And... we're back.

Pic #141 - May 20, 2012

I guess it had to end sometime - back in the US of A! 

I think I found Heaven.

Pic #140 - May 19, 2012

Seriously. What a way to end our trip... we found this insanely huge and awesome flea market in a park on the Northern side of Florence. All of the tents had such variety... everything from kitschy items you'd expect to find at a garage sale, to vintage clothes and antique furniture, to authentic relics from World War II. It rained on and off all afternoon, but I don't think I've ever been happier. Someday in the distant future you will find me here, at the Marketo in Fortezza da Basso, selling all the crap I will have accumulated by then. 

Cibo!

Pic #139 - May 18, 2012. 

Let's be honest - the thing I love most about Italy is the food. You're really lucky that I didn't just post 10 pictures of food while I was there, though I thought about it during every meal. There is just nothing like freshly made carbs :). This pic is from our last evening in Florence, at a restaurant we stumbled upon near the apartment. I can't say it was our best meal... it may have even been my least favorite. But my least favorite meal in Florence was still ten times better than most meals in America! Hence my giddy grin. 

"Poet"

Pic #138 - May 17, 2012. 

Since I didn't bring a journal, I decided to jot my thoughts down on post cards. I ended up using about 40 post cards, which cost way more than a journal! I think the final product will be really cool once I figure out how to put them all together, though. We had a few really nice afternoons of relaxing and journaling on the terrace. 

If it looks like a castle, and smells like a castle...

Pic #137 - May 16, 2012. 

There are no words to accurately describe today. We had a personal driver pick us up at the apartment and drive us around the Tuscan countryside, stopping at Chianti wineries and small medieval villages. Our driver, Beppe, turned out to be the love of our lives. He was super fun, quirky, and just a tad too good to be true. Anyway... our last stop was in San Gimignano, a medieval town known for its large towers. I visited with Tali on our first trip five years ago, and love it because the whole town looks like it's part of castle. 

NYU's Prettiest Campus

Pic #136 - May 15, 2012. 

Visited La Pietra today! La Pietra is one of four villas on NYU's campus in Florence. It was the main residence for Harold Atkins, the millionaire who owned the estate last. Villa Ulivi (in the background) was a school of sorts back in the day, and is used for NYU classes now. Felt great to be back...

Le Sigh.

Pic #135 - May 14, 2012. 

We climbed a piccolo mountain to Piazzale Michelangelo to catch this breathtaking sunset over the Arno. I'm just not sure anything will ever compare...

Let me know when you're sick of my bragging :). 

Vorrei un cafe, per favore.

Pic #134 - May 13, 2012

It was a rainy, rainy day in Florence! Perfect for lounging in a cafe. Several of the girls used to study at Chiaroscuro, but it was my first time there. We had a lovely buffet lunch, and of course played with all the gadgety gifts along the wall. Tali ended up buying this double-cup espresso maker as a gift - super cute. 

12:12 on the 12th...in Italy!

Pic #133 - May 12, 2012

Our apartment in Florence was AMAZING. Props to Tali and Dorothy for doing all the research and finding a spectacular place. We spent a lot of time on this tiny terrace that overlooked neighboring apartment buildings and gardens. In my typical fashion, I forced the other girls out onto the terrace with their espresso cups at 12:10 so that I could stage an awesome pic for 12:12. I'm glad I did - one of the best pics of the trip! 

Oh hey, Trevi Fountain, what's up?

Pic 132 - May 11, 2012

After a long long long flight, no sleep, lots of walking, and very little food, we stumbled upon the Trevi Fountain! It was still light out when we found it, so we took a break in a nearby Spaghetteria before returning for pics. 

Alitalia = Dislike Button.

Pic 131 - May 10, 2012. 

SO excited to go that I snapped a picture of our gate sign at the airport. Flight 611, 6X(1+1)=12 (CRAZY). Also, the next flight is literally "12". Too bad...

Right after I took this picture I got yelled at by THREE Alitalia desk attendants. For some reason they hated us. The plane ride was pretty much the worst... wrong seats, broken TV, obnoxious loud ladies behind us, bizarre food... 

I will not be taking Alitalia again anytime soon! 

On the upside, it still got us to Italy :). 

Andiamo a Eataly!

Had a lovely evening with the parentals at Eataly. They are truly the best parents in the world <3.

Pic #46 - 2/15/12

Pasta, pasta, and more pasta. 

Bonus Pics: