Let’s Catch Up

There is an art to balancing life, travel, and blogging – one that I am now sure I have not mastered.

If you’ve been following along on my adventures, you would of noticed that last week was a little “light” in regards to blog postings. Want to know why…?

Let’s Catch Up!

Where was I last week?

Last week was by far one of the busiest weeks I’ve had since this trip began. As I mentioned in a previous post, we have been travelling with my almost-in-laws; therefore, the way we travel has changed, especially since we have such limited time together. Andy and I had previously been staying an average of five to seven days in a city (or town), whereas this past week we jammed three places into one week. In brief, we spent three days on the Isle of Elba, two full days in Rome, and one full day exploring the city of Florence. It was A LOT to pack into a week but given our limited time, I think we did a damn good job.

Best buy of the trip: Italian SIM card

Hands-down the Italian SIM card has been the best purchase of the trip. We used Three again, the same provider we used in the UK and it has been a lifesaver. We purchased an unlimited data, 30-day SIM card for only €40 and have definitely got our money’s worth. Since the majority of places we have been staying do not have wireless internet we have had the ability to use our cellphones as hotspots and access the internet everywhere we’ve been. If you are travelling to Italy this summer, I would highly recommend visiting a local Three store and purchasing a SIM.

Selfie-stick vs. selfie-stick sellers

I have ranted before about my annoyance with selfie-stick users, however, during my travels throughout Italy I have found a group of people who are even more annoying then the actual users themselves… the dreaded selfie-stick sellers. You will find these individuals in every tourist epicentre in Italy, and being asked if you want a selfie-stick will get old… fast. I have never wanted to grab something and smash in over my knee as much as a damn selfie-stick, and these sellers are only adding fuel to my already established selfie-stick fire.

People, people, everywhere!

Wow. There were a lot of people in Rome, and I swear, even more in Florence. I knew travelling Italy in May would be different then travelling in November, but I had no idea just how different. In November, you can actually move throughout the tourist hubs, even more shockingly you can actually visit the sights you want to see without standing in line-ups that are longer then the Lord of the Rings trilogy. The line-up for St.Peter’s Basilica wrapped around the entirety of St.Peter’s Square! In November, I literally walked right in. Not surprisingly, we didn’t enter this time around.

I still love my Radler’s but I’m all about the Aperol Spritz now

Don’t get me wrong, there are still many leisurely afternoons spent sipping on my Radlers, but the Aperol Spritz has stolen my heart. The Aperol Spritz is the quintessential Italian aperitif, and I feel more Italian with every sip I take. It’s traditionally made with Aperol, Prosecco and a spritz of soda. Garnished with an orange wedge, and served in a large wine glass, it is the perfect summer cocktail and has been my go-to after 5pm drink. Speaking of which… it’s about 5pm…Salute!

Care to share any of your favourite Italian travel memories?