Bella Italia

Throughout my travels in Italy, I would ponder over what to write on my blog. A sentence, a memory, or an image would pop into my mind and I'd try to file it away. However, here I sit; wondering what moments to write out so that I can later look back once my memory has failed me.

Colleen and I began our trip in charming Venice. Everything seemed to be going smoothly until we couldn't find our hostel. "It said cross the bridge, turn right, walk 3 minutes, and look for a red door. Right?" Finally, after walking for way more than 3 minutes, we found our hostel check-in point. We then found out our apartment was located in the city center, close to Piazza San Marco. Perfect! However, that meant about a 30-45 minute walk with our heavy backpacks. Sure, we had the option of taking a water bus, but who needs public transportation anyway? Our apartment ended up being way better than expected with the added bonus of having a pianist at the hotel next door, which we could hear if we cracked open the windows. I'm not embarrassed to admit we tucked ourselves into bed early both Friday and Saturday nights, falling asleep to the sounds of the piano. For me, Venice was an alluring city with winsome views around every corner. I loved the canals, the bridges, and the fact that even if you get lost you are never too far from where you want to be.

I could have stayed in Venice for a little while longer, but was in no way unhappy about hopping on a train to Florence. The train ride just added to my love for Italy. Sitting by the window, listening to my ipod and staring at the scenery wooshing by; I felt like I could have been in a movie. Our arrival in Florence meant more walking to find our hostel. Then the exploring began! Between piazzas and churches, we stopped for food and some shopping. The most damage was done at the leather market near Piazza Lorenzo... the bags, jackets, notebooks, accessories, and shoes were all exquisitely crafted and "felt like butta" (as my mother would say). Colleen and I enjoyed visiting Santa Croce, the Duomo (and climbing Brunellesci's dome), Ponte Vecchio, the Uffizi Gallery, and many other sites along the way. Sitting along the Fiume River, as the sun started going down, was one of the most relaxing things we did. However, one of my favorite moments was when we wandered back to Piazza S. Croce where there was an open market. We bought a cheesy bread roll, two beers and just sat along with all the other people savoring the great weather.

Tuesday brought a new setting: ROMA. We just so happened to run into Mrs. Ring there...funny coincidence. About twenty minutes after finding each other we hit up a nearby wine bar. Standard. The rest of the evening was relaxed with mild walking and a pleasant dinner by our hotel (note: not a hostel). Although I had previously visited Rome, I relished in getting to tour the city a second time. On Wednesday, we visited the Vatican and happened to get there when the Pope, himself was speaking to the people. Now I can say I've seen the Pope in person twice! [Nerd alert.] On our way back to our hotel, we crossed through many piazzas, including Piazza Navona. Thursday could have easily become a blur of site-seeing, however I miraculously remember every detail. The majority of our day was spent touring the Roman Forum, Palentine Hill, and Colosseum. Afterwards, we headed off to our next stop, which was planned to be a surprise for Mrs.Ring. The Cappuccin Crypt, which decoratively displays the bones of Cappuccin monks between the years of 1528 and 1870. Surprise! Thank goodness she fond it to be fascinating instead of just plain creepy. We ended our grand tour with the Pantheon and Trevi Fountain. After all of that site-seeing we were starved so we took a tip from Rick (Rick Steves Italy guidebook 2008 ed.) and found Osteria da Mario, a family-run restaurant with delicious pasta. We made quick friends with our waiter, Nico and the co-owner, Franceso. When we asked if he was Mario or knew Mario he just shook up head, pointed up to heaven and said "Ah, no...Mario, Mario." Woops, wrong question. He didn't seem to mind and was friendly enough to sip on some limoncello with us too!

Friday we were off again! To the town of Salerno on the Amalfi Coast. My experience in Salerno can be summed up very quickly: trashy clothing, lack of sites, mediocre gelato, and Bernardo. Now, the last thing, rather person, may confuse you. To keep it short, Bernardo was our waiter and one of my many Italian crushes. Sure, he was probably no older then 17 (fine, 16) but I fell for his boyish grin, attempt at speaking english, and complete lack of shame in calling his mom "Mama" in front of us. One night in Salerno and our bags were packed again.

This is where things got good... We had a car take us to Palazzo Sasso in Ravello, which is the most beautiful place I have ever been. The winding cliff roads had the most spectacular views of the hillside, sparkling water, and plentiful lemon trees that Ravello is known for. Our time at Palazzo Sasso was beyond anything I could have imagined...we could choose what sheets we wanted (cotton, linen, or satin - satin, obviously),  had head pillows provided for laying by the pool, complementary champagne, and fluffy white bathrobes. The bathrobes became a staple outfit when in our room and we even played with the idea of walking down to the terrace wearing them. I can only hope that one day I return to Ravello and certainly Palazzo Sasso. Monday brought clouds and a case of the blues when we had to leave our heaven on earth. We ended our stay on the coast in Sorrento for one night. We weren't able to explore much of Sorrento due to rain, but the view from our hotel wasn't too shabby.

Tuesday, we made our way to Naples where I split off from the Ring ladies to catch my flight back to Barcelona. A part of me was sad to return to Barcelona because I loved Italy so much. However, now I'm back and only have one week left here. There isn't a good way to express exactly how I'm feeling about leaving, but if I could pause time, I would.