As many of you know, earlier this month, Steve and I had the incredible opportunity to travel to Italy. This post is already photo heavy, so I don't want to add TOO many words, but I think a few are necessary. And let's be honest, with the state of this momma's brains (or lack thereof) these days, it will help me to remember too! Here we go!
Our first, very brief stop, was a layover in Frankfurt. Neither of us have ever been to Europe, so we really wanted to jump on every opportunity to explore. This 6 hour layover was the first.
I grew up to the sounds of my grandparents speaking Plautdietsch, a low german dialect, so it was really neat to hear some familiar words and see a small bit of that influence.
I grew up to the sounds of my grandparents speaking Plautdietsch, a low german dialect, so it was really neat to hear some familiar words and see a small bit of that influence.
FRANKFURT
And where to begin with Bella Roma! The seeds of this trip were planted by my precious friend Larissa (pictured below). Larissa is Italian and grew up in this incredible city. Her parents are missionaries in the city and have been for the last 38 years. Steve was invited by Larissa's parents to come speak at their church, and I of course was eager to see this beautiful part of the world that gave my friend her flair for fashion, food, and high quality cappuccinos. We prepared with lists, travel books, multi-course meals and basic Italian lessons: "due cappuccini per favore!" She neglected to tell us that if we wanted to cross the street, we simply needed to step into raging traffic and act like we weren't scared to die. I could say much about what we saw and did, but I will let the pictures speak. I will say that we are so grateful that we got to see this city through the eyes of a local, and her qualified husband (who has a PhD in history!!!) Many thanks also to Larissa's kind and hospitable parents who hosted us for the week, giving up their own bed and I don't know how many containers of the most delectable yogurt I have ever eaten!
ROME
At the high recommendation of Larissa's hubby, Steve (yes, another Steve), we decided to spend one of our days in Venice. I'm so glad we listened to him. We got up at an insane hour to catch our 5am train, but it was well worth it for 9 hours in this magical place. I actually think one day was just the right amount of time. It really did feel otherworldly...like a movie set. It was crowded and maze-like, and absolutely picturesque. See if you can find the picture of me "tickling" the gondolier!
VENICE
APPIAN WAY (built in 312 BC...just google it)
ROME DAY 2
Following our time in Rome, Steve and I planned to end our trip with a few days in southern Italy, along the Amalfi Coast. We took a train from Rome to Naples, and then arrived in Positano after the most stunning ferry ride on the Mediterranean. I had seen photos of Positano on Instagram, and it truly did not disappoint. The opposite - it completely exceed expectations. Set on the side of a mountain the city was built up. It has one road for vehicles, and thousands of stairs and pathways. I found a crazy deal, and we stayed at the most incredible boutique B+ B, La Casa di Peppe. We dined on pizza made in front of our eyes, local wine, the occasional dish of pasta, and an afternoon serving of gelato...all washed down with several cappuccinos per day. We walked tens of thousands of steps each day, swam in the sea, shopped in the shops and took a pile of photos.
POSITANO
I really do hope to return to this beautiful country one day. And even if I am not with them, I hope my girls can drink it all in for themselves one day too! Ciao ciao!