anywhere in the company by setting that precedent. The only option I would have (if HR would allow it) is to work full time from home at a lower title, but I would then sacrifice a career. Because once I took the "demotion" I could never build a career from that. Also that I can't have a significant raise unless I took a management or supervisor position, therefore taking an increase in work, therefore not being able to work from home and raise a child. So pretty much, on a platter I was given the choice of children or career. This loss of control over what I've aimed to do my entire life, makes me sad, it makes me angry, and it makes me feel discouraged.
Going into this conversation I thought I was making the best move. I'm still early on in my career, so I thought now was a good time to have kids because by the time their school age I would be able to grow more and move into a position that would be more responsibility. But apparently it's only one or the other.
No matter how many times I play the numbers over in my head, there's just no way we could make it with Jeff out of work. We'd literally have pennies left to our name, we wouldn't be able to save much at all, and would have nothing for emergencies. That's not the way I want to live.
But everyone keeps telling me that there's never a right time for kids and "things will work themselves out..." but I just don't see any other way around this. You can't magically make someone affordable come out of no where and be able to give you child care. And who wants to send a 3-month old baby to a child care facility 4 days a week anyways?
With that reality in mind, we set out on planning and discussing on how to make kids work in the next year or two. It seemed like it would be doable until a reality check (again) came from my boss.
Jeff had talked to his boss and she agreed to (4) ten hour shifts so he could have every Friday off to take care of the baby. That would give us one day of child care. Then I was convinced my boss wouldn't have a problem with me working two days a week from home, as my job is very doable from home, so that would only leave us two days a week for child care. Two days a week is affordable (with several cut-backs) and we could still manage to make it without a whole load of worry about paying the bills. That was until I finally decided to discuss this with my boss...and was shot down. Working two days a week sets a precedent that "it's ok" for working mother's to work part time from home and that I'll never really get anywhere in the company by setting that precedent. The only option I would have (if HR would allow it) is to work full time from home at a lower title, but I would then sacrifice a career. Because once I took the "demotion" I could never build a career from that. Also that I can't have a significant raise unless I took a management or supervisor position, therefore taking an increase in work, therefore not being able to work from home and raise a child. So pretty much, on a platter I was given the choice of children or career. This loss of control over what I've aimed to do my entire life, makes me sad, it makes me angry, and it makes me feel discouraged.
Going into this conversation I thought I was making the best move. I'm still early on in my career, so I thought now was a good time to have kids because by the time their school age I would be able to grow more and move into a position that would be more responsibility. But apparently it's only one or the other.
No matter how many times I play the numbers over in my head, there's just no way we could make it with Jeff out of work. We'd literally have pennies left to our name, we wouldn't be able to save much at all, and would have nothing for emergencies. That's not the way I want to live.
But everyone keeps telling me that there's never a right time for kids and "things will work themselves out..." but I just don't see any other way around this. You can't magically make someone affordable come out of no where and be able to give you child care. And who wants to send a 3-month old baby to a child care facility 4 days a week anyways?
Tuesday, October 21, 2008
Pismo Beach
My birthday was great this year. I did work, but that's ok. After work, 7 of us met at Kabuki for sushi. I haven't eaten much in the past three weeks and I hadn't had a drink since Italy, so I was really excited to stuff my face with some yummy sushi and mojitos! They sang happy birthday to me in Japanese which was highly entertaining to Ale and Liz and pretty funny after two drinks!
The next afternoon Jeff and I drove up to Pismo Beach to meet my parents for the weekend. Had an AWESOME Italian meal at Giuseppe's in downtown Pismo. What a great place to have an Italian meal after coming back from Italy...it was very authentic and the best Italian meal I've ever had in America!
The next morning we went to see the Monarch Grove. The Monarch's are in Pismo from October/November - February. It's the biggest Monarch Grove in the state and it's absolutely beautiful! I've never seen so many butterflies in my life and they were amazing. What an experience - especially as a photographer!
Then we headed back downtown for a little shopping and eating before heading out to Paso Robles for some much needed wine tasting! Went to J Lohr, Tobin James, and EOS. All were fantastic and inherited 5 more bottles of wine from it!
Later we had dinner at F McLintock's - a huge steak place in Pismo. Fun experience and the food was good. They took my picture with my birthday cake and ice cream with a Polaroid, so I have it forever. :-)
We had a great weekend and enjoyed the sea air and views from our hotel. It's so beautiful up there and I definitely want to go back! Not only to see the butterflies, but to eat at Giuseppe's!
The next afternoon Jeff and I drove up to Pismo Beach to meet my parents for the weekend. Had an AWESOME Italian meal at Giuseppe's in downtown Pismo. What a great place to have an Italian meal after coming back from Italy...it was very authentic and the best Italian meal I've ever had in America!
The next morning we went to see the Monarch Grove. The Monarch's are in Pismo from October/November - February. It's the biggest Monarch Grove in the state and it's absolutely beautiful! I've never seen so many butterflies in my life and they were amazing. What an experience - especially as a photographer!
Then we headed back downtown for a little shopping and eating before heading out to Paso Robles for some much needed wine tasting! Went to J Lohr, Tobin James, and EOS. All were fantastic and inherited 5 more bottles of wine from it!
Later we had dinner at F McLintock's - a huge steak place in Pismo. Fun experience and the food was good. They took my picture with my birthday cake and ice cream with a Polaroid, so I have it forever. :-)
We had a great weekend and enjoyed the sea air and views from our hotel. It's so beautiful up there and I definitely want to go back! Not only to see the butterflies, but to eat at Giuseppe's!
Wednesday, October 8, 2008
Italy - Closing Thoughts
I didn't know if I was going to enjoy being with a group of 27 people, but I did. Jeff really came out of his shell and people really enjoyed his company, which took some social pressure off of me. It was also stress free as the tour took the reins and led the way. I was able to relax and actually take the time to take it all in. And it also gave us friends for life.
Italy was beautiful - every city and every bus drive offered new sights, great memories, and new experiences.
I would return to the Almafi Coast, Florence and Venice again for sure. In the time being I will take my 12 days and 13 cities of memories and hold them close to my heart. This was the best journey of my lifetime.
Ciao Bella,
Meg <3
Italy was beautiful - every city and every bus drive offered new sights, great memories, and new experiences.
I would return to the Almafi Coast, Florence and Venice again for sure. In the time being I will take my 12 days and 13 cities of memories and hold them close to my heart. This was the best journey of my lifetime.
Ciao Bella,
Meg <3
Day Twelve - September 29, 2008 - Rome, Washington DC, Los Angeles
Six a.m. wakeup call this morning so we could catch the 6:45 shuttle into the airport with the rest of the North Americans.Quiet ride over - everyone dreading the long trip back to the states.
After some goodbyes, duty free olive oil shopping, snow globe and t-shirt purchases, we gave one last goodbye to Michelle, Hollie, and Amber and then boarded our flight.
Nine hours to DC and then five hours to L.A. from there.
So since I have a long journey ahead, I want to summarize my favorite things or experiences about each city.
Rome: I've wanted to go to Rome as long as I can remember. The sites and history didn't let me down amid the crazy traffic, rain, and insane roads. The colosseum was truly amazing and a sight everyone should see in their lifetime. Just pressing my hand against the ancient walls makes me feel in some small way that I am a part of that history.
Sorrento: Amazing. The coast line is like nothing I've ever seen in my life. It was almost too much for my eyes to take in; like my brain couldn't process the beauty. I'll always remember my first moment on the bus seeing Mt. Vesuvius for the first time. Despite its danger, it is truly the most beautiful mountain I've ever laid eyes on. The view from our hotel was so spectacular that I will never ever forget it. Oh and who could forget the 4-foot pizza at Pizza a Metro!
Positano: A surprise excursion that didn't let me down. The city is buried deep into a mountain at sea level and on the coast. Very hard to get to! We watched the sun set just behind the mountain over the ocean. The city itself was amazing with hilly streets lined with cute little shops and cafes. I loved it!
Capri: Touristy, but gorgeous. I'll always remember sitting on the water sipping wine with Jeff and Michelle and just enjoying the view.
Pompeii: I never thought I would make it to the city of Pompeii in my lifetime. I thought it would always be just a dream of mine. I've been fascinated with it for years and although I didn't get to see as much of it as I had hoped, I'm still extremely blessed that I got to set foot in a city that was so advanced and is nearly 2000 years old. It was an experience like no other and I will never forget it. In Pompeii I'll always remember the petrified boy frozen in time as he tried to shield himself from the poison in the air.
Florence: What a beautiful city! It's a "big city," yet still a pretty city. Not dirty or chaotic like Rome, with lots of beautiful tree-lined streets. The feel of the influence of art also gives this city a great vibe. I will never forget laying my eyes on the beautiful David or Michelangelo's unfinished works. Another highlight was seeing the mountains between Florence and Pisa where for centuries (even Michelangelo) marble has been carved out of the mountains. Amazing!
Pisa: This will be known as the quickest sightseeing trip in history! The tower was cool - smaller than I thought, but every year when I look at my little Pinocchio on the xmas tree, I will think of Tuscany and Pisa.
Portofino: A beautiful tiny town hidden on a island. It's a sleepy town and we enjoyed relaxing by the water. The green water was so clear I could watch the fishes swimming below me. All of the colored houses add so much charm to this coastal town, it's hard not to love it!
Milan: We were only here a little over 12 hours and I'll probably remember it most for the nice hotel room! But the minestrone soup was awesome.
Lake Garda: Another surprise trip that was enjoyable. I've always heard the Italian Lakes are amazing and Lake Garda (the largest of the 3) definitely was. I'll always remember the yummy strawberry gelato!
Verona: A complete surprise - a pleasant one - that this town, known for Juliet's balcony, was actually a very cute little town. The Arena is a smaller version of the Colosseum and built around the same time. It was beautiful. I'll never forget all of the "graffiti" on the Lover's Wall at Juliet's House.
Venice: Ahhh (sigh)...I absolutely adored Venice. My favorite moment (in Venice and the entire trip) was our evening drink in St. Mark's Square (me with my rose is in the picture on this post). Venice is crowded, but by far the most different place I've ever been to in my life. The architecture and green water just make it quite a sight to take in. I enjoyed wandering the back streets and also going up to the top of the bell tower and seeing out all over Venice. Amazing.
Burano: This excursion was worth every penny. Burano is a gem about 40 minutes from Venice. The brightly colored houses and shops were an amazing sight. And no crowds! Great photos and great cheesy/creamy lasagna too!
Assisi: The view of the Tuscan region from this city carved into a mountainside was priceless. Quite hilly, but a great stop!
Now for my favorites!! Oh course there's going to be some food in here...
My favorite...
Wine: The first night in Florence we had dinner at a pizza place. I ordered their Chianti and it was so amazing. The flavor was full and the aroma was sweet - it was awesome.
Dessert: Tiramisu the first night in Rome. It had a slight coffee flavor to it which I really enjoyed.
Coffee: Generally bad in Italy, but the quick Cappuccino at the stand-only bar in Venice was amazing. Runner up were the latte's outside the Pantheon in Rome.
Seafood: A tie between the seafood risotto in Positano and the creamy seafood lasagna in Burano.
Shopping: Florence! I bought a true Italian leather purse and some Chanel sunglasses, what else can I say?
Olive Oil: Best and most flavor was in Sorrento.
Meat: The gigantic Florentine steak in the Chianti Hills at our dinner excursion.
Best Optional Excursion: Burano and Positano. Both colorful cities on the water and gorgeous!
Best Hotel: Honestly, Milan was the most luxurious, but the last night in Rome at Hotel Pinewood had the best package. Best shower, best temperature control, and no mosquitoes (mossi's!).
Best moment: As mentioned before, St. Mark's Square at night, drinking with the band playing.
Best Pasta: The three small bites of creamy pasta at the Florence dinner. So cheesy! Runner up is the seafood lasagna and the first meal at the Campo de Fiori.
Time to settle in for a long flight...
Ciao Bella Italia!
~ M <3>
Day Eleven - September 28, 2008 - Assisi and Rome, Italy
Long drive today, but it wasn't too bad. We stopped after we came out of the Apennine Mountains and then again in Assisi.
Assisi is a beautiful little (and hilly) town perched on (and in) a mountain side. It's best known for Saint Frances of Assisi, who is kept in a crypt there. He was the saint of nature and also the patron saint of Italy.
The crowds there were unexpected (bus loads of nuns arriving when we left), but we were still able to visit the basilica and crypt before climbing uphill for views of the countryside. A great little place to stop before we did our final 2 hour drive into Rome.
Coming back to Rome was surreal because in so many ways it feels like we were just there and then it feels like we were gone for a month.
The hotel room was tons better than Venice and probably the second best (if not the best) the entire trip.
We quickly packed for our journey the following morning and then left to go into the heart of Rome for our farewell dinner.
Only about 14 of us went, but it was a good group and another large and fabulous dinner. First course was a plateful of anti-pasta and we sliced fresh pepperoni and salami at the table. Second course was ricotta stuffed ravioli and bowtie creamy pasta and a tomato pasta that looked like little shells. Next was a plate of meat including veal, chicken, pork and some potatoes and salad. Last was a slice of almond cake with a shot of limoncello and a cappuccino. I'm pretty tired of eating which is sad!
We then walked to the Spanish Steps and climbed to the top and looked out over Rome.
We only had a few goodbye's as everyone we spent most of our time with were going to be on our shuttle the next morning.
M
Assisi is a beautiful little (and hilly) town perched on (and in) a mountain side. It's best known for Saint Frances of Assisi, who is kept in a crypt there. He was the saint of nature and also the patron saint of Italy.
The crowds there were unexpected (bus loads of nuns arriving when we left), but we were still able to visit the basilica and crypt before climbing uphill for views of the countryside. A great little place to stop before we did our final 2 hour drive into Rome.
Coming back to Rome was surreal because in so many ways it feels like we were just there and then it feels like we were gone for a month.
The hotel room was tons better than Venice and probably the second best (if not the best) the entire trip.
We quickly packed for our journey the following morning and then left to go into the heart of Rome for our farewell dinner.
Only about 14 of us went, but it was a good group and another large and fabulous dinner. First course was a plateful of anti-pasta and we sliced fresh pepperoni and salami at the table. Second course was ricotta stuffed ravioli and bowtie creamy pasta and a tomato pasta that looked like little shells. Next was a plate of meat including veal, chicken, pork and some potatoes and salad. Last was a slice of almond cake with a shot of limoncello and a cappuccino. I'm pretty tired of eating which is sad!
We then walked to the Spanish Steps and climbed to the top and looked out over Rome.
We only had a few goodbye's as everyone we spent most of our time with were going to be on our shuttle the next morning.
M
Day Ten - September 27, 2008 - Venice and Burano, Italy
We woke up to a shower with no hot water! We didn't have time to switch rooms, so I washed my face and hair in the sink and stuck my arms and legs in the freezing cold water. What an experience!
We took a water taxi into St. Mark's Square. Crazy and crowded during the day! We then walked to the original Murano Glass blowing factory to watch a demonstration and make some purchases. Three vases - all 24kt gold trim and designs. Ours is the original amethyst and the two for our moms are cobalt blue.
Kristy then took us to one of only two authentic Venetian mask makers. We only purchased a small mask, but to be able to see them all hanging on the walls was awesome. The animal masks were my favorite, so the small one I purchased was a cat mask.
We grabbed a sandwich to go and walked the small streets to the Rialto Bridge and then followed the signs back to St. Mark's Square to take the elevator up the Bell Tower for a great 360 degree view of Venice and its surrounding islands. Amazing and totally worth the 8 Euro. All of the orange and red rooftops against the backdrop of the water was spectacular.
We then strolled through the winding streets to the Accademia Bridge. It's the only wooden bridge in Venice and since the sun was peeking through the clouds, it had some great views for pictures.
We met the group back in St. Mark's at 2:45 for a gondola ride. Fun! Again, I felt like I was at Disneyland! We were also given a bottle of prosecco to drink on the ride. Music and a singer followed in the boat behind us. It was fun and gave us a great look at the canals.
After the ride we grabbed a (the best one the entire trip) cappuccino before meeting the group for a 40 minute ride out to Burano.
Burano was beautiful and truly one of my favorite places the entire trip. No crowds, brightly painted houses, and a small town feel. It was definitely one of the best excursions we did.
We had dinner there on Burano after some free time. A four-course meal. It started with something similar to a tuna pate and bread. Then a seafood risotto and a creamy (non-tomato) cheesy lasagna - SOOOO yummy! Then calamari and little friend shrimp. Dessert was little almond bars (like peanut brittle, but with almonds) and lemon cookies with fresh fruit.
It was a cold and chilly evening as we left Burano for Venice to pick up the others and headed back to the hotel.
Long drive tomorrow!
M
We took a water taxi into St. Mark's Square. Crazy and crowded during the day! We then walked to the original Murano Glass blowing factory to watch a demonstration and make some purchases. Three vases - all 24kt gold trim and designs. Ours is the original amethyst and the two for our moms are cobalt blue.
Kristy then took us to one of only two authentic Venetian mask makers. We only purchased a small mask, but to be able to see them all hanging on the walls was awesome. The animal masks were my favorite, so the small one I purchased was a cat mask.
We grabbed a sandwich to go and walked the small streets to the Rialto Bridge and then followed the signs back to St. Mark's Square to take the elevator up the Bell Tower for a great 360 degree view of Venice and its surrounding islands. Amazing and totally worth the 8 Euro. All of the orange and red rooftops against the backdrop of the water was spectacular.
We then strolled through the winding streets to the Accademia Bridge. It's the only wooden bridge in Venice and since the sun was peeking through the clouds, it had some great views for pictures.
We met the group back in St. Mark's at 2:45 for a gondola ride. Fun! Again, I felt like I was at Disneyland! We were also given a bottle of prosecco to drink on the ride. Music and a singer followed in the boat behind us. It was fun and gave us a great look at the canals.
After the ride we grabbed a (the best one the entire trip) cappuccino before meeting the group for a 40 minute ride out to Burano.
Burano was beautiful and truly one of my favorite places the entire trip. No crowds, brightly painted houses, and a small town feel. It was definitely one of the best excursions we did.
We had dinner there on Burano after some free time. A four-course meal. It started with something similar to a tuna pate and bread. Then a seafood risotto and a creamy (non-tomato) cheesy lasagna - SOOOO yummy! Then calamari and little friend shrimp. Dessert was little almond bars (like peanut brittle, but with almonds) and lemon cookies with fresh fruit.
It was a cold and chilly evening as we left Burano for Venice to pick up the others and headed back to the hotel.
Long drive tomorrow!
M
Day Nine - September 26, 2008 - Lake Garda, Verona, and Venice, Italy
After departing Milan, Kristy surprised us with a 40 minute stop in the Lake District at Lake Garda. It's the largest lake in Italy and was beautiful! A great treat for all of us. We picked up some strawberry gelato before getting back on the bus towards Verona. [Best gelato the entire trip!]
We arrived in Verona around 12:30 and immediately got to see the Roman Arena (built in the 1st Century AD) which is also (like the Colosseum) missing its outer wall, but is smaller in scale and made of pink and white marble. Verona is a very cute little town!
Then onto Juliet's balcony and the House of Juliet where we wrote our names and date on a piece of paper and stuck it on the [Lover's] Wall. After that Jeff and I returned to Piazza Bra and chose from 42 different pizzas while watching the people around the Arena. My pizza was artichoke, mushroom and ham. Yum! We then strolled the Piazza before hopping on the bus and heading off to Venice.
We arrived at our hotel in Venice around 5:30 and had some time to freshen up in our broom closet of a room before we headed into Venice.
Had dinner at a nice hotel (Hotel Continental) in Venice and then took a boat down the Grand Canal. SO AMAZING! Felt like a ride at Disneyland. We docked at St. Mark's Square and got to see the Doge's Palace, St. Mark's Basilica and St. Mark's Square completely lit up at night. Kristy arranged for us to sit at a cafe on the square and listen to a band and take in the sights. It was a beautiful evening and we had a great time. Oh and we also got a glass of prosecco and a rose for all of the ladies!
M
We arrived in Verona around 12:30 and immediately got to see the Roman Arena (built in the 1st Century AD) which is also (like the Colosseum) missing its outer wall, but is smaller in scale and made of pink and white marble. Verona is a very cute little town!
Then onto Juliet's balcony and the House of Juliet where we wrote our names and date on a piece of paper and stuck it on the [Lover's] Wall. After that Jeff and I returned to Piazza Bra and chose from 42 different pizzas while watching the people around the Arena. My pizza was artichoke, mushroom and ham. Yum! We then strolled the Piazza before hopping on the bus and heading off to Venice.
We arrived at our hotel in Venice around 5:30 and had some time to freshen up in our broom closet of a room before we headed into Venice.
Had dinner at a nice hotel (Hotel Continental) in Venice and then took a boat down the Grand Canal. SO AMAZING! Felt like a ride at Disneyland. We docked at St. Mark's Square and got to see the Doge's Palace, St. Mark's Basilica and St. Mark's Square completely lit up at night. Kristy arranged for us to sit at a cafe on the square and listen to a band and take in the sights. It was a beautiful evening and we had a great time. Oh and we also got a glass of prosecco and a rose for all of the ladies!
M
Day Eight - September 25, 2008 - Pisa, Portofino, and Milan, Italy
Early wake-up call this morning along with a crappy breakfast and a swollen eye. [The mosquitoes here are hideous creatures!] We made the 1.5 hour drive to Pisa for a really quick half-hour stop. The leaning tower of Pisa was actually a little smaller than I thought, but also leaning more too! Nice little pit stop to say we saw it and paid 30 cents to use the restroom.
Onto the Italian Riviera in Portofino. We had to take a ferry over from Santa Margherita, but it was a beautiful day so we stood on the top deck [and enjoyed the views]. Portofino is small but gorgeous with its different color buildings against the bright blue sky and green water.
Enjoyed some seafood risotto while Jeff had Lasagne Pesto. We stayed for about 2 hours until we took the ferry back and began our trip to Milan.
We arrived in Milan around 5:30pm and went directly into the city center to the Piazza del Duomo. The Duomo in Milan is very Gothic and reminds me of the famous one in Spain. It has the most marble sculptures in the world. The stained glass was so vibrant and brilliant...beautiful.
We traveled through the Galleria to the Piazza della Scala to see the Opera House and City Hall.
We then dined in a trattoria in the Galleria. Had the best minestrone soup ever! The beans and veggies were gigantic! Also tried Milanese Risotto, which is basically a cheesy rice. Tasty! Good house vino rosso too!
Quick stop for perfume and clothes in Zara and then went to the hotel around 9pm. Beautiful hotel and the nicest room we've ever stayed in. Accept for the mosquitoes and lack of air conditioning!
Can't wait for Venice!
M <3
Onto the Italian Riviera in Portofino. We had to take a ferry over from Santa Margherita, but it was a beautiful day so we stood on the top deck [and enjoyed the views]. Portofino is small but gorgeous with its different color buildings against the bright blue sky and green water.
Enjoyed some seafood risotto while Jeff had Lasagne Pesto. We stayed for about 2 hours until we took the ferry back and began our trip to Milan.
We arrived in Milan around 5:30pm and went directly into the city center to the Piazza del Duomo. The Duomo in Milan is very Gothic and reminds me of the famous one in Spain. It has the most marble sculptures in the world. The stained glass was so vibrant and brilliant...beautiful.
We traveled through the Galleria to the Piazza della Scala to see the Opera House and City Hall.
We then dined in a trattoria in the Galleria. Had the best minestrone soup ever! The beans and veggies were gigantic! Also tried Milanese Risotto, which is basically a cheesy rice. Tasty! Good house vino rosso too!
Quick stop for perfume and clothes in Zara and then went to the hotel around 9pm. Beautiful hotel and the nicest room we've ever stayed in. Accept for the mosquitoes and lack of air conditioning!
Can't wait for Venice!
M <3
Day Seven - September 24, 2008 - Florence, Italy
We started our day in this beautiful city with a walking tour at the amazing Duomo. What a colorful and beautiful cathedral. Third largest in the world. It's like nothing I've ever seen. Then onto the Piazza della Signoria to see where David once stood, the "Rape of the Sabine Woman," and Persius cutting off Medusas' head. We breezed by the Uffizi Galleries and then took some photos by the Ponte Vecchio. Our meeting place was Santa Croce where we saw our [lame] "leather demonstration."
We then had a quick lunch with asparagus risotto, spinach and ricotta ravioli and spaghetti Florentine. We ate in Piazza della Signoria and then met with the group to to the Accademia to see David. What a sight! David is 13 feet tall (without his platform) and is amazing. The tour guide also showed us some of Michelangelo's unfinished works which gave great insight into how he carved David and other works of art. So amazing! Anyways, David was so beautiful and so precise.
Afterwards we went leather shopping (yay for my new red purse!) and then to the Church in Santa Croce. Santa Croce Church is where Michelangelo, Dante, Marconi, and many others are buried.
We then met the group and did a wine, olive oil, balsamic, and tapanade tasting. Fun! Love the truffles in the olive oil - amazing taste!
That night we were off into the Tuscan Hills for a group dinner excursion. Amazing! The restaurant was a Tuscan villa hid among the trees. Our first course was an anti-pasta buffet with some strawberry wine. Then a ricotta stuffed ravioli, some creamy bow-tie pasta, and some type of meat penne. We then got served potatoes (fries-style) and salad with our GIGANTIC Florentine steak. Red wine and champagne accompanied our fantastic meal. Everyone had an amazing time and enjoyed themselves immensely.
Onto Milano!
M
We then had a quick lunch with asparagus risotto, spinach and ricotta ravioli and spaghetti Florentine. We ate in Piazza della Signoria and then met with the group to to the Accademia to see David. What a sight! David is 13 feet tall (without his platform) and is amazing. The tour guide also showed us some of Michelangelo's unfinished works which gave great insight into how he carved David and other works of art. So amazing! Anyways, David was so beautiful and so precise.
Afterwards we went leather shopping (yay for my new red purse!) and then to the Church in Santa Croce. Santa Croce Church is where Michelangelo, Dante, Marconi, and many others are buried.
We then met the group and did a wine, olive oil, balsamic, and tapanade tasting. Fun! Love the truffles in the olive oil - amazing taste!
That night we were off into the Tuscan Hills for a group dinner excursion. Amazing! The restaurant was a Tuscan villa hid among the trees. Our first course was an anti-pasta buffet with some strawberry wine. Then a ricotta stuffed ravioli, some creamy bow-tie pasta, and some type of meat penne. We then got served potatoes (fries-style) and salad with our GIGANTIC Florentine steak. Red wine and champagne accompanied our fantastic meal. Everyone had an amazing time and enjoyed themselves immensely.
Onto Milano!
M
Day Six - September 23, 2008 - Pompeii & Florence, Italy
Early wake up call this morning for Pompeii. Even though it poured rain last night, it was a clear and beautiful morning. Pompeii was a lot more touristy than I thought it would be. We had a local guide who was able to give us lots of details and paint a vivid picture of Roman life from around 64BC - 79AD. It's overwhelming and surreal standing and walking on the same cobblestones that these people did. They had stores, homes, shops, laundry services, brothels, public baths, and even a sewer and some plumbing! They were so advanced, it's just insane. Sadly most of the artifacts and petrified people [I was hoping to see] are only on display in the museum in Napoli, so we were only able to see a few vases, two people, and only pieces of the city. You could spend hours there and never see it all. It's over 4 square miles long. Amazing and I would love to go back.
We then piled on the bus for a beautiful (and sleepy) 5.5 hour ride into the Tuscan region and Florence.
At sunset we drove above the city to Piazzle Michelangelo for a sunset view of Florence. Beautiful!! Then another dinner of pizza with some spectacular Chianti wine before we headed to a local bar (Obio) for their strawberry daiquiris. Capped off the night with a view of Piazza della Signoria. [Florence is such a beautiful city!]
M <3
We then piled on the bus for a beautiful (and sleepy) 5.5 hour ride into the Tuscan region and Florence.
At sunset we drove above the city to Piazzle Michelangelo for a sunset view of Florence. Beautiful!! Then another dinner of pizza with some spectacular Chianti wine before we headed to a local bar (Obio) for their strawberry daiquiris. Capped off the night with a view of Piazza della Signoria. [Florence is such a beautiful city!]
M <3
Day Five - September 22, 2008 - Sorrento & Capri, Italy
This morning we had an hour of free time in Piazza Tasso. We purchased some gifts and a piece of inlaid wood before we caught the ferry over to the Isle of Capri. What a beautiful place! Different color boats line the shore with a bunch of multi-colored houses. We then took the funicular up to Capri Town. A bit crowded but a nice place for the 7 of us not taking the excursion to go to. We enjoyed anti-pasta and caprese salad for lunch and then walked around Capri Town a bit. Then we headed down to the shore and had drinks by the water.
We left late afternoon and headed back to Sorrento for dinner at Pizza a Metro. They claim to have invented pizza! The pizzas came out and were at least four feet long! We had a variety; one with tomatoes, another with tomatoes and sausage, and another with broccoli, mushrooms and green tomatoes. Amber, Jeff and I shared 2 bottles of wine and ate WAAAY too much pizza! [During dinner a thunder and lightening storm came out of nowhere and we ran laughing and giggling back to the bus as we all got drenched.]
After dinner [and back at the hotel] we had "Crema di Lemone" aka Cream Limoncello - tasty! My faves in Sorrento (besides the awesome view from our hotel) were the olive oil and limoncello. Tomorrow - Pompeii!
M<3
We left late afternoon and headed back to Sorrento for dinner at Pizza a Metro. They claim to have invented pizza! The pizzas came out and were at least four feet long! We had a variety; one with tomatoes, another with tomatoes and sausage, and another with broccoli, mushrooms and green tomatoes. Amber, Jeff and I shared 2 bottles of wine and ate WAAAY too much pizza! [During dinner a thunder and lightening storm came out of nowhere and we ran laughing and giggling back to the bus as we all got drenched.]
After dinner [and back at the hotel] we had "Crema di Lemone" aka Cream Limoncello - tasty! My faves in Sorrento (besides the awesome view from our hotel) were the olive oil and limoncello. Tomorrow - Pompeii!
M<3
Day Four - September 21, 2008 - Sorrento & Positano, Italy
Three and a half [hour] beautiful (and winding) drive down to spectacular Sorrento. This is the most beautiful place I have ever set foot in my life. Breathtaking views, quaint cafes, tiny stores filled with the most brilliant gems...I could live here!
We spent two hours in Piazza Tasso eating (the best!) Salame Pizza, shopping, and had our first samples of Limoncello. Also saw some ruins from the 5th century BC below the city.
We then checked into our fabulous hotel where I'm pretty sure we were lucky and got THE best room - 4th floor with a full view of Pompeii, Mt. Vesuvius, and the Bay of Naples. I could sit on our balcony for an entire day and never get tired of it. It's so amazing it makes me want to cry.
We were then fortunate enough to take a sunset and evening excursion down into Positano. The hilltop views of the Bay were unbelievable. Positano itself is hard to get to, but a city with lots of charm and beauty. Had dinner with some people from our group. Positano is known for its seafood, so of course, we tried it! Jeff had clam fettuccini and we also had seafood risotto - so yummy! Also bruschetta and I tried a local fave - spaghetti made with olive oil "chilis" and cheese. "Aigio" or something like that. The olive oil here is the best I've ever had. It's so flavorful I don't know how I'll ever eat American [olive oil] again!
Tomorrow we're off to the Isle of Capri.
Arrivederci!
M
We spent two hours in Piazza Tasso eating (the best!) Salame Pizza, shopping, and had our first samples of Limoncello. Also saw some ruins from the 5th century BC below the city.
We then checked into our fabulous hotel where I'm pretty sure we were lucky and got THE best room - 4th floor with a full view of Pompeii, Mt. Vesuvius, and the Bay of Naples. I could sit on our balcony for an entire day and never get tired of it. It's so amazing it makes me want to cry.
We were then fortunate enough to take a sunset and evening excursion down into Positano. The hilltop views of the Bay were unbelievable. Positano itself is hard to get to, but a city with lots of charm and beauty. Had dinner with some people from our group. Positano is known for its seafood, so of course, we tried it! Jeff had clam fettuccini and we also had seafood risotto - so yummy! Also bruschetta and I tried a local fave - spaghetti made with olive oil "chilis" and cheese. "Aigio" or something like that. The olive oil here is the best I've ever had. It's so flavorful I don't know how I'll ever eat American [olive oil] again!
Tomorrow we're off to the Isle of Capri.
Arrivederci!
M
Day Three - September 20, 2008 - Rome, Italy
Very packed day! On the tour bus at 7am and headed over to the Vatican. Started in the Vatican Museum with halls of painted ceilings, telling many stories of Italy and religion. Then onto the Sistine Chapel, which was the craziest thing I've ever seen. Floor to ceiling paintings by Michelangelo telling stories of Jesus, Moses and judgment day. It's way too much to take in!
St. Peter's Basilica was last and it was huge! Saw a Michelangelo statue "Pieta" as well as the crypt of many popes (including the late John Paul II). The basilica was spectacular with many huge domes, magnificent statues and even a measurement of how smaller churches in the world compare. Our local guide, Daniella, was very informative and a pleasure!
Onto yet another pizza lunch in the Colosseum neighborhood before another quick tour of the Colosseum. Jeff and I then took the metro [scary!] to the Piazza di Spagna to have a look at the Spanish steps and grab some chocolate gelato. One theme that stands out today (and for our next stop) is CROWDED! I've never seen so many people in my whole life!
Onto the Trevi Fountain, just as amazing as I thought, though it's hard to enjoy anything with so many people around. Threw a United States quarter into the fountain for luck.
Dinner in Piazza Navona at a ristorante called "4 Fiumi" for their famous "tartufo" dessert. Basically rich chocolate ice cream with dark chocolate chunks on top. Very tasty! Veal again though much better tonight. [Bought a painting in the Piazza and then headed back to the hotel with Carl and Carly.]
Very exhausted as I've been up since 2am. Onto Sorrento tomorrow! [Rome is insane and I'm excited to head for the coast!]
M <3
St. Peter's Basilica was last and it was huge! Saw a Michelangelo statue "Pieta" as well as the crypt of many popes (including the late John Paul II). The basilica was spectacular with many huge domes, magnificent statues and even a measurement of how smaller churches in the world compare. Our local guide, Daniella, was very informative and a pleasure!
Onto yet another pizza lunch in the Colosseum neighborhood before another quick tour of the Colosseum. Jeff and I then took the metro [scary!] to the Piazza di Spagna to have a look at the Spanish steps and grab some chocolate gelato. One theme that stands out today (and for our next stop) is CROWDED! I've never seen so many people in my whole life!
Onto the Trevi Fountain, just as amazing as I thought, though it's hard to enjoy anything with so many people around. Threw a United States quarter into the fountain for luck.
Dinner in Piazza Navona at a ristorante called "4 Fiumi" for their famous "tartufo" dessert. Basically rich chocolate ice cream with dark chocolate chunks on top. Very tasty! Veal again though much better tonight. [Bought a painting in the Piazza and then headed back to the hotel with Carl and Carly.]
Very exhausted as I've been up since 2am. Onto Sorrento tomorrow! [Rome is insane and I'm excited to head for the coast!]
M <3
Day Two - September 19, 2008 - Rome, Italy
A very wet and rainy day here in Roma. We were able to escape rain when we went to the Colosseum this morning. Amazing! There's really only so much one can process about a city and building so old. Oddly enough it seemed a little smaller than I thought, but just as spectacular as I had imagined. We have a stop there tomorrow, so hopefully I can get some shots with blue sky!
After the Colosseum we did the archeological walk, starting with the palaces atop Palatine Hill and down into the Forum. It started pouring rain then [at the Forum] and although the sites were awesome, it was quite hard to enjoy in the rain and be soaking wet.
Lunch was [a] "Panina Capri." Bread with proscuitto, mozzarella, tomato and lettuce. We then got a little lost, but finally found the Pantheon. It's very well preserved inside - I believe the best preserved interior in [Ancient] Rome. Crypts and an open dome are what makes it amazing.
[We sat in the Pantheon square and enjoyed a hot café latte while the rain poured down. Then waited in a really long taxi line in the rain with my newly purchased rainbow-colored umbrella.]
Still pouring rain we headed back to the hotel to meet our tour group. 27 people from all over the world. We'll see how it goes!
We headed back into ancient Rome and had dinner just inside the Aurellian Walls. Had dinner at "Segafredo Zanetti." Pasta, veal, potatoes, and the best tiramisu I've ever had! Then a night time highlight tour of the city.
Early day tomorrow. We depart at 7am for the Vatican. Long but exciting day tomorrow!
M <3
After the Colosseum we did the archeological walk, starting with the palaces atop Palatine Hill and down into the Forum. It started pouring rain then [at the Forum] and although the sites were awesome, it was quite hard to enjoy in the rain and be soaking wet.
Lunch was [a] "Panina Capri." Bread with proscuitto, mozzarella, tomato and lettuce. We then got a little lost, but finally found the Pantheon. It's very well preserved inside - I believe the best preserved interior in [Ancient] Rome. Crypts and an open dome are what makes it amazing.
[We sat in the Pantheon square and enjoyed a hot café latte while the rain poured down. Then waited in a really long taxi line in the rain with my newly purchased rainbow-colored umbrella.]
Still pouring rain we headed back to the hotel to meet our tour group. 27 people from all over the world. We'll see how it goes!
We headed back into ancient Rome and had dinner just inside the Aurellian Walls. Had dinner at "Segafredo Zanetti." Pasta, veal, potatoes, and the best tiramisu I've ever had! Then a night time highlight tour of the city.
Early day tomorrow. We depart at 7am for the Vatican. Long but exciting day tomorrow!
M <3
Day One - September 18, 2008 - Rome, Italy
Long over night flight from DC to Rome. Slept a little, but not much. It was 4.5 hours from L.A. to DC and 8 hours from DC to Rome. Took us at least an hour and fifteen minutes to get our luggage - slowest baggage claim EVER. Then the bumpiest most nauseating hour-long shuttle ride of my life. We arrived at our hotel around 11:45am. Our first meal was here at Rouge et Noir Hotel. Pizza margherita (olive oil, tomato sauce & cheese) with salad and fruit.
Our room was finally ready by the time we finished lunch at 1pm. The room - is a room - seems clean enough - accept for the yucky shower curtain - but otherwise big by European standards.
After a nap until 3pm, we showered and made phone calls home. By 5pm we headed back into the city [via the free hotel shuttle that drops you at Termini Station. From there we took a cab into the Campo de Fiori].
We strolled around the Campo de Fiori and then settled into some outdoor seats at a local cafe so we could enjoy dinner in a Roman atmosphere.
"Samby's" was the name of the ristorante and my meal was fabulous. Started with a 1/2 liter of red wine and an order of caprese. My entree was "Rigatoni all'Amatricana" which the waitress recommended. It was rigatoni with tomato, bacon, and pecorino cheese. Great recommendation! Jeff's pasta was "Rigatoni all'Carbonera" which was made with bacon, egg and cheese.
We strolled around a bit before grabbing a cab and heading back for some much needed sleep.
Tomorrow is a big day - Ancient Rome - here we come! Hope the weather holds out.
Ciao Bella!
~M
Our room was finally ready by the time we finished lunch at 1pm. The room - is a room - seems clean enough - accept for the yucky shower curtain - but otherwise big by European standards.
After a nap until 3pm, we showered and made phone calls home. By 5pm we headed back into the city [via the free hotel shuttle that drops you at Termini Station. From there we took a cab into the Campo de Fiori].
We strolled around the Campo de Fiori and then settled into some outdoor seats at a local cafe so we could enjoy dinner in a Roman atmosphere.
"Samby's" was the name of the ristorante and my meal was fabulous. Started with a 1/2 liter of red wine and an order of caprese. My entree was "Rigatoni all'Amatricana" which the waitress recommended. It was rigatoni with tomato, bacon, and pecorino cheese. Great recommendation! Jeff's pasta was "Rigatoni all'Carbonera" which was made with bacon, egg and cheese.
We strolled around a bit before grabbing a cab and heading back for some much needed sleep.
Tomorrow is a big day - Ancient Rome - here we come! Hope the weather holds out.
Ciao Bella!
~M
Italy
I've been so sick with the stomach flu that I haven't even felt like blogging about my trip! I journaled every day and I want to post them on here. I'm going to try and work on that today.
In a nutshell we had the time of our lives. What an amazing experience! 13 cities in 12 days and a complete look at so many different regions and cultures in Italy. We made new friends and enjoyed lots of wine and food and the best part is that we made memories that will last us a lifetime. Italy is a gem and although crowded, is a place to see in your lifetime. I don't regret a dime we spent and I wouldn't have changed a thing!
Will be back to blog later! :-) Ciao!
~M
In a nutshell we had the time of our lives. What an amazing experience! 13 cities in 12 days and a complete look at so many different regions and cultures in Italy. We made new friends and enjoyed lots of wine and food and the best part is that we made memories that will last us a lifetime. Italy is a gem and although crowded, is a place to see in your lifetime. I don't regret a dime we spent and I wouldn't have changed a thing!
Will be back to blog later! :-) Ciao!
~M
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
Posts
