My First Italian Adventure: A Journey of Discovery and Delight

In 2014, I embarked on a life-changing trip to Italy with my sister Christine and her friend Jan. It was my very first visit to Europe, and I never imagined I'd have the opportunity to experience such a magical journey. Little did I know, it was just the beginning of a love affair with Italy that would lead to two more unforgettable trips.

Our adventure began in Venice, where we took a water taxi on the Grand Canal to our hotel. From the moment we stepped off the boat, I was captivated by the beauty of the architecture, the sights, the music, the people, and the language. It was like stepping into a dream. One of the funniest moments was when we checked into our hotel and discovered the elevator was the size of a phone booth. The real surprise, though, came when we saw our bathroom—the shower was even smaller than a phone booth! I took a video of Chris demonstrating the tight little space, fully clothed of course! It was a hilarious start to our journey.
We spent two days exploring Venice on foot, soaking in the culture, drinking wine, indulging in delicious food, and listening to the enchanting sounds of Italian music. It was more than I could have ever imagined. But our time in Venice was just the beginning.

Next, we boarded a cruise ship that took us on a whirlwind tour of Italy, stopping in Split, Croatia along the way. In Split, we explored the breathtaking Postojna Cavern located deep inside a mountain. It began with a 30 minute train ride inside the mountain and then a walking tour. The cavern is home to unusual yet immaculate spectacular stalactites & stalagmites and some very interesting nocturnal creatures! A memory I'll cherish forever. Afterwards, we toured the historic Predjama Castle, a medieval impregnable marvel perched in the middle of a 400 foot vertical cliff face that has been there for more than 800 years! It’s listed in the Guinness world records as the world’s largest castle. With a renaissance facade dating back to the 1580s the word majestic doesn’t even begin to describe it.

The next stop on our Italian cruise adventure, was the breathtaking Dalmatia region, home to Dubrovnik, Croatia's crown jewel. Our first stop was the famed Old Town, encircled by towering stone walls that date back to the 16th century. Walking through these ancient streets was like stepping into a medieval fantasy—it's no wonder they chose this location to film the epic scenes of King's Landing in Game of Thrones. I even stumbled upon the church where Cersei Lannister did her infamous walk of shame! SHAME, SHAME, SHAME! LOL

Despite the town's tumultuous history, including a massive earthquake in 1667, it has managed to preserve its stunning Gothic, Renaissance, and baroque architecture, including churches, monasteries, palaces, and fountains.
After exploring Old Town, we ventured into the countryside for a tour of a rugged vineyard. Here, we had the pleasure of meeting the family who has been running the vineyard for generations. They shared captivating tales of the vineyard's history, adding depth to our wine-tasting experience. Inside the barrel room, built with ancient stone walls, surrounded by huge wooden barrels of wine, a table was set with an array of wines, accompanied by delicious cheeses, olives, and regional delicacies. We mingled with fellow travelers from around the globe, sharing stories and laughter, making it a truly unforgettable experience.

Falling for Vesuvius…In the ancient ruins of Pompeii, I had a run-in with a hole that could rival any Roman trap. Determined to capture the perfect shot of Mount Vesuvius framed by the ancient stones, I backed up without looking and tumbled into a small hole. As luck would have it, a group of young, attractive English tourists (who I swear looked straight out of a Harry Potter movie) came to my rescue. They gallantly pulled me out, leaving me with nothing but a bruised ego and a newfound appreciation for sturdy footing.

One of the highlights of our Italian cruise was the enchanting town of Taormina, which quickly became my favorite place in all of Italy. Perched 820 feet above the sea on a steep, almost isolated rock, Taormina is crowned by a magnificent Norman Castle that rises an additional 490 feet. Its breathtaking views and rich history earned it the nickname 'Pearl of the Ionian Sea.' One of Taormina's most remarkable features is the ancient Hellenic theater, offering a stunning panoramic view of the turquoise sea, stretching to the coast of Calabria, the city of Syracuse, and the summit of Mount Etna. However, my personal favorite was the Duca di Cesaro municipal gardens. With their lush greenery and views of the sea, they were nothing short of inspiring. Wandering through Taormina is like stepping back in time, with its charming architecture and captivating atmosphere. Undoubtedly this is one of the reasons why they filmed scenes from the “Godfather” just outside the city! If there's one place in Italy I'd love to live, it would undoubtedly be Taormina.

In Rome, we marveled at the Colosseum, Pantheon, and Roman Forum. While exploring the ancient wonders of the Colosseum, I had a 'brush with greatness' when a towering gladiator approached me for a photo op. Before I knew it, I was swept off my feet and into the arms of this modern-day Spartacus! My sister turned into a paparazzi, capturing the moment, and I couldn't help but wonder if there was a hint of a marriage proposal in his eyes. Who knew gladiator encounters could be so enchanting?

Lost in Translation... and Rome…Our culinary quest in Rome took an unexpected turn when my sister Christine’s friend, Jan, who claimed to have a top-notch sense of direction, led us on a wild goose chase. Convinced she could navigate the city blindfolded, she confidently marched us around Rome for what felt like an eternity, all in search of a restaurant she had raved about from her previous Italian escapade. The only hitch? Jan couldn't remember the name of the place. After an epic trek that could have rivaled the Grand Tour, we stumbled upon the elusive eatery. Its name? Pinocchio. Yes, you read that right. Pinocchio. How she managed to forget a restaurant named after Italy's most famous puppet, I'll never know. But hey, at least the adventure ended with a meal that was as whimsical as its name

While exploring Vatican City, my sister Chris, her friend Jan, and I were puzzled by the unusually large crowd. Jan and Chris, who had been to Rome several times, were just as clueless as I was about the gathering. After immersing ourselves in the Vatican Museum's treasure trove of art, we stepped outside just in time for the change of guard. The Swiss guards, in their flamboyant uniforms resembling clown suits with bright yellow and purple hues, stood out with their stoic expressions and towering feather plumes. As we wandered into Vatican Square, we noticed everyone gazing up at a window draped with a carpet. Curiosity piqued, I turned to my sister for answers, but she was equally in the dark. Suddenly, the Pope himself emerged, arms outstretched in blessing. It dawned on us that we had unwittingly stumbled upon a special event—the Pope's blessing! Despite Chris's numerous visits to Rome, this was a first for her. It was a truly unforgettable experience, made even more special by the Popes blessing on All Saints Day.

While soaking in the awe-inspiring beauty of the Sistine Chapel, my sister and I were reminded of the strict rules: silence, modesty, and no photography. Despite the hushed atmosphere, some tourists couldn’t resist whispering. Suddenly, a voice boomed through the chapel, sounding like the Lord himself, commanding silence: ‘THERE WILL BE SILENCE!’ My sister and I exchanged smirks, knowing we had just experienced a divine intervention in the most unexpected way.

All Aboard the Rome to Florence Express..The train ride from Rome to Florence was a picturesque journey through the heart of Italy. While the locals were engrossed in their daily routines, buried in tablets and newspapers, I couldn't tear my eyes away from the window. The rolling hills, dotted with olive trees and vineyards, stretched out before me, painting a picture-perfect scene of the Tuscan countryside.

Upon our arrival in Florence, our adventure took an unexpected turn. Jan, who has a penchant for overestimating her capabilities in Italy despite her frequent visits, insisted on lugging four pieces of luggage, while my sister and I managed with two each. Her optimism quickly faded as she struggled to manage her baggage, leaving my sister and me to play the role of reluctant porters.

As we disembarked, disaster struck. In a misstep, Jan’s leg slipped between the train and the platform, twisting her ankle. Now burdened with not only her luggage but also the weight of her injury, my sister and I had no choice but to shoulder the load.
With our hotel supposedly just a couple of blocks away, we set off, eager to unload our burdens and perhaps indulge in a well-deserved glass of wine. Little did we know, those "couple of blocks" turned out to be closer to 3/4 of a mile. With each step, our anticipation grew, not just for the end of our journey but for the release of the luggage and the promise of a much-needed respite.

When in Florence, Sister Time..
The following day, Jan needed to rest due to her injured ankle from the train incident. Christine and I embarked on a tour of Florence. Just the two of us, we explored the city's iconic sites, including the awe-inspiring Piazza Del Duomo, the historic Piazza Della Signoria, and the charming Ponte Vecchio.
Our adventure took an unexpectedly delightful turn at lunchtime when we were served by a group of incredibly attractive Italian men. The meal was not only delicious but also served with a side of Italian charm, making it an unforgettable experience.
This day of exploration and bonding with my sister Chris created memories that I would cherish forever. It was a reminder of the beauty of travel and the joy of sharing new experiences with loved ones.

Trekking Through Tuscany..
Our journey through Tuscany took an unexpected turn when Jan, once again overly confident in her navigational skills, insisted on renting a car to explore the countryside. Little did we know, this decision would lead to a series of misadventures that could rival any Italian comedy.
After picking up the rental car, we barely made it a quarter of a mile before the car started to stall every time we stopped. Panicked, Jan attempted to restart the car, which only resulted in a cacophony of terrible noises. We were on the verge of calling it quits when the rental agency explained that the car had a gas-saving feature that automatically stopped and restarted the engine at stoplights. A feature, it seemed, she was not familiar with.
Undeterred by our rocky start, we set off towards a vineyard she was adamant she knew the way to. Spoiler alert: she didn't. We found ourselves lost once again, wandering through the picturesque Tuscan countryside in search of this elusive vineyard. Eventually, we had to resort to my trusty translation guide to communicate with a helpful hotel desk clerk, who pointed us in the right direction.

Finally, we arrived at the renowned Antinori vineyard, which was as magnificent as its reputation suggested. Surrounded by sprawling vineyards and the promise of a good glass of wine, all our misadventures seemed like distant memories.

This trip was more than I could have ever imagined. It was full of laughter, wine, and unforgettable moments. I knew then that Italy had captured my heart, and it would not be the last time I would see its beauty.