Home Again

 Momma Mia!

I'm finally back.

Having the opportunity to travel again

has felt incredible. 

Running Man and I were 

extremely cautious, wearing our masks,

using plenty of hand sanitizer,

and trying to avoid crowds as much as possible. 

Being careful though, didn't interfere

with our ability to have an awesome trip

because we certainly did.

Where in the world have I been?

Can you guess?

Yes!

We were able to travel to

Bella Italia.

Beautiful Italy.

We were with a small group

from Odyssey Tours traveling 

to multiple regions and cities

of northern Italy. 

We flew into Milan and made our way

north to Stresa located on 

beautiful Lake Maggiore

on the south side of the Alps.

nearby Lake Orta

After a couple of days exploring

the area we traveled to Santa Margherita

along the Mediterranean coast. 

The view from our hotel.

The sea was a brilliant blue.

We enjoyed the fresh pasta

and pesto this area is known for.

Next we traveled by train and then by ferry

to explore the

5 Italian villages nestled on the coast

known as the Cinque Terre.

The colors of the villages

along with the blue water was stunning.

Then we moved on to the rolling hills region

known as Tuscany.

First stopping in the charming town

of Lucca and it's medieval walls

We stayed in the small village of

Radda in Chianti

surrounded by vineyards

and forests

It was delightful, just what you 

would imagine. 

One day we explored Florence.

Ponte Vecchio

So many incredible sights.

The Duomo

Another day was spent in Siena 

marveling at their Duomo and

 the spectacular Piazza del Campo

We traveled around in a very comfortable motor coach 

and had an incredible tour director.

Both important factors for a great trip.

From Siena we traveled further north to

an area looking very different from the way we

 usually visualize Italy.

We went to Balzano located in the Italian alps.  

 

The scenery was breathtakingly.

  The peaks of the Dolomites are so powerful.  Very different from the 

Rocky Mountains I see at home.

This area has an Austrian vibe rather than Italian.   

The people speak German first, then Italian.

Strudel not tiramisu 

Beer not wine

Then one last stop along the Adriatic. 

Of course, you know where.

Venice.

The Grand Canal

St Mark's Basilica

There aren't enough adjectives to

describe this special unique place.

We walked and walked for two weeks

in this beautiful northern part of the country.

We ate and ate wonderful food.

But like any fabulous trip, it's always

nice to head back home.

One last water taxi ride on

our way to the airport.

Arrivederci!

Until Next Time-

Kyle