Italy

Venice, Florence, Rome

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Even among the summer tourist hordes, it's clear to see why Italy is classified year after year as the destination to visit. The landscapes and architecture are beautiful, the cuisine is delicious, and the lifestyle is easy.

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In Venice, I arrived by train at 6am, before the hustle and bustle began. It was so serene witnessing the canals in the early morning stillness. 

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Unexpectedly, one of the highlights of my trip was staying at a small town, an hour away from Venice. Not only were the accommodations low cost, but the slower pace allowed me to really soak in the culture. I shopped for groceries, window shopped, and dined at restaurants. It was a refreshing change from being on the tourist circuit.

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In Florence, I was lucky to have a couchsurfer take me on a motorcycle ride, up to a restaurant on a mountain. Even though the portions were American size, the dinner was authentic Italian and the company was native Florentine.

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In Rome, I gawked over the magnificent architecture. The sun setting on the Coliseum was breathtaking.

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