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!
