Italy

My father moved to Italy April 1st because it has always been a dream of his. He decided he wanted some company and so he called Kyle and I and invited us to come visit. So we did! Airfare was not bad so we hurry and bought tickets a few days later. I called to make sure traveling to Europe while 7 months pregnant was ok and I got the go ahead from everyone. We flew out April 8th and got there the 9th. Yes, LOTS of flying. I had to get up every 2 hours and walk the isles. We arrived in Rome, Italy around 7:50 am which was about 4 am our time. We were about 8 hours difference. Since we were already in Rome we went to the City and did the Vatican, Bascilica, and Sisteen Chapel that day. It was beautiful sites even though we were so tired. That night we drove up to Tuscany and spent the night up there in a tiny hotel room but were able to get out and walk the small streets of Sienna and go to dinner. Tuscany area was so gorgeous! Next day we drove to San Giagiaannii..(no idea) which was a mid-evil city and that was awesome. They had a bunch of torture chambers and crazy stuff they used to use back in the day. We then headed to Florence bc we weren't that far away but once we got there we were so tired that we opted to not go down into the city, so we just took pictures from the top of the hill.

(Walking through the halls at the Basilica towards the Sisteen Chapel. The artwork was amazing!!)

(The scenery from a look out point in Tuscany)

(This was the whole drive through Tuscany. Just awesome orchards and vineyards everywhere)

(This was the plaza in Sienna)

(from the top of the hill in Florence)

So we left Florence for our long drive back down to Terricina, which is where my dad lives. It is located between Rome and Naples. We got back later and got settled in. The next day was a relax day. We woke up and went to the market for groceries and came back and made ourselves breakfast. Then we walked the town, which is NOT a tourist town. So besides being the only Americans in the whole area, I was pregnant too, which they frowned down upon. I have never been so stared at in my whole entire life. Apparently, Italians aren't having kids anymore and to see a young girl with child, it was so bizzare to them. So to say the least, I was very uncomfortable.

Next day we took the drive down to Naples and on the way we hit up the famous Almalfi Drive which is a very very windy and small narrow road on the side of the mountain. You have to pull your side mirrors in to avoid hitting the oncoming cars. VERY TIGHT SQUEEZE. The only thing we ended up hitting was a fence on the side of the road. lol. Then we drove down to Naples where is was raining and we got lost. We were all so frusterated so we didn't stay long.

(Almalfi Drive from side of the road. The road winds all up and down this steep mountain)

Day 5 we stayed around Dads place again and went around to all his historical sites. It was another good and relaxing day. We knew day 6 would be very busy.

Day 6 we made the drive back to Rome for our big full day. Kyle was the greatest tour guide ever. He planned our whole day and made maps and everything. We got there early and hit up the Colosseum, Spanish Steps, Trevi Fountain, Roman Forums, Pantheon, Popes Piazza, and everything else our travel book told us to visit. Don't worry, we walked this whole time. One end of Rome to the other. I'm proud to say that I did NOT complain one time about walking. I would just simply ask to take a break when I was having contractions. lol. I would like to say that I was a true trooper.

Roman Forums

St. Pauls Basilica

Spanish Steps
(inside the Colosseum)

(um....somewhere pretty! lol)


(Roman Forum)

(Outside the Colosseum)

I found an antique bench and it was calling my name. I HAD to sit! haha

I was able to post all my pictures on Facebook. These were just a few highlights. All in all we had fun. The food wasn't as good as we thought, gas was expensive, jet-lag is so real, and good walking shoes are a must. I'm grateful we were able to go before our baby is born. This was a once in a lifetime chance and I'm glad we jumped on it. Thanks dad for your Hospitality. We had a great time.