get lost

...in Firenze, of course!

I always have the best days in Florence when i just simply get lost in the city!

I ventured over the ponte vecchio, took a right, took a left, turned around, talked to my friend in the phone, had a country accent, a group from Tyler, Texas stopped me, talked about Pine Cove, met my friends, and together we... got lost!

We first ventured around the local side of town to look at the rose garden that is open only 2 days during the year. Of course, we were on "Rathbone Time" and were too late! But, the incredible views of the city sufficed for the lack of roses and LARGE hill we hiked up to see it. Oh yeah, my camera I carry around everyday broke :( so I only have pictures from my iphone. I'm kinda impressed, actually!

That's the Duomo. I live about 5 blocks on the other side of it. If I'm ever lost, I look up. I can always find my way back thanks to the gigantic dome! 

So, continuing with my day... Since we were on the "other side" of the Arno, we looked around.  The streets are much smaller, less crowded, and are filled with hidden local artist studios. We found a great artist who designs jewelry. I immediately thought of Rachael Bordelon when I saw his work... I guess I just have an appreciation for jewelry artists! His studio was so cool... very mad scientist(ish). 

after that, we dashed in for a quick apperitivo (one of my favorite things to do in Florence! i'll explain later...) and then, of course, went to a local italian movie theatre to watch Eclipse! Way to go Jay! I was so impressed!

Just look how darling this theatre is...

Really, ya'll cannot tell what this theatre looked like in person.  My iphone pictures do not do it justice. :) I loved it! It was so Regal and intricate. The seats were this light yellow velvet- VERY BIG. The concession stand was very small and they served drinks (surprise! surprise!).  I just thought the whole experience was quite charming. Jay was absolutley incredible. I was so excited to see how many lines he had! That cute fight scene with Alice just made me smile. 

Wonderful day! Good night everyone!

Ciao!

summertime...

and the livin's easy.

Well, easy living...

a day well spent at the local firenze beach laying out, watching the football game, sleeping, and reading the best book, The Help. (Thank you, Mrs. Mitzi!)

Ciao!

Cinque Terre

Rewind a few days... June 17.

This day was probably one of the funnest days of my life! It started at 4:30 in the morning. Yes, 4:30. Now, ask yourself, "How on earth did eight girls get up and ready at 4:30am?!"

No clue.

Now, let me show you why catching a train at 6:10am was worth it...

men working on beautiful wooden boats

a very very very hard hike to get an incredible view of Vernazza

a short stop to eat in Corniglia

a unique bridge of stone that crosses over a mountain stream (with a view of the grand Mediterranean)

a sneak peak of Monterosso...

with only 3 out of the seven girls that were adverturesome enough to hike it with me!

a VERY rewarding beach to look forward to after that difficult hike!

finally, beach time!

a mad rush to the train station to catch the last train leaving for Florence!

 (we literally RAN and almost missed it.)

it was a day that started at 4:30 am and ended at 12:30am...

and it couldn't have been more wonderful!

Ciao Bella!

traveling non-stop!!!

i had such a busy day yesterday, sorry no posts... and then this weekend we are traveling to ROME. i will be out this weekend, but hopefully post some awesome posts either sunday or early next week. 

Ciao!

sidewalk chalk

Literally, art is everywhere in Florence. Everywhere you look...

Even on the sidewalk!

I love the "thank you" in the bottom left corner.

Can we even call this sidewalk chalk?

Under the Tuscan... Rain?

Ok... so i know this post is late, but better late than never! Here's a short summary of our "Best of Tuscany" and Wine tasting tour!

First travel day= AMAZING.

Tuscany has such an amazing countryside, never rains... Until I decide to go there! It rained ALL DAY. Yes, RAINED. ALL. DAY. But thankfully, the rain made for a cool day! Oh, wait... we were dressed for the HOT TUSCANY SUN... needless to say, we FROZE.

Our itinerary:

Siena:

Check out my white cloth. I had to put it over my shoulders and around my waist: my shoulders were too bare and my dress too short! :)

Off to eat at a beautiful vineyard over-looking the gorgeous town of San Geminiano.

San Geminiano

#7 best gelato restaurant. very very good!!! 

go chi o!

The Leaning Tower of Pisa

Thats about it! Tuscany is trully as breathtaking as I could have ever imagined. I will absolutely come back here again! I could literally live in Siena. 

xoxo

Today has been a wonderful day!

Can I just start off by saying that I cannot find one thing I do not like about Italy! Except for maybe their salads... I have not found a single one that i like yet! Today was my first day of school. Incredible!!! The teacher kept talking about "This painting... well, we will talk more about it when we go see it." Are you kidding me?! This is any art major's dream.  This is MY dream.

Besides school, I got lost in Florence by myself. I loved every minute of it. I came across the most fabulous stores:

1. "Bloom" can be described in 3 words. Mamma Mia Fabric! I made friends with Roberto, the head designer. Who knows? When I become a famous Interior Designer he can be my Italian fabric contact.

2. "Roberto Cavalli"- wait for it- CAFE! yes, another cappacino and cream-filled coissant. Perfection.  The doors inside were covered in sting ray skin (we asked :) ). The stools were upholstered with cowhide. And not to mention the incredibly good-looking server. (I'm convinced that he is a Roberto Cavalli model in training) I'll be looking for you, mister HOTT CAPPACINO SERVER in the next Cavalli adds!!!

3. This store, by far, has stolen my heart. "Infinity" has the most incredible leather bags, belts, bracelets, wallets, and so much more! First of all, Tao (the sweetest Italian I have yet to meet) let me use his bathroom (Sold!) He knew the way to my heart, or should I say WALLET? Once I started talking to him and asking him about his leather- he took us back to his family's workshop. (and once again... Incredible!) He explained the different 3 different layers of leather: The first layer being the most valuable, third being the least. Then the thread: 3 types least to greatest: cotton, nylon, and then nylon with cotton surrounding it.  Of course, he uses the best. Neadless to say, I bought 1 bag for me and another bag that they are doing for me CUSTOM MADE for a special someone! I picked out the style, the leather(s) and the hardwear that will be on it.  Eugenio (now he may be the lead for the sweetest Italian I have ever met) has promised me that he will have it done in 3 weeks before I leave! He ordered to parts already tonight. I cannot wait to see it. I think I may be done shopping. But it was so worth it!

We ended the day with yet another view of the Ponte Vecchio. Stormy with a little light shining through.

I just love Florence!

xoxo

domenica felice!

Waking up to the sound of pouring rain and hearing a church choir singing magestically beautiful hymns in Italian as I eat a croissant and drink a cappicino... All from my balcony door.  Il suo un giorno perfetto! I ringraziamenti sono a Dio!

The FIFA WORLD CUP

Where is the best place to watch the World Cup?

-"Go across the Ponte Vecchio. Walk along the river- you will run into a great bar. It doesnt have a name... but you will LITERALLY run into it."

---- seriously?! these are the instructions my friends and i recieved.... SO WE WENT!

 we crossed this...

spotted this... (the bar is right where the concrete makes the 'L' shape"

watched the World Cup on this... (i know... be jealous.)

and when we weren't watching... to our left...

and behind us...

Where did YOU watch the World Cup?