I am documenting this trip a bit backwards, putting the overall recap first. Mostly because we are so far removed from the actual day to day, now that we are nearing 3 weeks back state side, it seems to make more sense to position them as journals after you read our overall discoveries.
Above anything else, Italy is screaming with history, importance and meaning that cannot be silenced. Like a lot of Europe, it will truly stand the test of time, because without it we would have nothing that I personally love (Chianti, pasta, pizza - the really important things in life). I'm obviously kidding (well, sort of), but Italy is very much at the core of creating such artists, architects, philosophers, inventors and saints that we cannot have a lesson in history without being made aware of the existence of. And if simply knowing that is not enough, TMNT should at least solidify the four of them we really need to keep top of mind forever and always!
To walk through the streets of Rome will leave you feeling like you've been transported in time. Seeing a city that on one hand has been wiped out, collapsed and rebuilt on top of itself time and time again - the "lasagna" effect, we learned. It's funny, because it's true! And on the other, refuses to lose sight of its ancient roots - with every turn of a corner leading to a basilica, the Pantheon, Colosseum, Roman Forum or Vatican City. You become enamored with the idea that you are experiencing such a unique part of history when you are there, because you are.
In Florence, for me, I felt the experience of a very local way of life. Both from the city and in the hills of the Chianti region alike, I felt what (I think) it means to hail from this region. They are a prideful people, and seem to share - at this risk of sounding like a dumb American - a Midwestern type of demeanor. They are hard workers, loyal, and true to each other and their region. It is important for them to leave behind the most positive legacy of Florence, but also to ensure travelers feel the authenticity of what it has to offer beyond the historical elements of The Duomo and David.
Venice is unlike anything I've ever seen. A city developed in (and rising out of) the water, it houses no motorized vehicles - at least from what we could tell?! We may have seen a single bike, I cannot recall for sure, but even that would likely prove far too difficult to maneuver in and out of the very tight alley ways. It is certainly worth seeing for yourself. Small, quiet, and not at all like the other cities we visited in Italy. It almost reminded me of what the Basque region is in Spain - a compilation of various outside influences, but very much it's own thing.
At no point during our travels did we feel at a disadvantage due to the language barrier. We put forth a valiant effort to embrace the culture and language, as we always do in any country, but the truth is that most people did speak English. Communicating was really a non-issue, even with those that did not. The culture thing, we totally nailed though. The red wine was freely flowing for 10 days straight, and the pasta kept our tummies (and hearts) as warm as ever as we navigated northern Italy in the dead of winter. It was fascinating to be able to experience such popular tourist sites in a way that was not tarnished with excessive crowds - something that made traveling during low season completely worthwhile, even if it did make packing quite difficult.
Overall, the trip was filled with originality, historical observations to last a life time, and simply the best foods and wines. We really could not have asked for a more perfect series of events (or meals) throughout our stay. And the silver lining? We ended up walking so much that our waist lines did not suffer more than 3 pounds each when we stepped on the scales back in America. A true Italian miracle - take that carbohydrates!
- January 13th (spent in airports) = 2.2 miles walked
- January 14th (more airports and arrival to Rome) = 5.41 miles walked
- January 15th (Rome) = 10.96 miles walked
- January 16th (Rome) = Brandon - 8.46 miles walked; Ali - 6.94 miles walked (you will learn why this differs later...)
- January 17th (travel to Florence) = 3.88 miles walked
- January 18th (Florence) = 10.6 miles walked
- January 19th (Chianti and Florence) = 6.78 miles walked
- January 20th (travel to Venice) = 7.23 miles walked
- January 21st (Venice) = 7.46 miles walked
- January 22nd (travel to Rome) = 2.47 miles walked
- January 23rd (spent in airports) = 3.55 miles walked
Before we dive into the daily journals, one thing I knew I wanted to continue the tradition of when we set off to the motherland was the "peak and pit" of each stop during our travels. This way, we can forever remember the memories that made each and every location so (or maybe not so) special!
Rome:
- Ali peak - So hard to pick just one thing! Rome is filled with the utmost importance all around you. If I had to pick one "thing" that stood out, I would perhaps choose the Colosseum. The skill set and use of available resources for its time is impressive on an unparalleled level. Not to mention the fact that, conceptually, the foundation of this type of structure is still utilized throughout the world today!
- Ali pit - I cannot think of one single negative thing on the first pass through Rome. But on the last night, the migraine situation definitely ruined our "last supper" in Italy. That was a total bummer for me...
- Brandon peak - Very hard to pick just one, but the thing that sticks out most is sitting with my wife outside the Pantheon, enjoying a drink and people watching. A great day overall with the Vatican in the morning and then walking 11 miles to see just about every single thing we could. Great weather that day too - didn't have to wear coats in January!
- Brandon pit - Probably when we first checked into the hotel and the room wasn't ready....we were both tired and wanting to shower, with no room for about 2 more hours. Nothing major!
Florence:
- Ali peak - Tie: the feeling I had when we ate our first meal at Trattoria Nella is unforgettable. It was exactly what we had been craving in both ambience and taste! And then, of course, the time we spent at Podere Meriggio Alle Falcole with Loretta, Maurizio and Piuma - that was an experience of a lifetime!
- Ali pit - Probably the Chianti tour leading up to the grand finale. We both felt car sick and had pits in our stomach, thinking this was not at all what we had thought we signed up for!
- Brandon peak - Chianti tour portion with Loretta and Maurizio...incredible experience and afternoon - really the reason why you travel. It is great seeing historic sites/things, but memories like that will be remembered forever.
- Brandon pit - Any discussion of dirt, vines, cows, roads or second walking entrances while driving on a curvy road in a van.
Venice:
- Ali peak - Collectively, the food. I had such low expectations after our first meal (and knowing Venice is not exactly known for it's quality cuisine), but every single meal trumped the one before it. We totally crushed it on this front!
- Ali pit - Not being able to find our hotel, walking around aimlessly in the freezing cold. And also, our first meal. I was so worried that meal was the standard we could expect while in Venice and it bummed me out!
- Brandon peak - Wesley Snipes...just kidding. The two dinners we had were great, but I really enjoyed the place with Italian tapas and ombras the most. Really cool, local place. Definitely made you feel a part of the local neighborhood.
- Brandon pit - Getting stuck in a conversation with the creepy Seattle couple at dinner on our first night. Part pit and part peak...made for a great story!
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