Venice, Florence, and Rome: the trip of a lifetime

You might recall that we have been a tad busy since May, planning for old and new jobs, old and new houses, and old and new cities of residence. But in the middle of it all, we had a 9 day trip to Italy that had already been planned for the beginning of July.

We decided to keep the original dates of the trip because 1) if not now, when? and 2) we had been talking about taking this trip for no less than 2 years; and 3) I had already taken the time off of work; and 4) some of our hotel rooms were non-refundable (the true deciding factor). So away we went, on an excursion to some of the most romantic and amazing cities that Europe and the world have to offer: Venice, Florence and Rome. 

We left on June 30 from Charlotte, to connect in Philly for our light to Venice to begin our trip. Well, thanks to US Airways and their Charlotte gate crew delaying our flight for no apparent reason (they said it was weather, which then turned to air traffic, which then turned to "we're not even sure - we just feel like making you sit here"), we missed our flight to Venice and ended up taking a Tour de Europe: Charlotte to Philly, then to London, then to Frankfurt, and then FINALLY to Venice. After about 24 hours of travel, we got to Venice but of course, our bags did not. In fact, US Airways/Lufthansa (we had switched airlines at some point on our magical mystery tour) were not even showing the bags in their system. Anywhere. In the world. 

Let me tell you, folks: when you've been traveling for 24 hours, all you want is YOUR shampoo and YOUR deodorant and some clean clothes. (Actually, at that point, I would have taken anyone's deodorant). Alas, all Alex and I had with us was contact solution, toothbrushes and toothpaste. I had a fresh shirt and undies, while all Alex had was an extra pair of boxers. 

Suffice it to say that the next 24 hours without our baggage was tough, but we persevered and made it through. (And for the record, we purchased some unisex Italian deodorant to aide in our survival). 

But once we came back to our hotel after a day of sightseeing in Venice and our hotelier said "Your bags have arrived!," things started to look up. And the rest of the trip was a dream years in the making.

VENICE
July 1 - July 3
We arrived in Venice, as I mentioned, downtrodden and a wee bit tired from bouncing between 5 airports and 4 flights on our trip over. But, wow, Venice is so magical. It is THE place for romance. I studied abroad in Italy (Florence to be exact) in 2006, and when we took a side trip to Venice for 2 days, I swore I would come back one day with the one I loved and take a gondola ride. So I made good on that promise to myself!

We stayed at Hotel Al Ponte Antico and I HIGHLY recommend it. We splurged on this place but I'm so glad we did. The staff was incredibly friendly, had chilled proseco waiting for us in our room upon arrival, and even handled our misplaced baggage junk with the airline for us. Plus, the rooms are decorated like a palatial slice of heaven and the terrace (open to all guests) overlooks the Grand Canal. WORTH EVERY PENNY.

Some highlights of our time in Venice!

Cheers - we made it! (Can you tell how exhausted we are??)

The Grand Canal from the Rialto Bridge

In St. Marks Square

Proseco on our hotel's terrace

One of the best sights we saw in Venice: our bags!!

Ready for a romantic night out in Venice!

Our view from the gondola

On the gondola

Venice! 

FLORENCE
July 3 - July 5
Florence is fantastic, but I'm a little biased since that was home base for my study abroad in the summer of 2006. But I think if you like art, picturesque landscapes, wine or gelato, you will love Florence. So really, what's not to love? We arrived via train from Venice, and found that our hotel was right next to the Duomo, which means an insanely good location (thank you, Rick Steves!). We stayed at the appropriately-named Hotel Duomo and while the room was fine, the location was mind-blowing. In Florence, we took in a ton of art and culture, including Bruneleschi's dome and Michelangelo's David, drank Chianti on our hotel room terrace, and ate lots of gelato.

We've arrived in Florence!

Taking in the view from afar

Two thumbs up for limoncello

Gelato. 'Nuff said. 

Wine on the terrace with an amazing view. And yes, I came prepared with our own cups. 

Florence and her Duomo: the essence of the Renaissance

Yep, that would be our hotel right next to the Duomo!

ROME
July 5 - July 8
Rome was our last stop on our trip through Italy. We again took the train, and enjoyed the Tuscan landscape go by on the way from Florence. Our hotel, Hotel Nazionale, was once again in a kick-butt location and was within walking distance to literally everything in Rome, which is tough to do considering Rome's size! The cherry on top was when our bellhop opened our window to reveal a view of St. Peter's in the distance. Amazing. We spent our days taking in the wonders that Rome offers: Vatican City and St. Peter's, the Colosseum and Roman Forum, the Pantheon, the Trevi Fountain and Piazza Navona, and a healthy dose of carbs in the form of endless amounts of bruschetta, pasta, pizza and yes, more gelato. We had a very humbling experience in St. Peters's, where we paused to pray in the spot where St. Peter was crucified. We had one of those "wow, this stuff is seriously OLD as in ancient" moments in the Forum, walking on the very paths where Roman civilization's founders and leaders walked. Rome is incredible in every way.

The view from our room with St. Peter's in the distance

In Piazza Navona

The Pantheon

The Pantheon at night

Just hanging on the Spanish Steps

On our way to Vatican City, in the background

The Vatican and St. Peter's

inside St. Peter's Basilica

at the Trevi Fountain

More gelato. Don't judge.

Inside the Colosseum

the Roman Forum

The Colosseum: the hallmark of Rome

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Our trip was, in a word, outstanding. If I could change anything, it would be to stay longer and have unlimited spending money (to shop in those Italian designers' stores, sigh). But the real world called us home.

Experiencing Italy 7 years after I was there for study abroad (when I was 21) with Alex was incredible. So much has changed in my life in those 7 years - most of all, my perspective. But that didn't harm the way I experienced Italy this go 'round. If anything, it enlightened me and helped me get even more out of it.

I always imagined I would go back to Italy with my husband one day - and that day came! Being there with Alex was so, so wonderful. It was the trip of a lifetime!

Monthly Challenge for July: Enjoy the Blessings in the midst of Change

I was doing SO WELL with assigning myself a "monthly challenge" each month up until this month. But honestly, I've had enough challenges thrown at me over the last few weeks that I don't feel so bad about skipping a month of adding an additional challenge to my already full plate!

But when I thought about it, my challenge has been pretty clear: focus on the blessings we have been given during this crazy time.

My postings have been a little scarce lately because of everything that has been happening since May, since the day we found out that Alex got the coaching job and that we would need to sell our home, pack up and move, buy a new home, and find a new job for me in Columbia. Oh and we already had a 9 day trip to Italy planned in the middle of it all (on that note, I promise to have pics up soon!). 

But I want to take a minute to say that, through this intense season of change and all the stress that it's brought, God has provided everything along the way and things have fallen into place. First, Alex got the job fairly quickly, and we didn't have to spend months on end anticipating where we might move. Then, we sold our house immediately and didn't even have to go through the annoyances of showing a house and having it on the market. Then, I interviewed for exactly one job and landed it, and it's a job that will offer the same salary and benefits that I currently have.

And finally, we made an offer on a house last week and they accepted!! Here is a  pic of our future home:

We're just waiting for the results of the inspection to come back (fingers crossed there aren't any major repairs needed). And the best part? Even though we aren't closing until the end of August, the home is vacant so we are able to rent it for a month and move in this weekend (so we don't have to be "homeless" any longer). What a blessing!

More pics and details to come. In the meantime, I will be dreaming about our next home!

Sell house - check!

Today I closed on our beloved house in Greenville and handed over the keys. I say that "I" closed rather than "we" because I was technically the one who bought it a little more than 2 years ago, when we were engaged. Since A has been a busy bee lately with his new gig - recruiting future SEC standouts and what not - I had to go to closing alone, which was a little sad but I'm a big girl and I made it through :)

Saturday was actually a much harder day. That was the day I said good bye to the house and locked the door for the last time. I know I sound sad about moving, but really, I'm just nostalgic. That house was our first together. We built it while we planned our wedding. Where we came home for the first time as a married couple after our honeymoon. Where we decorated our first Christmas tree. Where we hosted our first Easter dinner. The place we brought a tiny puppy named Ellie home to. It's tough, but I know we can make every house we live in a home. 

So right now, we are no longer homeowners - weird! 

But...we also made an offer on a house in Columbia today! So maybe we won't be non-homeowners for too long?? 

Exciting times in which we live, friends! 

Celebrating 2 years of marriage!

Two years ago today, at about this precise moment, I got a new piece of jewelry while wearing a gorgeous white dress, standing in the front of our beautiful church, and exchanged promises to last a lifetime with my beloved. Then we celebrated with a huge party, with lots of dancing and food and champagne and good times alongside our closest family and friends. At the end of it all, I was a married woman and it was the best day of my life.

I love you, Alex - you make me happier and more fulfilled every day. I couldn't ask for a better partner in life than you.
xoxo
your Bride

Our wedding day: July 9, 2011

Today we're heading home from Italy where we have been celebrating an amazing TWO YEARS (what?!) of marriage! Tomorrow is our anniversary: time flies!

Here are some of our favorite wedding shots from our big day. And what a day it was! I wish I could go back a relive it!

Ceremony: First Presbyterian of Greenville
Reception: the Westin Poinsett in downtown Greenville
Outdoor photos: taken in downtown Greenville, near Falls Park

The day before "I do"

My hubby and I in Italy right now having the time of our lives on our second anniversary trip! But since I haven't ever shared my Wedding weekend photos with you, I thought this would be a good time to go down Memory Lane!

________

The day before the wedding, I had my Bridesmaids' Luncheon at the Westin Poinsett (where our reception was also held). On that day, we also had the Rehearsal out our church, First Presbyterian, and the rehearsal dinner at Larkin's, all in Greenville, SC.

My girls at the Bridesmaid Luncheon

The pretty tables my Aunts decorated at the Luncheon

My mother-in-law and Mom and I

Alex with the girls at the Rehearsal!

My pretty girls!

Alex giving golf lessons to one of our ring bearers (we gave them golf clubs for their gift!)

Some of my oldest and best friends: Lesley, Lindsey and Chad

Our engagement pictures (from 2+ years ago)

We're off in Italy celebrating our second wedding anniversary, but since I have never shared our engagement pics in one post, now is as good a time as ever!

We did 2 sessions: one in Florida on my family's ranch, and one in Greenville with our wedding photographer. We absolutely LOVED both shoots. These pictures adorn the walls of our home and probably will for a loooooooong time!