I recently surprised my husband and planned a trip to Italy for his birthday. It was our first time to Italy, actually our first time anywhere in Europe. After a long flight binge watching some of my favorite shows (like Magic Mike XXL!) we finally arrived. Over the course of 11 days we traveled to Rome, Florence, the countryside in Tuscany, and Venice.

While in each location we took time to see important attractions, eat amazing food, drink wine that was out of this world, and of course do a little (OK – a LOT!) of shopping. Some of the highlights included the coliseum in Rome. To see if first hand was breathtaking and set our imagination on fire: to think of everything that happened there throughout the years was mind blowing. We saw priceless works of art like; the statue of David by Michelangelo that took almost three years to create between 1501 – 1504, at the Uffizi Gallery we saw the ‘Birth of Venus’ painting among others. We also spotted a version of ‘modern art’ in Tuscany while wine tasting; the winery we were at was the location of Dustin Hoffman’s new movie about the Medici Family.

Venice was a favorite with the canals, the humble people and the narrow streets that provided so much character. The city was originally a collection of lagoon communities that banded together for mutual defense against invaders – built out during the 7^th and 8^th century. Riding through the canals and walking the streets is definitely not something you see every day and will always be remembered (especially during my daily commute to work!)

I have to say as much as I enjoyed my trip – I was SO glad to be home. I certainly appreciate the culture and the history that Italy has to offer, but there truly is no place like home. I love my home, I love Northern California and I love being with my entire family once again.

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