Venice- The city of gondolas. Very
romantic. We spent most of our days here wandering around and getting
lost on purpose just to discover Venice and all the canals. We came
across a few beauties as well- awesome pizza, a shop that sold wine
by the litre in plastic bottles for 2 euros a litre and it was really
good. However Venice eventually proved too expensive for our back
packer budget, so for dinner it was pizza and our cheap wine sitting
with our legs hanging into the canal and some gondola watching. The
crowds and the heat got too much for us on our 2nd day and
we escaped to the beach for some much needed chilling. Really
beautiful but very crowded in the height of summer.
Next it was Florence the city of art.
The statue of David was a must see and the Michaelangelo park.
Although the highlight was sitting in the main square at night with
all the beautiful buildings and statues illuminated and listening to
the live music going on. Did this every night for a couple of hours
after enjoying some awesome Italian meals. Ravioli, Pesto, Veal
scalopini, and veal stew. Mmmm. Also took a day trip to Pisa, and yes
it was leaning.
And maybe the highlight of Italy for
us- Rome. Arrived at our hostel and decided to venture to the Spanish
steps for a look. From there we caught a free 2 hr walking tour
around Rome. We saw the Pathenon, Trevi fountain, churches, squares,
the Pinnochio factory and a great insight into Rome. Had dinner right
near the Trevi fountain that night- a beautiful view and I think my
favourite sight of Rome. The next day we did a fantastic but
exhausting tour of the Colesseum, Palentine hill and the Forum. Great
tour but so hot in Rome in the summer, and the fact that our hostel
had no air conditioning didn't help. But you cant expect much for 11
euros a night. On our 3rd day we just wandered around
Rome, drank some great coffee, saw all the piazzas, ate some amazing
food, sat in wine bars, walked along the river and just soaked up the
energy of Rome. That night we enjoyed one too many happy hour drinks
at our hostel, and the next day met the Vatican with a killer
hangover. The Swiss guards did not look impressed. St Peters
Bascillica, the Sistine chapel, the Vatican Museums, we saw and
enjoyed all.
Then it was to Naples. We heard some
dodgy stories about this city but still were shocked. Walked off the
train to find the tourist info closed, men accosting us trying to
sell us I phones from their pockets, rubbish littering the streets,
men selling goods on the street that were obviously stolen from
someone's car, house ect. We walked around for the day and this just
confirmed our opinion of Naples. Dirty and Dodgy. Went to sample some
pizza which is what Naples is famous for, met some locals who told me
to watch my bag and not wear any jewellery. Hmmmm. However the pizza
was great. You had to take a ticket to get a seat it was that popular
and they only served, margherita, beer, soda or water. But sooo good.
Went to Pompei the next day and climbed Mount Vesuvius. Awesome day.
Then to the picturesque Amalfi coast.
After a pretty hairy bus ride on the windy cliff side road arrived at
our hostel walked around and soaked up the views, beach and checked
the place out. Met some great people in our hostel and had a good
night at a local restaurant with local beer and more good food! The
next day our new friend Jess the fitness instructor lead Jayden and I
up the very top of Amalfi. Amongst the great views were steps, hills,
donkeys carrying goods down the hill. A great morning. Chilled off
with an afternoon at the beach and that night take away pizzas and
beer with our friends from the hostel on the beach. Loved Amalfi. So
beautiful the photos don't do it justice.
Off to Sicilly! Stayed a couple of
nights in Taormina on a villa at the top of the mountain with you
guessed it...great views.(www.thelemontree.eu)
Walked down to the local town, experienced the food and checked out
the sights. Hired a scooter which was great if not a little scary at
first. This enabled us to drive up and down the coast and do some
beach hopping. Great.
Last stop Valguanera! Relatives, the
best hospitality, Pizzerias, way too many coffees, funny jokes, an
insight into true Sicillian life, way too much food and mostly some
great friends and times that I will never forget. Monica and
Priscilla were some of the most beautiful girls I have ever met and I
hope to meet with them again.
Three weeks in Italy was a life
changing experience. Something I (and my thighs) will never forget.
Great sights, food, and friends along the way. Next stop Greece!
