If it feels like I’ve been a little MIA of late, there’s quite a good reason. One week from today I will be stepping on a plane departing for Italy – for a MONTH!
I know, it sounds insane. It feels insane. But it is happening. I’m packing the whole family, yes the four year old included, to have what I hope turns out to be the experience of a lifetime. I’ve been putting hours and hours into putting this trip together, finding exceptional accommodations, planning itineraries, sleuthing the best restaurants, getting packing down to a science (I’m attempting only a carry-on for four weeks of travel!) and now I’m just crossing my fingers that it all pays off!
We first head to Puglia. I’ve had a long obsession with this part of Italy (as documented here, and here). Nestled down in the heel of the boot, Puglia still feels slightly untouched and certainly very different from Tuscany, Venice or the more stereotypical Italian landscapes you see.
Dominated by Masseria (walled homes that were often former farms) and Truli-style homes, white washed towns like Ostuni and Lecce, wand stunning cliff-side beaches, Puglia promises to be a magical place to both explore and relax. I can’t wait to taste the world class olive oil, shop the famous ceramics and spend a good amount of time with a Spritz next to a pool. Don’t hate me too much.
That said, we’re also going to spend a week pretending we live in Rome and I could not be more excited.
While there are so many sights to see in Rome, I actually have little interest in playing tourist. I’m lucky enough to have had that experience years ago. My biggest goal is to simply try to experience the city as Romans do. With a child in tow, I suspect that will include a lot of cacio e pepe and gelato.
So I hope you don’t mind a lot of travel content coming your way. I’ll be documenting my planning process, tours of where I’m staying, my packing tips, all the things.
But of course I would love your help too. If you’ve been to Puglia or to Rome recently I would be forever grateful for your insider tips. This will also be my first attempt at international travel with my kiddo and I won’t lie, I’m a touch scared – especially for the 12 hour flight. I will take any and all magic tricks to survive the ride.
Italia here we come!
images via the style bungalow, masseria san giovanni and petite suitcase
The post Ciao, Italia – the Ultimate Summer Vacation is Happening appeared first on Apartment34.
from Apartment34
No comments:
Post a Comment