Journey Back to Florence

Yesterday when I left you I was on my way to the train station in Monterosso to catch my train back to Florence. The train station was literally 50 steps from the hotel so no biggie. I took the regional train so it wasn't as nice and it took a little longer than I'd have liked because it made so many stops along the way but I still got to where I was going and it was much cheaper. I paid 14 Euros for the train from Monterosso to Florence. It stopped in Le Spezia where I had to change trains but after that it was straight to Florence.

There were many different types of people on the train but everyone is so nice. I had two different men help me haul my bags up the train steps and back down when I got off the train. One of them wasn't even Italian. After about a 3 hour train ride total, I finally made it to Florence at about 4:07 pm. Alessandro was there at the end of the platform waiting for me. He grabbed my bags and we walked over to his restaurant. Once we arrived we put my bags up in the office and I decided to sit out on the patio to relax a bit. I had a cappuccino and a caprese salad. We walked around for a little bit until he had to go to the gym. I didn't want to go so I decided to walk around some more and be come accustomed to Florence again. I could seriously walk around this place for hours on end. There is so much to see and so many people to watch.

I made it back to the restaurant at about 7:30 pm and decided to play on my laptop a bit. I have free wifi at his place so it's nice to get a chance to blog, check facebook, and upload pics without feeling rushed. I even got to chat a bit with mom, Tab, and Mary. After a few hours Alessandro was ready to take a break for dinner so I sat inside with him and I swear he just kept ordering food and ordering more food for me to eat. I finally had to say stop because there was no way I'd eat any more.

After bruchetta, assorted cheeses, octopus salad, spinach and potatoes, and minestrone soup I called it quits. He gave me a limoncello and I was spent. I can't wait for dinner tonight though; I'm going for the eggplant Parmesan.

So, today I walked around Florence again and took a few more pictures. I did a bit more shopping as well. I can't wait to get home and give everyone their special gifts. I made reservation for the Uffizi Gallery for tomorrow at 3:00 pm. I wanted to go to the Galileo Science Museum today but it closed before I got there. I'll go by there tomorrow as well. I went into the Duomo today and got some great pics.

It's been another wonderful day in Florence. I can't wait for tomorrow.

Ciao!!!

The Cinque Terre Hike and PESTO!

On Sunday Brian and I hiked part of the Cinque Terre. There is a very large portion of the trail that is closed because of a terrible flood that destroyed the area last year. They are still rebuilding after the damage. Regardless, it was an amazing experience and we got to see 4 out of the 5 villages along the way. We stopped for a late lunch in one of the villages and I swear I ate some life changing pesto ravioli. We shared a ½ bottle of red and finished our meal off with an espresso. It seems crazy but we really do have wine with every meal here…well except breakfast but those people in Venice are crazy and they do have wine with breakfast.

We hiked until about 4:00 pm, only about 4 hours because we didn’t get started until about noon. The hike started out crossing Monterosso, which is where we stayed. We stayed in a very nice hotel called Hotel Baia with our window facing the beach. It is so amazing being able to sleep with the waves crashing all night long, so peaceful and comforting. All along the pathway for the hike the views continued to get better and better. On view would be completely different just a few meters up. The different perspectives from each stopping point were just amazing. We were literally walking along a path that was made on the side of a mountain overlooking the Mediterranean.

The flowers and plants were just beautiful. We made it to the first town called Vernazza and had to jump on a regional train to go to the very last town called Riomaggiore. Once we made it there we hiked back towards Monterosso, which was through 2 of the towns, Manarola and Cornigila. The area that was closed was in the very middle between Vernazza and Corniglia. We had lunch in Corniglia.

We caught the train in Corniglia to come back to Monterosso and just decided to relax the rest of the afternoon.

Leah text me back about my flight changes. I had text her on Sunday to see if she could call American to find out how much it would be to change my flight and stay until Friday the 11^th instead of coming home on the 8^th. I didn’t get to see all that I wanted to in Florence so I really wanted to go back for a few days. After it was all said and done, she was able to change my flight to Friday leaving from Rome instead of Venice and it was very inexpensive to do so. I decided to go for it since I am already here…and we only live once. Who knows when and if I will ever be able to come back to this part of the world.

So, I’m just relaxing this morning in my hotel café waiting for my train to leave from Monterosso at 12:40 to head to 1 stop in La Spezia. I’ll leave La Spezia at about 1:40 and will be in Florence again by about 4:07 pm.  Brian left this morning at about 4:45 am to catch a train to Rome. His flight leaves for JFK at about 2:00 pm today.

I am so very excited to get back to Florence. I want to go to the Uffizzi, climb the stairs to the top of the Duomo, and maybe even go see the Statue of David again. I have three days to do whatever I want and whenever I want because I have no set schedule now. This will be my vacation from the vacation. While we were on the tour it was just so busy with time schedules and be here at this time, etc. etc. It was very crunched together and we always had to meet far in advance before we had to be somewhere because with 50 people, someone is always late.

With all of that said though, the tour was amazing and we were always on time. It wasn’t bad at all and I will definitely do another one someday before I turn 35 and can’t take Contiki Tours anymore.

I’m out of here….gotta get my bags and walk the 100 yards to the train station. I have to figure out what platform my train is leaving from.

Ciao!!!

End of the Tour

The tour ended this morning and I’m a little sad about it. I’ve spent 8 days with some incredible people and have made some new lifelong friends. There were people from New Zealand, Australia, South Africa, Singapore, all over the US, and many other places. It was obvious very quickly how the groups formed with people who are similar and have fun together.

Our last day was spent in Venice. We had traveled all day long from Florence on the 3^rd stopping in Verona and some outlet shopping mall. I really liked Verona. We got to see Juliet’s home and have a nice afternoon prosecco at a local eatery. The shopping was incredible in Verona. I bought a really cute green bikini.

There was an included dinner in Verona. We had dinner there at about 7:00pm. It wasn’t the best dinner we’ve had on this trip but not terrible. The cheeses are always great, 2^nd course was Gnocchi which is always delicious as well, but the 3^rd course was a bland chicken and some potatoes. I was not impressed at all. But, the wine and gelato made up for it later.

We left the restaurant ready to make the 1.5 hr drive to our hotel just outside of Venice. We didn’t stay in the town of Venice because the only way in is by a 30 minute train and then you would have to walk with all of your luggage through uneven streets, over bridges, and loaded into boats. Not easy at all unless you have the bag like this lady I saw that had three wheels on it that were arranged in a circle so her bag was capable of actually climbing steps. Anyway, we made it only about 10 minutes outside of town and Yannick was going over the survey’s that he needed us to complete and a few other things when all of the sudden he says “Ok, we may not make it to the hotel by 10:30pm now, we must stop for a short time to repair a belt on the bus.” We all started laughing because this happened just as we were to complete our survey’s about how wonderful the trip was. Ironic, right?

It wasn’t that bad after it was all said and done but we had to get off the bus because it was so hot without it running. We all made quite a few jokes about the whole ordeal. We had just taught Yannick about the term FML earlier that day so it was quite appropriate when he was standing behind the bus helping the bus driver remove 4 giant belts from the engine’s alternator and try to replace them. He looked back at us and said very affirmatively “FML!” We all died laughing.

To kill time we decided we should open a bottle of wine that we had purchased the night before to drink while watching the sunset in Florence from Piazzale Michelangelo. We were always prepared with wine openers and tiny plastic cups. All in all it turned out to be an ok pit stop except the fact that we didn’t get to our hotel until 12:30 am and we were all exhausted because this particular day started at 6:00am and none of us had slept the night before considering it was our last night in Florence and we wanted to end it on a good note.

I actually went out every night in Florence. I didn’t care how tired I was or how early we would have to be up the next morning. It was completely worth it every single night. So with that being said, the day we drove all day and stopped in Verona was a beating for me. I am not one to sleep on trains, plains, and automobile’s but I was OUT during that bus ride. I fell into my bed when we arrived and woke up pretty early because we had to catch a train into Venice at 8:20am. I swear I didn’t actually wake up until I started drinking wine again at about 1:00pm for lunch. Of course, after lunch we all split up to go see and do the things we wanted to do on our own. I just walked around and got lost over and over and over again. I stopped for some truffle’s in a very nice chocolate shop. Every so often I would come across a piazza and stop to sit down around the fountain or statue that was in the middle. I’d watch people and rest my feet. 

In on piazza in particular I saw a young girl kicking around a little ball and had a Barbie in her hand. I started kicking the ball around with her and we laughed and giggled. She was adorable but of course didn’t speak English so we just kicked the ball and chased after it time and time again. After a bit I decided to continue on, so I headed back towards the San Marco Square where we were meeting prior to our final dinner. I stopped for some gelato. YUM! I found a little garden/park area with some benches. I still had about 2 hrs to kill before we were all meeting back up so I sat on a bench, took off my cardigan and rolled my pants up a bit. I couldn’t hold my eyes open any longer I was so exhausted so I laid down half on the bench and my feet on the ground and literally took a nap with the sun shining down on me in this park. It was amazing!!! I wasn’t the only one napping so I didn’t feel out of place. I wrapped my purse around my shoulder and just zipped it up, clasped my arms around the zips and napped away.

Once it was time to meet back up, I walked to our meeting spot. We had another group dinner that we had to pay extra for but we (the fab 6, Brian from CT, Sarah from OK, Allison from NYC, Jacob from Ft. Worth, Marissa from Singapore, and myself) decided to do it so we could have a final dinner with the group. Yannick sat with us and he told use some incredible stories about previous trips he’d been on and crazy stories about Ibiza and Brazil. He meets some really crazy people but also very nice ones as well. We’ve all decided that if we go on another Contiki trip it will be one of his. We all have is email and I got his phone number so we can stay in touch. 

I'm in Monterosso now and it is breathtaking. The cliff views over the ocean are just amazing. We had dinner outside sitting on the edge of a cliff pretty much. Just lovely. We are headed out to do the hike this morning. Just finished up breakfast and about to head out. 

Ciao!!!!

Ohhhh Florence

I've decided I could live in Florence. There are no words to describe how beautiful Florence is.

I've spent three days here but am leaving this morning headed to Venice.

Our first night here in Florence was absolutely insane. They have a holiday that is similar to our Independence Day. There were so many people out and live bands everywhere until 6 am. We went to a group dinner and then hit the streets to experience the crazy party. I went to a bar called Slowly with Yannick and we walked around all night and even stopped to watch a band for a bit. They were playing a great mix of American and Italian music. At about 2:30 we decided that we should get a sandwich. I'm not sure what it was exactly but it had truffle oil on it. So delicious. we just sat in an alley way and shared.

The next morning we had to be up pretty early. There was a little Coffee bar right across from our hotel that I have had Cafe Americano and a pastry in every morning.

The streets are very narrow here and everyone just walks in the middle of the street until a car comes. There are bikers and scooters all over.

I've walked across the Ponte Vecchio and visited Boboli Gardens. Last night a few of us decided to skip the group dinner and go to the look out point that has amazing views of the city. We took wine and a few snacks to sit and watch the sun set over the city. It was breathtaking. You just don't see stuff like this in America.

We went to a restaurant called Il Latini two nights ago. It was a family style place where you pay one price with so many courses and all the Chianti you can drink. We were all so stuffed and had so much wine. I had to be rolled out of the place. I've kind of rounded up about 6 of us and we run around together instead of the tour group. I just had so many tips on where to go in Florence so we have had a great time.

I walked around alone for about 4 hours yesterday to explore Florence. I've bought a really nice new leather bag and some super cute loafers. They are definitely my new favorite shoes and so European.

After The sunset last night we went to Moyo for appertivos and drinks. It was hip hop night there and there was a soccer game on. I ended up leaving to go meet the rest of our group at Slowly but it ended up being closed so Yannick called me to tell me to go back to the area where Moyo was. I turned around and started heading back when all the sudden a very, very good looking Italian man stops me and starts asking me something in Italian. I told him I speak English and then all the sudden he was speaking perfect English. He was with two other men and a woman.

He proceeds to ask me if I know of any good bars to go have drinks in that aren't closed so I say to him "as a matter of fact I do and I'm headed back there now if you all would like to join" So they did. We walked for about 10 minutes and I find out he is actually from Florence. I thought it was funny because I'm from Dallas and showing him where to go in Florence. REALLY?!?! Anyway, we get to the bar and I join them instead of my group. I learn that he owns a wine bar right at the base of the Duomo (which I know is a fact because he took me there later). His name was Alessandro and is 37 yrs old. He actually lived in NYC for about 5 years at one time.

He and his friends decided we should go back to his friends place, Marco, so we left and started walking. We stopped by his wine bar to get a bottle of wine. It was very late so everything was closed. He unlocked the door cover, raised it and oh my this place was beautiful. The house we went to was Marco's and he has an amazing town home with a roof top terrace overlooking the Duomo. I was so stunned at how amazing this place was and all of this happened by chance....just walking by these people and there I was in their home like I've known them forever. Everyone is just so welcoming here.

After a glass of wine, I decided to head back to my hotel. Alessandro was so nice to walk me back safely. We exchanged phone numbers. He wants me to come back after Venice but I'm supposed to be going to Monterosso. We shall see. I am very, very tempted to go back to Florence and spend a few more days there with him.

I'm on the bus now. We are headed to Pisa then Verona to see Juliet's home and then off to Venice. It's going to be a long day so I'm going to try and nap now on the bus.

Oh, I also tried to upload some videos yesterday but it's not working so it will have to wait until I get home.

Ciao!!!!

And the Tour Begins

On April 28th, Saturday, it's time to get to Hotel Noto to meet up with the group. Brian came over to get me and helped me drag my luggage. We stopped at a cafe in a very nice area near my hotel and the Vatican to have some snacks and Caffe Americano on our way to the subway. I had a really yummy square of pizza with some delicious salami on it. Brian got our coffees and talked into getting a slice of tirimisu that tasted like Heaven.

We made it to Termini Station after about 40 minutes. The subway was surprisingly nice and easy to maneauver through. Although i kept seeing a sign that read "uscita" an kept asking Brian what stop that was and was that just the name of the green line or something. It was a green sign at every stop the train opened its doors at. Brian got a really good kick out if that because Uscita means "EXIT" in Italian. Now, no matter where we are, if there is a green uscita sign, Brian says "look Aven, the green line drops off right here too!"

We walked over to the hotel and got checked in. Sarah was already in our room, napping because she had flown in from Barcelona early that morning. She spent a week in Spain prior to the tour.

We had our intro meeting at 4:00pm and then headed out for our welcome dinner. There are 51 people in the tour and a great mixture. I already know Brian and Sarah and had exchanged a couple emails with another guy named Jacob. Im not the oldest either....Im the 3rd oldest. None of these youngins believe I'm 30. It's flattering. Dinner was a pizza making demonstration but was a lot of fun and very cool to see. We had two giant pizzas for every four people and two bottles of wine. There was a little entertainment. It was an older Italian singer who was hilarious. He kept walking around the tables singing to different girls. He had missing teeth and was quite creepy but we couldn't help but just laugh at the man.

After dinner we did a lengthy walking tour of Rome. Yannick, our tour guide, walked us around the city to the Spanish Steps, Pantheon, Trevi Fountain, and many piazza's. It was neat to see everything...even at night.

Once the walking tour was over he took whoever wanted to go to a bar where we paid one price and had open bar for a few hours. It was the first night so it was really fun watching everyone let lose a little and begin to get to know one another.

I ended up meeting a group of 4 Argentinians. They spoke pretty good english but not great so I got to dance the night away with them and speak Spanish to them. We had a blast and they kept saying they wanted "besos". I only kissed them on the cheek of course. ;-) They were such babies though. I felt like I could be their gramma when I found out they were only 20 yrs old. Oh well....."When in Rome", right?!?!?

We stayed pretty late and I was among the last 5 who stayed there with Yannick. He got all of us back to the hotel via Taxi. Yannick is really funny and pretty good looking too, did I mention that yet? He is 29 and Italian but does Contiki tours all over Europe. He will only get 12 hours off before going to a Greece tour after ours ends.

Once I got back to the hotel I found it difficult to sleep. I keep doing this every night. I go to bed and have trouble falling asleep because in my head I keep thinking "it's only 7:00pm at home". I guess that's what jet lag is....hmmmmmm.

The first day was very successful and an excellent start to the tour. I knew right then that I made the best decision coming here and picking Contiki as my tour.

I'll upload pics and videos tonight. You all with love them!

Ciao!!!!!!!

Birthday Celebrations

So, at 3:00 pm on Friday the 27th I was ready to make the trek to meet Brian at Trevi Fountain. The only issue was that it was about 1 mile away from my hotel, in Rome.....and I had to walk. I grabbed the map of Rome and got started.

It was a little intimidating at first. The roads are completely insane with no consistency. Oh and they are in Italian, obviously, so I had to really work at this. After making a few circles and crossing the correct bridge, I finally made it. But now, I had to find Brian in the mix of about 50 trillion people standing around this fountain. I did though after about 5 minutes and we were both so very happy to have found one another after our 50 minute walks and search. We are amazed at how lucky we have been with just randomly making it thru stuff so easily.

It was about 5:00 pm by this time so we sat down at a patio and decided to have a snack of pizza and a pear and blue cheese salad tipped with cinnamon. It was delicious.

We ended up just walking around all night, all the way to the Coloseum. I have a great video update to share but I'll have to upload later. WiFi is truly scarce and I'm eating up my data usage quickly. we even stopped in a little bar called 0.75 for a quick beer and loved it.

Anyway, we made it back to Trevi Fountain after an amazing dinner. We went to dinner on a cute patio covered with great greenery and candle light at about 9:30 pm. It's amazing how different things are around here. We had a really tasty starter dish of some sort of eggplant, I honestly can't remember what it was called, two bottles of wine, and I had the rigatoni.

Back at Trevi we had some gelato at about 11:30pm, had a seat and people watched. There were still 50 trillion people out there, only a little tipsy now. We met a group of Sweeds who wanted me to take a photo for them. They were celebrating something drinking bubbly out of plastic cups at the fountain. I cheered them and told them it was Brian's and my birthday and then all the sudden they were all singing Happy Birthday to us with their awesome accent. "Happy Birzzzday too Zeuuu....". It was incredible!!!!!!!

We headed to the streets to find a bar to hang out in for the rest of the night. We stumbled on a little Pub and ha a glass of wine. There was a couple next to us, a Russian girl and a guy from Milan. They had met in Rome because she was in town. They had met a year prior and stayed connected thru Facebook. Anyway, we talked to them for awhile but in very short words because they knew little English and we knew little Italian. It was fine though because we all decided to share a cab and go dancing at a place called Cub 18.0. It was a typical dance club and they played good dance music but for some weird reason they were showing these hard core hip hop and rap videos. It was so strange. At about 2:30 am, after dancing with some cute Italian guys, I decided we should go home.

We eventually made it back to our hotels and decided to meet back up in the morning....I had to somehow drag my luggage across town to the hotel we were all staying at thru the tour. This my friends, is another post all on its own. I did ride the subway though....very cool here.

I'm actually in Florence now and we are headed out to do some sightseeing. Last night was some sort of festival called White Night where people crowd the entire cities all over Italy and party ALL NIGHT LONG. I made it till about 3:30 am. There were bands in every corner. I heard rock, disco, and dance music in English and Italian. It was soooooooo fun! I had a delicious sandwich with truffle oil and other things on it (I can't remember exactly), y'all it was the most amazing thing I've ever eaten....sitting on a street, in Florence, at 3:00 am.

I had the most amazing birthday I have ever had in my life! I will never, ever forget my 30th birthday, EVER!!!!!!

I'll keep trying to post as I go.

Ciao!!!!!