s&t go to italy

The rush of scurrying about Italy for a summer leaves me breathlessly nostalgic. One highlight of the summer was S's turn to visit Italy - his first ever time - and watching the absolute magic of the cities, sights, and foods sink into him. We had an (almost) impossibly long to do list, but I proudly can say that we checked most things off. I was proud because I was kind of an unofficial tour guide, cappo di gruppo, for a week - which had its trying times. For instance my stupid idea to tackle Rome in only one day left me exhausted and frazzled to say the least. Other times were much less rigorous and molto relassante. Such as our beautiful nights in Florence. Wine tasting in Montalcino and Montepulciano. I think my love obsession for Tuscany rubbed off on S.

And so, I give you, a little taste of our Italian travels!

ciao, xo

venezia.

 so...which way?

From July 2013.

When you go to Venice, let me know how you like it. Because there are some parts of Venice that frustrate me to no end. The number one thing is getting around: well, I guess, that's the whole beauty of it - it's supposed to be a total maze. If you combine that, the oppressive amounts of tourists, and a blazing summer sun, then it can be pretty uncomfortable. But if you know how to get away from that and find the little jewels that are the unoccupied streets, the little hole-in-a-wall restaurants, and tucked away galleries...then, you're good, Venice.

This summer I had the pleasure of being assigned to go to Venice twice. That was way back when, when I was a vlogger. It's a hands off, get lost and explore sort of day. If you're solo traveling, without a group or tour or without any previous knowledge of Venice, getting around can be particularly difficult. Why do the signs point in two directions? It's just one of those things I'll never know.

Venice does have its beautiful parts to it; the emptiness of Murano is a great escape from the bustling, proud Piazza San Marco (probably my favorite on the main "island"); the little cafés outside with glasses and silverware set on the tables; the elaborately beautiful gondolas that bob in the soft waves of the canals. I know I complain about Venice (my friends know it too), but hey, I wouldn't be opposed to sipping a bellini in Piazza San Marco right about now.

Ciao! xo