WAS I dreaming???
Trip Start
Apr 22, 2009
1
8
Trip End
May 08, 2009
Montreal, Canada
Wednesday, May 20, 2009
Summarizing Italy isn't easy! But adding a few more photos is....I took over 2,000 photos in 14 days! Since I've arrived home everyone's asking me "what city did you like the best?" my response: "they're all truly special in their own way".
Besides the 3 P's ; Pizza, Pasta & Pesce...I loved all the cities I visited....but I only visited 8...
I loved Milano for the salon di mobile! It was shocking how huge it was! I wasn't' able to see everything in the time I was there, and I literally walked NON-STOP every minute! I loved the shopping! And the people! And the stores! And since it was the 1st city I visited in Italy, it will always be special to me, because when I got off the plane and rode the train downtown I felt like I was a child in a Disneyland candy store again!
But I ran out of time to see the "Last Supper" and I didn't go to Brera...so I must go back. Anyway, I left my flat iron there, it overheated the first day I used it (hence why my hair was always pulled back or just wildly free for the rest of the trip!).
Verona - special too! So quaint and romantic! So glad I made this stop on my way to Venice. I wasn't expecting to see so many designer shops in the small town, and the cathedral was a beautiful, unexpected surprise!
Everyone who's ever been to Venice can agree that this is a city totally unique from any other! Canals, gondolas, everywhere! And I mean EVERYWHERE! I didn't expect that there would be one after another! My palace - to die for! But I ran out of time to visit the "must see" ghetto area, and the museum next to the San Marco. And I left my favourite green earrings in the closet of the bedroom I stayed in, so I must go back!
Before I left for Italy, a lot of my friends told me they like Florence the most - now - I know why. There's so much to see in such a small area! And everywhere you look, it's impactful! I loved the view on top of the Campanile, and it was only when I was on top that I could see that there were people in the dome on top of the Dumono too, waving at me! I must go back and do that at the same time I visit the Galleria Degli Uffizi and the jewelry stores on Pont Vecchio, because I didn't buy a new gold "M" charm since they were all closed on May 1st!
In Tuscany, driving through the green hills filled with endless vineyards was just indescribable!!! So breathtaking! So fresh, and delicious! The small town of Montefiorelle....so special and unique, but the church was closed so I'll have to go back, because I missed the art.
Then there was Vieste, how at home I felt! But also it was like I was on vacation! The beach! The people! The historical town! All so very special! They begged me to stay for the May celebration, so I'll have to go next year, same time!
Roma, yes, the 2 businessmen I met during my lunch in the Jewish ghetto were probably right! Rome is the most beautiful city in the world! But I haven't seen the rest of the world yet! And I have to finish visiting Rome too, so I shouldn't judge until then...
What will I miss the most?
The perfect espressos made in an instant, standing at the bar drinking them with the locals at ANY time of day!
The beautiful surroundings, so different from North America!
The discovery, heavenly feeling I had EVERY DAY!
The art, the architecture, the rivers, the beach, the mountains, the olive trees, the spring flowers, the smell of fresh pasta, and fresh coffee!
Riding on the train with my head glued the window!
Picking up a chocolate croissant at a local bakery, some orange yogurt, and a banana at an outdoor Mercado and sitting in a square next to an older gentleman reading the morning news. NOT reading the morning news, NOT carrying my blackberry or wearing a watch!
Struggling with the right words in Italian - I wanted sooo much to communicate in their language, I felt like if I could - then I'd feel like I was part of their culture, and I did...
I'll miss the people, so genuine, kind and helpful. They always responded to me with a smile and gave me their best advice, helped me in every way.
The morning I took the taxi to go to the airport from my hotel in Rome, was the most perfect spring day! I had the window completely down and my head sticking out with my sunglasses on. I wondered if the driver purposely drove through downtown area and next the forums so I could soak up EVERY last minute - because I did - and I will carry that feeling with me until I return again next year - because I will!!!!
Thank you Italy!!!! You made my dream come true - it was MAGNIFICO!!!! And yes - this is just the beginning, I'll be back!!! ;-) Thank God, it wasn't a dream!!!
