Wednesday, October 8, 2008

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>

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