Italy
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Grazie, Italia!
Well, that’s my trip! I can’t believe I actually pulled off blogging about it, but more importantly, I’m so happy I took this trip for myself and by myself. I don’t think I ever imagined going to a foreign country in a continent I’ve never been before all alone. I was so nervous leading up…
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Shopping in Rome
I took the metro and met up with Federica to embark on a shopping adventure in her smart car. Yes – I’m obsessed with her smart car. Not only is it the cutest thing ever (meep! meep!), but it allows for very creative parking solutions. I wish I took a picture of it parallel parked…
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Last Day: Walk Around Rome
It was my last day in Italy and I was all toured out so I just did what I do best – walk everywhere, unguided. Rome is a great city to get lost in. Everywhere you turn, you’re greeted by a historic monument…or an Emilio Pucci. Eduardo gave me the full lowdown of the Altare della…
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When in Rome…
…happy hour like a Roman! My Italian bestie back home (Ciao, Mel!) hooked me up with her adorable cousin, Federica, a local in Rome, who took me to Momart Cafe for Friday night happy hour. I love happy hour so I obviously love Federica right off the bat. Happy hour here is completely buffet style –…
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Walking Tour of the Vatican, Sistine Chapel, and St. Peter’s Basilica
Since I was a hermit on Thursday, yesterday was my official first day in Rome. It was another early rise, 6am, so I could make it in time for my tour of the Vatican City. I have to admit, this was my least favorite tour during my entire trip. The museum itself was somewhat boring,…
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Travel Day: Off to Roma
I left Florence feeling pretty content and hopped on the train to Rome. This train is extremely comfortable. I had all intentions to either read or write, but I ended up falling asleep. I haven’t cracked open Edie: American Girl since I purchased it since I decided to blog during my free time or pass out. I…
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The Expedition to Trattoria Sostanza
Some of you may have noticed that there was only a lunch post, but no dinner post for Day 2 – that’s because my dinner sucked, but that was my own fault for just walking into a place that I thought looked good without doing any research. Since last night was my last night in…
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The Hunt for Leather…Massimo Leather
When you think, “I need to buy something from Italy,” you’re thinking Italian leather. It is so overwhelming trying to figure out which market or store to purchase any leather from since there’s about 20 shops per 50 feet. Who’s going to have the best deal? Best quality? Won’t hustle you? So, I Yelped not literally,…
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Skip the Line: All Florence in 1 Day (Parte Seconda)
The 2nd 1/2 of the tour was led by Paul, who I’m pretty sure is American. He took us around the Uffizi, which was phenomenally, breaktakingly awe-inspiring. Like I said in the intro of this tour, I could spend a year learning about each painting and sculpture in these offices. There’s so much behind every…
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New Friends and Authentic, Yummy Lunch
During the first 1/2 of the walking tour, I met Paul and Kay from Tokyo. Kay couldn’t speak much English, she actually speaks Turkish (but is Japanese), so Paul had to translate. He was quite hilarious with his British humor (yes – he’s actually British…but his parents are Japanese. Interesting, worldly couple!). He reminded me…
Katherine Rodriguez 