Italy!

We had a WONDERFUL trip to Italy with my parents at the end of September.  It was a wonderful mix of things we've all done a hundred times, things we haven't done for 20 years, and things we have never done! Every moment felt like a celebration.

We enjoyed rooftop cocktails overlooking the Pantheon,

exploring the Gianiculum Hill (my old stomping grounds),

and eating at my favorite Pizzeria in Rome!  (You can't miss the Nutella Calzone there!)

We explored the Roman Forum by day

and night!

And even met up with my mom's cousin Mark for a dinner in Pompey's Theater where Caesar Augustus was murdered!

Our day trip to Florence that was absolutely wonderful!

(After we ate this meal, the very nice Chinese woman sitting next to us said that we must have been VERY hungry to have consumed that much food.  😂)

We even had gelato at Vivoli!  (Thanks Fergusons and "I'll have what Phil's Having" for the recommendation!)

Then we went to Sorrento where we enjoyed a more relaxed pace.  

The weather was perfect and we really enjoyed exploring the city.

We found a restaurant that we'd eaten at 20 years ago (where we all learned about Gnocchi alla Sorrentina)

and found another few restaurants along the way.

We even drank a little wine!

The drive to Amalfi along the Amalfitano was nauseating, infuriating, and breath taking.  But we made it...and even found a parking spot!  

In Amalfi we reminisced about our trip 20 years ago: Maddie's hot cocoa,

Hotel Luna Convento (check out the key to the chapel!),

and of course, the Cathedral/main square!

We took a day trip to the island of Capri

where we saw the Blue Grotto,

and some other grottos!

We hiked from Capri to Anacapri,

where we had the best shandys of our lives!  

Our next adventure brought us to Naples -- what a crazy city!  We found some DELICIOUS pizzas 

and some newly restored catacombs,

some fried snacks and some Presepie (Nativity sets).

 And there was always a time (and necessity!) for lots and lots of cappuccinos!

Arrivederci Italia!  Until we meet again!

And a special shout out to Nama & Pop, without whom this trip would not have been possible!!!  THANK YOU!!!  💕