Shopping and Games

After our days of exploring places around Milan, the fam and I finally slowed down to enjoy life in Milan for a few days. I was especially excited because I got to go collect all of my luggage from my host family’s house (I hadn’t had new clothes in weeks, so I am sure you …

Day 189

My last weekend in Europe. A month ago I would have told you that I wasn’t ready for it, but somehow between all the traveling and seeing family and friends I think that I am ready to get back. I have gotten more out of this experience than I ever imagined – or than anyone …

Lakes and Heights

Last Thursday was a day I had been waiting for a very long time - the chance to finally have my (American) family in Italy to share with them where I have been living basically this entire year! I left Vicenza early in the morning and headed straight for the airport to pick up my …

Tuscan Sun and Hamburgers

After Siena, I only had one other town that was on my Tuscany bucket list: Lucca. When I started this process of figuring out where to live abroad, Lucca was almost where I called home the past six plus months, so I was obviously curious to go see the town and spend some time there. …

Scooters and the Horse Race

The number one item on my Italian bucket list was to spend some time exploring Tuscany. I knew about the wine, rolling hills and beautiful sunsets, but what I didn't know about were the amazing people and traditions. Somewhere searching the Internet a few months ago I found a company, Tuscany Cycle, that did Vespa …

Saltwater and See Ya Laters

After our nine days of island hopping, we finally started making our way back to Athens. Because I hadn't done the full 11 day island hopper tour, I ended up on a separate ferry boat back to the mainland than most of the group. My friend Megan came with me on my ferry though and …

Plate Smashing and Adventuring

After Ios I wasn't sure how the trip could get any better. The next morning our group hopped on a ferry to Paros, our third island and the least known of the four we were visiting. I think the tour stops here because it gives us a chance to experience a little more of "authentic" …

Gyros and Bar Crawls

Ios was only our second island, but I think I can speak for my whole group when I say it was our best. I honestly loved Ios more than Santorini (which was really a shock for me because I expected Santorini to be my favorite). I think the best part about Ios was that although …

Opa! And Sun

Finally. After 5 months in Europe on the 12th of June I got to check off the number one item on my "must-do" list: Greece! I had about three weeks planned between the islands and the mainland. The original plan was to be with my host family for the entire 3 weeks in an area …

Hellos and Goodbyes

Hello friends! Long time no talk. Trust me when I say that all the adventuring that I have done in the last month and the fun stories (might) make up for the long absence. I am currently in Bellagio, Italy - on Lake Como - with my family at the beginning of our long week …