tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35603803185414738282024-03-13T07:33:54.648-04:00You'll Find Me in FlorenceAdventures and mishaps in my new cityJesshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08956047302755367824noreply@blogger.comBlogger79125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3560380318541473828.post-21283002870896885282013-06-08T22:47:00.001-04:002013-06-08T22:47:09.542-04:00Head to my new blog for my new adventures!Hi readers!<br />
<br />
If you haven't already, head on over to my new blog, <a href="http://loveandlondon.com/" target="_blank">Love and London</a>.<br />
<br />
You'll get caught up on my crazy life, including my <i>attempt </i>at moving to London, and what I've done since then...<br />
<br />
Trust me. You won't be bored.<br />
<br />
-JessJesshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08956047302755367824noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3560380318541473828.post-28716993366695791512013-03-02T11:44:00.000-05:002013-03-02T11:44:58.773-05:00Exciting Life Updates.... And Where You'll Find Me Next<!--?xml version="1.0" encoding="UTF-8" standalone="no"?-->
<span style="font-family: Arial;">Ok, ok. I know I've been super MIA and completely all over the place. You'd think I'd move back to the US and finally have some time to tweet and blog. I even promised a blog series on living and working abroad that I've almost failed at completely. Except for that one post. But I've been waiting for the right time to reveal to all of you my plan for the next few years.</span><br />
<div style="font-family: Arial;">
<br /></div>
<div style="font-family: Arial;">
So to update you….
</div>
<div style="font-family: Arial;">
<br /></div>
<div style="font-family: Arial;">
<b>My life in the US has been fairly boring.</b></div>
<div style="font-family: Arial;">
<b><br /></b></div>
<div style="font-family: Arial;">
I've been working 40 hours a week making smoothies at a gym-- just to get some money back in my bank account-- so my free time has been somewhat limited. And on top of that…
</div>
<div style="font-family: Arial;">
<br /></div>
<div style="font-family: Arial;">
<b>I started a new blog!</b></div>
<div style="font-family: Arial;">
<br /></div>
<div style="font-family: Arial;">
And it's not about me. But it's where I am sharing my knowledge of all things study abroad, so check it out and pass it along to anyone you know who is or will be abroad. It's called <a href="http://theabroadguide.com/" target="_blank">The Abroad Guide</a>. I've been working hard at it and am already getting a great response from readers and followers, and have even gotten some interest for potential partnerships!
</div>
<div style="font-family: Arial;">
<br /></div>
<div style="font-family: Arial;">
You should also keep an eye out, because I'm starting yet ANOTHER blog. Wanna know why? </div>
<div style="font-family: Arial;">
<br /></div>
<div style="font-family: Arial;">
It's cause….
</div>
<div style="font-family: Arial;">
<br /></div>
<div style="font-family: Arial;">
<b>I'M MOVING TO LONDON!
</b></div>
<div style="font-family: Arial;">
<br /></div>
<div style="font-family: Arial;">
So this blog's title will no longer make sense :)
</div>
<div style="font-family: Arial;">
<br /></div>
<div style="font-family: Arial;">
Yup, I'm moving to London. Should have guessed, right? The US just doesn't do it for me anymore.
</div>
<div style="font-family: Arial;">
<br /></div>
<div style="font-family: Arial;">
But here's the story. Remember this guy, who I met during <a href="http://findmeinflorence.blogspot.com/2012/12/a-crazy-weekend-in-prague-with-swedish.html" target="_blank">my weekend in Prague</a> a few months ago?
</div>
<div style="font-family: Arial;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://sphotos-b.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ash4/394977_10151120803776793_212237752_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://sphotos-b.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ash4/394977_10151120803776793_212237752_n.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div style="font-family: Arial;">
<br /></div>
<div style="font-family: Arial;">
Well, it turns out we're head over heels for each other.
</div>
<div style="font-family: Arial;">
<br /></div>
<div style="font-family: Arial;">
We met up in Paris before I moved back to the US, and after countless Skype sessions, he came to New York for New Years and we had an amazing week together.
</div>
<div style="font-family: Arial;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://sphotos-b.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ash4/385358_10152424238270457_99770907_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://sphotos-b.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ash4/385358_10152424238270457_99770907_n.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div style="font-family: Arial;">
<br /></div>
<div style="font-family: Arial;">
But that week wasn't enough, so I'm moving to London (where he lives) in 40 days. April 12th is my official departure date, but I wish it was tomorrow. I've always loved London and think it will be the perfect place for me to start a new life (and be with Tom!)
</div>
<div style="font-family: Arial;">
<br /></div>
<div style="font-family: Arial;">
In order for me to work and live legally as an American in the UK, I need to have some kind of visa, which really wasn't an option for me-- work visas are almost impossible to get, and even if I studied there, it would still take a while to get that visa. So I did some research and found that I could apply for Italian Dual Citizenship through my great grandfather, which would let me live and work anywhere in the EU for as long as I want to.
</div>
<div style="font-family: Arial;">
<br /></div>
<div style="font-family: Arial;">
So I started that process a couple of weeks ago, and I hired a company called <a href="http://www.italymondo.com/" target="_blank">ItalyMondo</a> that is helping me get everything together and done as quick as possible. The process typically takes two to three years, but since I am able to fly to Italy and apply there, I should have my Italian citizenship by October (if all goes well, fingers crossed!)
</div>
<div style="font-family: Arial;">
<br /></div>
<div style="font-family: Arial;">
<b>Then my new life officially begins.
</b></div>
<div style="font-family: Arial;">
<br /></div>
<div style="font-family: Arial;">
It's all new and exciting, and I couldn't be happier.
</div>
<div style="font-family: Arial;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://sphotos-a.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ash3/15343_1175924563532_7796163_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://sphotos-a.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ash3/15343_1175924563532_7796163_n.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Me in London during my study abroad semester in Fall 2009</div>
<div style="font-family: Arial;">
<br /></div>
<div style="font-family: Arial;">
<br /></div>
<div style="font-family: Arial;">
Keep an eye on my <a href="https://twitter.com/Jess_inFlorence" target="_blank">Twitter</a>, <a href="http://www.facebook.com/FindMeinFlorence" target="_blank">Facebook</a>, and <a href="http://instagram.com/jess_dante/" target="_blank">Instagram</a> for info about my new blog, where I'll be writing about my new life and posting amazing photos right along with it. And we already have some big plans for the next few months that you won't want to miss out on, including two trips to the south of Italy (to apply and receive my citizenship), a vacation in Ibiza, and quite a few music festivals (um… <a href="http://www.creamfields.com/" target="_blank">Creamfields</a> anyone?) </div>
<div style="font-family: Arial;">
<br /></div>
<div style="font-family: Arial;">
<b>40 days till London!</b></div>
<div style="font-family: Arial;">
<br /></div>
Jesshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08956047302755367824noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3560380318541473828.post-54735475123890563362013-01-07T21:54:00.001-05:002013-01-07T21:54:36.836-05:002012, You Rocked My World: My Year in Review<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-RutwtNtIySQ/UOt6rVnXtCI/AAAAAAAACno/75A8uDaXgY4/s1600/2012collage3.1.jpg.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-RutwtNtIySQ/UOt6rVnXtCI/AAAAAAAACno/75A8uDaXgY4/s640/2012collage3.1.jpg.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
A little more than a year ago, I started this little ole blog as a way to <b>document my journey to Florence</b>; all the ups and downs, the lessons learned, the mistakes made, and the experiences gained. It feels like so long ago, and yet, it feels like just yesterday that I was packing up my life just days before heading to Italy, <b>with no idea just what was about to begin.</b><br />
<div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
I <a href="http://findmeinflorence.blogspot.com/2012/01/why-im-moving-to-italy.html" target="_blank">originally moved to Florence</a> thinking I would be <b>teaching English</b>. Little did I know that I would take a completely different turn and end up <b>working in nightlife, for a student travel company, and running bar crawls. </b>But this is why I love life-- you never know what (fun and exciting) curve balls it's going to throw at you.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<b>And so, because I love lists, here's the run down of my 2012 in list form:</b></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<b>Places I traveled</b>:</div>
<div>
1. <a href="http://findmeinflorence.blogspot.com/2012/04/barcelona-2012-day-1.html" target="_blank">Barcelona</a></div>
<div>
2. <a href="http://findmeinflorence.blogspot.com/search/label/Bologna" target="_blank">Bologna</a></div>
<div>
3. <a href="http://findmeinflorence.blogspot.com/search/label/Rimini" target="_blank">Rimini</a></div>
<div>
4. <a href="http://findmeinflorence.blogspot.com/2012/07/sunday-in-cinque-terre.html" target="_blank">Cinque Terre</a></div>
<div>
5. <a href="http://findmeinflorence.blogspot.com/search/label/Munich" target="_blank">Munich Oktoberfest</a><br />
6. <a href="http://findmeinflorence.blogspot.it/2012/10/siena-san-gimignano-wine-gelato.html" target="_blank">San Gimignano</a> and <a href="http://findmeinflorence.blogspot.com/2012/11/day-trip-siena-tuscany-florence.html" target="_blank">Siena</a></div>
<div>
7. <a href="http://findmeinflorence.blogspot.com/search/label/Switzerland" target="_blank">Interlaken, Switzerland</a></div>
<div>
8. <a href="http://findmeinflorence.blogspot.com/2012/12/a-crazy-weekend-in-prague-with-swedish.html" target="_blank">Prague</a></div>
<div>
9. Rome</div>
<div>
10. Paris</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<b>What I did:</b></div>
<div>
1. Worked some great jobs, which let me party and travel the world for a living</div>
<div>
2. Shared amazing experiences with my "Florence family", who will be some of my best friends for years to come, no matter how far we live from each other</div>
<div>
3. Gained great work experience and learned first hand just how effective good networking can be</div>
<div>
4. Became much more confident in my Italian speaking skills, even if they didn't improve as much as I would have liked</div>
<div>
5. Figured out how to be happy just being single and on my own... and then fell in love</div>
<div>
6. Learned more about myself in twelve months than I have in my entire life</div>
<div>
7. Grew into a stronger, smarter, kinder, and even more confident person than I was before<br />
<br />
2012 was better than I could have ever imagined, and hopefully 2013 will be the same. I'll be home in New York for at least a couple of months while I figure out the next step of my journey, whether it be in the US or somewhere else in the world.<br />
<br />
<b>You may not find me in Florence, but the adventures will still continue!</b></div>
<div>
<br />
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Q1aDTUEACqE/UOtqq8QvwhI/AAAAAAAACmY/hpXM3vRyJYg/s1600/2012collage2.1.jpg.jpg.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Q1aDTUEACqE/UOtqq8QvwhI/AAAAAAAACmY/hpXM3vRyJYg/s640/2012collage2.1.jpg.jpg.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
Jesshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08956047302755367824noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3560380318541473828.post-34248516226044489862012-12-26T11:17:00.000-05:002012-12-26T11:50:40.274-05:00My last days in Europe via Instagram<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
After my<a href="http://findmeinflorence.blogspot.com/2012/12/a-crazy-weekend-in-prague-with-swedish.html" target="_blank"> life-changing weekend in Prague</a>, I had <b>one week left</b> in Florence before returning to New York for the holidays. I was done with working, so I was able to do a little bit more traveling (a night in Rome and a trip to Paris to see Swedish House Mafia again) and get to spend time with my "Florence family" before leaving this amazing city.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-M9T8zCUoCvo/UNUBDhi-jNI/AAAAAAAACh4/lAvbat0ZmAM/s1600/photo+1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-M9T8zCUoCvo/UNUBDhi-jNI/AAAAAAAACh4/lAvbat0ZmAM/s640/photo+1.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Christmas Markets in Piazza Navona during my brief visit to Rome</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-upG8cDniW2g/UNUBFCGdcXI/AAAAAAAACiA/rqjoJI0bwIs/s1600/photo+2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-upG8cDniW2g/UNUBFCGdcXI/AAAAAAAACiA/rqjoJI0bwIs/s640/photo+2.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Christmas lights on Via Corso</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-h4FfB8qINLo/UNUBGDmkfNI/AAAAAAAACiI/8iJCfEOOvws/s1600/photo+3.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-h4FfB8qINLo/UNUBGDmkfNI/AAAAAAAACiI/8iJCfEOOvws/s640/photo+3.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Puppy!</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-EkeMZ2_BqSY/UNUBHGiWFmI/AAAAAAAACiQ/Oerd0sDth9o/s1600/photo+4.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-EkeMZ2_BqSY/UNUBHGiWFmI/AAAAAAAACiQ/Oerd0sDth9o/s640/photo+4.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Swedish House Mafia in Paris.... yet another unreal experience.</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-28ZQwuKlXr8/UNUBI-DHW3I/AAAAAAAACiY/x3GyWtyagPM/s1600/photo+5.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-28ZQwuKlXr8/UNUBI-DHW3I/AAAAAAAACiY/x3GyWtyagPM/s640/photo+5.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Christmas by the Duomo in Firenze</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-mraERWWlRkc/UNsdONu8R4I/AAAAAAAACjw/NCcBa3Z1JQ4/s1600/photo+(30).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-mraERWWlRkc/UNsdONu8R4I/AAAAAAAACjw/NCcBa3Z1JQ4/s640/photo+(30).JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
My Swedish roommates gave me this AMAZING going away present... I had wanted to get one of these charms but didn't get a chance to before flying home. It's the <b>city symbol of Florence</b>!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-MUhRYkMAboU/UNsdNALW5kI/AAAAAAAACjo/P09BL5mmX-s/s1600/photo+(29).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-MUhRYkMAboU/UNsdNALW5kI/AAAAAAAACjo/P09BL5mmX-s/s640/photo+(29).JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
So thankful for the friends who have become family...</div>
<br />
In my next post, I'll update you on my <b>life and travel plans</b> for the next few months, so check back!<br />
<br />
Oh, and<a href="http://instagram.com/jess_dante/" target="_blank"> follow me on Instagram</a> !Jesshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08956047302755367824noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3560380318541473828.post-76011547824211789092012-12-19T15:21:00.001-05:002012-12-19T15:21:48.676-05:00A Crazy Weekend in Prague with Swedish House Mafia<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
One of my all-time favorite cities in Europe is <b>Prague</b>. I've been twice, once in the winter and once in the summer, and I've walked around in awe of the city's beauty both times I visited. Earlier this fall, I thought it would be nice to try to get back to this amazing city after Thanksgiving so that I could experience the holiday decorations and Christmas markets again.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
So when trusty old Facebook reconnected an old friend and I, a friend who happens to be living and working in Prague, and who just HAPPENED to have one extra ticket to see <b>Swedish House Mafia</b> the weekend after Thanksgiving, I just could NOT pass up that opportunity.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
I jumped on a flight from Milan the night before the show, took out some Czech money at the airport, and arrived to Matt's apartment around 10:30pm to meet his two friends from London. <b>Little did we know what the next few days had in store for us...</b></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
After a spontaneous first night out at Retro Music Hall, the four of us became super close. While Matt was at work on Thursday, Tom, Kate and I walked around Old Town a bit and did some shopping, and we of course picked up some <b>mulled wine</b>-- a spiced, hot red wine that you can usually pick up in cold weather cities and in Christmas markets around Europe.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://sphotos-a.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ash4/487010_4098744512204_295278628_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="478" src="http://sphotos-a.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ash4/487010_4098744512204_295278628_n.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://sphotos-b.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ash4/394977_10151120803776793_212237752_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://sphotos-b.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ash4/394977_10151120803776793_212237752_n.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Once we shopped, grabbed some food, and got back to Matt's flat, it was time to get ready for what we had all been waiting for-- the Swedish House Mafia show. If you don't know who Swedish House Mafia is (which I'm really hoping is NO ONE), they are the biggest DJs in the world and this is their "One Last Tour". They will only be performing together until March, so we knew that seeing them in Prague was about to be a life changing event.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-uWS0_nXAPu4/UNEcxrirnsI/AAAAAAAACgo/Wxm2cKNcy30/s1600/photo+(28).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-uWS0_nXAPu4/UNEcxrirnsI/AAAAAAAACgo/Wxm2cKNcy30/s640/photo+(28).JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://sphotos-a.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-prn1/73003_4098740192096_704704148_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://sphotos-a.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-prn1/73003_4098740192096_704704148_n.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Yu3RHmmi58Y/UNEcvwt8NSI/AAAAAAAACgg/cI4ySgp3yKw/s1600/photo+(27).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Yu3RHmmi58Y/UNEcvwt8NSI/AAAAAAAACgg/cI4ySgp3yKw/s640/photo+(27).JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://sphotos-b.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ash3/556752_4098743072168_747894586_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="478" src="http://sphotos-b.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ash3/556752_4098743072168_747894586_n.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
As you can probably tell by these pictures, words can't even describe how awesome the show was. This video is a bit shaky since I was on someone's shoulders, but you still get the idea!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<object height="320" width="568"><param name="allowfullscreen" value="true"></param>
<param name="movie" value="http://www.facebook.com/v/4078787813299"></param>
<embed src="http://www.facebook.com/v/4078787813299" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowfullscreen="1" width="568" height="320"></embed></object></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
When the show was over, we were all on such a high that we went out till the wee hours of the morning. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
In fact, the next morning, I was still on such a high-- guess what I did?</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<b>Booked a flight to Paris</b> for the next weekend to see SHM again.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<b>You only live once.</b></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Needless to say, after all of the Paris commotion, that day was a lazy one, although the night definitely was not...</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
On Saturday, after a delish brunch at <a href="http://www.globebookstore.cz/" target="_blank">Globe</a>, which consisted of chocolate chip pancakes and a Spanish omlet with homefries that somewhat cured my hangover, we intended on doing a little site seeing.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
But instead, we ended up at <a href="http://www.beer-factory.cz/index_en.html" target="_blank">Beer Factory</a>, a bar where each table has its own tap, and the name of the game is to see which table drinks the most beer. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://sphotos-b.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ash4/401591_10151120798426793_301357173_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://sphotos-b.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ash4/401591_10151120798426793_301357173_n.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Do you see a theme to this weekend? <b>No work, all play</b>. I had officially finished working in Florence and Matt, Tom and Kate had taken time off work, so we intended on using this time to the fullest.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
That night, we went to a house party at a friend of Matt's place, and had the most amazing time. I think it may have been a mix of the sick house music that was blasting, the deceivingly delicious party punch, and just being around a big group of cool people from all around the world that made us <b>the happiest kids on the planet </b>(see picture below...) </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://sphotos-b.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ash4/302879_4094780813114_302724031_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="478" src="http://sphotos-b.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ash4/302879_4094780813114_302724031_n.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://sphotos-b.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ash3/577995_4094773772938_2012494310_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="478" src="http://sphotos-b.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ash3/577995_4094773772938_2012494310_n.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Later in the night, we ventured to <a href="http://www.retropraha.cz/" target="_blank">Retro</a> for the third night of our four night trip. If you are looking for a good club to go to, I highly, HIGHLY recommend it, especially if you are into house music. The DJs are SO good, the drinks are cheap, it's a local spot, and it's even free to get into. <b>GO!</b></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://sphotos-a.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-prn1/68421_4094771692886_127732148_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="478" src="http://sphotos-a.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-prn1/68421_4094771692886_127732148_n.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://sphotos-b.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ash3/74277_543678635660986_2051975995_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://sphotos-b.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ash3/74277_543678635660986_2051975995_n.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<b>What a crazy, fun, awesome, sick weekend. </b></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Get ready for round two when I go see SHM again in Paris!</div>
Jesshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08956047302755367824noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3560380318541473828.post-18854230359668952192012-12-11T19:03:00.001-05:002012-12-11T19:03:15.112-05:00Recipe Time: the famous Pear Ravioli<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
If you've kept up with my blog for a while, you'll be aware that my all-time favorite restaurant in Florence is <a href="http://findmeinflorence.blogspot.com/2012/05/pear-pasta-anyone.html" target="_blank">Coquinarius</a>, a small restaurant that barely anyone has ever even heard about. Absolutely everything that I've ever eaten there has been delicious and so authentic, but the dish that the restaurant is best known for is its <b>pear ravioli</b>. A more popular restaurant called <a href="http://www.ristorantelagiostra.com/" target="_blank">La Giostra</a> has a similar dish, but I've tried both and think Coquinarius does it better. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
After having the ravioli a few times (and quickly draining my wallet of its precious euros in the process) I decided I needed to learn how to make this masterpiece of a dish. So I found a recipe and made it from scratch. Boy, was it worth it. It came out absolutely amazing. The perfect amount of sweet and savory. Just divine.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
So I'm passing along the recipe for my readers to try. <b>It's actually really easy to make</b>... the hardest part is making the fresh pasta, but you can always just grab some pre-made dough from the store and the rest will take less than twenty minutes.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<b>Pear Ravioli </b></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Serves 4</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<b>What you'll need:</b></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
3 Pears (the recipes that I've found have told me that pears that are not too ripe work best. To be honest, I have no idea what a ripe pear looks like, and my rav came out fine.)</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
8 oz of Pecorino cheese</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
1/4 cup Mascarpone cheese</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
1 egg yolk</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
1/2 cup of butter</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Extra Pecorino to sprinkle on top of the finished ravioli</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-DzPxK1noIMU/ULDLAU14OgI/AAAAAAAACcM/cFH0OebCCzg/s1600/DSC03015.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-DzPxK1noIMU/ULDLAU14OgI/AAAAAAAACcM/cFH0OebCCzg/s640/DSC03015.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
First, <b>grate the pecorino cheese and the pears</b>. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Then combine the pecorino, mascarpone, pears, and egg yolk all together for the ravioli filling.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-PQXSkufyGCg/UMd8K8dr3OI/AAAAAAAACeo/Xv_bxyZwo3s/s1600/DSC03023.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-PQXSkufyGCg/UMd8K8dr3OI/AAAAAAAACeo/Xv_bxyZwo3s/s640/DSC03023.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-vVBlfUw1cnQ/UMd8Mw2PkKI/AAAAAAAACew/FzhScOum-Qw/s1600/DSC03024.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-vVBlfUw1cnQ/UMd8Mw2PkKI/AAAAAAAACew/FzhScOum-Qw/s640/DSC03024.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
My friend Monique made the fresh pasta since she had just learned how to in her cooking class. <a href="http://findmeinflorence.blogspot.com/2012/05/pasta-making-in-forlimpopoli.html" target="_blank">I've taken a class on how to make fresh pasta</a> as well, but I let her take the reins on this part of the recipe...</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Here's a tutorial on <a href="http://allrecipes.com/howto/making-pasta-dough/" target="_blank">how to make your own pasta.</a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-z2xYiC_n6mM/UMd82ctE5II/AAAAAAAACfE/6Ys9gXnL8BQ/s1600/DSC03032.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-z2xYiC_n6mM/UMd82ctE5II/AAAAAAAACfE/6Ys9gXnL8BQ/s640/DSC03032.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
After you've rolled out your dough with a rolling pin (or with a wine bottle, like we did, since we didn't have one available), <b>cut it into pieces</b> -- as big as you want your ravioli to be. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Use a spoon to put the pear and cheese mixture onto one piece of pasta, place another on top of it, and <b>use a fork to seal the pieces together</b>, just like we did (see above photo).</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Bring a large pot of water to a boil and cook the raviolis for <b>3-4 minutes</b>, a few raviolis at a time.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
While the raviolis are cooking, heat up the butter in a skillet. Once all of the raviolis are all done, <b>pour the butter over the top</b> of them and serve! </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Leave the rest of the grated pecorino on the table so that you can top your dish with it.</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ZgRYcjgjfVY/UMd84R-lHxI/AAAAAAAACfM/dzKIwpPlQQQ/s1600/DSC03036.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ZgRYcjgjfVY/UMd84R-lHxI/AAAAAAAACfM/dzKIwpPlQQQ/s640/DSC03036.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
The couple of times that I've made this recipe its gotten rave reviews. If you're ever in Florence, I recommend trying the real deal at <a href="http://www.muledei.it/coquinarius.html" target="_blank">Coquinarius</a>, but if you don't plan on being there anytime soon. definitely give this dish a try.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />Jesshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08956047302755367824noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3560380318541473828.post-9939534001559811632012-11-21T14:42:00.000-05:002012-12-12T09:28:15.435-05:00Hooters wings and a 200 foot free fall in Switzerland<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
On my second day in Interlaken, I felt a rush of YOLO come over me. I figured that this weekend could in fact be my last time in Switzerland for quite a long time, so I decided that I needed to do something a little crazy....</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<b>Like canyon jumping.</b></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
But before that could be done, it was mandatory that we stopped at Hooters. For some chicken strips.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
So worth the 15 francs. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-KKp3u_FIDF0/UKphLbaT7NI/AAAAAAAACYA/t3HHoZmx4Mk/s1600/295739_10151130729761657_733059426_n.jpg.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-KKp3u_FIDF0/UKphLbaT7NI/AAAAAAAACYA/t3HHoZmx4Mk/s640/295739_10151130729761657_733059426_n.jpg.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
At three pm, our <a href="http://outdoorinterlaken.com/" target="_blank">Outdoor Interlaken</a> guide picked us up from Balmer's and drove us 25 minutes to a town called Gimmelwald-- the most picture picture Swiss town that you could ever imagine.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-9n6vmHhP5Ys/UKpc4KAfoAI/AAAAAAAACWY/xARlQdQgXfI/s1600/DSC03140.jpg.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-9n6vmHhP5Ys/UKpc4KAfoAI/AAAAAAAACWY/xARlQdQgXfI/s640/DSC03140.jpg.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
When we arrived to the canyon we would be jumping through, I walked to the ledge and looked down... far. <b>Very far</b>. That's when I started shaking...</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-wt4iuJon8ws/UKpdARmJzaI/AAAAAAAACWg/Y5EaKjD1DEU/s1600/DSC03146.jpg.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-wt4iuJon8ws/UKpdARmJzaI/AAAAAAAACWg/Y5EaKjD1DEU/s640/DSC03146.jpg.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-oftIO0bmLq0/UKpdH_c2BXI/AAAAAAAACWo/QJGeZnMJ5Xk/s1600/DSC03165.jpg.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-oftIO0bmLq0/UKpdH_c2BXI/AAAAAAAACWo/QJGeZnMJ5Xk/s640/DSC03165.jpg.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Before we were weighed and strapped into our harnesses, the liability waiver was read aloud to us. I wish I had recorded it-- it made us all laugh a bit. My favorite part was where it stated that you will not jump if you are pregnant-- <b>because it would be twice the price.</b> </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
I originally told myself that I would go second or third because I didn't want to go first and I thought I would get too scared if I waited for too long. But some of the students from the Bus2alps trip asked if I could take pictures and videos of them jumping, so I ended up going LAST. It worked out for the best though-- by the time I went, I was so excited, and knew that I would have to just GO, and not think about it too much.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-FgsTJ7c3ukE/UKpdN1S5B2I/AAAAAAAACWw/0oqA5f3Frb0/s1600/DSC03189.jpg.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-FgsTJ7c3ukE/UKpdN1S5B2I/AAAAAAAACWw/0oqA5f3Frb0/s640/DSC03189.jpg.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
It was almost dark by the time that I got to jump, but here's the video! </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<object height="360" width="640"><param name="allowfullscreen" value="true"></param>
<param name="movie" value="http://www.facebook.com/v/4006378723117"></param>
<embed src="http://www.facebook.com/v/4006378723117" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowfullscreen="1" width="640" height="360"></embed></object></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Like my scream? The feeling was absolutely crazy. Falling 200 feet for four seconds-- almost indescribable. Did I love it? YES. Would I do it again? In a heartbeat-- but I'm thinking <b>skydiving over the Swiss Alps</b> is next !</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Once I got back to the hostel, I emailed the video to my parents, who had NO idea of exactly what I was up to in Switzerland... the reaction when I called them later that day was priceless.</div>
<br />Jesshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08956047302755367824noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3560380318541473828.post-4625419265372236032012-11-14T13:14:00.000-05:002012-11-14T13:14:18.407-05:00You'll Find Me in Interlaken!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
I received an email early this past Thursday morning, and by 9pm Thursday night, I was on a 9-hour <a href="http://bus2alps.com/en/interlaken" target="_blank">bus ride to Switzerland</a>. Things in my life have been moving pretty fast these days, but it keeps things interesting-- <b>I didn't move to Florence to be living a routine lifestyle</b>.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://sphotos-e.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-prn1/550673_4004343872247_378070001_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://sphotos-e.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-prn1/550673_4004343872247_378070001_n.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
By 5am, we were in <b>Interlaken, Switzerland</b>. I have heard so much about this place over the past three years-- from both my friends who studied in Antwerp with me that went skydiving here, and from the students and Bus2alps staff members who had fallen in love with the town in just one short weekend. I couldn't sleep on the bus because containing my excitement was impossible....</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-RGwkvDres00/UKJkwScjYtI/AAAAAAAACQ0/4Wcm811pyfo/s1600/DSC03060.jpg.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-RGwkvDres00/UKJkwScjYtI/AAAAAAAACQ0/4Wcm811pyfo/s640/DSC03060.jpg.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Get ready for a significant amount of scenery pictures because I just could not get enough of my beautiful surroundings. Editing was unnecessary for most of these photos because they came out perfect the instant they showed up on my camera.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Ysg6bLjRZ40/UKJlKnOYYcI/AAAAAAAACRU/mzka2t-ru5U/s1600/DSC03094.jpg.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Ysg6bLjRZ40/UKJlKnOYYcI/AAAAAAAACRU/mzka2t-ru5U/s640/DSC03094.jpg.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
We stayed at world-famous <a href="http://www.balmers.com/" target="_blank">Balmer's Hostel</a>. I've had a ton of friends stay here in the past few years and they have all raved about how fun the hostel was-- especially <b>Metro</b>, the bar/club that they have right in the basement. It was in a great location too, just a five minute scenic stroll from the main street in town and was next to <a href="http://www.outdoor-interlaken.ch/en/" target="_blank">Outdoor Interlaken</a>, where I signed up for the craziest thing I've ever done in my life-- but more about that later...</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ymvLTQYmq5E/UKJksW-MGkI/AAAAAAAACQs/j27o0CnxnOw/s1600/DSC03059.jpg.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ymvLTQYmq5E/UKJksW-MGkI/AAAAAAAACQs/j27o0CnxnOw/s640/DSC03059.jpg.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Yup, those are the Swiss Alps.</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-jLFkDF7Pq7k/UKJk2B0xuLI/AAAAAAAACQ8/Ss9Xaf4qqwc/s1600/DSC03063.jpg.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-jLFkDF7Pq7k/UKJk2B0xuLI/AAAAAAAACQ8/Ss9Xaf4qqwc/s640/DSC03063.jpg.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-O1aqXKjWLKQ/UKJwpfdwGKI/AAAAAAAACSk/_nHCAphLb0Q/s1600/photo+(24).jpg.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="478" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-O1aqXKjWLKQ/UKJwpfdwGKI/AAAAAAAACSk/_nHCAphLb0Q/s640/photo+(24).jpg.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-X_j0k8GREzc/UKJk9V4DOhI/AAAAAAAACRE/vzYM7EeUCTU/s1600/DSC03065.jpg.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-X_j0k8GREzc/UKJk9V4DOhI/AAAAAAAACRE/vzYM7EeUCTU/s640/DSC03065.jpg.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Swiss cows</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-xNF3e65wcRM/UKPZ71YOPHI/AAAAAAAACT0/oHosD_5K6ME/s1600/DSC03096.jpg.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-xNF3e65wcRM/UKPZ71YOPHI/AAAAAAAACT0/oHosD_5K6ME/s640/DSC03096.jpg.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
On our second day in Interlaken we expected rainy and cold weather, but it turned out to be fairly warm and the perfect day for a walk. Our <a href="http://bus2alps.com/" target="_blank">Bus2alps</a> guides took us along the river to a large lake filled with stunning blue glacial water. </div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ALBhstrSi8M/UKPaAmkQOcI/AAAAAAAACT8/XKGRPRCbXAU/s1600/DSC03127.jpg.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ALBhstrSi8M/UKPaAmkQOcI/AAAAAAAACT8/XKGRPRCbXAU/s640/DSC03127.jpg.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-179VLGesMv4/UKPaaHFCEwI/AAAAAAAACUE/ZG7uriUC7EA/s1600/DSC03133.jpg.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-179VLGesMv4/UKPaaHFCEwI/AAAAAAAACUE/ZG7uriUC7EA/s640/DSC03133.jpg.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
It was so nice to see greenery and leaves, such a contrast from Florence. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
Don't worry, we didn't walk around Interlaken just taking pictures and staring at the mountains for three whole days... just wait till my next post, where you'll see what <b>life-changing activity</b> I did in the Swiss Alps!<br />
<br />
<i>There's still more weekends left to go to <a href="http://bus2alps.com/en/interlaken" target="_blank">Interlaken with Bus2Alps</a>! Use gift code "Dante" for 5% off your trip!</i><br />
<br />Jesshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08956047302755367824noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3560380318541473828.post-21434947471011968292012-11-12T11:58:00.000-05:002012-11-12T11:59:24.808-05:00You'll Find Me in Siena<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
As you may recall, a couple of weeks ago I was supposed to visit Siena as part of a <a href="http://findmeinflorence.blogspot.it/2012/10/siena-san-gimignano-wine-gelato.html" target="_blank">day trip to both there and San Gimignano with Bus2Alps</a>. But I worked until 4 am the night before and woke up to a clock that said I had missed the bus departure by 45 minutes, therefore meaning that I had missed the Siena part of the tour.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
I got the chance to redeem myself when my a visiting friend was up to our own day trip there. So on his last day in Florence, we bought roundtrip bus tickets to Siena and made an excursion out of it.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
I did a little bit of research on Siena before we arrived, but I kind of slacked on my tour guiding skills and it took us a bit of time to find where the actual city centre was. When we did find it, it was worth the half hour of wandering.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-jSzrttgOsQQ/UKAwV9apfpI/AAAAAAAACK4/oygAoKcJJrI/s1600/DSC02812.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-jSzrttgOsQQ/UKAwV9apfpI/AAAAAAAACK4/oygAoKcJJrI/s640/DSC02812.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-_qOdZGClwWQ/UKAwaVxxawI/AAAAAAAACLA/s8tA_N8Ka4Y/s1600/DSC02815.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-_qOdZGClwWQ/UKAwaVxxawI/AAAAAAAACLA/s8tA_N8Ka4Y/s640/DSC02815.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
We first arrived here, in<b> Piazza del Campo</b>. It's the most famous square in Siena and is where the famous Palio is held twice a year. The large building that dominates the square is the town hall.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-rXEUFEKY0gU/UKEiczz5tZI/AAAAAAAACPI/LznLUGhJnxY/s1600/DSC02821.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-rXEUFEKY0gU/UKEiczz5tZI/AAAAAAAACPI/LznLUGhJnxY/s640/DSC02821.JPG" width="480" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
After hanging out in Palazzo del Campo for a bit, we wandered to another famous spot in Siena-- the <b>Siena Cathedral</b>. I was amazed -- it reminded me of the cathedral in Florence, but was so much cleaner and a bit more ornate. It looked like absolute perfection against the cloudless blue sky that day.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
While staring at the cathedral, I checked out our map and noticed that there was a small symbol that marked a nearby escalator. It didn't say where it brought you to, but we wandered over to it and took it all the way down. We found a small garden and steps that brought us to some gorgeous views of the city.</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-r5kVR3_0Bvc/UKAwd22gOHI/AAAAAAAACLI/B6hfp89uXpo/s1600/DSC02831.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-r5kVR3_0Bvc/UKAwd22gOHI/AAAAAAAACLI/B6hfp89uXpo/s640/DSC02831.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-P_KCXgeEmcE/UKDUpd3QADI/AAAAAAAACMU/TBlDK2E8b-A/s1600/DSC02839.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-P_KCXgeEmcE/UKDUpd3QADI/AAAAAAAACMU/TBlDK2E8b-A/s640/DSC02839.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-qm0bv3HcGyk/UKDUu_LDtiI/AAAAAAAACMc/P4jcC74W8FA/s1600/DSC02847.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-qm0bv3HcGyk/UKDUu_LDtiI/AAAAAAAACMc/P4jcC74W8FA/s640/DSC02847.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Making it to the top of the steps</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
We admired the view for a bit, then eventually made our way back to the main road in the historic center and stopped at <a href="http://www.morbidi.com/" target="_blank">Morbidi</a> to pick up some food. If you ever make it to Siena, I highly recommend going here. Everything in their fresh food section looked fresh and delicious, and it was hard to pick just a few things to eat. </div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-4JxhV-NRRFM/UKDUxRfuSJI/AAAAAAAACMk/PCSvZcf-PWk/s1600/DSC02851.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-4JxhV-NRRFM/UKDUxRfuSJI/AAAAAAAACMk/PCSvZcf-PWk/s640/DSC02851.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-aBFQiHfxp8I/UKEiqOtcsmI/AAAAAAAACPQ/fpDJae_-JUc/s1600/DSC02852.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-aBFQiHfxp8I/UKEiqOtcsmI/AAAAAAAACPQ/fpDJae_-JUc/s640/DSC02852.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
We ultimately settled on little cracker squares filled with shrimp and tuna salad, raviolis filled with cheese and spinach, stuffed tomatos and stuffed zucchinis. We brought our goods back to the main square to eat and enjoy the view.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-I2mZ-ug-YP0/UKEizdz-HFI/AAAAAAAACPY/upDJiooAPXw/s1600/DSC02853.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-I2mZ-ug-YP0/UKEizdz-HFI/AAAAAAAACPY/upDJiooAPXw/s640/DSC02853.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-7EoWpjLiUDE/UKEi_BC66HI/AAAAAAAACPg/_BrWKHC75Kc/s1600/DSC02854.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-7EoWpjLiUDE/UKEi_BC66HI/AAAAAAAACPg/_BrWKHC75Kc/s640/DSC02854.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-cu1G401P6Io/UKDU2cbT0dI/AAAAAAAACMs/QCeXo0GFjaA/s1600/DSC02855.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-cu1G401P6Io/UKDU2cbT0dI/AAAAAAAACMs/QCeXo0GFjaA/s640/DSC02855.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Our last stop of the day was at a small bar that overlooked the main square. It was the perfect place to grab a glass of wine and watch the sun starting to set over Siena. </div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-_2rDhaGtiP8/UKDU6irOM3I/AAAAAAAACM0/9vuX76nROF0/s1600/DSC02856.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-_2rDhaGtiP8/UKDU6irOM3I/AAAAAAAACM0/9vuX76nROF0/s640/DSC02856.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-TGEKUOZLXo4/UKDU_sbUWzI/AAAAAAAACM8/74Zgic1rQiw/s1600/DSC02860.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-TGEKUOZLXo4/UKDU_sbUWzI/AAAAAAAACM8/74Zgic1rQiw/s640/DSC02860.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
The historic city center of Siena has been declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO, so if you go to visit, be prepared to see a lot of beauty just by walking around. We didn't enter any historic spots that cost money, but we didn't really feel that we needed to... <b>the city is pretty enough on its own. </b></div>
Jesshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08956047302755367824noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3560380318541473828.post-48513245902997980762012-11-04T08:55:00.000-05:002012-11-05T09:08:05.737-05:00Jess Plays Florence Tour Guide<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
I have to admit something. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
I've lived in Florence for more than ten months, and up until two weeks ago, there were quite a few "attractions" that I had never experienced, like going inside the Cathedral at the Duomo. I walk past it everyday and stare at it for hours at a time as I sit in Astor Cafe, working on my computer and meeting with friends. But whether it be because I always knew I had time to get to it or because I didn't feel like spending the money, I just never made it in there.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Then my friend Brett came to visit, <b>all the way from New York</b>. He's heard me time and time again say how in love I am with this city and how beautiful it is... so during his week-long stay here, I knew I had to put on my tour guide hat and show him the best of Florence. It also gave me an excuse to do some Firenze activities that I've been dragging my feet to do, including climbing to the top of the <b>Basilica di Santa Maria del Fiore</b>... commonly known as the Duomo. So on one of our "touristy" days, we did just that.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-abzb3UvOz1c/UJUfqem1E8I/AAAAAAAACFY/AxeaSJk3HeQ/s1600/DSC02740.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-abzb3UvOz1c/UJUfqem1E8I/AAAAAAAACFY/AxeaSJk3HeQ/s640/DSC02740.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Having a roommate who sells the "fast passes" for the usually-60-minutes-or-longer line was especially helpful on this day, as we were able to pass the other tourists and get inside within minutes. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
The best part about the walk through the cathedral is being able to climb to the top of the Duomo, to where there is one of the most amazing views of Florence.</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-BpK_3I_redE/UJZkts1d5RI/AAAAAAAACIE/F_6V86a5pqM/s1600/DSC02756.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-BpK_3I_redE/UJZkts1d5RI/AAAAAAAACIE/F_6V86a5pqM/s640/DSC02756.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-bntZnl1yBSE/UJZkyYJXSfI/AAAAAAAACIM/S92JGUOAaZk/s1600/DSC02759.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-bntZnl1yBSE/UJZkyYJXSfI/AAAAAAAACIM/S92JGUOAaZk/s640/DSC02759.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
After we took some pictures and admired the scenery, the skies looked like they were about to open up on us...</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-SgPmqx2RHmE/UJZnMJh4ksI/AAAAAAAACJE/z5AvLUO1WeY/s1600/DSC02766.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-SgPmqx2RHmE/UJZnMJh4ksI/AAAAAAAACJE/z5AvLUO1WeY/s640/DSC02766.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-I4cPV2mg-BU/UJZkmgcBpyI/AAAAAAAACH8/sNOWfDKq3p0/s1600/DSC02735.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-I4cPV2mg-BU/UJZkmgcBpyI/AAAAAAAACH8/sNOWfDKq3p0/s640/DSC02735.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
The side of the cathedral, where I walk past every single day.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-XI5nOlAapkM/UJZmcm00vpI/AAAAAAAACIk/A5FMJ9cqsxw/s1600/DSC02729.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-XI5nOlAapkM/UJZmcm00vpI/AAAAAAAACIk/A5FMJ9cqsxw/s640/DSC02729.JPG" width="480" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
On our way to Piazza Signoria</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-JazEtFxEMlo/UJZn4oKlAHI/AAAAAAAACJk/R4P6yeKGiYI/s1600/DSC02795.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-JazEtFxEMlo/UJZn4oKlAHI/AAAAAAAACJk/R4P6yeKGiYI/s640/DSC02795.JPG" width="480" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
After attempting to get into the Uffizi Gallery without a reservation -- which was a complete fail-- we walked towards the Ponte Vecchio and took some amazing photos. The weather was absolutely perfect at this point-- the sun had come out and it was the perfect temperature.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-iMDyUfc_Snk/UJZoEBNaCiI/AAAAAAAACJs/mbINPK1Ww7k/s1600/DSC02801.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-iMDyUfc_Snk/UJZoEBNaCiI/AAAAAAAACJs/mbINPK1Ww7k/s640/DSC02801.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Side view of the Ponte Vecchio</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-E3JyWoSg0bs/UJZmzyzuEhI/AAAAAAAACI0/q6nicha0GLA/s1600/DSC02732.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-E3JyWoSg0bs/UJZmzyzuEhI/AAAAAAAACI0/q6nicha0GLA/s640/DSC02732.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Iftuba54W1E/UJZnswSxXmI/AAAAAAAACJc/vNJx48i7a-E/s1600/DSC02792.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Iftuba54W1E/UJZnswSxXmI/AAAAAAAACJc/vNJx48i7a-E/s640/DSC02792.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Blue skies and lots of gold jewelry on the Ponte Vecchio</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-drLi0nmPdYM/UJZk3d0shnI/AAAAAAAACIU/wC7-u6ud_1E/s1600/DSC02802.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-drLi0nmPdYM/UJZk3d0shnI/AAAAAAAACIU/wC7-u6ud_1E/s640/DSC02802.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Later in the evening, I brought Brett to my favorite (free) place in Florence-- Piazzale Michaelangelo-- to watch the sunset. We of course brought some wine and paninis...</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-OBGU47I6pX8/UJZk77Ov6RI/AAAAAAAACIc/q-zTbKYI8kc/s1600/DSC02806.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-OBGU47I6pX8/UJZk77Ov6RI/AAAAAAAACIc/q-zTbKYI8kc/s640/DSC02806.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
If you're looking for a place to see the best views of Florence and to watch the sunrise or sunset, this is the place. It's only about a 20 minute walk (hike) from the Ponte Vecchio and doesn't cost a dime.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Next on the blog-- the rest of Brett's visit, including a trip to Siena!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
Jesshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08956047302755367824noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3560380318541473828.post-56213619905417304442012-10-26T16:25:00.000-04:002012-10-26T22:39:15.200-04:00Happiness at the International Food Festival<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
September and October have been full of fun festivals and events in Florence. Recently, there was an <b>international food festival</b> held over one weekend in Piazza Santa Croce, and any one who even slightly knows me is aware of my slightly sick obsession over food. So naturally, I hit up the festival (more than once) to get some eats and try to relive some of my travels over the past few years. I was also super excited to eat something besides pizza and pasta.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-57b-2aAAVC8/UIhwUYVAEvI/AAAAAAAACDE/_VbB3CFLWOo/s1600/photo+(14).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-57b-2aAAVC8/UIhwUYVAEvI/AAAAAAAACDE/_VbB3CFLWOo/s640/photo+(14).JPG" width="478" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-w0X-V3siIAQ/UIhxNjbSnOI/AAAAAAAACEE/45RCHRhWLWM/s1600/photo+(22).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="478" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-w0X-V3siIAQ/UIhxNjbSnOI/AAAAAAAACEE/45RCHRhWLWM/s640/photo+(22).JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
There was a TON of German food, which was amazing because I was missing the hearty food that I got in Munich a couple of weeks before.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-fAdC9i3yEq8/UIhwkWktDeI/AAAAAAAACDU/8JfiCSRyOdc/s1600/photo+(16).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="478" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-fAdC9i3yEq8/UIhwkWktDeI/AAAAAAAACDU/8JfiCSRyOdc/s640/photo+(16).JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
CORN! On the cob!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-PI9a-m_WvV0/UIhwtcGYP-I/AAAAAAAACDc/uIuGwwBJCQQ/s1600/photo+(17).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="478" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-PI9a-m_WvV0/UIhwtcGYP-I/AAAAAAAACDc/uIuGwwBJCQQ/s640/photo+(17).JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Spanish paella. Really!?</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-AmnJaTFTbu8/UIhwdsLdsjI/AAAAAAAACDM/MeLA6ugRqck/s1600/photo+(15).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-AmnJaTFTbu8/UIhwdsLdsjI/AAAAAAAACDM/MeLA6ugRqck/s640/photo+(15).JPG" width="478" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Brittany and I chose some frittes and a large pretzel as our first little snack. Yum</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-1Sja0YsSbvc/UIhw0GTOGhI/AAAAAAAACDk/8_dsZ6ql9f0/s1600/photo+(18).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="478" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-1Sja0YsSbvc/UIhw0GTOGhI/AAAAAAAACDk/8_dsZ6ql9f0/s640/photo+(18).JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
So those are chocolate covered soft pretzels. As big as my head.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-8sR2toJKtBM/UIhw_TkMynI/AAAAAAAACD0/1QfAb_Ulc-M/s1600/photo+(20).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="478" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-8sR2toJKtBM/UIhw_TkMynI/AAAAAAAACD0/1QfAb_Ulc-M/s640/photo+(20).JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Takes me back to our trip to Salzburg during my study abroad semester...</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-WR57mdXFg2g/UIhxGLvvm_I/AAAAAAAACD8/1VO-BEShRss/s1600/photo+(21).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="478" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-WR57mdXFg2g/UIhxGLvvm_I/AAAAAAAACD8/1VO-BEShRss/s640/photo+(21).JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
The booth that by far made me the happiest was the Greek one. Lamb, chicken, and pork gyros, kebabs, and Tzatziki sauce... so freaking good.</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-SXtn6fcJdCk/UIhw3SN50dI/AAAAAAAACDs/Lndx5racqHo/s1600/photo+(19).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-SXtn6fcJdCk/UIhw3SN50dI/AAAAAAAACDs/Lndx5racqHo/s400/photo+(19).JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Happy as a clam eating my gyro! They threw some fries in there for me too. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
Jesshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08956047302755367824noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3560380318541473828.post-82017032858388928022012-10-24T15:30:00.000-04:002012-10-24T15:30:00.599-04:00You'll Find Me (Wine Tasting) in San Gimignano <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
I've been eyeing the <a href="http://bus2alps.com/en/siena" target="_blank">Bus2Alps Siena and San Gimignano</a> day tour for a while now, so when a few of the off-duty Bus2Alps staff members said they were going on it this past Saturday, I decided to join them. After a long week of work, I could definitely have used some Chianti wine and traditional Tuscan food.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Unfortunately for me, the Bus2alps bus left the central train station at 8am, and after working until 3am, I slept through my alarm and all of the "where are you" texts and woke up at 8:45. But true to Bus2alps standards, the off-duty guides threw me onto a local bus with them and we were able to meet up with the rest of the group. It did mean that I missed out on the Siena leg of the trip though... but more on that later.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
After meeting up with everyone in Siena, we hopped on the Bus2alps bus and arrived twenty minutes later to a beautiful little winery called <a href="http://www.torciano.com/USA/winery/" target="_blank">Tentua Toriciano</a>. We took our seats in the dining room and our three course meal and eight glass wine tasting began.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
We started with a white, then moved onto lots of reds-- we ARE in the Chianti region! The first course was a mix of antipasti-- our wine tasting guide told us to try each different type of food on our plate with each wine and choose which combinations we liked the best. Cheese will always win for me...</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-AoTgMm504zk/UIa5cEBKQII/AAAAAAAAB-0/clgrvefC0gs/s1600/DSC02650.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-AoTgMm504zk/UIa5cEBKQII/AAAAAAAAB-0/clgrvefC0gs/s640/DSC02650.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-02o40jUTrhQ/UIa5g1quTwI/AAAAAAAAB-8/6wiMmAmwV8Q/s1600/DSC02651.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-02o40jUTrhQ/UIa5g1quTwI/AAAAAAAAB-8/6wiMmAmwV8Q/s640/DSC02651.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Our wine tasting guide... adorable.</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-209YFUlkcDM/UIa5k2oPUhI/AAAAAAAAB_E/e5lrXLDnmn0/s1600/DSC02654.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-209YFUlkcDM/UIa5k2oPUhI/AAAAAAAAB_E/e5lrXLDnmn0/s640/DSC02654.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Our second course was Ribollita, a traditional Tuscan soup. Oh.. it was good. Real good.</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-hQmaF84UeBA/UIa5rUJKc1I/AAAAAAAAB_M/ElSaNY7pA7I/s1600/DSC02657.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-hQmaF84UeBA/UIa5rUJKc1I/AAAAAAAAB_M/ElSaNY7pA7I/s640/DSC02657.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Everyone enjoying their food and wine.</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-VqFOh7Z2zuw/UIa5veSoRiI/AAAAAAAAB_U/D3xur93kAfs/s1600/DSC02658.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-VqFOh7Z2zuw/UIa5veSoRiI/AAAAAAAAB_U/D3xur93kAfs/s640/DSC02658.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Last but not least was homemade lasagne. Back in the US, I was never a lasagne fan, but since moving to Florence, I've had some of the best lasagne in the world. This one has to be on the top of the list. And the best part? The <i>salsa tartufo</i> (truffle sauce) drizzled on top....</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-UF9VGmZt1qc/UIa59RFA2hI/AAAAAAAAB_c/QiFqjRzjZkc/s1600/DSC02672.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-UF9VGmZt1qc/UIa59RFA2hI/AAAAAAAAB_c/QiFqjRzjZkc/s640/DSC02672.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Once we were stuffed to the brim and in a very happy state after eight glasses of wine, we explored the gorgeous vineyard property for a bit. </div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-4eJlfdEzWUE/UIa6GCiUSPI/AAAAAAAAB_k/Z97GpdegTA4/s1600/DSC02675.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-4eJlfdEzWUE/UIa6GCiUSPI/AAAAAAAAB_k/Z97GpdegTA4/s640/DSC02675.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-SpmajKDNkw4/UIa6MmS0IGI/AAAAAAAAB_s/HcsimrM5qZQ/s1600/DSC02686.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-SpmajKDNkw4/UIa6MmS0IGI/AAAAAAAAB_s/HcsimrM5qZQ/s640/DSC02686.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-SsaWhYl86BE/UIa6TkLo31I/AAAAAAAAB_0/bl7HikC4wRw/s1600/DSC02695.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-SsaWhYl86BE/UIa6TkLo31I/AAAAAAAAB_0/bl7HikC4wRw/s640/DSC02695.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Soon enough, it was time to hop back onto the bus and head into the town of San Gimignano, about twenty minutes away.</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-aFTefIDPkTY/UIa6bb_GpfI/AAAAAAAAB_8/Nggkg7q393I/s1600/DSC02697.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-aFTefIDPkTY/UIa6bb_GpfI/AAAAAAAAB_8/Nggkg7q393I/s640/DSC02697.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Tiernan, our trusty Bus2Alps trip leader</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-X6zcL2andQw/UIa6ls9nCWI/AAAAAAAACAE/0WvviwKKDUs/s1600/DSC02708.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-X6zcL2andQw/UIa6ls9nCWI/AAAAAAAACAE/0WvviwKKDUs/s640/DSC02708.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
We climbed up to the wine museum once we got into town and had a glass of wine. The views from the museum were magical... exactly what you picture Tuscany to look like.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-QEjmpRvgIe4/UIbFuXwLaXI/AAAAAAAACBw/5ilhLmuZZks/s1600/23914_3990973740968_1184107232_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-QEjmpRvgIe4/UIbFuXwLaXI/AAAAAAAACBw/5ilhLmuZZks/s640/23914_3990973740968_1184107232_n.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-FlYc_ViL0SM/UIa6z1pEn9I/AAAAAAAACAM/ZIa0vSToUVg/s1600/DSC02720.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-FlYc_ViL0SM/UIa6z1pEn9I/AAAAAAAACAM/ZIa0vSToUVg/s640/DSC02720.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-_xlu5FtccRw/UIa68CzXb_I/AAAAAAAACAU/YB20TR_nDdY/s1600/DSC02721.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-_xlu5FtccRw/UIa68CzXb_I/AAAAAAAACAU/YB20TR_nDdY/s640/DSC02721.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
We didn't have too much time in the town of San Gimignano but we were able to walk around a bit and enjoy how pretty it is. But the most important thing that I wanted to do on this trip was taste gelato from the spot that has won the "Best Gelato in the World" award-- twice...</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-wGCprnpITZo/UIa7Dunif7I/AAAAAAAACAc/3NgC2LKOJmc/s1600/DSC02724.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-wGCprnpITZo/UIa7Dunif7I/AAAAAAAACAc/3NgC2LKOJmc/s640/DSC02724.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
I consider myself somewhat of a gelato expert, as during my ten months here, I've tasted many a gelato. I ordered the "cookies" flavor because not only is it my favorite flavor, I like to try the same flavor at each gelateria that I find so that I can judge each place fairly. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
And I hate to say it, but I didn't think that this gelateria was that good. Definitely not the best in the world...</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
After gelato, we returned to the bus for our trip back to Florence. After food, wine, and gelato, needless to say, the entire bus was passed out for the entire ride home.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<i style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;">You can use gift code "DANTE" for 5% ALL Bus2Alps trips, including <a href="http://www.bus2alps.com/en/tours/787/ireland-st-patricks-day" style="color: #666666; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">Spring 2013 study abroad adventures</a> and <a href="http://bus2alps.trekksoft.com/en/summer-break" style="color: #666666; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">post-graduation</a> trips! </i></div>
<br />Jesshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08956047302755367824noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3560380318541473828.post-86221136249627651802012-10-21T09:33:00.004-04:002012-10-24T06:13:22.707-04:00You'll Find Me at Oktoberfest-- Part 3<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Catch yourself up with part <a href="http://findmeinflorence.blogspot.it/2012/10/oktoberfest-student-trip-bus2alps.html" target="_blank">one</a> and <a href="http://findmeinflorence.blogspot.it/2012/10/youll-find-me-at-oktoberfest-part-two.html" target="_blank">two</a> of my Oktoberfest adventure!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
This was my second time to Munich, so when <a href="http://bus2alps.com/" target="_blank">Bus2Alps</a> offered us a bike tour on our last day at Oktoberfest, I didn't think I wanted to participate, assuming that I had already seen everything Munich has to offer. But Carly and Lindsey wanted to go, and I figured that I could use a little exercise after all of the beer and hearty German food I had been eating all weekend..</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-9GRjT-ON2gY/UIPv6Gm20xI/AAAAAAAAB8E/ItuCHgM61sM/s1600/DSCF5099.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-9GRjT-ON2gY/UIPv6Gm20xI/AAAAAAAAB8E/ItuCHgM61sM/s640/DSCF5099.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<a href="http://www.frankiesbiketours.com/" target="_blank">Frankie's Bike Tours</a> has been voted the best bike tour in Germany quite a few times, so I had pretty high expectations for the day ahead of us.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-RYFbOZQjeIY/UIPvj3wVeLI/AAAAAAAAB7k/4k8XqKBFKzw/s1600/DSCF5074.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-RYFbOZQjeIY/UIPvj3wVeLI/AAAAAAAAB7k/4k8XqKBFKzw/s640/DSCF5074.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Carly ready to go</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-nVR0uZAe8yo/UIPvqr-fU1I/AAAAAAAAB7s/QBMxwqy9Qbs/s1600/DSCF5089.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-nVR0uZAe8yo/UIPvqr-fU1I/AAAAAAAAB7s/QBMxwqy9Qbs/s640/DSCF5089.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
We started off seeing some sites I had seen before, like the <b>Hofbrauhaus</b>, but during the tail-end of the tour we rode to some spots I hadn't been to before, such as the gorgeous <b>English Garden</b>. It was huge-- it's even bigger than Central Park in NYC. We were able to see some historic areas, gorgeous flowers, and even a marathon going on. The tour brought us through much of the park and to a beer house in the middle for lunch and drinks.</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-48GGaE4MstQ/UIPvu_DLNjI/AAAAAAAAB70/neHD0OnklD0/s1600/DSCF5090.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-48GGaE4MstQ/UIPvu_DLNjI/AAAAAAAAB70/neHD0OnklD0/s640/DSCF5090.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
I had recently heard about a place that you can surf in Munich, and our guide brought us to this spot. A few years ago, the city put in a huge rock to slow down the flow of water through this area, and one day a guy in a wetsuit hopped in the river and started surfing on it. Now it's a world-famous bucket list item.</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-1a95hhnvfhM/UIPv0rjT_ZI/AAAAAAAAB78/qid_mQE1dHA/s1600/DSCF5095.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-1a95hhnvfhM/UIPv0rjT_ZI/AAAAAAAAB78/qid_mQE1dHA/s640/DSCF5095.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
After the tour was done, the girls and I walked around Munich for a bit, then headed back to the campsite to (sadly) pack our stuff up and hop on the Bus2Alps bus back to Firenze. It was a great weekend and I'm so glad I finally got to experience Oktoberfest! </div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Df-Fwkd76n4/UIPv-iRGvnI/AAAAAAAAB8M/B2QuRWAefVc/s1600/DSCF5104.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Df-Fwkd76n4/UIPv-iRGvnI/AAAAAAAAB8M/B2QuRWAefVc/s640/DSCF5104.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
The view from the bus on the way home!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<i style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;">You can use gift code "DANTE" for 5% ALL Bus2Alps trips, including <a href="http://www.bus2alps.com/en/tours/787/ireland-st-patricks-day" target="_blank">Spring 2013 study abroad adventures</a> and <a href="http://bus2alps.trekksoft.com/en/summer-break" style="color: #666666; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">post-graduation</a> trips! </i></div>
<br />Jesshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08956047302755367824noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3560380318541473828.post-56125439524743705202012-10-10T17:50:00.001-04:002012-10-12T11:53:38.672-04:00You'll Find Me at Oktoberfest-- Part Two<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Don't miss <a href="http://findmeinflorence.blogspot.it/2012/10/oktoberfest-student-trip-bus2alps.html" target="_blank">part one</a> of the Oktoberfest craziness!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
On the second day, after only <b>four hours of sleep</b>, I woke up at 6am, got myself together, and we all hopped on the bus to get to the tents nice and early.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
By the time we got to the Hofbrauhaus tent, found seats outside, and ordered our first stein, it was <b>9am</b>. It was about to be a very long day...</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-D8RkHS4OKaA/UHVwdMBz_EI/AAAAAAAAB5g/u5vHU5ldLOk/s1600/DSCF5041.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-D8RkHS4OKaA/UHVwdMBz_EI/AAAAAAAAB5g/u5vHU5ldLOk/s640/DSCF5041.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
First beer of the day</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-a3RvbKfm_CA/UHVwiBUYppI/AAAAAAAAB5o/o6E-xO810nY/s1600/DSCF5044.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-a3RvbKfm_CA/UHVwiBUYppI/AAAAAAAAB5o/o6E-xO810nY/s640/DSCF5044.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
The beer maids at the tents are absolutely crazy. They can each carry <b>ten</b> 1-liter beers at a time and I have no idea how they do that for an ENTIRE day... must be a German thing.</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-MOazrJxVoDY/UHVwoh0g0AI/AAAAAAAAB5w/XOxP0XZ3JsU/s1600/DSCF5046.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-MOazrJxVoDY/UHVwoh0g0AI/AAAAAAAAB5w/XOxP0XZ3JsU/s640/DSCF5046.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-5grjzdQtOa8/UHVwtwLxfHI/AAAAAAAAB54/50N7lB7Zf5Y/s1600/DSCF5047.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-5grjzdQtOa8/UHVwtwLxfHI/AAAAAAAAB54/50N7lB7Zf5Y/s640/DSCF5047.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
After a couple of beers, we knew it was time for some "brunch". Everyone who had been to Oktoberfest or Springfest before had told me about this amazing chicken that I just HAD to try. And they were right... it was <b>unreal</b>. Really, all of the food we ate this weekend was SO good, and the chicken was only the beginning. And the best part was there was no pasta or pizza in sight!</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-diqPodOW5xo/UHVw0ZF2LVI/AAAAAAAAB6A/CU4TkhXBEl0/s1600/DSCF5050.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-diqPodOW5xo/UHVw0ZF2LVI/AAAAAAAAB6A/CU4TkhXBEl0/s640/DSCF5050.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
After a few beers outside, we met two guys who were able to sneak us inside the tent so that we could hang out with the rest of the people from the Bus2Alps trip. It was absolutely packed inside! The line for the girls' bathroom easily had at least 500 women on it and we almost got squashed to death. But the atmosphere was SO happy and fun, and you can't help but sing along with the German drinking songs (even if singing actually means mumbling along with the melody since you don't know a lick of German).</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-mjrMCiFiZNY/UHVw4woHQzI/AAAAAAAAB6I/GwXjIXu804w/s1600/DSCF5058.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-mjrMCiFiZNY/UHVw4woHQzI/AAAAAAAAB6I/GwXjIXu804w/s640/DSCF5058.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Around 5pm, after eight hours of beer, huge pretzels, and singing, we went back to the campground to take a little nap and get some dinner. But as soon as we got back, we saw how many people were at the campsite bar and just couldn't pass up some good mingling time. Needless to say, it was a long night.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Part three... coming up soon!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<i style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;">You can use gift code "DANTE" for 5% ALL Bus2Alps trips, including <a href="http://bus2alps.trekksoft.com/en/summer-break" style="color: #666666; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">post-graduation</a> trips! </i></div>
Jesshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08956047302755367824noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3560380318541473828.post-24412368636691766952012-10-07T17:52:00.000-04:002012-10-07T19:25:07.336-04:00You'll Find Me at Oktoberfest! Part One<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
The weekend I had been waiting for for months had finally arrived-- time for <b>Oktoberfest</b>!!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Last weekend we jumped on the<a href="http://bus2alps.com/en/" target="_blank"> Bus2Alps</a> bus at 11pm (with 300 other students) with wine bottle in hand, ready for an insane few days.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
I woke up on the bus at 7am (after only about an hour of sleep) to our arrival at the Stoke Travel campground. Yes, you read that right. Jessica Dante....<b>camping</b>. I can still barely believe it myself. But the campground was pretty cool and it was housing hundreds of people ready to have a great Oktoberfest weekend.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-plCKc7Ned4s/UHF-Pl7FztI/AAAAAAAAB1Q/YHMAqWxuuh4/s1600/DSCF5001.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-plCKc7Ned4s/UHF-Pl7FztI/AAAAAAAAB1Q/YHMAqWxuuh4/s640/DSCF5001.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
We checked into the campsite, threw our stuff in our tents, and were ready to head to the beer tents! Another great part about the Stoke campsite is that for 10 euro, you can get unlimited beer and sangria for the entire weekend at the campsite bar.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-GWYiX0SalN4/UHF-ndq4q3I/AAAAAAAAB1g/DjIeIVVBrm8/s1600/DSCF5004.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-GWYiX0SalN4/UHF-ndq4q3I/AAAAAAAAB1g/DjIeIVVBrm8/s640/DSCF5004.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
First beer of the weekend, waiting for the bus !</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-U017rD1FAPM/UHF-0x1m31I/AAAAAAAAB1o/PFhKrhjld3o/s1600/DSCF5007.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-U017rD1FAPM/UHF-0x1m31I/AAAAAAAAB1o/PFhKrhjld3o/s640/DSCF5007.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-fAY4cXeuTmA/UHFsuK3m_zI/AAAAAAAABzw/LaNM-ysAY8w/s1600/DSCF5009.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-fAY4cXeuTmA/UHFsuK3m_zI/AAAAAAAABzw/LaNM-ysAY8w/s640/DSCF5009.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Leo representing...</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-84-EyALZcG4/UHBJeWP05EI/AAAAAAAABxo/ggp-Wpl_ekk/s1600/DSCF5011.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-84-EyALZcG4/UHBJeWP05EI/AAAAAAAABxo/ggp-Wpl_ekk/s640/DSCF5011.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
We started the day at the <b>Hofbrauhaus</b> tent around 10am-- I was so excited to go here since it brought back memories of our great time at the actual Hofbrauhaus when I studied abroad... the place was packed but we met up with a bunch of the Bus2Alps guides and other students on the trip with us.</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-5G80XUyciTw/UHF_C5vj9BI/AAAAAAAAB1w/wnr3KUsF7KE/s1600/DSCF5013.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-5G80XUyciTw/UHF_C5vj9BI/AAAAAAAAB1w/wnr3KUsF7KE/s640/DSCF5013.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
First stein of the weekend! There were naturally many more to come.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-okZXIGMBwdQ/UHHXqIe5MdI/AAAAAAAAB3A/Cr4960QFTuY/s1600/DSCF5026.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-okZXIGMBwdQ/UHHXqIe5MdI/AAAAAAAAB3A/Cr4960QFTuY/s640/DSCF5026.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-cVIb75wK_Gc/UHFs1rfdesI/AAAAAAAABz4/3fXeoSCCZCc/s1600/DSCF5030.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-cVIb75wK_Gc/UHFs1rfdesI/AAAAAAAABz4/3fXeoSCCZCc/s640/DSCF5030.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-kfSgQ7PDdt8/UHFs9yNQtTI/AAAAAAAAB0A/xwACTqx5dBI/s1600/DSCF5035.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-kfSgQ7PDdt8/UHFs9yNQtTI/AAAAAAAAB0A/xwACTqx5dBI/s640/DSCF5035.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
After downing a few steins, Becca, Leo and I went on a hunt for <b>Ox</b> sandwiches, which were supposed to be one of the best foods to get at Oktoberfest. If you've been following me on Twitter, you may have seen that I've recently began to eat as vegetarian as possible, for health and financial reasons, but there was absolutely no way that I was not eating meat this weekend. So we found our oxe sandwiches, which were...<b> interesting</b>. A bit chewy, and not a ton of flavor. Smothering ketchup all over it helped a bit...</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Around 7pm, I grabbed dinner at the Hardrock Cafe with a bunch of the trip leaders, then we went back to the campground to meet up with everyone else. We had a 6am wakeup call for the next morning, but the bar on the campsite was bustling with people, so we all decided to have a good time there for a bit before passing out in our tents.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-TunvnXAZ91g/UHF-Y6mhKaI/AAAAAAAAB1Y/xdOLYI7v7k4/s1600/DSCF5002.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-TunvnXAZ91g/UHF-Y6mhKaI/AAAAAAAAB1Y/xdOLYI7v7k4/s640/DSCF5002.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-5BVvPz4Ewms/UHHoVaGU5RI/AAAAAAAAB4Q/OtZev5M4F2g/s1600/DSCF5037.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-5BVvPz4Ewms/UHHoVaGU5RI/AAAAAAAAB4Q/OtZev5M4F2g/s640/DSCF5037.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Bed at 1am, up at 6 the next morning... </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Day two coming soon!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<i>You can use gift code "DANTE" for 5% ALL Bus2Alps trips, including <a href="http://bus2alps.trekksoft.com/en/summer-break" target="_blank">post-graduation</a> trips! </i></div>
Jesshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08956047302755367824noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3560380318541473828.post-20828634044511548112012-10-04T12:45:00.001-04:002012-10-04T12:45:20.598-04:00Vogue Fashion's Night Out in Firenze<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
September has been full of cool events here in Florence, and I was super excited for our very own <b>Fashion's Night Out </b>to come along. The streets were bustling with Italians, Americans, and other visitors who were dressed to the nines and ready for some late night shopping.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
s <a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-qd0yca3EyUY/UGxe4YMmqrI/AAAAAAAABt4/srP7xz5lOjU/s1600/DSC02639.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-qd0yca3EyUY/UGxe4YMmqrI/AAAAAAAABt4/srP7xz5lOjU/s640/DSC02639.JPG" width="480" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-vddTotN_4Io/UGxfK17a7hI/AAAAAAAABuA/bKMhZVzCcHM/s1600/DSC02640.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-vddTotN_4Io/UGxfK17a7hI/AAAAAAAABuA/bKMhZVzCcHM/s640/DSC02640.JPG" width="480" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Inside the Coin store.. live DJ and all</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Most of the fashion and beauty stores in the historic center of Florence stayed open late for this event, and many had fun promotions going on, such as free champagne, makeovers, and even cotton candy. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Lisa and I went in one of the high-end gold stores on Via Calzaiuoli and got these stick-on tattoos that were made of <b>real gold</b>...</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-gbBvYQhmeN4/UG266ZvDvOI/AAAAAAAABvw/w88t7t3qbDw/s1600/487569_510121309016719_687728402_n.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-gbBvYQhmeN4/UG266ZvDvOI/AAAAAAAABvw/w88t7t3qbDw/s640/487569_510121309016719_687728402_n.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Later in the evening, we headed over to Sephora to check out the free makeovers that they were giving. Of course, we helped ourselves to some champagne while we browsed.</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-XHWWOI0_KZ0/UGxfY_RRr2I/AAAAAAAABuI/HEyydH60__g/s1600/DSC02642.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-XHWWOI0_KZ0/UGxfY_RRr2I/AAAAAAAABuI/HEyydH60__g/s640/DSC02642.JPG" width="480" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-6iN1E3D_KV0/UGxfxuGctTI/AAAAAAAABuQ/1UN5zvlGku4/s1600/DSC02643.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-6iN1E3D_KV0/UGxfxuGctTI/AAAAAAAABuQ/1UN5zvlGku4/s640/DSC02643.JPG" width="480" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
We also ran into some of my favorite Swedish girls looking absolutely adorable...</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-lQPlPexLZ98/UGxf_cUl8rI/AAAAAAAABuY/LQRTS4FCXsU/s1600/DSC02645.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-lQPlPexLZ98/UGxf_cUl8rI/AAAAAAAABuY/LQRTS4FCXsU/s640/DSC02645.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Free coffee? For Italians? You can bet there was quite a line...</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-fuSa8SE4nF8/UGxgNUaPPXI/AAAAAAAABug/f-FLmuUTmj4/s1600/DSC02647.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-fuSa8SE4nF8/UGxgNUaPPXI/AAAAAAAABug/f-FLmuUTmj4/s640/DSC02647.JPG" width="480" /></a></div>
<br />Jesshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08956047302755367824noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3560380318541473828.post-8941088975790017192012-10-02T12:45:00.001-04:002012-10-02T12:45:12.315-04:00Sometimes, you just have to be spontaneous.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
One of my favorite things about Italy is that it has so many different types of scenery and landscapes-- you can hop on a train in any major city and an hour later find yourself in the chilly mountains, on the coast of the Adriatic or Mediterranean, or in the quaint Italian countryside. I'll admit that it's been tough for me to discover a lot of Italy, as I am always working and only have so much left over money to spend on travel... but it makes me appreciate spontaneous trips that I DO get to sometimes take that much more.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
The <a href="http://www.facebook.com/pages/Bell-Tower-Pub-Crawl/158753807527454" target="_blank">bar crawl</a> that I run in Florence on the weekends is a pretty great gig because I meet some pretty cool people on it from all over the world. On one particular crawl a couple of weeks ago, I met two guys from LA who were traveling through Europe for the month. We hit it off right away, and when they agreed to let me take them to my favorite, non-touristy, authentic Tuscan restaurant the next night, I knew they were pretty cool.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
So when they told me that their next destination was Cinque Terre, I decided to skip work and hop an early train and meet them in <a href="http://findmeinflorence.blogspot.it/2012/07/sunday-in-cinque-terre.html" target="_blank">one of my favorite spots in Italy.</a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
I arrived around 10am and met the guys in the last town, Monterosso, where they were staying. We grabbed breakfast and rented a couple of kayaks. We asked to rent them for half of the day, and the old Italian hippie who owned the rental spot raised his eyebrows at us. We weren't quite sure why, since we were all ready for a day of being out on the water (it was a perfect 75 degrees, by the way) and discovering cool spots along the coast between the five towns. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
But after an hour of paddling, we understood-- our arms were tired and we were ready for limoncello and mojitos on the beach.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Yn-IBbIaz0w/UGsME5CMN3I/AAAAAAAABqY/wbjIb51zoak/s1600/photo+(7).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="478" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Yn-IBbIaz0w/UGsME5CMN3I/AAAAAAAABqY/wbjIb51zoak/s640/photo+(7).JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
We grabbed some lounge chairs and umbrellas and got our sun on, occasionally hopping in the water to cool off. There were some HUGE jellyfish this time around... eek.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-voRH4aekenA/UGsM1_4C_5I/AAAAAAAABqo/k2OO-HjsN1I/s1600/photo+(9).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="478" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-voRH4aekenA/UGsM1_4C_5I/AAAAAAAABqo/k2OO-HjsN1I/s640/photo+(9).JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-p-NcnBQkUak/UGsL8CrIzoI/AAAAAAAABqQ/OX-OE3edD3s/s1600/photo+(6).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="478" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-p-NcnBQkUak/UGsL8CrIzoI/AAAAAAAABqQ/OX-OE3edD3s/s640/photo+(6).JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-wf9l7cGYiPI/UGBvDEabUEI/AAAAAAAABpE/U-58wfeq_DE/s1600/DSC02631.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-wf9l7cGYiPI/UGBvDEabUEI/AAAAAAAABpE/U-58wfeq_DE/s640/DSC02631.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="text-align: left;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="text-align: left;">After a lovely day of sunning and relaxing on the beach, we headed back to their apartment, cleaned up, and hopped the train to Riomaggiore, the first of the "cinque terre". I had stayed there on my first trip to Cinque Terre last year and remembered that there were a few good seafood restaurants there, so we went to the one where I had had some great pesto and good Italian conversation with the old man who owned it. I can't remember the name of the restaurant, but after going through the tunnel in Riomaggiore and taking a left, it's the first restaurant on the left!</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-w53De6_yOjY/UGsNIltMGpI/AAAAAAAABqw/9QAVmehZR-w/s1600/photo+(10).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="478" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-w53De6_yOjY/UGsNIltMGpI/AAAAAAAABqw/9QAVmehZR-w/s640/photo+(10).JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-w53De6_yOjY/UGsNIltMGpI/AAAAAAAABqw/9QAVmehZR-w/s1600/photo+(10).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><br /></a><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-w53De6_yOjY/UGsNIltMGpI/AAAAAAAABqw/9QAVmehZR-w/s1600/photo+(10).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><br /></a><br />
<br />
<br />
The three of us were starving and ready for some good seafood, and we definitely got some. My dish was on the menu of the day-- pasta with zucchini and shrimp.<br />
<br />
The nightlife is pretty minimal in Cinque Terre, but we went to a cool little bar back in Monterosso and had some sambuca, limoncello, and cocktails before calling it a night.<br />
<br />
Unfortunately, the next morning was back to reality for me, and also a big travel day for the guys, as they were heading to Venice. It was SO nice to just shut my Blackberry off for the day and night and just relax-- I definitely will be taking more of these spontaneous trips...<br />
<br />Jesshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08956047302755367824noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3560380318541473828.post-20631312117578681902012-09-22T13:52:00.001-04:002012-09-22T14:00:47.063-04:00I've fallen in love... again.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://sphotos-g.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash4/295232_508065645888952_1602124769_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://sphotos-g.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash4/295232_508065645888952_1602124769_n.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
It's been a crazy few weeks since I've been back, but I'm working hard and really enjoying myself. I'm so glad to be back with my Firenze family for the next few months, and I've finally made my next big life decision-- I'll be coming back to Florence after a month home for the holidays. For how long? I'm not quite sure yet, but I'll be here till at least May. After being back for only two weeks, I knew that only four months left here would not be enough. I've fallen in love with Florence again-- the people in it, the things that I'm doing, and of course, the food that I'm eating...</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-PP9rpKiQ_k8/UFo5fI3maNI/AAAAAAAABmo/Ss8h42YqIDc/s1600/DSCF3003.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-PP9rpKiQ_k8/UFo5fI3maNI/AAAAAAAABmo/Ss8h42YqIDc/s640/DSCF3003.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Our favorite bartender at Rivalta !</div>
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://sphotos-d.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash4/s720x720/386193_3747530246914_1169148531_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://sphotos-d.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash4/s720x720/386193_3747530246914_1169148531_n.jpg" width="476" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
My first <a href="http://www.bus2alps.com/en/" target="_blank">Bus2Alps</a> Family Style dinner at Il Gatto e La Volpe (on Via Ghibellina)... love these guys!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://sphotos-h.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash3/545380_508877562474427_1746505793_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://sphotos-h.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash3/545380_508877562474427_1746505793_n.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
No post of mine would be complete without a food shot. My first time at <a href="http://trattoria-mario.com/" target="_blank">Trattoria Mario</a> with some new friends... de-freaking-lish. The hour wait was worth it... this pasta was some of the best I've had, and I tried the Florentine steak. I'm not a steak fan, but have tried many Florentine steaks, and this was one of the best.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
The best thing about this second time around in Florence is that I finally have the flexibility and money to do some traveling. I took a spontaneous trip to <a href="http://findmeinflorence.blogspot.it/2012/07/sunday-in-cinque-terre.html" target="_blank">Cinque Terre</a> this week (look for those pictures in my next post) and am heading to <a href="http://www.bus2alps.com/en/oktoberfest" target="_blank">Oktoberfest</a> on Thursday with Bus2Alps... can't wait for liter beers and pretzels in Munich! </div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
That's all for now...</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://media-cache-ec6.pinterest.com/upload/203295370649469679_Az1vxOpV_f.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://media-cache-ec6.pinterest.com/upload/203295370649469679_Az1vxOpV_f.jpg" width="438" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
Jesshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08956047302755367824noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3560380318541473828.post-30357383501884876172012-09-06T13:53:00.001-04:002012-11-05T08:35:27.044-05:00Florence Foodie: Acqua Al Due<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
One of my best Florence friends, Kate, left this amazing city after a summer here to go back to her hometown of Dublin (and then is heading back to school in England), so we thought we would have a nice farewell dinner before she left. We decided to indulge at <b>Acqua al Due</b>, one of the most popular restaurants in town.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-URTWojIw3L0/UEd7JLm0xFI/AAAAAAAABk8/tsXBxBOGpMg/s1600/DSC02518.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-URTWojIw3L0/UEd7JLm0xFI/AAAAAAAABk8/tsXBxBOGpMg/s640/DSC02518.JPG" width="480" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-csjqB6e4PQ4/UEd7YrBmLKI/AAAAAAAABlE/D6UV3Np4t0c/s1600/DSC02501.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-csjqB6e4PQ4/UEd7YrBmLKI/AAAAAAAABlE/D6UV3Np4t0c/s640/DSC02501.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
We naturally started off the night with bottles of Chianti and Pinot Grigio, and after everyone had their glasses full, I made one of the cheesiest toasts of my life to Kate... and then we drank.</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-IJTgs5PODFY/UEd7d6lF1LI/AAAAAAAABlM/v_Gtt6mfNzA/s1600/DSC02502.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-IJTgs5PODFY/UEd7d6lF1LI/AAAAAAAABlM/v_Gtt6mfNzA/s640/DSC02502.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
The reason that Acqua al Due is such a popular restaurant is because not only is the food delish, but it's moderately priced as well. I've had a lot of amazing dishes there during my time in Florence, but my favorite thing to get is to get a salad sampler and a pasta sampler to split with someone. With a sampler, you'll get three different kinds of whatever you order (above is the salad sampler), so you don't have to choose just one. The most popular dish to order is the secondi piatti sampler, which has three types of steak. I'm not a steak person, but the balsamic steak is to die for.</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-3JpBlKWRrhU/UEd8LfV1pZI/AAAAAAAABlU/QJ26jPfQE3E/s1600/DSC02503.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-3JpBlKWRrhU/UEd8LfV1pZI/AAAAAAAABlU/QJ26jPfQE3E/s640/DSC02503.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
We enjoyed our pasta, salad, and wine, and reminisced about Kate's time here in Florence.... </div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-qWo53iHBrmI/UEduF8kIVzI/AAAAAAAABjA/lL82n7ihVMM/s1600/DSC02505.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-qWo53iHBrmI/UEduF8kIVzI/AAAAAAAABjA/lL82n7ihVMM/s640/DSC02505.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Sara and Vanessa</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/--L0ub-4-MlI/UEd8rhqAxWI/AAAAAAAABlc/fNFhVvgfw6A/s1600/DSC02506.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/--L0ub-4-MlI/UEd8rhqAxWI/AAAAAAAABlc/fNFhVvgfw6A/s640/DSC02506.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Emilia and Madeleine</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-2YcQ6h8h_HE/UEdua70Y__I/AAAAAAAABjQ/-iPwXWXpeHg/s1600/DSC02507.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-2YcQ6h8h_HE/UEdua70Y__I/AAAAAAAABjQ/-iPwXWXpeHg/s640/DSC02507.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
My two best friends for the past few months</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-oQ3nQxk3_KI/UEduvwPrHzI/AAAAAAAABjg/o2inG1LRpzk/s1600/DSC02513.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-oQ3nQxk3_KI/UEduvwPrHzI/AAAAAAAABjg/o2inG1LRpzk/s640/DSC02513.JPG" width="480" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Flatmates</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: -webkit-auto;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: -webkit-auto;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><a href="http://www.acquaal2.it/" target="_blank"><b>Acqua al Due</b></a> is on <span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; border-collapse: collapse; color: #222222; line-height: 16px;">Via della Vigna Vecchia, 40, fairly close to Santa Croce. Make sure you make a rez before going !</span></span></div>
Jesshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08956047302755367824noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3560380318541473828.post-73590308871314623872012-08-29T08:41:00.001-04:002012-11-05T08:43:43.527-05:00My Favorite Aperitivo Spots in FlorenceAll of the new study abroad students are starting to trickle into Florence this week, and upon telling ones that I meet that I've been living here for eight months, they ask a lot of questions about the ins and outs of Florence. So, I thought that it would be a good idea to post some of my best Florence tips!<br />
<br />
Most Italy newbies don't know what <i>aperitivo </i>is, but it's an awesome way to eat and drink on the cheap. Many Italian bars host one – it’s sort of like a happy hour, typically happening between 6 and 10pm. How it works – you buy a drink (wine, cocktail, beer... anything alcoholic) and then get access to all-you-can-eat appetizers. I LOVE going to aperitivo because for the price of one drink, you can eat a full dinner.<br />
<br />
Some of my favorite spots, based on quality of the food, drinks, atmosphere, and price...<br />
<br />
<b>Kitsch</b><br />
<a href="http://kitschfirenze.com/">KitschFirenze.com</a><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.teladoiofirenze.it/wp-content/uploads/2012/09/Kitsch-deux.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="414" src="http://www.teladoiofirenze.it/wp-content/uploads/2012/09/Kitsch-deux.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Kitch is known around Florence as being one of the best (and definitely the largest) aperitivos in town. There are two locations, and most nights, they will both be packed out with Italians for their 8.50 euro aperitivo. </div>
<br />
<b>Moyo</b><br />
<a href="http://moyo.it/">Moyo.it</a><br />
<br />
I like Moyo because it's a not huge and the atmosphere makes me feel like I'm back in New York City. The cocktails are great (at 7-8 euro), and the food selection is always pretty good as well. Wednesday is sushi night--you can choose from a plate of sushi or just enjoy the asian-inspired aperitivo food. If you're craving Chinese takeout, this definitely hits the spot.<br />
<br />
<b>Astor Cafe-- Martini Monday</b><br />
<a href="http://astorcafe.com/">AstorCafe.com</a><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://sphotos-a.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc7/599467_3551919126563_15111564_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://sphotos-a.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc7/599467_3551919126563_15111564_n.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Astor Cafe, the restaurant/bar that I am ALWAYS at during the day, hosts a Martini Monday. From 7-11, a friend of mine, who happens to be the best martini maker in town, whips up some specialty martinis. Pay 7 euro for one of them, and you get access to the food buffet. This past Monday there was a good mix of both Italian and American food. Try the Scooby Snack martini!</div>
<br />
<b>Oibo</b><br />
<a href="http://oibo.net/">Oibo.net</a><br />
<br />
I love sitting outside and enjoying the view of Santa Croce when I get aperitivo at Oibo. I always get an 8 euro Strawberry Daiquiri (or two) while enjoying my food, and if they have fried polenta that night, you can bet that that's pretty much the only thing that I put on my plate.<br />
<br />
If you have any other aperitivo spots in Florence that you like, put it in the comments! I love to find new places to try.<br />
<br />Jesshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08956047302755367824noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3560380318541473828.post-40417200802784495292012-08-27T10:00:00.000-04:002012-08-27T10:01:05.647-04:00You'll find me BACK in Florence! A life update<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://distilleryimage9.s3.amazonaws.com/862e485eefa911e1b8e822000a1e8b8e_7.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://distilleryimage9.s3.amazonaws.com/862e485eefa911e1b8e822000a1e8b8e_7.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
I'm back in Florence... <b>and it feels like home.</b><br />
<br />
I'll admit that the moments leading up to my departure were full of nerves and sadness. I couldn't believe how fast my month in New York flew by and that I was already heading back to Florence for another four months. I didn't know if I could leave my family and friends again, and the feelings I was having were very similar to the ones I felt before my big move in January.<br />
<br />
But after lugging my broken suitcase to the check-in counter for my flight to Rome, my fears subsided and I suddenly felt excitement. I realized that I was about to embark on yet another journey, and these next four months would be a fresh, new start. New study abroad students would be arriving to Florence soon, which meant new friends to make, and I had new job opportunities waiting for my own arrival. In addition, I had a clear mind and a new perspective....<br />
<br />
<b>I knew it was going to be a good semester.</b><br />
<br />
And after being back for a week, I still agree. Friends welcomed me back with open arms and it reminded me just how much of a family we all are here in Florence.<br />
<br />
And that will make it just that much harder to ever leave this place.<br />
<br />
Ok, enough reflection.<br />
<br />
Here's what's gone down since I've been back....<br />
<br />
The job situation couldn't be better. I'll be doing a few smaller jobs, including still running a bar crawl, selling fun activities to tourists (like pizza making classes!), helping out <a href="http://bus2alps.com/en/" target="_blank">Bus2Alps</a> (a student travel company-- use my discount code DANTE for 5% off all trips!), and I'm back to doing some promoting for the first company that I worked for here. It's all fun and exciting, can't complain at all!<br />
<br />
This week and the next is when over 6,000 American study abroad students will be arriving in Florence. The beginning of a semester is always really exciting, both work-wise and for social reasons too. My jobs require me to work with students, but I also have made some great friends with some of them over the past couple of semesters.<br />
<br />
The first few days of being back were excruciatingly hot. I'm talking 100+ degrees, and in case you don't know, air conditioning in apartments is practically non-existent here in Italy. My fan has been my best friend for a while now. But we had a thunderstorm yesterday, the first since I've been in Italy and only about the 8th time it's rained at all, and it brought some cooler temps for yesterday and today. And by cooler, I mean that it's only about 92 degrees... but I'll take it.<br />
<br />
I think that's all for now... <b>let the new adventure begin!</b><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-B2d--i5tsQ4/UDt68G_f9eI/AAAAAAAABhE/Up0Mv38_7Ws/s1600/DSCF1047.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-B2d--i5tsQ4/UDt68G_f9eI/AAAAAAAABhE/Up0Mv38_7Ws/s640/DSCF1047.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Irish and I! </div>
<br />Jesshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08956047302755367824noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3560380318541473828.post-47506827539432904182012-08-26T18:38:00.001-04:002012-08-26T18:38:21.295-04:00A day galavanting around NYC<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Last week, a day that was planned to be filled with adventures around Manhattan with my friend Sara ended up beginning as a rainy, sticky mess. As we stood on the stoop of her apartment and watched it pour in the streets of New York, we realized our plans would have to be adapted....</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
So we started our day of galavanting at where else-- the neighborhood bar. We descended into <a href="http://www.nycbestbar.com/downthehatch/" target="_blank">Down the Hatch</a> at noon for half price drinks. We began with two pitchers of a very American beer -- Sam Adams-- and watched some rhythmic gymnastics. Bombs were half price as well, so we had to try a couple -- the Skittle bomb and another one with lemonade and Firefly. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://sphotos-b.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-snc6/s720x720/200809_10152021160360654_81709771_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://sphotos-b.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-snc6/s720x720/200809_10152021160360654_81709771_n.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
After we finished up at Down the Hatch, we decided to do some walking through Washington Square Park. The day had completely cleared up and it was beautiful out.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-mcekZSEpvk4/UC2TyE9VGCI/AAAAAAAABdg/WCfQIQFb1mU/s1600/DSC02445.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-mcekZSEpvk4/UC2TyE9VGCI/AAAAAAAABdg/WCfQIQFb1mU/s640/DSC02445.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
A taste of Italy in Manhattan...</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-QbccxOQeODk/UC2T4-LdS6I/AAAAAAAABdo/5FUCB11xnXY/s1600/DSC02446.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-QbccxOQeODk/UC2T4-LdS6I/AAAAAAAABdo/5FUCB11xnXY/s640/DSC02446.JPG" width="480" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-itLZBZruOqQ/UC2UA-aANsI/AAAAAAAABdw/OcjJhhWr3LA/s1600/DSC02447.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-itLZBZruOqQ/UC2UA-aANsI/AAAAAAAABdw/OcjJhhWr3LA/s640/DSC02447.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-9tBR0leFWbg/UC2UIl_N6GI/AAAAAAAABd8/zfrRTr8cGwQ/s1600/DSC02448.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-9tBR0leFWbg/UC2UIl_N6GI/AAAAAAAABd8/zfrRTr8cGwQ/s640/DSC02448.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
One of my favorite areas in Manhattan</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-FNtWC8ZDs0c/UC2UQLqYj6I/AAAAAAAABeE/JHhgIEMii3A/s1600/DSC02449.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-FNtWC8ZDs0c/UC2UQLqYj6I/AAAAAAAABeE/JHhgIEMii3A/s640/DSC02449.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-XSTgRfflPBw/UC2UWc8YWVI/AAAAAAAABeM/GlMUnGpIGZo/s1600/DSC02450.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-XSTgRfflPBw/UC2UWc8YWVI/AAAAAAAABeM/GlMUnGpIGZo/s640/DSC02450.JPG" width="480" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
I definitely could have jumped in with them</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Q1GNoFQHfwU/UC2UdRRQ2gI/AAAAAAAABeU/lA-zJlJG7Jk/s1600/DSC02451.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Q1GNoFQHfwU/UC2UdRRQ2gI/AAAAAAAABeU/lA-zJlJG7Jk/s640/DSC02451.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Every city's gotta have one!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-7BuNdE0v26I/UDjYsWKaNbI/AAAAAAAABf8/67cn2uT7Z-w/s1600/304704_10152021161120654_1786370142_n.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-7BuNdE0v26I/UDjYsWKaNbI/AAAAAAAABf8/67cn2uT7Z-w/s640/304704_10152021161120654_1786370142_n.jpeg" width="404" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
We did some more walking around the Washington Square Park area but headed over to Astor Place. One of our favorite bars in Florence is called Astor Cafe, so we of course had to throw on our Astor t-shirts and represent ! </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://distilleryimage6.s3.amazonaws.com/ff3e3d6ee32c11e19a8c22000a1c9e37_7.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://distilleryimage6.s3.amazonaws.com/ff3e3d6ee32c11e19a8c22000a1c9e37_7.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
We stopped at <a href="http://www.google.com/url?sa=t&rct=j&q=&esrc=s&source=web&cd=2&ved=0CC4QFjAB&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.yelp.com%2Fbiz%2Fb-bar-and-grill-new-york&ei=Ctk4UITpI8KGhQf58YHwDw&usg=AFQjCNGei04Kc0syrzKMAYAkY2PC7AVKag&sig2=27TQrqgZrNV718_csZj3Iw" target="_blank">B Bar</a> on East 4th street for a drink and a break from the heat. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-fgK6HYrqHZU/UC2UuuKOzxI/AAAAAAAABew/vfsstun9qSQ/s1600/DSC02454.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-fgK6HYrqHZU/UC2UuuKOzxI/AAAAAAAABew/vfsstun9qSQ/s640/DSC02454.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Our last stop of the day before we would head back to Sara's place to eat dinner and freshen up for the night was <a href="https://plus.google.com/100524712900122317704/about?gl=US&hl=en" target="_blank">Mama's Bar</a>, a quirky little bar on Avenue B with funny decor (gold boobs in the bathroom?) and delish frozen drinks. Oh, and arcade games, as you can see. </div>
<br />Jesshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08956047302755367824noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3560380318541473828.post-61827314216788446752012-08-21T09:56:00.000-04:002012-08-21T09:56:51.180-04:00Recipe time: Southwestern Stuffed Peppers<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
If there's one post that's going to prove to my readers that I have pretty much no finite direction with this blog, it just may be this one. But, it's a rare occasion these days that I cook, and even rarer that I cook something that's of some substance and doesn't involve pasta. So I thought I'd document it, and I figure that this would be a great recipe to pass onto my readers, because if I can make it....<b>anyone can.</b></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<b>Southwestern Stuffed Peppers</b></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<b><br /></b></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<b>You will need:</b></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
4 Bell Peppers, halved and seeded</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
1/2 lb lean ground turkey breast</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
1 packet of taco seasoning</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
2 cups of cooked rice</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
1 cup chopped onions </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
1 can of black beans, drained and rinsed</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
1/2 cup of frozen corn (I forgot to get this at the store, was still good without it FYI)</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
1 16 oz. jar of salsa</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Shredded Cheddar Cheese (a "Mexican Blend" will also do)</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Olive Oil</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Optional:</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Cilantro</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Sour Cream</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
(I didn't include both of these because 1- I hate chopping cilantro and 2-sour cream is icky/not healthy. Do what you want.)</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
1. Coat those halved peppers with olive oil and stick 'em in a baking dish, like below.. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
2. Heat the oven to 400 degrees and roast the peppers for 20-25 mins. When done, remove and let them cool off so you can handle them.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-27NvtD1L3S8/UC2SykRP8YI/AAAAAAAABdE/X1-hZzDtVsE/s1600/DSC02436.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-27NvtD1L3S8/UC2SykRP8YI/AAAAAAAABdE/X1-hZzDtVsE/s640/DSC02436.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
3. Meanwhile, cook the ground turkey in a skillet and boil the rice.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
4. Sauté the onions, and once they are cooked through, add the cooked rice, beans, and corn.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
5. Combine the turkey, everything with the onions, salsa, and taco seasoning in a bowl and mix. It should look like this...</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-52Ddnrotg-o/UC2S4N9X8pI/AAAAAAAABdM/DG6KPc_JU8w/s1600/DSC02440.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-52Ddnrotg-o/UC2S4N9X8pI/AAAAAAAABdM/DG6KPc_JU8w/s640/DSC02440.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
6. Fill the cooked peppers with the stuffing and sprinkle cheese on top. Cook for another 15-20 minutes.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
7. Remove from the oven, add your selected optional extras, and you've got these delish little guys...</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-RKLmQytc0To/UC2S9gF9ieI/AAAAAAAABdU/aHfy6d9ubpg/s1600/DSC02442.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-RKLmQytc0To/UC2S9gF9ieI/AAAAAAAABdU/aHfy6d9ubpg/s640/DSC02442.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
They were a hit. Easy to make and not too expensive! We had some stuffing left over and put it on crackers.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />Jesshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08956047302755367824noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3560380318541473828.post-38360929103768407652012-08-16T17:38:00.002-04:002012-08-21T15:09:30.510-04:00Goodbyes and life decisions<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://data.whicdn.com/images/34753969/tumblr_m8n85zAzFL1rtk42do1_500_large.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://data.whicdn.com/images/34753969/tumblr_m8n85zAzFL1rtk42do1_500_large.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
I feel like it was yesterday that I wrote my last reflection post, as I sat on the airplane enroute to New York from Rome. But here we are, almost a month later, and I'm starting to pack and say my goodbyes yet again.<br />
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
It's been quite an interesting four weeks. It started with a week-long family vacation on the Jersey Shore, which was SO needed and super relaxing. The rest of the time consisted of many trips to New York City to see friends, a crazy sunday at Boardy Barn, and some sun and pool time on Long Island. Lots of family bonding and catching up with good friends.. exactly what I needed.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://sphotos-a.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-snc7/s720x720/304853_3638576688296_2115137404_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://sphotos-a.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-snc7/s720x720/304853_3638576688296_2115137404_n.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Boardy Barn!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-pUgV3jokFVo/UCxo6tlm24I/AAAAAAAABbg/OI8f2Ny-tLk/s1600/217753_10152021160765654_1333808575_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-pUgV3jokFVo/UCxo6tlm24I/AAAAAAAABbg/OI8f2Ny-tLk/s640/217753_10152021160765654_1333808575_n.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
My Florence friend Sara and I being tourists</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
This trip back home has been so much fun, but also overwhelming . While I've absolutely loved my time in Florence, New York City will always be my first love, and being back in it made me realize just how much I've really missed EVERYTHING about it...</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
On top of that, all of my friends have started their careers in the city, and because of that, their lives are very different from the one I have in Florence. While I'm having a blast being paid to have fun, waking up whenever I want to, and experiencing life in a foreign country as a naive 23-year-old, they have structure, schedules, and responsibilities, but most importantly-- they have money. I know that money isn't everything, but it would be nice to be able to go out to a nice dinner with friends and not have to worry about every eurocent I'm spending.</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-x8mMfa2SBcs/UCxo7N9ry1I/AAAAAAAABbo/6iMHr4uobRw/s1600/228422_10151160954325930_134130369_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-x8mMfa2SBcs/UCxo7N9ry1I/AAAAAAAABbo/6iMHr4uobRw/s640/228422_10151160954325930_134130369_n.jpg" width="476" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-1vZX8PGMt7M/UCxo8DzrszI/AAAAAAAABbw/IMP8QHhw0fE/s1600/562668_3628701561424_566654824_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-1vZX8PGMt7M/UCxo8DzrszI/AAAAAAAABbw/IMP8QHhw0fE/s640/562668_3628701561424_566654824_n.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
And I, of course, have really missed my friends and family.. the people who know me best. It's going to be so difficult leaving them again.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-3ybw4ww5iPY/UCxqetjoW3I/AAAAAAAABb4/P4tNRkwSHYM/s1600/DSC02462.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-3ybw4ww5iPY/UCxqetjoW3I/AAAAAAAABb4/P4tNRkwSHYM/s640/DSC02462.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
The view from our boat... sometimes I forget how beautiful Long Island is</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Tomorrow, I'll be celebrating my 23rd birthday in New York City with a ton of friends from my hometown, JMU, and Florence. It's going to be the perfect way to end my month here, as I'll be hopping a plane back to Italy on Sunday. It's going to be bittersweet heading back there, but I'm excited to see my friends and to see what these next four months have in store for me. I'll also have to make some decisions as to where I want my life to take me...</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
It's all so up in the air, <b>but that's exactly what I love about my life...</b></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://pinterest.com/jessdante" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://media-cache-ec3.pinterest.com/upload/102105116522108433_NfHirC64_f.jpg" width="524" /></a></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
Jesshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08956047302755367824noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3560380318541473828.post-88767368243732431632012-08-15T13:43:00.000-04:002012-08-15T13:43:25.765-04:00Treated like some VIPs at the Palio in Ferrara<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
On my last day of the Rimini BlogVille trip, we traveled to <b>Ferrara</b> for their annual <b>Palio</b>. The Palio is a traditional horserace that has existed in Ferrara since 1279. It's typically held in May, but because of the earthquakes that shook the Emilia Romagna region in May (which destroyed some towns surrounding Ferrara), the race was pushed back until June. Lucky for us, that meant we got to see it!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-gNs7VpFCv5M/UCvTBHJx8vI/AAAAAAAABaQ/N4jV73OmTEo/s1600/photo+(4).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="478" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-gNs7VpFCv5M/UCvTBHJx8vI/AAAAAAAABaQ/N4jV73OmTEo/s640/photo+(4).JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Before the parade and the race, we stopped at a cafe next to this gorgeous church. We were all a bit tired and it was SO hot, so we tried to cool off for a bit.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: right;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-rm7AaD6SnEU/UCvTB3kXoMI/AAAAAAAABaY/yj7p5A2FkJY/s1600/photo+(5).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><br /></a></div>
<div style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-rm7AaD6SnEU/UCvTB3kXoMI/AAAAAAAABaY/yj7p5A2FkJY/s1600/photo+(5).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"></a><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-rm7AaD6SnEU/UCvTB3kXoMI/AAAAAAAABaY/yj7p5A2FkJY/s1600/photo+(5).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-rm7AaD6SnEU/UCvTB3kXoMI/AAAAAAAABaY/yj7p5A2FkJY/s640/photo+(5).JPG" width="473" /></a></div>
<div style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;">
We all ordered a <i>Caffe Shakerato, </i>which is the Italian version of iced coffee.</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/--ceUd0pas_Q/UCiBseAU_BI/AAAAAAAABXM/hQqyYtnRbUk/s1600/DSC02408.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/--ceUd0pas_Q/UCiBseAU_BI/AAAAAAAABXM/hQqyYtnRbUk/s640/DSC02408.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
There were tons of bikes in Ferrara, so many that it's often called the Amsterdam of Italy. My kind of city!</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-OXyT3XNUU0A/UCiByyBF79I/AAAAAAAABXU/E9LE0UcxR3k/s1600/DSC02409.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-OXyT3XNUU0A/UCiByyBF79I/AAAAAAAABXU/E9LE0UcxR3k/s640/DSC02409.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
The parade begins</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-BKOL9BpJRsY/UCiB4axoRzI/AAAAAAAABXg/Cm5eofpNqIg/s1600/DSC02411.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-BKOL9BpJRsY/UCiB4axoRzI/AAAAAAAABXg/Cm5eofpNqIg/s640/DSC02411.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Each neighborhood in Ferrara is represented in the races, and they all have citizens dress up and parade throughout the city to the racetrack.</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-DvWcpPhhFgI/UCiB9vcnhTI/AAAAAAAABXo/fpfgzRN3eAY/s1600/DSC02413.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-DvWcpPhhFgI/UCiB9vcnhTI/AAAAAAAABXo/fpfgzRN3eAY/s640/DSC02413.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-vpB8AsmWkxQ/UCiCCWGsEXI/AAAAAAAABXw/MYeN4s3yrUc/s1600/DSC02417.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-vpB8AsmWkxQ/UCiCCWGsEXI/AAAAAAAABXw/MYeN4s3yrUc/s640/DSC02417.JPG" width="480" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
The <i>Castello Esterno</i> is one of the biggest attractions in Ferrara and has a great view of the city from the top, but was partially damaged during the earthquake.</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-RuHlLMMN_8Q/UCiCI4bZkAI/AAAAAAAABX8/ij38YYGXFWA/s1600/DSC02418.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-RuHlLMMN_8Q/UCiCI4bZkAI/AAAAAAAABX8/ij38YYGXFWA/s640/DSC02418.JPG" width="480" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Parade time</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-xTezu0P8eFk/UCiCRGRZYwI/AAAAAAAABYE/f0-wef8bGrs/s1600/DSC02419.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-xTezu0P8eFk/UCiCRGRZYwI/AAAAAAAABYE/f0-wef8bGrs/s640/DSC02419.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
I loved how much greenery there was in Ferrara. SO much more than Florence..</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-QjbPL0YKUYA/UCiCYfnd7wI/AAAAAAAABYM/OF7NKFU-XxY/s1600/DSC02420.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-QjbPL0YKUYA/UCiCYfnd7wI/AAAAAAAABYM/OF7NKFU-XxY/s640/DSC02420.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
We were escorted to the VIP seating to watch the races and sat next to many of the city and regional officials.</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-VdQazrvwfS4/UCiCj9CwkQI/AAAAAAAABYg/aYfxAE8fMjY/s1600/DSC02423.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-VdQazrvwfS4/UCiCj9CwkQI/AAAAAAAABYg/aYfxAE8fMjY/s640/DSC02423.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
There are four races at the Palio-- boys running, girls running, donkey racing, and the horse race. Here, the boys are racing...</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-nwMJese4UeA/UCiCq6J1dAI/AAAAAAAABYo/7TB_u8BENps/s1600/DSC02425.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-nwMJese4UeA/UCiCq6J1dAI/AAAAAAAABYo/7TB_u8BENps/s640/DSC02425.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
The girls getting ready to run. The girl and guy who won this year are the same that won last year too.</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-NSPjEAFW9tc/UCiC4DGL5PI/AAAAAAAABY8/LITzLY_ZBe4/s1600/DSC02428.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-NSPjEAFW9tc/UCiC4DGL5PI/AAAAAAAABY8/LITzLY_ZBe4/s640/DSC02428.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
The winner</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-dy1xsReWAN8/UCiC-_b3wiI/AAAAAAAABZI/Oegiu1q-50M/s1600/DSC02430.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-dy1xsReWAN8/UCiC-_b3wiI/AAAAAAAABZI/Oegiu1q-50M/s640/DSC02430.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
The donkey race was very interesting. Those things do NOT behave! We didn't get to stay for the horse race because it was going to take them about two hours to sift the race track and a couple of us bloggers had planes and trains to catch. Maybe next year!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<a href="http://www.blogville-emiliaromagna.com/" target="_blank">BlogVille</a>, it's been real. Thanks for everything (especially master of the house Nick!) and can't wait for BlogVille 2013!! </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Be sure to check out the other bloggers' pictures of our Rimini and Bologna trips on my <a href="http://pinterest.com/jessdante/rimini-italy/" target="_blank">Pinterest board</a>!</div>
<br />Jesshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08956047302755367824noreply@blogger.com2