With Spring approaching, I've begun to think about vacation! I believe the anticipation of a vacation is almost as fun as the actual journey. It certainly plays an important part in it!
I LOVE ITALY!
The food, the people, the art, the history, the water, the gelato, the architecture, the stone streets, the wine, the language, oh...and did I mention the food and wine?! There isn't
anything I don't love about Italy! (Except that it's so far away and I don't live there.) I have been blessed to have been able to go there on vacation for the last three years and will be going again in June!
I thought I'd share a few photos from past visits and you'll see why Italy is
fuori casa domestico (my home away from home)!
ROME
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Trevi Fountain
Legend has it that if you throw a coin over your shoulder into the Trevi fountain, it guarantees your return to Italy. So far, it's worked every year. :)
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| Vatican City. That's St. Peter's Bascillica rising above the other buildings with it's majestic dome. |
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| The road leading to St. Peter's Basillica...that's it in the background. |
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| This is Castle St. Angelo made famous in the movie Demons & Angels with Tom Hanks. There are hidden tunnels all through it. It's right up the street from St. Peter's Square. |
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| This is the Pantheon |
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| Street musicians in front of the Pantheon |
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| A giant flag of Italy flying over Rome. This view is from the top of Campidoglio (Capitoline Hill) |
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| The Colosseum as seen from the top of Campidoglio |
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Inside the Colosseum. Looking down into the arena you can just imagine the gladiators fighting lions, tigers and bears! And sometimes each other! Hmm...I wonder if they all looked like Russell Crowe :)
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| Outside the Colosseum |
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| Wonderful Milan! |
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| This is the front of the absolutely amazing Duomo in Milan. It is by far one of the most spectacular cathedrals we've seen in our visits to Italy! |
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| You can take an elevator or climb stairs (we chose the elevator) to the top of the duomo and see the spectacular views and all the amazing gothic architecture! The spheres and carvings are indescribable! |
FLORENCE
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| This is the front of the amazing cathedral and bell tower in Florence. We climbed 414 steps in very tiny narrow hallways straight to the top of the bell tower! |
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| The Arno River |
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The famous Ponte Vecchio.
There are rows and rows of jewelry stores on this bridge. |
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| Inside the cathedral |
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| Beautiful! We actually attended a mass here. |
PISA
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| You feel like your mind is playing tricks on you when you come through the gates and see the leaning tower! It's awesome! |
VENICE
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| Beautiful, romantic Venizia! It's like living in a storybook! |
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| Anyone for a gondola ride? |
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| This is on the gondola deck of the Grand Canal |
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| Breakfast on the Grand Canal with St Mark's cathedral in the background. |
There's so much more I want to share with you. But for now...
Arrivederci il mio amico!
I'll be joining the wonderful blogs! Please take a look and ENJOY!
