We recently got back from spending two weeks in Italy. To summarize, here is everything I learned how to say: " Un gelato per favore. Grazie." That was all that was necessary. I have never eaten so much gelato in my life, which is why I chose to bring my skirt with the expandible waistband, instead of jeans.
Traveling that far was quite the experience, especially with an 18 month old. Thank you, United Airlines, for all the delays. I didn't think 15 hours on a plane was enough, so I appreciate the additional 7 you threw my way for free. My rambuctious child would like to thank you too.
Here are some things I learned while in Italy:
(1) They put Nutella in literally everything.
(2) You will get yelled at if you don't wear protective gloves while picking out fruit at the grocery store. Apparently I look like I have Hepatitis.
(3) Their streets were made for bicycles, not cars. We had a very scary Griswold European Vacation moment when we almost managed to wedge our car down one street. Thank God for moveable side mirrors.
(5) You have to pay for the toilet. I'm too stubborn to give in, so I spent a lot of my time in some extreme discomfort.
(6) There are no nuns over 5 feet tall.
(7) Wine is cheaper than milk.
(8) It is a criminal offense to put fruit on pizza. Potatoes, corn, zuchinni, crab, tuna, octopus, squid, and McDonalds special sauce are all viable options though.
(9) You can take your child halfway around the world, and the only thing that will hold his interest are the pigeons.
(10) If you want to get bumped to the front of the line anywhere, just show them your baby. I owe Tristan big time for all the free stuff he got me. Hope he didn't mind all the cheek pinching.
Told you they like Nutella
Even though Italy and I had our differences, it really is a beautiful place. It was a reminder of the luxuries that we as Americans take for granted. Their streets are small, their houses are smaller, and they don't need much to get by. They seem quite content with what they have. It was a good lesson for me.
Florence, Italy
Our room
The view from our room every morning
A random cat sleeping on a car
The tiniest police car I've ever seen
Sienna, Italy
The Vatican
A microscopic picture of the Pope
A much needed picture of my babe
Taking a break from sightseeing to lift weights with Grandpa
The Colosseum - you can see all the bullet holes from the war
It was a great experience, but I am so glad to be home. The language barrier and cultural differences really did make me miss home. And tv. Italy is beautiful, but they don't have Lost or Glee. This girl has some episodes to catch up on, so please excuse me while I go replace every historical fact I learned with the lyrics to "Don't Stop Believing." Priorities...it's all about priorities.
