Taking It All In
Tags:Finishing up our first week in Italy and feeling so very thankful for this experience.
Thankful for the wonderfully kind, creative, fun people I'm traveling with - their enthusiasm and zest has been contagious. Thankful that Jim is such a charismatic guide. Thankful that my international travel companion (and friend of 22 years) Paolo was able to come along for the ride. Thankful for the scenery, the sunsets, the history, the weather, the wine, the pasta, the laughter - it's really been a wonderful experience so far.
We've got another week of traveling to go including a day in Florence, Rome and then back to New York City at the end of the week.

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38 comments
So happy for you Ali, thanks for the update. I have missed seeing you this week. Have another great week.
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My sentiments exactly!
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BUONGIORNO Ali, but here we say G'Day!
Keep having fun and enjoying all those wonderful sights, smells, sounds & tastes! I'm so jealous.
Ciao
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Oh Ali, so glad you are enjoying it. I have a feeling it's just what your soul needs right now. Xoxo
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ditto what stephanie said...i couldn't have said it better. ((((HUGS))) ali!
Exactly!! Enjoy every minute. x
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This sounds amazing! Glad to hear you're having a wonderful time!
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OMG my life's dream/goal is to go to Italy, meet you, see ALL there is to see. Ahhhhhhhhhhhhhh, that picture of you is magically beautiful! So SO happy to hear from you, Your blog at times gets me through everyday!!! Have a wonderful trip and cannot wait to see your beautiful creations!!!!
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Thanks for sharing these experiences we can only dream of. Happy to be blogtraveling along.
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Ooh... Florence is my favorite city ever! If you have a chance, go to Coquinarius. The food is out of this world amazing (even for Italy) and it's affordable.
Via dell' Oche 15/r, 50144 Florence, Italy
http://www.tripadvisor.com/Restaurant_Review-g187895-d1109158-Reviews-Caffe_Coquinarius-Florence_Tuscany.html
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Glad you are having fun this week. I've missed your posts.
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Sounds perfectly lovely, Enjoy!
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Enjoy every well-deserved minute! How I wish I could have gone too!
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Now this is living I love that sunset!
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So thankful for the photos you and Paolo are sharing. Such a beautiful place and you both are so good at capturing the magic of it! =)
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Great layout (and costume!). Have fun with your travels and stay safe! (Does Simon ever take the costume off?)
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Fabulous photo by your talented friend. Not a bad location either :)
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I'm jealous! How splendid :) Glad you're enjoying the time away.
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Thank YOU Ali! You have been so personable and a joy to be around. And thanks for the sunscreen! My forehead WAS baking big time!
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Thank you for sharing your wonderful stories!
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What a wonderful experience for a well deserving women! I hope you continue to enjoy the journey....
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Just got back from Florence and Pisa this morning. Lovely places. Be sure to climb the tower near the Duomo. The views are amazing. Trattoria Nella @ Via Delle Terme 19 R has amazing food and house wine. Have fun!
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Great suggestion. I climbed that same clock tower near dusk in Florence and got some amazing photos.
Ali, check out the restaurants across the river. Great local food.
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Ali,
so happy that you are enjoying the trip.....take lots of pics ( as if that is not a given LOL) hugs and blessings
sharon dryjanski
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