One of the things I most looked forward to about living in Denmark was the opportunity to travel Europe in a way that few Americans can.
The dust from the move is settling, I’m launching a major project at the end of the month, I’m stressed beyond belief, and I have 6 weeks of vacation time, so November is a perfect time to take a trip!
Italy was kind of a random choice. I’ve always been more of a France girl, but airfare to Rome was cheap, and Europe is a big continent, so that’s how I’m doing it, one city at a time as the opportunities come along.
I don’t really have a game plan for this trip. I’ll bring my camera and a list of secondhand shops. I plan to eat, drink coffee, taste wine, take photos, and pinch myself often. I’ll of course eat gelato, but I’ll steer clear of any nonsense like retracing the steps of Elizabeth Gilbert or eating gelato at that Crispy Saint place she wrote about. This is my adventure and while I loved Eat, Pray Love, I don’t really get the point of retracing someone else’s steps.
That reminds me, I was planning to take a crack at NaNoWriMo, but now that I’ll be galavanting around Rome, and possibly Florence and Naples in November, I’ll need to postpone that creative exercise until December. It’s just as well. I’ll have more time, and hopefully more to write about then.
If you’ve got any suggestions for things to do and see in and around Rome, Florence, and Naples, don’t be shy. I’m going to buy a guide book or two, but I like personal recommendations best :)
mtnchild says
Have a fantastic time! If I could I’d love to go to the Netherlands. My family is Danish and Dutch, but I’d also like to see more of Denmark.
Have a good day.
Yvette
The Fredy Family says
You MUST go to Siena. We named out daughter after the town. Breathtaking. Also Cinque Terre is on the top of our go to spots as well. Loved Florence and Rome as well. You really can’t go wrong in Italy. :-)
Andrea says
I second Siena-I preferred it to Florence. My recommendation is to drink lots of Chianti!
:-)
smilingsurfer says
10 years ago, I toured Italy, Austria, Germany, Netherlands, and Belgium. I traveled by train and used the Rick Steves travel books for help planning the trip.
Enjoy Italy, I would love to go back. I attempted to speak the language, and usually found English speakers in Rome. You must see the Sistine Chapel and St. Peters cathedral in Vatican City. Also, take in the fountains of Rome and the many lovely squares with outdoor dining, the Forum, the Coliseum, etc.
In Florence I had more difficulty communicating with the locals and resorted to visiting the American Express office to book some train tickets. Navigating the maze of streets in Florence was also difficult, but I met a very nice artist who helped me find my way.
Rome is a bit of a pressure cooker, and you must keep your wits about you (similar to New york City, but with gypsies :)
Bon Voyage, Sage!
Sage says
Thank you for all of the recommendations :)
I will post once I’ve set my itinerary, and of course there will be photos!
Siena is on the short list, and so is a tour of Tuscan vineyards! I’ve dreamed of going to Tuscany ever since I saw Stealing Beauty. Is this really my life?
~ Sage