V-Love’s Lonely Planet

Last night I ate at a lovely restaurant and ran into some of Davids classmates from Rome who were just taking a weekend trip to Florence. Small world. They both are from Montana and spending a semester abroad; smart kids. Then an old lady came in and sat next to me who is from the East Coast. She travels often with her husband, friends and relatives and last night she got lost from them while in the market. We enjoyed a long conversation about our travels, Italy, and where I should live when I return home. She lives in New Hampshire and did a good job selling me on Portsmouth for its job opportunities and outdoor activity. And to top it off, she invited me to drive with her and her friends in the morning to Sienna. So, this morning I drove with her and her 20 something 60 year old friends and they were such a hoot on the drive up. They talked non stop and asked me 1000 questions. We departed once arriving in Sienna as I am staying the night here and they were just staying a few hours before heading back to Florence. [read on]

Yesterday morning I arrived in Florence. I was not sure what to expect of this city but I think I expected more. Maybe something more picturesque, or less immigrants on the street trying to sell me junk, or friendlier Italians, or not so many gypsies. While it is a city full of history and famous art work, 2 days is plenty.

Yesterday I was able to visit the Museum of San Marco, the Duomo, the Baptistery, and the Church of Santa Maria Novella. And today, the famous Uffizi and Accademia, plus a hike up to the top of the Giotto Tower. The Accademia was my favorite as seeing Michelangelo’s David was pretty powerful. [read on]

Rome is all a world of its own. It was huge, filthy dirty, pushy, yet I still loved it. Another one of those cities that challenged me a bit. It seems Italy is much different than the other European countries ... [Continue reading this entry]

Yesterday I was blessed by THE Pope! I arrived around 8:30 am for the 10:30 general audience and there was already a long line outside. Fortunately, I still ended up in the 3rd row once inside St. Peter's Basilica. We ... [Continue reading this entry]

Yesterday I realized how big Rome really was.  Imagine New York City only three times as big, that is what it feels like anyway.  I began my day with an amazingly tasty pastry filled with Nutella.  David, the friend who I am ... [Continue reading this entry]

Written a few days ago and just now posting... I seem to have misplaced my reliable ear plugs that I have used very often throughout my adventures.  Last night I took my second night train from Basel to Rome.  This time ... [Continue reading this entry]

After a 5 hour car ride back to the Dunkers home in Basel, I finished a few loads of laundry and got through 191 e-mails.  Within an hour of being home, Don asked if I wanted to go to a ... [Continue reading this entry]

After a train ride and 2 bus rides to the middle of nowhere, I made it to the Dunkers.  They had rented a 3 bedroom apartment type place in Samnaun Switzerland for a week of skiing.  I arrived roughly 3 ... [Continue reading this entry]

Somewhere in Salzburg.... So I went out with my new Australian friends.  It was meant to be a low key night but when we met some locals at our first bar we decided to hop along for a classic pub crawl.  ... [Continue reading this entry]

So far Salzburg has to be my favorite city. It´s not nearly as big as Vienna, which I like as I feel more in control of my surroundings. Everything is within walking distance and everything is beautiful to look at. I ... [Continue reading this entry]