My plan on vacation was to write a short blog post each day documenting our trip. Well the lack of Internet and trying to do it on the IPAD did not allow that thought to become a reality so here I am two weeks later reminiscing on our fabulous trip! The last time John and I left Jack with my in laws we spent 5 days on a beach in Mexico thinking about him non-stop. I have decided European adventures are definitely easier to take as your days are jam packed. While we of course face timed and called everyday to check on our peanut and missed him terribly JMS and I truly had a wonderful time just the two of us.
After an uneventful flight we landed in Rome and began our 6 day food, drink, and gelato indulgence through this beautiful city. I will admit the total trip weight gain was around 5lbs yikes! The last time I was in Rome was with Erin and the Vball girls staying in a $15 per night hostile that we shared with other creepy people. It was definitely nice to stay in a real hotel, and be able to go out to nice dinners.
While I do like history, JMS and I are more "see the main sights" type of people. With that said we decided the most logical way to get our barrings on the city would be to put our lives at risk navigating the busy streets of Rome on a Segway. The moment I got on I realized this potentially was not a good idea, especially considering the fact that people both on Vespa's and Smart Cars are really not afraid to run over or hit tourists even if they are walking. Never mind an inexperienced Segway driver. Now I know some people may tease the security guards at the mall that drive around on these babies, I on the other hand have a new found respect for their ability to steer one of these daily. Marco our guide was a little disturbed by the sudden screams that escaped from my mouth while trying to figure this thing out. All while my lovely husband took pictures and laughed, and then proceeded to get on the Segway and steer perfectly as though he had been driving a Segway all of his life. While I make light of this it was seriously awesome and we were able to see all the main sites in a three hour tour and plan the rest of the weeks adventures because of it. End of tour picture below...can you say natural at this point?
I am obsessed with the Trevi fountain so we went their like five times. The Coliseum is such a beautiful structure but at the same time when you read about went on their it made me sad. Society sure has changed from a billion years ago, thank goodness. Vatican City was magical, and I said lots of prayers for everyone. Between my Trevi fountain wishes and my prayers at the Vatican I am really hoping we sell our house and I close my first deal at work!
Food: I mean anyone that has been to Italy knows the whole reason you REALLY go is to eat and drink. We ate at amazing restaurants all week. Our favorite pizzeria we went to three times, and both JMS and I had thought we uncovered the hidden gem of the best pizza place in Italy. Then someone told us it was a franchise and we were both completely devastated. Nonetheless the pizza at Rosso Pomodoro is off the hook. I wish they could deliver to Florida.
The first night we went to a Restaurant called Tullo, between the wine, prosseco, lemon cello and jet lag....it didn't mix well with me to say the least. But hey we had a good time. We went to an Italian bar, with an Italian Singer named Jerry that played American hits...including Sweet Caroline, and Sweet Home Alabama. Unfortunately the stage was not big enough for the both of us so I had to stand down here but had a great time! Our first Roman toast at Tullo, I want to find wine glasses just like these ones!
The guys trying to sell stuff to you in Rome are ruthless. As in they will walk right up to your table and put something down to sell you. Every night at dinner this freaky little guy would come and put a dancing dog that sang Shania Twain on our table. I couldn't help but laugh because the dog sang "That Don't Impress Me Much" which might have been one of my top best karaoke performances in college. Katy K would have to be the judge of that one. I so wanted to buy one for Jack but every time the guy was in view JMS said do not make eye contact. Thank goodness my mom didn't go to Rome she would have been a sucker for these guys. Sorry mom, but you know I am right.
We learned from the locals to always find a Trattoria, as it was likely family owned, cheap, and authentic. Trattoria Luzzi was my favorite stuck in a little whole in the wall behind the Coliseum. We ate at a roof top restaurant at the Hotel Valadier the second to last night. The food and views were amazing! I highly recommend this place.
Our last night decided to treat ourselves to dinner at La Pergola a 3 Michelin star restaurant. La Pergola had the most amazing views of the entire city, they were breathtaking!
It was a dining experience like neither John and I have ever experienced before. Yet at the same time when we both walk out we decided that while nice fancy, gourmet dinners are great once in a while we prefer the inexpensive Trattorias and the house wine. It was an experience we surely will never forget. 9 courses, a bread cart, and a desert presentation to die for. The second picture below is a little silver tower that was filled with the most amazing little desserts.
Croissants and cappuccino, our daily norm. I know that across the world cultures are different. But I have to say it is crazy that they don't have to go cups for cappuccino in Rome or make Ventes for that matter! But like many baristas told us it is meant to be a moment you enjoy in your day. Maybe us fast paced Americans need to learn a bit from the Italians on this one. These Cappuccinos were way better then any Starbucks I have had before.
Our hotel was great, the best part about it was the roof top pool and the Mojitos. We would sleep in, see some sites, eat, and then spend the afternoon at the pool. That pretty much summed up our days. I read three books, drank a Mojito everyday (wild berry was my favorite), and slept. Our room was large for Italy, and I was obsessed with the molding and mirror in our room.
I loved taking random neighborhood pictures throughout our adventure. We walked everywhere and found ourselves just exploring the different streets, admiring fountains, and old apartment buildings. I loved some of the color schemes of the buildings and got some great ideas for when we build our dream home. Below is my favorite, muted teal blue shutters, with cream paint and bright pink flowers. Gorgeous!
It was truly a trip I will never forget. While the sights, food, and drink were amazing. My favorite part of the trip were the heart to hearts with my main squeeze about life, our goals, and just being together. When we got to Europe I realized just how desperately we needed a vacation. We have been running on autopilot trying to balance everything and all the changes we have had over the past 7 months. It was nice to just sit, quietly, and be together without any distractions and to only focus on each other. I love you JMS and thank you for the trip of a lifetime.
