Sunny San Diego

After my recent 2-week, whirlwind trek through Italy, I didn't anticipate the wow factor that this laid back, sunny, beach town would have on me. I have been to California more times than I could count, and have even driven most of the Pacific Coast Highway–but never as far south as San Diego. What a gem!

I was long overdue to go out and visit Kim, one of my very closest friends. We go all the way back to junior high, but we don't need to get into how long ago that really was! Anyhow—thanks Kim, for a relaxing and fun weekend! My two favorite spots were La Jolla, (where I had the BEST seafood omelet at brunch on Sunday) and Torrey Pines National Park, located between La Jolla and DelMar. I had Monday to myself to explore, so I hiked around for a couple hours and discovered some incredible views of the coast, along with some local flavor. I attached a few pics, some being my first in several so-so attempts at self-portraiture. Don't laugh. Oh yeah, and there's one in here of an old church in the "Old Town" area of downtown. I love the simple lines and composition.









So my wanderlust generally tends to lead me to places far and foreign, but how quickly I forget (especially being from COLUMBUS, OHIO no less!) how beautiful a country we live in. San Diego has definitely made my list of hot spots and I'm eager to return soon. God bless America!

Italia

Or buona sera, depending on when you are reading this—in anycase that's one of about only ten phrases or words that I used during my 2-week adventure with my friend, Sarah, to beautiful Italy. I was focused more on the scenery, food and vino. (or my new favorite, Limoncello)

And never in my life have I ever seen so many people eat so much ice cream—and I can understand why. Gelato, as Italians call it, is heaven in your mouth. But it's not just the taste that gets you—it starts with the irresistible presentation. Every combination you can think of, and wonderful ones that you wouldn't have.




Our adventure started with a whirlwind 2-day stay in Rome. Definitely an amazing city with so much to see and do. Unfortunately, we were so exhausted the day we arrived that we were wandering around aimlessly in a daze. We saw the Colosseum, got harassed and chased down by a gladiator, ate some gelato on the steps of the Pantheon, dined and embibed at Campo di Fiori, and before we knew it we were off to the Amalfi Coast.

Hands down one of the most unique, beautiful, treasure-filled places I've ever been. It was everything and more that I had ever pictured Italy to be. Character-filled smiling faces, beautiful golden-clad cathedrals, tiny alleys with even tinier cars—a photographer's dream, to be sure!








There are so many more pictures I'd like to post, but I'm going to wrap up this blog for today with a few of my favorite pics from the much less touristy Southern region of Italy known as Puglia. We were lucky enough to stay with our friends, Maggie (a fellow blogster-www.travelingmaggie.blogspot.com) and Paolo. Both were WONDERFUL hosts and gave an "insider's" experience of what I believe to be the "real Italy". The most beautiful coastline I've ever seen, warm people, acres of wild flowers, olive groves, and quaint little markets. Thanks Maggie and Paolo! This has truly been an experience of a lifetime!