travel

VENICE, ITALY

Is it the fact that it hosts some of the best (literally) food on the face of the Earth? Is it the opera houses and streets lined with Venetian carnival masks? Is it the romance rising from the canals in the form of a gondolier’s operatic tones? Or is it simply that in Venice the wine flows like water and is probably easier to find?

If we are being honest, it is all these reasons and more that makes Venice one of the absolute best places to visit in the world.

Getting Around

One thing that makes Venice so tourist friendly is the accessibility. You can take a train from virtually any major European city right to the center of the old town. If you fly into Marco Polo Airport (VCE), all you need to do is grab your luggage, walk a few steps outside, pay a small fare at an automated kiosk, grab your small ticket and hop on a bus. After a 30 minute bus ride you will be dropped off at the main bus stop right on the edge of the old town. There are no roads or cars in old Venice.

Best Things to do in Venice

1. Eat If there is one thing I recommend it is eat, eat, and eat some more. Italian food is to Venice as abandoned buildings are to Detroit. Between the noodles and pastas, wine and champagne, cannolis and zeppoles, it is a carb-lover’s dream. Challenge: See if you can finish your gelato before reaching the next gelato stand. Then repeat.

2. Sightsee Get the camera ready and head out to see some of the most beautiful buildings and waterways in the world. The larger than life structures are a mixture of Byzantine, Romanesque, and Gothic architecture set in a backdrop of the most romantic waterways your heart can handle.

3. Gondola Ride There are certain things that you must do in certain cities and a gondola ride in Venice is one of those things. It really is a cool experience to lay back and take in the sights as a charming Italian man serenades you, but keep in mind, it comes at a price. A gondola ride cost roughly $100 USD for 30 to 45 minutes and seats up to six people. This is something you should do so just budget it into your trip from the beginning. You do not need to go to a specific place to find a gondola they are all over the canals.

4. Visit Murano Murano is a small series of islands about one mile off off Venice. Murano is known across the world as for it’s glass art work. Here you can see glass blowers at work, take tours, visit the Murano glass museum, and grab some very fragile souvenirs. You can access Murano by water taxi, vaporetto, or ferry for about $5 USD.

5. Go to an Opera If you are the fancy cultured type, nothing is says fancy culture than an Italian opera and Venice is the place to see it. The Teatro La Fenice is toted as the most extravagant and prestige opera house in Venice and lives up to the reputation with opulence fit for a king. Performances range in prices roughly around $150.

6. Do A Walking Tour There is so much history to know about this 2,000 year old city. The best way to hear the stories from those who live there and are passionate about sharing the stories of their homeland. Tours range from $25 and up.

7. Wine Tasting It isn’t hard to realize what brings people from around the world to this location. The wine is some of the best in the world. There are tons of wine tours that keep you inside the city or venture into the countryside. The prices range from $30 and up.

8. Make Your Own Carnival Mask If you are looking for something unique to Venice that the whole family will enjoy you can hide your face in fashion at a mask making workshop as the tutelage of real Vancian craftsman. These workshops last an hour and cost about $55 USD.

9. Pasta Making You can enter Venice a mer cooking novice and leave as your own Giada De Laurentiis. These authentic Italian kitchen trades can be taught to you in courses of an hour or up to three. Prices range from around $100 to $150 USD.

10. Get Lost In a world of unique places, Venice is near the top of the list. There is no other place on the planet with more wondering splendor. The tall stone corridors seem to entrap you like a maze as you pass interesting shops connected to ancient churches. Just let yourself go aimlessly and see where you end up.

Free and Cheap Things to Do in Venice

1. Take Pictures If you’re not doing for the gram then why do it at all. Price: Free

2. DIY Wine Tasting Buy a couple bottles of cheap wine and sit on the edge of the canal and drink away as the sunsets. Price: $15

3. Get Lost There is no better place to put your phone away, put one foot in front of the other, and take in the atmosphere that only Venice has to offer. Price: Free

4. Go People Watching at Piazza San Marco Go to the main town square and laugh at the hundreds of tourists stumbling by with their roller bags. Price: Free

5. Visit the Ghetto Ebraico (The Jewish Ghetto) The first “ghetto” in the world was originated in Venice when the Jew were forced to segregate almost 500 years ago. The area is still full of life and culture and doesn’t cost anything to enjoy. Price: Free

6. Explore the Hotel Danieli This over the top $1,000 a night hotel is worth popping into to cool off. Just grab a drink and act like you belong there. Price: Free

7. Shop the Rialto Market Toss a couple Euros to the vender and enjoy some fresh fruit while you walk this colorful market. Price: Free

8. The Crypt of San Zaccaria This is a creepy and super unique basement crypt which has surcome to Venice flooding giving indescribable eerie feel. Entry Fee: $1

9. The Scala Contarini Del Bovolo A vertigo inducing spiral tower leading to a picturesque view of the city. Price $8

10. Libreria Acqua Alta Book Store Because in Venice flooding is a way of life, this book store has made inventive ways to store their books (in tubs and boats) to keep them safe creating a picture worthy sight. Price: Free

Veteran Tips For Venice

1. Take a backpack. DO NOT TAKE A ROLLER BAG!

I repeat: DO NOT TAKE A ROLLER BAG! I always recommend taking a carryon-size backpack as your luggage on any trip, if possible, but in Venice it is almost a commandment. Between the the thousands of steps, bridges, and cobblestone walkways, you will be so frustrated at your roller bag it will end up at the bottom of the Grand Canal.

2. Get a hotel close to the train station/main bus drop off.

The train station and main bus drop off are pretty much right next to one another. The reason I have this rule is because Venice is so so so easy to get lost in. Venice is an actual maze and one of the easiest places you will find the get disoriented. If you get a hotel/hostel near the train station it will be a thousand times easier for you to find and you wont have to spend half your day walking in circles in the blazing Italian heat searching for your hotel.

3. Bring a travel fan.

Like so many other places in Europe if you stay in a hostel and some hotels or Air BnB, you may not have air conditioning and if you do, the cool air will be as faint as a hummingbird. Last time I visited Venice the only way I could cool off was to jump in a cold shower and air dry to stay cool.

Lodging Recommendations

At this point it is getting harder and harder to find lodging under $100 in Venice. If you happen to find one, check it out before you book.

NH Venezia Santa Lucia

This a very nice hotel located right beside the train station steps with an amazing view of the San Simeone Piccolo church. Price: $180 – $250 USD/night

Hotel San Geremia

I have stayed in this compact hostel three times. You will not find a lot of luxuries, but they do have a large luggage room if you arrive early and want to drop off your bag and it has an absolutely gorgeous view of the opera house. It is located about 2 minute walk from the train station. Price: $100 and up USD/night

Restaurant Recommendations

Ristorante Quadri

Located in the center of St. Mark’s Square this is a world class, high end, fine-dining Italian restaurant that turns food into art with a price. Price: $$$$

Ristorante Da Nino

This is an out of this world tiny Italian restaurant with outdoor seating on the canal located across from the train station. I have eaten many places in Venice and always come back to this one. Price: $

Best Sights To See in Venice

1. The Grand Canal

This is the iconic Venice canal we have all seen in paintings and photographs for centuries. This is the spot we all flock to Venice to enjoy. MUST SEE

2. Saint Mark’s Basilica

This Roman, Gothic style cathedral is the church of the Roman Catholic Patriarchate of Venice built around 1063. MUST SEE

3. Piazza San Marco

Also known as St. Mark’s Square, this is the main social square in Venice filled with restaurants and shops and the iconic Venusian constructions including Saint Mark’s Basilica. MUST SEE

4. Venetian Lagoon

This breathtaking view runs between the Piazza San Marco leading and Murano with picturesque gondolas lining the docks just waiting to fill your Instagram. MUST SEE

5. The Rialto Bridge

The oldest bridge that crosses the Grand Canal, you can use this Venice icon to fight other tourist to take perfect photo of gondolas cruising down the canal. MUST SEE

6. San Simeone Piccolo

When you enter Venice by bus or train this will be the giant green-domed cathedral that takes your breath away. IF YOU HAVE TIME

7. Teatro La Fenice

Considered the opera house of all opera houses it is hollowed ground for Italian theater and one of the most extravagant buildings you will ever see. IF YOU HAVE TIME

8. Doge’S Palace

This massive gothic style palace was the home of the Doge of Venice for over 1,000 years and still sits on the Venetian Lagoon like a monument. IF YOU HAVE TIME

9.The Bridge of Sighs

This limestone bridge is actually part of the Doge’s Palace, stretching over the canal to connect the palace. IF YOU HAVE TIME

10.Basilica Di Santa Maria Della Salue

Located at Punta dell Dogana, this minor basilica is a less crowded, though just as beautiful Catholic church on the canal. IF YOU HAVE TIME

Best Venice Souvenir

Carnival Mask

Venice is known for their hand made masks and they are easy to find as you will see shops filled with these masks lining the streets.

Anything Murano Glass

This famous glass comes in all forms, from jewelry to plates to small trinkets in the form of animals. They can be a cute and cheap souvenir to show a loved one you were thinking of them.

NAPLES & POMPEII

Every time someone tells me they are going to Rome I always tell them the same thing:
“you have to go to Naples and Pompeii.” Besides the Vatican, Naples and Pompeii have
things that are specific to their respective cities that are better than anything you will
get in Rome. That might sound blasphemies, but it is how I feel. Naples has better pizza
than Rome and Pompeii is the best preserved city of Roman times on the planet. If you
do not spend a day of your Italian tour visiting these two cities you are doing yourself a
disservice and depriving yourself an experience of a lifetime.

Getting Around
Naples airport is the Naples International Airport (NAP). You can access the city center
by bus for cheap. It will be about a 40 minute ride to most tourist destinations.
Most travelers will be coming in by train, probably from Rome. It takes only about 1.2
hours to travel from Roma Termini to Napoli Centrale by train for about $30 USD.
Depending on what you want to do you can head out on foot or take a bus or taxi to
your desired destination. Attractions like the Piazzo del Plebiscito are about 3 miles from
the train station.
You can also take a bus from Rome to Naples for around $20 but it will take closer to 3
hours.
Pompeii is very similar as train will be the most the efficient form of entry. From Rome
you will leave Roma Termini and connect in Naples to continue to Pompeii for another
35 minutes. This trip could cost around $60 to $70 USD.
A Bus is also possible from Rome, which will be cheaper at $25 but takes over three
hours to get from Rome to Pompeii.
When you arrive at the Pompeii train station the Ancient City of Pompeii is a 10 minute
walk down a road straight from the train statin to the ancient city entrance.

Best Things to Do in Naples and Pompeii

Visit the Ancient City of Pompeii
The city that was flash frozen in time when Mount Vesuvius erupted in 79 AD
covering the city in ash preserving it intact. Pompeii is not only one of the top
things to do in Italy it is one of the must see sight in the entire world. Entrance
Fee: $16 USD
Eat at L’Antica Pizzeria da Michele
Naples is the birthplace of the pizza and da Michele is considered the best
pizzeria in the world. This is a tiny, simply pizzeria with the authentic Naples feel
because it is truly authentic. Price: $5 / Per Pizza
Pay Your Respects to the Preserved Dead
A walk through the city of Pompeii is fascinating yet haunting. The most obvious
reminder of this are the plaster cast preserving the bodies of those who fell
victim to the volcanic eruption 2,000 years ago. Price: Included in Pompeii
Entrance Fee
Take a Walk Through the Homes of Pompeii
What separate Pompeii from other ancient Roman sites is that nearly all of them
are ruins, but Pompeii is preserved so well that the homes of the citizens feel as
if they left only months ago. Check out the House of Vettii and the House of
Mystery for bright and vibrant walk art. Price: Included in Pompeii Entrance Fee
Enter The Amphitheater of Pompeii
This Roman amphitheater was once the sight of gladiator battles and held
thousands of spectators. Today you can actually walk onto the battlefield of this
miniature Colosseum and feel just like a real roman gladiator. Price: Included in
Pompeii Entrance Fee
Walk The Pompeii Forum
This main social quarter of Pompeii is a great example of how advanced this
civilization was 2,000 years ago. The Forum still has the city stage and
picturesque archways. Price: Included in Pompeii Entrance Fee
Take a Naples Pizza Cooking Class
What better place to learn to make pizza than the place that invented it?
Regardless of your skill level, these chefs will turn you into Naples pizza experts.
Price: $50 and up.
Hike Mt. Vesuvius
Lace up your hiking boots and make the roughly hour trek up the ACTIVE volcano
to the crater at the top. If you wish you can take guide but it is not required. It
doesn’t cost anything to hike but the park does have an Entry Fee of $10.
Burrow through the San Gennaro Catacombs
Naples has a number of catacombs but this one is the most interesting. It is a
two level Christian burial ground carved deep into the ground which is made of
hardened volcanic ash. Price: $11 USD
Walk Through the Gladiator Barracks The preservation of Pompeii is unprecedented and that is because it leaves us with things you can see only here, like the living quarters of the competing Gladiators. These barracks are so cool you can sense what it felt like to be a real gladiator. Price: Included in Pompeii Entrance Fee

Free (and Cheap) Things To Do in Naples and Pompeii
Do Your Own Pizza Tour
As you may imagine, there are a ton of fantastic pizzerias in Naples. You can go pizzeria
hopping and make a day of trying the best in the world. Do your own research but the
route I recommend is :
First Stop: Pizzeria Oliva
Second Stop: Starita
Third Stop: Gio e Toto Sorbillo
Fourth Stop: L’antica Pizzeria da Michele
Final Stop: Osteria Mttozzi
People Watch at the Piazzo del Plebiscito
The main city square of Naples is quite beautiful and can be crowded. This makes the
free area a perfect place to relax and watch the crowd go by. Price: Free
Catch the View from the Royal Park of Capodimonte
The best view you will get of the city of Naples will be from this large park in front of the
Royal Palace of Capodimonte. The overlook is a wonderful panoramic of the city skyline.
Price: Free
Duomo di Napoli
This opulent gothic-style church is stunning but famous because it houses a vial of blood
of Saint Januarius. The vial is only on display a few times a year when the dried up blood
liquefies, but maybe you will get lucky and catch one of these few times.

Best Sights To See in Naples and Pompeii

The Forum of Pompeii
As far as sights go, the Pompeii Forum if a breathtaking image. The picturesque
view of the broken pillars, archways, and stage with the towering Mount
Vesuvius in the background is a picture you can’t get wrong.
Cappella Sansevero
This magnificent church in the heart of Naples historic district is filled with
amazing works of art from bright frescos to morbid yet stunning marble statues.The most famous of which is Giuseppe Sanmartino’s masterpiece, “Veiled Christ.” Entrance Fee is $8

Ruins of Herculaneum
Don’t let Pompeii take all the glory. This ancient Roman town was also covered
in the 79 AD eruption of Mount Vesuvius and preserved in ash. This city also
touts its own murals and homes to explore along with a number of skeletal
remains.
Castel Nuovo
Sitting in the center of Naples, this is a massive medieval castle dating back to
the 15 th century that is well intact today. It is a very complete castle that doesn’t
disappoint like some other castles you may visit throughout Europe.
San Gennaro Catacombs
These carved out tunes filled with ancient Christian graves is an eerie trek
through the underground world of Naples and a sight to capture in photos.
Piazzo del Plebiscito
Bound by the Royal Palace on the east side and the Church of San Francesco di
Paola in the west, this sprawling town square of Naples is a sight to see and a
place to take photos for hours.
House of the Vettii
This ancient home in the middle of Pompeii was once owned by a wealthy family
who left us with vibrant murals that are still stunning to this day.
Villa of the Mysteries
Another home left to us in Pompeii, the walls are covered in rich depictions of
acts of the day and preserved in a way that is absolutely unprecedented to other
artifacts of the time period.
Castle of Lettere
This castle placed high on a hilltop overlooking Pompeii is a stunning sight of
midlevel architecture.
Mt. Vesuvius
Still considered active, this mountain still dominates the skyline of Pompeii as an
unnerving reminder of the past.

Veterans Tips For Naples and Pompeii

Stay in Rome or Amalfi Coast
Naples and Pompeii both are places you don’t really need to say long. They are day trip
spots from Rome or Amalfi Coast. You can get off the train in Naples, walk and be in
front of da Michells’ in less than 10 minutes. It is less than a 10 minute walk from the
train station to the Ancient City of Pompeii as well. Ideally you could hit the cities on
your train stops from Rome to Amalfi. With that said, stopping in these two places is a
must. The pizza in Naples and the Ancient City of Pompeii are two of the highlights of
my life.
Naples Has Pickpockets
Naples has a reputation for being a bit seedy. When on holiday you should always keep
your guard up, here that goes double.
L’Antica Pizzeria da Michele Only Takes Cash
This place is old school and doesn’t feel like changing. Bring cash or you will miss out on
the best pizza of your life. The restaurant is very small and because of this will likely have a long line and does not take reservations so plan your stomach accordingly. L’Antica Pizzeria da Michele Only Makes Your Pizza Four WaysThat’s right. They keep it simply and always have. Here are your pizza options:Margherita, Marinara, Cosacca and Marita
You Can Take A Ferry from Naples to Capri
You can very easily take a ferry to Capri from Naples. It is about an hour one-way and
costs around $45 round trip.

Lodging Recommendations
Don’t stay here. Stay in Rome or Amalfi Coast.

Restaurant Recommendations
Once again, the pizza in Naples is everything. There are many world-class pizzerias to try
and you will love them all.
L’Antica Pizzeria da Michele
It has all the hype and the clout as the best in the world. Between the authentic
environment, the skilled pizza chefs, and the quality of the product, I can not disagree.

The Perfect Souvenir from Naples or Pompeii

Ceramics
Naples and the region of Campania have been known for their world class ceramics for
centuries. Today you can still buy handmade art to take home.

By: Ricky S.

FLORENCE, ITALY

Florence is the Tom Brady of Italy. It isn’t anybody’s first pick, or second pick, maybe not
their third, but once you see it in action you instantly realize you screwed up. Florence
doesn’t have the monuments or the ancient ruins, that’s because that’s not what
Florence is. Florence is the vibrant, romantic, relaxing countryside of Italy God painted
with his personal paintbrush. Say what you want about Rome but no one retires and
buys a villa in Rome. That’s what Florence is for.
Did you know there is an actual term, “Stendhal Syndrome,” coined in Florence
because the city’s beauty can actually make people pass out? As the birthplace of
Michelangelo and considered the cradle of the Renaissance, the Tuscany area of Italy
meant to remind you to slow down and smell the Sangiovese. In Florence the sun seems
to lay on the countryside rather than beat it down as if there is an agreement with
nature in this part of the country. All the complaints you will have about the bigger cities
in Italy will be forgotten after your stay in the beautiful Florence.

Getting Around
The interior of the town will not have a metro system and walking is your best bet to
get around. Taxis are abundant if needed. If you want to venture out to the countryside
I would recommend buying a tour over renting a car. Both are options but the tiny
cobble stone streets of Florence are hard to navigate, narrow and congested.
One of the many perks of Florence is how easy and accessible it is from the outside. You
should have no problem arriving by plane or train.
Coming from the Florence Airport (FLC) the best way currently is to take the T2 line from
the airport straight to the city center in about 20 minutes for around $2.
Busses and Taxies are also available if you would rather have the stress-filled car ride
through the city as tourist dodge your cab in the narrow alleys for $22 USD.
If you come in by train you will enter the Santa Maria Novella train station, which sits
right in the middle of the city center. Wherever you are staying should not be a far walk
from this train station.

Best Things To Do in Florence

Tuscany Wine Tasting
This area is one of the premiere wine countries in the entire world. People come
from across the globe just to throw back glasses of the some of the world’s bestwine. You can rent a car and do your own tour or purchase one of the many wine and vineyard tours starting about $50 USD and up.

Gawk at the Galleria dell’Accademia and Michelangelo’s David
You can’t really travel all the way to Florence and not see one of the most
recognizable marble statues in the world. Pictures do not do justice to the
majesty that is Michelangelo’s David marble masterpiece. The Accademia also
has a vast collection of Italian art covering several time periods. Price: $25
Admire the Duomo (Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore)
Not that you could miss it, but the Duomo is the massive gothic cathedral
dominating the Florence skyline. The 600 year old Catholic Church is the iconic
image of Florence and a must see sight in the city. Admission is free but you
must dress to their standards showing no shoulders or legs and no hats or
sunglasses.
Take a Day Trip to the Leaning Tower of Pisa
It’s time to take that picture of you saving the world from the falling tower. It
takes about 1.5 hours by train or 1.2 hours by car one way to get from Florence
to the most famous mistake in Italy. Here isn’t much to do here besides check
out the tower but it’s one of those things you want to see in person. Bus: $10,
Train: $20, Taxi: $15 round trip.
Watch A Sunset from Ponte Vecchio
The Ponte Vecchio is one of the most interesting and confusing bridges you will
ever see and a tourist staple in Florence. Fairly narrow and not very long, the
stone bridge is lined with gold and jewelry shops. But the payoff is the view you
get if you can manage yourself to the center. Hit the bridge at the right time and
you will get an amazing picture to take home with you.
Rent A Vespa
You can rent your own or go in a group tour but a Vespa is an Italian right of
passage and there is nowhere better to zip around than the streets of Florence
and into the Tuscany country side. Rent: $55 USD
Take A Pizza Cooking Class
Imagine telling everyone the place you learned to make pizza was no other than
Florence, Italy. Even if you are terrible at it, you still have that clout. Learn the
secrets of the trade from those who grew up doing it best. The classes vary in
time from an hour to four hours. Price: $70 and up.
Stand Around in the Piazza della Signoria
Because Florence is not very big, if you walk around for a while you will
eventually make your way to this town square. The square is lined with amazing bronze statues and eye-catching buildings like the Palazoo Vecchio. This is a must do in Florence.

Hike to the Piazzale Michelangelo
This was one a secret spot for those of us in the know, but has grown in
popularity over the years. This piazzale is a short hike up a hillside where you will
come to an oxidized bronze statue of David. But what will take your breath away
is the panoramic view of the Florence skyline. Take a few pictures but remember
to relax and take in the view.
Cinque Terre Day trip
The bright colors of the costal town built into the mountainside is something you
have never seen before. Besides taking pictures for your Facebook friends you
can also do some shopping and grab some great food here. NOTE: You can also
do the Pisa/Cinque Terre combo by train or tour. It will be about 3 hours on a
train and 2 hours in a car from Florence one way. Train: $50 round trip. Bus: $20
(but schedule is less convenient)
Horseback Riding in Tuscany
Who wouldn’t want to throw back some tasty win and take a romantic stroll
through the Tuscan hillsides? This once in a lifetime experience engulfs you in
the laidback Florence style. The tours run about 5 hours and price at around
$280 USD.
Meander the Uffizi Gallery
The best museum in all of Florence they harbor some of the best examples of
Renaissance artwork in the world including works by Rembrandt, da Vinci,
Michelangelo, Raphael and the famous “The Birth of Venus.” Entry Fee: $20
Munch on Some Aperitivo
Aperitivo Is the Italian version of happy hour (6:30pm – 9:30om), but with a
classy Italian spin. Do as the locals do and have a midday snack of cheeses,
olives, and shaved meets washed down with local wine. This is what I mean
when I say Florence is amazing. Price: Around $10-$15
Leonardo Interactive Museum
This is the only museum of its kind as it takes actual Leonardo da Vinci inventions
and allows you to put them into action. This is a cool experience, especially if you
are looking for family activities. Price: $8
Check out the Museo dell’Opera del Duomo
The bland exterior of this art museum is a work of deception because the interior
is its own work of art, itself. Besides the marble statues on exhibit, the
architecture will leave you awe-inspired. A ticket also gets you access to off limits areas of the Duomo including the dome. Price: $30 – Check official website as they have three different ticket types with stipulations.

Free (and Cheap) Things to Do in Florence

Watch Sunset from Ponte Vecchio
Translating to the “Old Bridge” this one of a kind medieval stone bridge is the
perfect spot to make your way to as the sun goes down over the Arno River.
Price: Free
Piazzale Michelangelo
One of the best things to do, (free or not) in Florence is take the short hike up to
this small town square. Grab some gelato while you relax and take in the
priceless panoramic view of the Florence skyline. Price: Free
Piazza della Signoria
The town square that is essential to a Florence visit isn’t your average town
square. The Piazza della Signoria is lined with priceless bronze and marble
statues that date back half a century. Price: Free
Do Your Own Wine Tasting at Le Cascine Park
This sprawling park just outside the city is an ideal place to grab some cheap
bottles of Tuscan wine and sit on the bank of the Arno River and take in the
Tuscan sun. Price: Free
Have Aperitivos at the Oblate Library Terrace
This public library welcomes you to relax under the terrace of this city overlook
while you snack on Italian appetizers with local bookworms. The view is an
unbelievable picture of the city including the Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore
dome. Price: Free
Find The Fake Davids
Of course Florence is home to the Michelangelo’s marble masterpiece, Dave, but
it is also speckled with dozens of fake (or replica) David statues. Walk the streets
and see if you can discover all the fake Davids in Florence. Price: Free
Mercato Centrale Firenze
This large glass-walled market is full of fresh fruits, vegetables, wines, pastas,
and butcher shops. This is basically your one stop Italian shop in the middle of
the city. Entrance Fee: Free
Check Out the Piazza Santo Spirito
Highlighted by the Basilica of Santo Spirito, this piazza is the center of the artisan
quarters and a great place to hit a market or antique fair. Price: Free
Walk the Vasari Corrido
Is a unique elevated corridor that connects Palazzo Vecchio, the Palazzo Pitti, the
Uffiziz Gallar, runs the bank of the Arno and crosses with river with the Ponte
Vecchio. It is an underrated piece of picturesque architecture spawning through
the city. Price: Free
Check out the (OTHER) Last Supper
The Cenacolo di Sant’Apollonia is once place of worship, turned museum, which
harbors Florence’s very own version of the famous Last Supper fresco. Not
painted by da Vinci as the one in Mulan is, but by Andrea del Castagno in 1450.
40 years before the da Vinci painting.

Best Sights To See in Florence

Duomo (Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore)
The grandest sight in the whole city has to be the larger than life cathedral dome
that dominates the city skyline. It is a landmark in itself and creates a great
photographer out of all of us. MUST SEE
Michelangelo’s David
Galleria dell’Accademia holds quite possibly the worlds most famous marble
statue. David’s commanding presence can only be fully comprehended in person.
MUST SEE
Leaning Tower of Pisa
A short half day trip away brings you to one of the most recognizable sights in all
of Italy and one of the best photo opps you will get. MUST SEE
Piazza della Signoria This is not your simply outdoor public square. With statues and gorgeous buildings surrounding you, you wont know where to look. It is a must see. MUST SEE

Piazzale Michelangelo
If you want that postcard panoramic view of the city with the Santa Maria del
Flore dome on display, you can’t pass on this small town square at the top of the
hill. MUST SEE
Museo dell’Opera del Duomo
This museum is packed with dazzling Renaissance artwork that was originally
made for the Duomo but now on display in a more viewer friendly display.
MUST SEE
Basilica di Santa Croce
This is an incredibly unique basilica made in a perfectly symmetrical Gothic and
Renaissance style. Its all white exterior is simply heavenly as it stands among the
other structures in the city. IF YOU HAVE TIME
Baptistery (Battistero)
Also known as the Baptistery of Saint John, this building commands your
attention while the other building surround it. As interesting as it is on the
outside, the best sight is inside when you look up at the octagonal mosaic. IF
YOU HAVE TIME
Ponte Vecchio
You will never see a bridge exactly like this one. It is not only interesting and
unique but also beautiful, simply waiting to turn you into a photographer. IF
YOU HAVE TIME
The Palazoo Vecchio From Between the Uffizi
This sight has to be done just right. Wait till night fall when the buildings are
illuminated, then walk in-between the pillars of the Uffizi Gallery to capture a
magnificent sight as the Palazoo Vecchio emerges. MUST SEE

Veteran Tips For Florence
Some Lines Will Be Long
Because I was cheap I remember waiting in line to enter the Galleria dell’Accademia and
see the David for a very long time. If you have more money than time it could be worth
it to purchase skip the light tickets.

Don’t drive in Florence
The cobble stone roads are so narrow, sometimes two cars can not pass and one has to
reverse. Meanwhile the locals drive like they are in the Monaco Grand Prix. Just skip out
on the driving. You can walk basically everywhere in the city you need to go.
First Sunday Free
Between October and March you can get into select landmarks for free! This service
includes the Uffizi, Accademia, Medici Chapel, Piti Palace, Boboli Gardens among others.
Free With Student ID
Many of the museums and monuments have completely free entry if you flash a student
ID. It never hurts to try.

Lodging Recommendations
If you want to get the most out of your stay in Florence you really have two options:
inside the historic center or the Tuscan countryside. The historic center of Florence is so
easily accessible by train or pane, which will make it easier and cheaper. The city is
surprisingly small and very walkable from any hotel.
The Student Hotel
10 minutes walk to all attractions, this hip and modern hotel stands out for its swanky
rooftop pool and patio looking out over the city. Price: $180 – $250/night USD
YellowSquare Florence Hostel
This is the hostel version of The Student. Just as hip with a rooftop pool to match. You
can get a six-person dorm for $55/night USD.

Restaurant Recommendations
Trattoria Za Za
This stone building, once an Italian inn turned restaurant in 1977, is an environment to
die for with food to match. This is a must stop in Florence, but keep in mind it is popular
and may be crowded. Price: $$
La Giostra
This white tablecloth restaurant is what every Italian restaurant across the world tries to
be. With an authentic five star atmosphere and food this is the fine dining spot in
Florence. Price: $$$$$

Best Florence Souvenirs

Bottle of Tuscan Wine
Tuscan wine is world renown and for good reason. Take a few home to share with your
friends. Just be sure to package them securely in your checked luggage.

By: Ricky S.

MILAN & VERONA

When backpacking across a country, one never knows what unplanned destinations
might unexpectedly catch your attention. You might be on a train from Lisbon to
Barcelona and when the train connects in Madrid, you hop off only to discover that this
city that wasn’t even on your itinerary has the best blood sausage and sangria you have
ever tasted. I don’t think I’m wrong in saying that Milan and Verona, only two hour train
ride apart, are stops you need to make if you are shooing down from the top of the
bootleg. Each city has their own distinct personality with some of the most recognizable
destinations in the world.

Getting Around
The main train station in Verona is the Verona Porta Nuova, which is approximately 1.5
miles from the Verona Arena and 2 miles to the Casa di Giulietta. Both are walking
distance but a cheap taxi will save some time.
The main train station in Milan is the extravagant Stazione Centrale. It sits almost 4
miles from the Santa Marla delle Grazie. I have made this walk and I regret it. It had to
be 100 degrees and I was carrying 30 pounds on my back. I recommend getting a cab for
about $5. You can take the Line 3 Metro line from the Santa Maria to the Duomo di
Milan but a taxi might be quicker and around the same price.

Best Things To Do in Milan and Verona

Experience The Last Supper – Deep inside the unassuming church of Santa Maria
delle Grazie rests one of the most iconic pieces of art on the planet and viewing
Leonardo da Vinci’s masterpiece truly is an experience just to view. Note: YOU
MUST MAKE AN APPOINTMENT and we highly recommend doing it far in
advance. Price: $15 USD
Climb to The Duomo di Milan Rooftop – To begin with, Duomo di Milan (Milan
Cathedral) is one of the most immaculate cathedrals on planet Earth. The secret
to this amazing structure is the ability to walk on the rooftop to grab a once in a
lifetime photo opp.
Attend the Arena di Verona – I know the draw to Verona is the Romeo and Juliet
attractions, but this ancient Roman amphitheater is more spectacular than all of
them. Built in 30 AD this still operating amphitheater is one of the most well preserved structures of its kind. The condition of this 2,000 year old mini Colosseum is unprecedented.

Look Down From Juliet’s Balcony – This is the premier destination for fans of the
Shakespeare play. You can actually enter the home of the Capulet family and
make your way to Juliet’s actual balcony. Hours 9am-7pm Price: $6 USD
Pinacoteca di Brera (MIlan) – This is one of Italy’s most complete exhibits of
Renaissance art including a number of pieces by Raphael and Bellini. Price: $15
USD
Attend an Opera at Teatro alla Scala – If it’s your thing to get some Italian
culture, this opulent opera house is the place to go in Milan. Opened in 1778,
this structure is as extravagant today as ever. Prices vary according to
performance
Leave A Love Letter at Juliet’s Home (Verona) – Just outside the Capulet home is
a small arched tunnel where lovers from across the world have covered the walls
with letters to their loved ones. Price: Free
Visit the Church Where Romeo and Juliet Married – The Church of San
Francesco al Corso is believed to be the location where much of the plot of the
story takes place including the secret wedding of the young lovers. Price: Free
Visit the Tomb of Juliet – The Church of San Francesco al Corso is also the resting
place of Juliet’s tomb. Now empty and in a museum, it is still interesting to
envision the story unfolding. Price: $3.00 USD
Catch the View From the Torre De Lamberti – This 275 feet tall tower stands in
the main square of Verona. Take the 368 steps to the top for the best panoramic
view of fair Verona. Price: $6 USD
Get Lost in the Castle Vecchio – This 14th Century castle in Verona was a vital
military stronghold, an archaeological wonder, and is in impeccable condition
still today. Price: $2.00 USD
Walk the Naviglio Grande – Who knew Milan had canals? This waterway is a
romantic stroll with shops and water taxis perfect for an evening outing.
Go Chic at the Milan Fashion Week – Two times a year (Spring and Fall) Milan
hosts the world’s premier clothing trade event. There are fashion shows, clothing
sales, celebrities, food, and more. The event is free but some shows you must
pay to attend.
Find Romeo’s Palace – The small medieval palace is sat right in the middle of
Verona crammed in by other stone buildings. The once Montague estate is now
a private home and can not be toured but you can still take in the exterior and
understand the close proximity the two families lived.
Leonardo da Vinci Museum – With over 200 reconstructions of da Vinci’s
inventions, (some brilliant, some wild) this stop in Milan will get you inside the
head of the genius. Price: $14

Free (and Cheap) Things To Do in Milan and Verona

Call For your love at Juliet’s Balcony – The Casa di Giulietta is believed to be the
home of the tragic young Juliet. There is a fee to enter but if you simply want to
stand under Juliet’s balcony you can enjoy the small courtyard and have a
perfect and close view of the famou balcony at no cost. Price: Free
Grand Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II – This Milan is the oldest active shopping
gallery in all of Italy and (I’m sorry Dubai) the most extravagant and beautiful
mall in the world. Price: Free
Naviglio Grande – This colorful and romantic canal through Milan is an ideal
place to grab some gelato and take in Italy in a free environment. Price: Free
Pose for Photos in the Piazza del Duomo – This piazza is an ideal location to set
up for a new profile picture with the opulent Milan Cathedral posing in the
background. Price: Free
Leave A Love Letter at Juliet’s Home – In Verona, lovers come from across the
globe to add to the thousands of love letters pasted to the walls outside Juliet’s
home. Add one of your own for your star-crossed lover. Price: Free
Monumental Cemetery (Milan) – If you want to fill an album of creepy yet
beautiful photos, this ominuse cemetery, with its marble monuments, is more
like an eerie museum. Price: Free
Stroll Centro Storico – This old area of Verona filled with statues and
Renaissance buildings will take you back 2,000 years. Price: Free
Catch the View From the Torre De Lamberti – Standing 275 feet high This tower
in Verona will give you a breathtaking view of the city from its highest
point. Price: $6
Walk the Brera District – This Italian neighborhood is like a painting come to life
with the flowered pots swaying from balconies as the sun rays hit just the right
angle on the narrow stone streets. Price: Free
Have a Picnic at the Parco Sempione (Milan) – The Parco Sempione is a spraling public park near the Arco della Pace with
tranquil ponds and bridges, perfect for a midday picnic. Price: Free

Best Sights to See in Milan and Verona

The Last Supper – If you go to Milan the one thing you must see is the most
famous fresco in the world painted by the hands of the world’s most famous
painter. MUST SEE
Milan Cathedral – If you go to see The Last Supper, stay for the Milan Cathedral
and make your way to the roof for a truly memorable experience. MUST SEE
Juliet’s Balcony (Verona) – We all know the story of the tragic lovers, now relive
the most iconic scene from any play ever penned. MUST SEE
Arena di Verona – This amphitheater is the Tom Cruise of amphitheaters. It looks
the same as it did 2,000 years ago, giving you the feeling of transporting you to
another time in history. MUST SEE
Tomb of Juliet – The Church of San Francesco al Corso holds a number of pivotal
moments in the Romeo and Juliet saga, but the tomb of the young Capulet still
remains. MUST SEE
Naviglio Grande – When the colorful buildings reflect off this canal as a water
taxi motors by, you will understand why this is one of the best sights to see. IF
YOU HAVE TIME
Castle Vecchio – This well preserved Verona castle is a sight to see and a
photographer’s dream with complex angles at every turn. IF YOU HAVE TIME
Teatro alla Scala (Milan) – One of the world’s most lavish opera houses is
majestic on the inside and out. With its trademark red chairs and curtain with
gold accents, the Scala will no doubt leave you awe inspired. IF YOU HAVE TIME
Arco della Pace – The gate to the city of Milan is a magnificent sight to capture as
golden hour rolls in and the Arco is backdropped with a milky Italian sunset. IF
YOU HAVE TIME
The San Maurizio al Monastero Maggiore – This unassuming building has an
interior covered with vibrant 16th Century frescoes and sculptures was once a
church, though now a very cool concert hall. IF YOU HAVE TIME

Veteran Tips For Milan and Verona
You Can Do Milan in A Day…or less.
You can knock out the Last Supper and Milan Cathedral in one hour (on foot). Take that
information and do as you wish.
You Can Not View The Last Supper Without A Reservation
Just in case you didn’t get that, YOU MUST HAVE AN RESERVATION TO SEE THE LAST
SUPPER! You have to go online and make an appointment on the Santa Maria delle
Grazie’s official website and even then they are not always taking reservations. Check
the official website for more: https://cenacolovinciano.vivaticket.it/en
You Only Get 15 Minutes To View The Last Supper
You read that right. You gather in a lobby and meet your guide. The guide takes you to
get sanitized before entering the room of the Last Supper. Then you get 15 minutes to
take in the aged fresco and then you are ushered out. When time is up, time is up.
There Will Be Crowds At the Juliet Home
Despite the other sights, the Casa di Giulletta is the reason people travel to Verona. The
courtyard facing the house entrance is quite small causing the crowd to congregate.
Expect it to be crowded but you can still get some good pictures even with the crowd.

Souvenir
A Copy of “Romeo and Juliet”
Why not pick up a copy of the world’s most famous play in the city it takes place in? You
can find them in English and Italian.

ROME, ITALY

The city that has stemmed from thousands of years of bloody history is also the city
brimming with religious significance. The same city that nearly burnt to the ground
2,000 years ago is the same that today still harbors the world’s most opulent cathedrals
and basilicas. With thousands of years behind it, Rome is one of the most interesting
cities the world has to offer.
If it’s possible, Rome might actually have too much to see and do. As you walk
down the cobble stone streets, every building looks as if it could be the most significant
building on Earth, but in Rome it simply blends into the shadows of an ancient history
that spawned an unprecedented dynasty. There are ruins and churches around every
corner, making you feel almost guilty for not showing them each their due respect. But
with our help I’ll set you on the right path to enjoying Rome with the time you have.

Getting Around
Rome does not have the most intuitive rail system (it is actually one of the
smallest in Europe), but it can get you around the city to many of the main points. If you
fly into Fiumicino Airport (FCO), you can take the Leonardo Express train straight to the
Termini Station in the middle of Rome city for $14 one way. It takes about 30 minutes
and runs 7 am to 11:30 PM. Taxies from FCO can be closer to $50. You can also take a
bus for about $6 but takes closer to an hour one way.
The metro or subway has three lines, orange, blue, and green, and does get you
close to most sights. The reason the metro lines are so limited is because every time
they try to expand the tunnels new archaeological remains is found.

Best Things To Do in Rome

The Vatican
They say that if you spent three seconds looking at every piece of art in the
Vatican you would be there over a year. The Vatican is a transcendent
experience and not only the best thing to do in Rome but one of the best things
to do in the world. Entrance Fee: $20 USD
The Colosseum
One of the Seven Wonders of the World, this bigger than life arena is one of the
most visited monument on the planet. You can grab a view from the outside but
the inside gives you a whole different perspective. There are many tours
available including ones that go under the arena. Entrance Fee: $20 USD includes
Colosseum, Forum, and Palatine Hill.
Go Sightseeing
What brings us all to Rome are the the magnificent structures left for us to
admire today. Take your time and go see some of the most amazing structures in
the world.
Eat Like A Roman
Get your lips on some of the best Italian food the world has to offer. Eat as much
as your stomach can handle because this isn’t going to be your neighborhood
Olive Garden spaghetti.
Toss a Coin in Trevi Fountain
Built in the 18 th Century, this iconic fountain encompasses the elegance of
Roman art. It is said that over a million dollars in coins is collected from the
fountain each year.
Take A Cooking Class
It doesn’t matter if you are an Iron Chef or a microwave hero you can learn how
to cook that authentic Italian cuisine from a native chef. These courses range
from one hour to four and range from $50 to $90 USD.
Visit the Galleria Borghese
One of the best exhibitions of ancient Roman art in the world; this museum is an
essential visit for anyone wishing to be engulfed in Roman marble. Entrance Fee:
$13 USD
Rent A Vespa
Live the Italian dream with the wind in your hair and the sun in your face as you
zip down the cobble stone streets looking for your next gelato shop. Rental: $60
per day.
Check Out The Capuchin Crypts
Deep below the church of Santa Maria della Concezione dei Cappuccini are tiny
chapels decorated with over 3,700 skeletal remains of diseased Capuchi friars.
The eerie sight is chilling and unforgettable. Price: $7
Visit Trastevere
Away from the tourist on the west banks of the Tiber is the small neighborhood
of Trastevere with a truly Italian authenticity for those seeking to slow down and
relax with local Romans.
Catacombs of San Sebastiano
Rome has a number of mysterious catacombs but the ones under San Sebastian church are a creepy walk through an ancient Christian burial system. Price: $8

Free (and Cheap) Things to Do in Rome

St. Peter’s Basilica
The focal point of St. Peter’s Square in the Vatican, St. Peter’s Basilica took 120
years to build and today is the largest church in the world and center of the
Catholic Church. Price: Free
Sight See and Take Pictures
Most of the sights in Rome are so huge that you don’t have time to go inside
them anyways. Just wander around and take some pictures to add to that
Instagram feed. Price: Free
Go Pope Watching
The window of the Pope’s actual living quarters can be seen from the ground of
St. Peter’s Basilica. You never know when he will pop his head out to wave at the
crowd below. Price: Free
The Pantheon
This is the best preserved building from ancient Rome and is an architectural
wonder as its dome provides near perfect natural light. In a city of ruins the
Pantheon remains as it was 2,000 years ago. Price: Free
People Watch At The Piazza Navona
One of the most vibrant piazzas in all of Rome, filled with tourist and venders of
all kinds waiting to sell a souvenir or draw your portrait. Price: Free
Visit Trastevere
This quite, out of the way, Roman neighborhood is a perfect spot to get away
from the tourists and enjoy a real Italian neighborhood with out all the gilts and
glamor. Price: Free
Picnic at Villa Borghese Gardens
Probably the best public garden in Rome. this story book garden is the perfect
place to bring a bottle of wine and some cheese to relax and let time pass while
relaxing your afternoon away. Price: Free
Free Walking Tour
As we all know, Rome has some of the grandest history of any city in the world.
It is worth it to have someone who is passionate about the city to tell you that history.
Remarkably, Rome has completely free walking tours. Check them out here. https://www.newromefreetour.com/

Say A Prayer in St. Peter’s Square
The picturesque outdoor center of the Catholic Church, which encompasses St.
Peter’s Basilica, is one of the best places to snap beautiful pictures, especially at
night when the square is lit up. Price: Free
Test the Mouth of Truth
Bocca della Verita, or the Mouth of Truth, is a giant marble mask outside of
Santa Maria in Cosmedin Church which has grown world wide fame as legend
says if you place your hand in its mouth it will bite that hand off if you hold a lie.
I doubt this is true, but I’m not about to test it. Price: $2 USD
Hike Janiculum Hill
This is another spot outside of the tourist hot spots in the ancient city. It is a
quaint, relaxing area but the big payoff is the panoramic view of the city from
atop the hill. Price: Free
Walk the Appian Way
The Appian Way is the oldest highway in Europe and was built in the 3 rd Century
BC. It’s historical significance as a military rout over the next two centuries is
significant to this day. Price: Free
Basilica di San Pietro in Vincoli
This breathtaking church is not only a photographer’s dream but it also harbors
Michelangelo’s massive marble depiction of Moses and a holy relic in the chains
which bound St. Peter when he was imprisoned in Jerusalem. Price: Free
Area Sacra di Largo Argentina – Ruins Filled With Cats
This city block sized archaeological site houses the ruins of a Roman temple but
now is home to dozens of stray cats that have claimed the old ruins as their
home. Price: Free
Camp de’ Fiori
This outdoor market is a lively and vibrant square filled with vendors selling fruits
and vegetables during the day and wine by the case at night. The market is free
to enter but what you buy is up to you. Price: Free

Best Sights To See in Rome

The Colosseum
The greatest sports arena in the history of the world is the essential sight to see
in all of Italy. The 2,000 year old arena is still to this day the largest amphitheater
ever built. MUST SEE
St. Peter’s Basilica
The 20,000 person church is one of the holiest locations in the Christian faith and
one of the most breathtaking temples in the world. MUST SEE
The Sistine Chapel
This marvel of human achievement is not only Michelangelo’s masterpiece but
one monument that everyone should not only see but EXPERIENCE at least once
in our lives. MUST SEE
Trevi Fountain
Trevi Fountain is one of the icons of Rome and one of the most extravagant
sculptures there is on Earth. Trevi Fountain is a 100% must see in Rome. Toss
some coins over your shoulder and try your luck. MUST SEE
The Pantheon
The most well preserved Roman structure from ancient times is an architectural
wonder and with out a doubt a sight to see in Rome. MUST SEE
Castle St. Angelo
Sitting on the right bank of the Tiber, the castle was built by Emperor Hadrian to
house him and his family which still holds their remains today along with a
number of following emperors. MUST SEE
Santa Maria della Vittoria
This basilica may not have the clout of St. Peter’s but the interior is as awe
inspiring as any museum. The frescos and marble sculptures combine to form
one of the most opulent churches in the world. MUST SEE
Spanish steps
Walk (don’t sit) on the charming steps leading from the Piazza di Spagna to the
Trinita dei Monti. It is a full 360 photo opportunity. MUST SEE
Altar of the Fatherland While just a baby compared to other Roman monuments, this lavish structure stands over 230 feet high and 440 feet wide and is one of the most complete
monuments in the city. IF YOU HAVE TIME

Roman Forum
In the shadow of the Colosseum, the Forum was once the epicenter of ancient
Roman life consisting of government buildings, monuments, and markets. Today
it is a skeleton of a civilization that once was. IF YOU HAVE TIME

Veteran Tips For Rome
Get A Vatican Tour
Besides telling you how amazing the Vatican is, the one thing people will tell you is that
they made a mistake not getting a tour of the Vatican. You will not only gain knowledge
but you will skip the line and save hours of your day. If you plan to walk up and buy a
ticket on that day you will likely stand in line for up to three hours. Don’t say I didn’t
warn you.
Buy Tickets On Line in Advance
Many places, including the Colosseum, are so overwhelmed that they can not take walk
up patrons. If there is something you really want to see you need to plan it out and
purchase a time slot well in advance.
Remember to Cover Up
Keep in mind many of the places you will visit are active places of worship and are
viewed as very holy to those taking care of it. I know it is hot in Rome and we all like
wearing weather appropriate clothes but THEY WILL call you out for wearing low cut
shirts and certain shorts. Bring something light to toss on when you enter these places
or they may not let you in.
Lodging Location
Like I have said, the Rome train system is sufficient but limited. When you book a hotel I
always recommend getting a place in the ancient city close to a train stop. Convenience
over money in this case.
LAST SUNDAY FREE DAY!!
Every last Sunday of every month many of the places you would have to pay to enter is
free to enter! This includes Colosseum, Roman Forum, and Palatine Hill. Check online for
booking times. If you want to save a few bucks keep this in mind when planning your
trip.

Lodging Recommendations
The city of Ancient Rome is not terribly big and you will notice that a lot of attractions
are close together. The cheaper hotels will be near the Termini Station area (the main
train station) and will increase more as you branch out. This is a fine place to stay and
you have good access to the train system.
For those of us backpacking on a budget, because there are so many hotels in Rome you
can still find hostels under $50.
There are also some campgrounds in the area. You can check out Seven Hills Camping &
Village, among others. Still, the location and amenities of a hostel could make them a
better value depending on the circumstances.

Restaurant Recommendations
Hostaria La Botticella
This is the Italy you fly across the world to see and eat. Tucked in the Trastevere area of
Rome it is a quaint restaurant with the best food and atmosphere. Price: $$
La Tavernetta 48
If you don’t want to venture across the River Tiber to Trastevere you can eat at this
wonderful spot situated in between the Pantheon, Trevi Fountain, and Castel Sant
Angelo. Price: $$
La Terrazza
If you are looking for a world class fine dining experience try this modern-style Italian
restaurant and experience the best Rome has to offer. Price: $$$$
Best Rome Souvenirs
A Rosary Blessed By the Pope
Yes, you can buy a catholic rosary blessed by the Pope, himself. Check out small
vendors close to the Vatican walls.

By: Ricky S.

Bolivia part 2

Early mornings are never fun, atleast with this tour you awake at dark thirty to a glorious breakfast prepared for you. We were on the road by 7:30, one of my favorite things about our driver Miguel, he was increditably time efficient. We were always the first group to arrive a many of the stopping points along the way. Our early arrival at the hostels also made the evening times more relaxed. On our way out of town we hit up the convenient store, where we grabbed a few Conronas, because what’s vacation in the middle of nowhere without breakfast beers?

Our first stop of the day, would be hidden gem in the middle of the desert, hundreds of boulders stacked on each other in the middle if the desert. The scenery was breathtaking and we were able to take more unforgettable pictures…noticing a pattern with this tour?

Pulling up to our first laguna of the day, we noticed serval black specs sprinkled though out the water. As we neared the shore, we realized these were real live pink flamingos. The real thing, not the tacky plastic decorations that Floridians like to use as lawn décor. Miguel let us off on the far shore to enjoy the birds while he prepared lunch. Getting close to these creatures was tricky, they are quite chill animals and there is a parameter set around the lake to keep visitors from getting to close. Our lunch was set up next to a hotel and restaurant on little tables covered with thatched straw roofs. The adjacent hotel promised wifi for a small fee, however it was in-operative. In actuality I was happy to stay in my little bubble off the grid.

As we set off, our surroundings became a red rock desert. There was no road, only rows of tire tracks in the san. Miguel knew the way, he has driven the route hundreds of times; probably able to trace the path in his sleep. Based on GPS,we realized just on the other side of the mountains, skimming by our right side window was Chile . This is where we get diabolical. Miguel knows Julie grew up in Chile, having immediately peppered her with questions upon learning this gringa spoke perfect Spanish. We hopefully ask, can we go to the border? After a moment of consideration he mentally made a couple small adjustments to the itinerary and determined it was possible. He also made the recommendation that for the equivalent of 5 dollars more we could stay in a better hotel that evening, which would also make more efficient use of our time. We immediately agreed.

Today we got as high as 15,650 feet elevation! We had kind of became obsessed with checking our elevation. Snapchat and Compass iPhone app both show accurate elevation, even when the phone is in airplane mode. At one point Miguel stopped the car to hand over a bag of coca leaves, we all took a few even though we felt fine, determing do as the natives. This was the highest point of land elevation any of us had ever achieved, outside of an airplane.

Here on the tour is where we entered the national park ,which costs an additional 150BOB. Upon entering the office, everyone should have your passport and money ready. Be careful this sneaky official attempted to keep 50BOB in change he owed me, when I handed over my 2 00BOBs. Once again thankful for Julie’s Spanish, I walked back out with my cash, it was my beer money for the evening.

Just past the park office is the Laguna Colorada, an amazing red colored lake home to more flamingos. We learned the lake receives its color from mineral deposits which generate a red hue. This is also how the pink flamingos are so uniquely colored, their primary food source also contains these red minerals. Sitting on the rocks over looking the laguna, perpetuates how beautiful the world can be.

Our last stop for the day was the geysers, first stopping at the smaller of the two. A small plume of white smoke jetted out from the tiny hole in the earth’s surface. You are actually able to touch the vapors evacuating from this small geyser and we all took turns jumping thought the warm vapors. Two minutes further down the road, a larger geyser gushed siring hot steam from the vent in the rocks. We were careful to steer clear of the mist as it was hot enough to cause serious burns.

Finally we arrived at our accommodations for the evening, being the first group to arrive we played cards as we waited for our afternoon tea and those amazing cookies. Dinner was served with a complimentary bottle of wine and the food was equally delicious as the night before. It was all clean, wonderful and locally grown. This is where we made our mistake, planning for the hot springs after dinner; we all developed food comas, coupled with the long day and the freezing temperatures outside, could not muster putting on a bathing suit. Instead we quietly returned to our room and snuggled under our warm blankets.

Our final morning started with pancakes, what better way to start a morning then pancakes–Anna’s philosophy on life. Our first stop was the laguna verde, to be quite honest it was nice to have a break from the bumping in the jeep down the dirt road however this lake was not too exciting. I have seen pictures online with much more intense colorization, perhaps we arrived during the wrong season. We started debating the difference between lagoons and Lakes. Anna knew lakes have to have a fresh water source No google to look things up though! Finally on to Chile…

I have never been to Chile…based on a group consensus we determined if you make a memory in that country you can claim it. Can you determine a better way than to grab hands and illegally run across a border, likely no! I also did a cartwheel, just in case. So in my mind it counts and I guess that all that really matters, country number 60!

The rest of the day was mostly spent in the car, we made a few stops including the desert of Dali, which was named after a Salvador Dali painting. Our final stop before Uyuni was Saint Crisobal. Hisorically this town laid further to the west, however when an Australian mine company wanted drill the land; the town was re-located to its current location. The cavet was the beautiful church must be moved stone by stone and precisely re-erected. Saint Crisobal also has an amazing market, of course we found a stall with a working refrigerator and grabbed a couple of beers for our ride back to Uyuni.

We rode into Uyuni on a dust cloud and Miguel dropped us off at the bus station to drop our bags before we head out for a dinner of pizza and beer before heading back to La Paz. Yes, we are so predictable. Coming back into “civialization” and having cell phone signal was not even all that grand. I called my mom, assured her of proof of life checked up on some friends and resigned to not really caring about the fact I could be accessed at any point.

The best incredible trip. Absolutely a once in a lifetime kind of experience and I can’t believe we only paid $180 for this trip. Still, we are rather roughing it. Electricity and running water and flushing toilets are luxuries. We are toured across the country in a Nissan Prado, completely covered in dirt, and the 4-wheel drive is critical as most of the time we are seriously off roading in places you can barely make out a trail. We’ve been through salt flats, shallow lakes, heavy mud, creeks, prairie, roads of solid boulders, mountain tops and desolate dry desert

Dublin

~By Amanda and Julie

I fly to Dublin often enough for work trips, however I’ve never had the opportunity to experience the amazing night life. When you have to be on your A game at 9 am, one can not stay out drinking pints and fine Irish whiskey all night. Julie and I decided we needed a long weekend in Dublin just to see this awesome city without a curfew. Warning! This post is pretty much about eating, drinking, dancing and sleeping. The most cultural thing we did was listen to Irish music and enjoy a run though Phoenix Park. However, it does contain a list of amazing spots in Dublin to enjoy all the above mentioned activities, including quite a few outside the normal tourist circuit of Temple Bar.

(Julie’s story)
I’ve always had an unusual bucket list, and at the top of the list was to get in a real Irish bar fight. Now don’t get me wrong, I don’t actually want to hurt anyone; I’m a giant wimp whose bark is bigger than her bite. However, breaking a wooden stool with beer splashing everywhere and people yelling in Irish accents just did something for me. I flew to Ireland a few years ago with Anna, who couldn’t let me do this alone so she signed up to join the adventure. Once we got to the bar, I tried everything with anyone to pick a fight. I was being so difficult, but I learned that day that the Irish are the absolute best people! Every time I was indifferent to someone they bought me a beer. I was told a story about an Irish man who didn’t wanna fight, but was being called outside to prove his masculinity. He kept a telling the guy he didn’t wanna fight. So when it was time to go outside, he just stripped down bare naked on the street and lifted his fists. Who wants to fight a naked guy?!

The Irish have good hearts and adore fun. Somewhere on the internet there is a picture of me holding 4 or 6 full beers at one time looking dumbfounded. I fell in love with the Irish that day and someday I’ll find a way to smash a wooden stool without being a jerk.
(Amanda)
Trying to maintain a budget, we jumped onto Hostelworld.com and searched through the lists of available bunks. I have a gift when it comes to comparing accommodations and was quickly able find a place near the city center with the right price tag. Kinlay House sits just outside the Temple Bar area and is walkable to most major points in the city. This gigantic hostel has several floors of rooms at variable price points; it’s clean and provides the typical amenities. My only complaint is they close the common room. In all my travels I have never seen a common room closed every night for cleaning at 1:30 am. Being still on NYC time, we found ourselves with no place to go after the bars and pubs dimmed their lights for the night, not quite ready for sleep.

We arrived in Dublin exhausted, but ready for excitement. As opposed to sleeping, we elected to stay up most of the flight, enjoying the complimentary red wine and watching Beauty and the Beast. I think we are both mentally about 5 years old. The most efficient and cost effective way into the city is by Airline Express Bus. Just outside of Terminal 1 arrivals you will find the ticket sales stand, where the agent will direct you to the correct bus for your hotel or hostel. For 7 euro, we expected a long and gruesome ride, however twenty minutes later we are swinging onto the sidewalk into the sunshine.

Our first priority was breakfast, which in our world means beer and a plate of fries. Don’t judge, we were in vacay mode. By random chance we found ourselves across the street from Doyle’s Irish Pub, which happens to have the exact same name as our second home in Astoria, New York, a bar named Doyle’s Corner. We immediately plopped down at the bar and befriended the owners. They were intrigued by their “sister bar” in NYC and provided a Doyle’s Dublin hat as a gift for them. We are basically ambassadors now. It graces the panel just over the bar in Astoria now. Fueled and happy we set off to our hostel for naps.

Darkey Kelly’s Bar & Restaurant

From our hostel bedroom window we spied a cute little Irish pub with a garden patio. It was the perfect place to grab a pint and wait for friends. The staff here is incredibly friendly and we made it our meeting point and breakfast beer rendezvous spot for the remainder of the trip.

(Julie)

The best part about traveling is meeting people. The hard part is saying goodbye. About 10 years ago I became friends with a girl online from Brazil. I was able to meet her face to face again finally in Rio, then again in Amsterdam, Stockholm and NYC. Our paths crossed over the years and when we decided to plan a Dublin trip, I remembered my friend had moved there to work with Puffins (how do I get this job)! We met her and her boyfriend at Darkey Kelly’s and headed over to a tapas place they had tried before and highly recommended.

Salamanca

(Amanda)

Always take the advice of locals, they hardly ever steer you wrong. Dublin has amazing food, if you choose the right places. I will never say no to tapas– why only choose one item from a menu when you can sample 4 or 5? The ambiance of Salamanca is just as amazing as the food. As usual, we over did it and ordered way too much food, because decisions are hard. The Pollo Renello and the Patata Rellena are both incredible choices and I could not stop sneaking bites of the Pate de Pollo, even after my stomach ached from fullness. With a bottle if Spanish Rioja, the meal was complete.

Anseo

We followed our friends down Camden street to Anseo. The bar was dark and divey, just the way we like it. The older DJ was spinning classics the traditional way; actually carrying around a record collection, props to you Sir! This bar is just how you would expect it, with a nice chill vibe away from the tourist tangle down in Temple Bar. We ended our night here, initially planning to seek out another divey local place. However, we found ourselves back at the hostel in the common room, drinking a bottle of red we had acquired; that is, until we were kicked out at 1:30 am…

Day number two brought in our friend Kmo from NYC, stopping over on his way to Italy. We met him at out our new hangout Darker Kelly’s for breakfast drinks. While he napped from his trans-Atlantic quest, Julie and I headed out for late lunch.

Toscana

With a craving for cheese and charcuterie we stumbled upon Toscana. Their appetizer portion was more than enough for two small girls to share. Of course red wine was ordered to accompany this meal of the gods; because really these entire three days are about drinking and how can you have cheese without wine? Our little seat tucked next to the window was the perfect place to people watch. Here, we realized we had yet to eat anything that was considered typical Irish food and in reality we didn’t for the entire trip.

Turks Head

Sauntering down towards Temple Bar we decided if we went back to the hostel we would just get tired. From outside we noticed the amazing decor inside Turks Head. It was like Alice in Wonderland meets The Little Mermaid, which pretty much has Amanda and Julie written all over it. The bartenders were awesome and let us bring outside coffees to pour in shots of Bailey’s, since we needed a little pick me up. Kmo finally woke from his beauty sleep and joined us for a pint to plan the evening.

The Original Backpacker Pubcrawl

We decided to join the pub crawl which was advertised all over our hostel. Included was a welcome drink and specials for 10 euro. We added a new friend Lizzy, an American backpacking though Europe for the summer, who was in the same room as Kmo. This is why I love hostels: every trip brings a new friend. We were directed to Badbob’s Temple Bar, which was the meeting point and claimed our free drink, which was a beer. We bounced from pub to pub around Temple bar, I am not quite sure which places we even visited, however this was an amazing opportunity to meet friends and for 10 euro, why not?!

Hanger

Since bars and club close early in Dublin, especially compared to NYC, we headed for Hanger around it’s 11 pm opening time. It was time to dance. I respect the Irish for their lax dress code at clubs. They only require you to look presentable, no heel requirement, which suits my converse-only lifestyle just fine. The doors open initially to a smaller area playing hip hop mixed with top 40. Later a second room opens, spinning progressive house and trance. This is where I belong; I stayed and danced for the remainder of the night. My only issue with Irish bars is that they close early at 2-2:30, but I guess you can’t have everything!

Korkoro- The ramen bar

Casually mentioning ramen the previous day, we now all three of us had the craving etched in our brains. Through Yelp, we determined Korkoro was the best place in the city to curb this desire. It was the perfect brunch, the bowls of noodles and broth were served up steaming hot and held to the traditional style of this amazing cuisine. I chose spicy pork and it did not let me down; was the perfect thing for my stomach after a late night out. Afterwards we wandered around the city, stopping at George’s Street Arcade. The local covered market was home to several vintage, indie gift shops. This victorian style covered market is one of the oldest in Europe.

Dawson’s 37

We had planned a chill evening of dinner and a couple of drinks before settling to bed for early flights. Famous Last Words. My favorite place in Dublin is 37 Dawson Street and not just because they have a life-size sparkling pony guarding the entrance. Arriving for a late dinner, there was already a DJ spinning and the downstairs seating area had been converted to a dance floor. We were doomed to stay. I have eaten here several times and the food and beverages never disappoint. We shared another cheese and charcuterie board and an appetizer sampler. As we finished dinner, the music transitioned from lounge to dance. One more glass of wine became another, somehow gin and tonics got involved. Time to dance and the deal was sealed, we were staying. Around two we headed back to the hostel and creeped in for a quick 3 hour nap before heading to the airport.

I know this blog makes us look like alcoholics, but we really aren’t and we had fun, so don’t judge. 🙂 People think of Dublin and Irish food and pubs immediately come to mind, which are both amazing when done right. However, Dublin is often forgotten as a diverse city with so much to offer besides the initial first impression. There are several more restaurants and bars which I frequent on my work trips, which unfortunately we did not have time for this trip. So now we have go back again and we are so upset about it…….

On the other coast of Ireland

Check out our blog about the Cliffs of Moher

Way too Wanderlust Recommends

Kinlay House: 2-12 Lord Edward Street, Temple Bar, Dublin 2 www.kinlaydublin.ie

Airlink Express Bus: www.dodublin.ie

Doyle’s Pub: 9 College Street, Dublin 2 www.doylesintown.com

Doyle’s Corner: 4202 Broadway, Astoria NY 11103 www.doylescorner.com (Because by now you likely want to be friends with us.)

Darkey Kelly’s Bar & Restaurant: Fishamble Street, Christchurch, Dublin 2 www.darkeykellys.ie

Salamanca: 1 St. Andrew’s Street, Dublin 2 www.salamanca.ie

Anseo: 18 Camden Street Lower, Saint Kevin’s, Dublin 2

Toscana: 3 Cork Hill, Dame Street, Dublin 2 www.toscanarestaurant.ie

Turks Head: Paramount Hotel, Parliament Street & Essex Gate, Temple bar, Dublin 2 www.paramounthotel.ie

The Original Backpacker Pub crawl: www.backpackerpubcrawl.com

Hanger: Andrews lane, Dublin www.hangerdublin.ie

Korkoro-The ramen bar: 51 Williams St. S, Dublin 2 (no website found)

George Street Arcade: between George’s Street and Drury Street, Dublin 2 www.georgstreetesstreetarcade.ie

37 Dawson Street: guess what the address is…. www.37dawsonstreet.ie

Miami Ultra

~By: Amanda

Sometimes the stars align, dates line up and days collide. While vacationing in Ibiza, stretched out in the sand with my Bloody Mary, I discovered that Miami Ultra would transpire the same weekend as my birthday next March. If you have read some of our past posts, the three of us definitely enjoy our share of house and trance music. For me it’s a true love. My soul marches to the beat and establishes me in my true spirit. It took approximately three minutes to convince the usual clan to go.

Music festivals are everything! For a multi-day festival you had better come armed and dangerous with a liver of steel and a small fortune in savings. Based on the line-up from the previous year, we knew per-purchasing the $350 three day ticket would be well worth it. Conveniently Miami Ultra sells tickets with a payment plan option. Therefore, if you don’t have tons of cash sitting in your savings you do not have to miss out. If you are looking for the most cost effective way to go, the earlier you purchase the ticket, the cheaper the cost. Don’t fear, if you are a last minute decision maker you can purchase tickets by the day through outside “retailers,” which is how most of our local Miami friends attended each day.

The tickets arrived in a shiny box with all kinds of toys, about three weeks before d-day. If you ask me this was a little extra; just mail me the tickets. I do not need hot pink ear plugs or any for that matter, I was ready to hear every manner of sound these DJs would conjure. About a week before the show the time schedule was released on Ultra.com. Deciding who to see, when and where was one of the most difficult life decisions I have made to date. We booked a King room at the Hampton Inn Brickell; this was the most convenient location in our price range, giving us the ability to walk home. Miami is a gigantic sprawling city, so if you plan to stay further than a mile away or in South Beach, expect a challenge getting home at night. My motto is go with whatever is easy, so I will gladly pay $25 a night to make life simple.

The festival itself was a shitshow, compared to any festival we had attended in Europe. It felt like a group of 5 year olds had planned the event. Arriving on Friday night we waited over an hour to enter the event, have the security staff check our bags and scan our tickets. I feel like Europeans could make millions on teaching classes to Americans on how to organize events. The port-a-potty situation was so insane; we all thought fondly back to the Flying Dutch festival in Amsterdam where there was only a 5 minute wait time for the toilet.

We parked ourselves at the main stage, where the line up was incredible. Arriving later than planned we were just in time to catch Armin van Buuren, who has achieved god status in my mind. We spent the rest of the night parked under a tree, slightly away from the crowd. By finding a home base in this area we were able to enjoy the music, without being suffocated by the huge crowd surrounding the stage. Also this convenient spot gave us the opportunity to make several amazing new friends. When I get the itch to be in the middle of everything, I’m always thankful for Julie, who will spend a few minutes deep in the crowd dancing with everyone!

After the festival we headed back towards Brickell down S. Miami Ave, which was stacked with bars. Considering the state we were in we decided on the Fadó Irish pub and refreshed with cold beers. Perfect way to end the night. Everyone settled off to sleep….except ME. Someone (who shall remain nameless) in our group was sick and snored like a old Scottish man and I had been assigned to snuggle with her. I’m the lightest sleeper on the planet, so my solution was to grab a blanket and sleep in the closet. Do not judge me…. the door closed and blocked out the sound and I was fast asleep!

SATURDAY, before heading out we dropped by Coyo Taco on the corner for some tacos, breakfast of champions. The group goal of the day was to see Axwell ^ Ingrosso, the two remaining members of Swedish House Mafia. Having missed the opportunity to see the trio preform and living thought their podcasts, they were the essentially the missing piece of my life. The day was packed with Afrojack and Tiesto, amazing! As always, Tiesto opened his set with “Split,” and coincidentally Julie and I were right in the middle of the crowd at the main stage, jumping with everyone from the adrenaline. We kept our home-fort under the big tree with the neon orange decorations. As the afternoon changed to evening the sky opened up with a torrential down pour, many people ran under the various vendor tents to seek shelter from the rain. Thankfully our tree provided a decent amount of protection. I try to never let rain spoil my day, as you cannot control the weather. I even found an inflatable kangaroo to kiss. As the night closed we finally got to see Axwell ^ Ingrosso, they finished their set with “Sun is shining” as the clock passed into midnight and it became my birthday. As they finished their set, the whole crowd of old friends and new, erupted into “Happy Birthday”….best birthday moment ever!

After another closet “nap,” we headed to bay brunch. Wandering out in the far too bright Florida sun, we luckily ran into the Batch Gastropub right next to our hotel. They offered a weekend Brunch special with unlimited mimosas or Bellinis so we committed before even bothering to look at the food menu. However breakfast was delicious and it’s kinda hard to complain with bottomless fizzy drinks. Always a good idea to get one steady meal in our stomachs before heading out, I get so into the music I forget to eat. There is always this excitement/sorrow feeling when attending the last day of the festival. If I ever become a DJ (actually working on that) I wouldn’t want to close, because as amazing as your are, its still the end. Nobody wants to go home.

That didn’t stop us from enjoying every minute of that Sunday. My only regret is missing Showtek. Getting this many girls on my level of energy is incredibly difficult and no one was prepared to leave early enough to see the set. Remember what I said about finding a place and making it yours? We parked ourselves under that same tree again. At this point all of our friends from the past two days knew where to find us and we all settled down into our little village of happy. DJ Snake closed the night, maybe I was just sad Ultra was over, but I’m still trying to determine why he decided to close one of the biggest EDM festivals in the world with “The Middle.”

The saying goes, “Don’t be sad that it’s over, be glad that it happened.” The next day I boarded my flight home with those little white apple headphones hanging from my ears the whole way– my playlists were my attempt to keep reliving the weekend. My Uber driver told me there was a continuous 24 hour after party at Space Night club still raging on, but not even I am that crazy. Everyone should attend a multi-day music festival once in their life; there are so many to choose from for every genre of music. So grab some friends, wave your freak flag and be ready for the weekend of a lifetime.

Check out our other festival blogs

Way too Wanderlust Recommends

Miami Ultra: www.ultramusicfestival.com/

Hampton Inn Brickell: 50 SW 12th Street, Miami FL 33130 www.hamptoninnmiamibrickell.com/

Fado Irish Pub: Mary Brickell Village 900 South Miami Ave. Miami, FL 33130 fadoirishpub.com/miami/

Coyo Taco: 1111 SW 1st Ave Miami, FL 33130 www.coyotaco.com

Batch Gastropub: 30 SW 12th Street, Miami FL 33130 www.batchgastropub.com

Las Vegas

ACEDIA • TRISTITIA • LUXURIA • IRA • VANGLORIA • GULA • AVARITIA

S L O T H
Sin City isn’t just about legalized gambling and prostitution; it has so much more to offer than people think. I’ve been to Vegas quite a few times and wasted my afternoons at poolsides sipping colorful drinks with umbrellas, exploring the insides of all the fancy hotels and being taken in by the lights and shows. But there is more to Vegas than that and once you’re done relaxing it’s time to explore!

On one of my solo trips to Vegas, I decided to explore nature. I looked up in TripAdvisor the best hikes and headed over to Red Rock Canyon which is only a 35 minute drive from the strip. I spent my afternoon in the sun with fresh air covered in dirt. I love a day where I end up covered in dirt. I explored the area, studied the cacti until about sunset.

S O R R O W
I didn’t have anywhere to stay that night and things got a little pricey at the last minute. So I thought I’d try something a little adventurous and booked a $17 bed at “Hostel Cat” figuring I’d at least make some new friends and get some interesting stories. It did not disappoint. As I drove up to the hostel there were two strippers outside on a swing. Already proving interesting. I felt a little uneasy as I realized I wasn’t in the best part of the strip. A part I had yet to discover. When I got inside I was given a code and instructions. Once inside the main gate, after two codes that change daily, I felt a bit safer. I chose the mixed bed dorm as I usually make more friends with guys than girls, who in my experience tend to be cliquish and extra messy. I secured my belongings, showered and headed to the common area to make friends.

L U S T
I just happened to be there for the first Friday of the month. All the food trucks were out, local bands, artists and performers. We had a great time and I highly recommend it. As many nights in Vegas end, we ended up at a local dive gay bar. Thank goodness for my new hostel mates because a lesbian couple tried to make me their new roommate!

W R A T H
The next day one of my best friends just so happened to be in town so we made a lunch and headed out to the Hoover Dam. If you haven’t been, it’s a landmark worth seeing. Powering three states with electricity, the Hoover Dam supplies power to over 18 million people. Where Mother Nature is never a force to reckon with on its own, absolutely never mess with a construction where man and nature combine forces. The death toll numbers are controversial from even the birth of the construction; the death from flooding, accidents and the suicides are incalculable. There is definitely an eerie feeling when you look over the edge of the railing. Honestly, it was so fascinating and you can even cross another state border off your list if that’s your sort of thing. We saw loads of military helicopters and airplanes circling above and we came up with a couple of good conspiracy theories about Area 51. The drive back is a bit brutal with traffic (especially with a full bladder) so I recommend you time the drive home around the traffic.

E N V Y
We made it back in time to hit up a couple of poolside happy hours and if you plan Vegas properly it doesn’t have to be expensive. As soon as you land in Vegas and Instagram your selfies with #vegas or anything similar, club promoters will start messaging you with deals. I personally am not a club person although I’ve had some pretty memorable experiences in some; usually ending the night with at least one marriage proposal. I’ve had a guy give my friends $100 to promise to keep me safe. (They gave him change as $100 seemed like too much for me at the time; apparently I need new friends.) I’m more of a dive bar kinda girl and people watching is my main game. Vegas dive bars are like “people of Wal-Mart” on steroids at prime time. Everyone has a story and they all are waiting to tell you if you’re up for it. Be ready to hear a lot of doom and gloom and tons of terrible decisions. It’s amazing!

G L U T T O N Y
Another highlight of Vegas and what would America’s City of Sin be without the tastiest of the deadly sins… Las Vegas buffets. You can eat your way around the world for $25-$200 depending on your quality of poison. Again, I’m not really one for flash and crowds so you can usually find me people watching and soaking up that cheap happy hour booze with $5 steak and eggs or at Ellis Island where they have steak, gambling and Karaoke.

G R E E D
There is something for every budget and lifestyle in Vegas. I’m not much of a gambler,personally, but occasionally you can find me at the wheel of fortune slot machine earning some free drinks. If gambling isn’t your thing, you can hike, learn history, site see, live your flashiest life or finally get that envious “hangover movie” kind of night and wake up with a tiger. I was accidentally an extra in a movie once while tanning by the pool. The world is yours in Vegas and all the possibilities are at your fingertips. Careful what you wish for and live semi responsibly, you could also end up at a drive thru Elvis chapel marrying a stranger… it is Vegas after all.

Pereira: Pretending I’m a local

~By: Amanda

If I could have a friend from every country in the world my life would be complete. Nothing is better than experiencing the culture with a local, especially one whom is like a sister. This is how you find places you typically wouldn’t know existed. Locals know the true places, not the ones with mobs of tourists or lining the glossy pages of guidebooks. Typically, I am the group planner for every adventure, but when it came time to plan our trip to Colombia, I handed over the reins to our friend, Patty. The first places people generally explore in Colombia are Bogota, Medellin or Cartagena. Our first city was Pereira, which is where Patty spent every childhood summer, visiting family and friends. So this is where we showed up, ready to absorb the true Colombian culture.

We arrived fashionably late, thanks to a Viva Colombia airlines cancellation. However for the inconvenience they more than made up for the delay with a free round trip airfare (for which we have big plans…. a Salsa weekend in Cali). Patty greeted us at the airport with family and our hired transportation for the next two days, a 8 person van for $180 ($23pp). How I love South American prices! Patty had everything sorted and we arrived at Kolibri Hostel where we had booked the 6 bunk room for ourselves. Clean and with modern upgrades I could not have picked a better place to rest my head.

As quickly as possible we traded our travel leggings for swimsuits and flip flops and hustled downstairs to our waiting van driver. Our pressed time did not keep us from picking up a couple bottles of red wine for the drive, which the hostel gladly sold to us with a stack of plastic cups! The perfect evening had been planned, we were on our way to the hot springs. The Santa Rosa de Cabal area, is about one hour outside of Pereira. Here, several hot springs dot the side of the mountain and of course Patty had chosen the bougie-est of them all. Termales is the highest hot spring on the mountain, in theory you always want to visit the hot spring settled on the highest point, the water there is the purest. As we entered the lobby it was almost as we had stepped back in time, the decor was top to bottom traditional Colombian.

I love hot springs, there is no better way to spend an evening relaxing in the heated water than with cocktails. This particular hot spring had several pools which progressively get hotter, fueled by waterfalls gushing the geothermal heated water. On the furthest end of the spring is a waterfall plunging freezing cold water into the mix. If you dare, jump under this invigorating experience… which only two of us had the balls to try. The only thing that could possibly make the night better was empanadas, which guess what, are available in the cafeteria. It always amazes me how cafeterias or snack bars everywhere else in the world can serve such amazing food. Meanwhile in ‘merica we always settle for the soggy hot dog or burnt pizza.

We headed home for sleep, because the next day we were headed to the coffee park. I love coffee and I love rides, so image learning there is place in existence which combines the two for them, National Coffee Park. This entire amusement park is dedicated to the celebration of coffee, I love Colombia, seriously amazing. There are several packages available at various prices to enter the park. Of course we selected the full ride package, because we were going on every ride.

The park is beautifully manicured with immaculate green spaces. After a quick coffee with whiskey, because well it is us, we jumped on the gondola which expedited us down the section with the rides. Running full force we headed towards the go-carts, because that was the first thing we saw. Working in an insane pattern we snaked our way through the park, hitting every ride that wasn’t designed for someone under 4 feet. As the day grew hot, it was time for the log flume! All five girls piled into the plastic hollowed out log and belted out screams as we zoomed down the shoots; soaked! The boys watched from a distance, with some lame comment about not wanting to be wet– they suck anyways.

Our other goal for the day was to attend the performance which highlights the history of coffee in Colombia through song and dance. The production was amazing, especially the vivid costumes, the only possible improvement would have been beer sales! Time for lunch, the Patacon appeared delicious and we always try something new everyday; food in South America never disappoints. Maybe Guinea pig, but we dodged that bullet. Most of the group chose fried chicken. The Colombians have a thing about getting their hands greasy which is bound to happen with properly fried chicken. Each meal is sold with plastic gloves, now I would prefer to lick the last of the golden deliciousness off my fingers, but every culture has their thing. Still no beer available, this is pretty much the only issue we found with the whole park.

After lunch, we set out to finish our original quest. Here is where we encountered the two best rides we found all day. First the bumper boats, which involved 5 minutes of petty competitiveness trying to shove each other under the various fountains. Finally the roller coaster that we had noticed the bright red track peaking though the landscape all day; and it was time. We all ran up to the gates ready to experience the “biggest thrill” of the park. The ride was amazing, fast, drops, twists and turns and the best part… zero line, zero! So, we rode again and again; three of use rode the coaster five times. Why not, there was no wait and in the U.S. a similar coaster puts us waiting in the heat for hours.

We walked out of the park like we owned the joint; we had pretty much conquered our goal with the exception of kiddie rides, for once I was too tall. Our van transport picked us up at the exit, but not before Julie and I ran across the street to purchase as many beers as we could carry. It was a two hour drive to return, but what else did we have to do… and we had been deprived all day after all.

Because that was not enough action for one day, we later headed out to Circunvalar, which I imagine means “road of bars” in Spanish….am I close? Several amazing bars pumped full of salsa music lined the streets, our favorite was an eclectic little bar exclusively dedicated to shots called Mister Shots. Here is where the night gets fuzzy.

The next morning we jammed out of Pereira early headed for Medellin. Our group was large enough to make the price of renting a private van equilivant to individually buying tickets on a scheduled tourist bus. Traveling in a group often has its perks, in South America always shop around for ground transport, likely you can find an amazing deal.

It’s cities like Pereira that I crave to visit, they have a magical calmness to them, over the hectic bustle of your typical tourist haunts and major cities. This is why I prefer to see the country with a local, they will show you the true flavor of the country. And with that being said we are now accepting applications for you to be our friend and show us your country, we will not disappoint…just kidding, kinda!

Way too Wanderlust Recommends

If you want to know more about Pereira, check out: 8 Awesome things to do in Pereira

Kolibri Hostel: Calle 4 #16-35 Circunvalar, Pereira Colombia +57 6 331 39 55 www.kolibrihostel.com

Termales: Calle 14 #15-52 Santa Rosa de Cabel-Risaralda www.termales.com.

National Coffee Park: Km 6 via Montenegro Pueblo Tapao, Montenegro Quindío, Colombia National Coffee Park (information though Wikipedia in English)

Mister Shots: Av Circunvalar 8-94, Pereira

Way Too Wanderlust

Way Too Wanderlust

travel

VENICE, ITALY

NAPLES & POMPEII

FLORENCE, ITALY

ROME, ITALY

Bolivia part 2

Dublin

Miami Ultra

Las Vegas

ACEDIA • TRISTITIA • LUXURIA • IRA • VANGLORIA • GULA • AVARITIA

Pereira: Pretending I’m a local