That's right... NO KIDS!!
Since this was our first solo vacation in a really long time, we sort of played the honeymoon card and booked first class tickets there and back.
As much as it pains me to admit it--it was totally worth it. Hands down the most relaxing, comfortable and enjoyable flights I've ever been on.
Granted, THIS WAS OUR FIRST TIME ALONE WITHOUT KIDS (for longer than like... 4 hours) IN A VERY LONG TIME!
Did I just scream that? :))
Yes. I did. It was R E L A X I N G!
(doesn't mean I didn't miss my little rascals)
It was a long trip. San Francisco to Seattle, to London Heathrow, and finally landing in Rome. We spent 4 full days and three nights in Rome, then traveled south by train to Naples. In Naples, we hired a private driver to show us the Amalfi Coast and drop us off in beautiful Positano. After two nights in Positano, we took a train north from Naples to Tuscany where we spent three days in Florence. I wish we would have had more time to explore and enjoy Tuscany. Next time! After Florence, we took a train to Venice. We spent two nights in Venice. In hindsight, we would have spent one less day in Rome and one additional day in Venice. We loved everything about Venice. We ended the trip with a train ride from Venice to Milan and flew out very early the next morning.
We both preferred northern Italy over southern Italy. Oddly enough, there is a noticeable difference, between the north and the south. Southern Italy being more relaxed--the people and culture all revolve around family, food and religion. Whereas in the north, the general feel is much busier and business-like. More money = less gypsies. The people in the north also seem to have a general hustle and bustle about them while working their way through the streets.
It was a long trip. San Francisco to Seattle, to London Heathrow, and finally landing in Rome. We spent 4 full days and three nights in Rome, then traveled south by train to Naples. In Naples, we hired a private driver to show us the Amalfi Coast and drop us off in beautiful Positano. After two nights in Positano, we took a train north from Naples to Tuscany where we spent three days in Florence. I wish we would have had more time to explore and enjoy Tuscany. Next time! After Florence, we took a train to Venice. We spent two nights in Venice. In hindsight, we would have spent one less day in Rome and one additional day in Venice. We loved everything about Venice. We ended the trip with a train ride from Venice to Milan and flew out very early the next morning.
We both preferred northern Italy over southern Italy. Oddly enough, there is a noticeable difference, between the north and the south. Southern Italy being more relaxed--the people and culture all revolve around family, food and religion. Whereas in the north, the general feel is much busier and business-like. More money = less gypsies. The people in the north also seem to have a general hustle and bustle about them while working their way through the streets.
Rome was amazing. The history, the ruins, the Coliseum, Trevi Fountain, the cathedrals, Vatican City, the culture, the food (ohmygosh - the FOOD!!), etc. We spent 4 nights and 3 full days there. It gave us plenty of time to see everything we wanted to see, and eat as much as we could. Did I mention we ate a lot? As in, Dan set a record at one restaurant for most entrees ordered. Five. It was insane. We did feel a tiny bit guilty. In a solid effort to alleviate the guilt, we also ran a lot, allowing us see even more of the city.
The Amalfi Coast is beautiful - the views from the cliffs, the seaside communities, the people, the food, the culture in general... just fantastic and really fun to explore. It was exactly as it looks in pictures, but more beautiful in person. It seemed to have a hint of the touristy experience if you went to "those places". And "those places" gave you what you'd expect... average food, lots of tourists. Dan and I tend to prefer a more local experience, less touristy... so we find the hole in the wall restaurants. Ask locals what to see & do. We also took an 8 mile run as far up the mountain as we could w/in Positano. We saw how the locals farmed on these steep hillsides, the homes people lived in, visited the local butchers, got caught in a parade of tiny cars going to church on Sunday. Such simple living in Positano. All about family, food and religion. A beautiful life, right?
Venice. Love! If I was given the right opportunity, and had to choose a
place to live other than the USA, I would choose Venice. So beautiful, fun,
busy…the food, the people, the culture. I felt like we didn’t have enough time
in Venice. We ran 6 miles through the city—it’s super easy to get lost with all
the bridges over the canals and narrow pathways, etc. All the buildings and
homes are eye candy--unique and fun to look at. We enjoyed lattes, cappuccinos
and dessert at the famous Cafe Florian in San Marco Square. We hired
a gondolier for a ride on his gondola—another great way to see the city. We
must have ate 5 meals a day since we couldn’t pass up anything that caught our
eye food-wise. SO many amazing cafes and bakeries in Venice. My mouth still
waters when I think about this “special toast” we enjoyed at a dive bar.
Cheese, mushrooms, the most perfect tomatoes, prosciutto, and I don’t know what
else. Special doesn’t begin to describe it though. Wish I could recreate that!
Taking a taxi boat through the Grand Canal is really quite an experience in and
of itself too. Pretty awesome.
It was such a great trip! Dan and I need to try and make time for just
the two of us more often.
It’s just really tricky with 4 kids.
The journey home was long. Milan to London to Philly to San Francisco.
It was exhausting. We woke up at 5am in Italy, and arrived home at 3am PT.
The second I walked in the house I had to go look at my babies and give
them kisses on their sweet little foreheads. I could NOT wait to wrap my arms
around then when they woke up.
