Gelatos, cappuccinos, and primis

Mmmm... these are the things I will miss most about Italy. Our time here has been scrumptious so far.

We spent the last few days in Cortona and Assisi and loved every minute of it. Cortona is a small medieval town on top of a hill in the Tuscan countryside (we're also told that "Under the Tuscan Sun" was filmed there... but neither of us has seen it). We spent 3 days hanging out and enjoying the scenes... and if things weren't so expensive, we'd probably camp out there longer. We also did a day visit to Assisi in Umbria, home of Pinnochio and St. Francis.... more amazing views and stunning churches.

After spending a few quiet days in the countryside we decided to make sure we experienced Florence, which is where we are now, and after just a day here we are ready to leave. It is quite a big city and like Rome, wayyyy too many tourists and quite expensive. Lines to get into everything and reservations required for some. A bit too high maintenance for us.

Venice is our next stop, then on to Austria. We'll have to say our goodbyes to Italy... which will be hard, but 'tis a big world to see and we must move on.

Ryan doesn't know this yet, but I am booking a Sound of Music tour once we get into Salzburg. Can you believe he has not seen the movie.... EVER? If we get a room at a hostel we're eyeing in Salzburg, he will have no choice but to watch one of their daily free showings of the movie. He must watch it before we do the tour. I hope the actual scenes are still as pretty as when they filmed the movie!

Oh, and Ryan's bday is coming up soon.... perhaps we will spend it in Amsterdam?

various pics

VENICE

FLORENCE