Also, admittedly - I don't like doing what 'everyone else is doing'. Paris, New York, Prague and Thailand is so far off my radar right now. I want to go somewhere different. One day I want to sneak in to Paris to see the Louvre because I just love The Impressionists so much, but where I really want to go is Italy. The little regions like Campania, the little village of Postiano. I want to see Sorrento and a quick stop in Venice (where Vivaldi was born). I do want to spend most of my time overseas in tiny little tucked away villages, away from the (other) tourists where possible. So I am looking at Italy, and mapping little routes, making little plans. I do want to go alone, which might be a bit eatpraylove of me, but I have this urge to be in isolation in a beautiful country full of history with interesting things to see. I want to learn things, eat food, drink too much wine, read books and mostly I want to write thoughtful things of no importance and with no sense of urgency.
I've opened the relevant saving account, which I've been hiding money in for a few months now. I'm getting my paperwork in order - almost there. Then somewhere along the line I'll abandon my children for ten days and go on a little adventure for the soul, and maybe I'll come back completely different, maybe it won't change a thing, maybe I should rather spend those savings on something else, but I'm going.
The travel bug will bite when you step onto the plane... 'What everyone else is doing' will suddenly make sense and you'll be walking around the streets of New York and scootering around Bangkok in no time!
ReplyDeleteFigline Valdarno - http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Figline_Valdarno
ReplyDeleteWhen I went it didn't even have a Wikipedia entry. Little Italian town near Firenze (Florence) and some other little Tuscan towns. Hop on a train to explore the tourist towns or catch a bus to some other little known hamlet.
See if you can get some episodes of Jamie's Italy (granted Jamie Oliver can get a bit annoying but he does visit some more off the beaten track locations).
Hey! I am a friend of Nikki's - your neighbour - and I found your blog through her blog. Italy is awesome and I have only been to the Tuscan region - near Cinque Terra. There will be loads of tourists on the Cinque Terra walk but do yourself a favour and go visit! And stop along the way and dip in the ocean for a swim! Just make sure you don't go out of season - I think after September to February the walk is closed. It is just so pretty! We stayed off the beaten track, in a town called La Spezia which was lovely. There are beautiful beaches and villages to explore on a short bus ride from La Spezia to San Terenzo and Lerici. Try and do some olive oil & wine tasting too - we couldn't do the wine tasting as I had just found out I was pregnant! I can also recommend an awesome food market in La Spezia if need be :)
ReplyDeleteHave fun planning
I've also always wanted to go to Italy. Eat my way around, explore tiny villages ala 'Under the Tuscan Sun' (love that movie).
ReplyDeleteI was like you, I didn't *get* travel. All the admin and stress of airports and flights and visas and packing and and and. But then...then...I got the opportunity to go to Denmark last year on an academic program and now I get it. Travel opens your eyes to new things. I'm not saying that you can't get those things here in SA; but travelling overseas just shows your so much MORE and so many different things. If you are curious about my thoughts, you can read more on my blog under the heading 'Denmark'. I encourage you to go. It will be life-changing, but not in the way you think :)
We went to Italy last year, and I absolutely loved it! We mainly did the main cities (Rome, Florence, Venice), but also had a stop over in Cinque Terre, which was beautiful! You can see some of our pics here: http://thingsdeeloves.wordpress.com/2012/09/24/loving-cinque-terre/
ReplyDeleteEnjoy all the planning, it's so much fun!
Do it, you will love it! The food, the way of life, the little villages filled with old and new and the history. Its a special place but then again I am biased. I wish I could give you more information and suggestions of where to go but every time I go back 'home' I like to just chill there with family and absorb the scenery. I've been to the big centres of Milan, Venice, Florence, Turin, Verona (and seen Romeo and Juliet's balcony) but they are very 'touristy' and it doesn't appeal to me. I would suggest looking at a main centre or province to use as a base then just 'float' around a bit by not following the beaten path but you can only do that once you are there. You cant really plan it. There is so much to see and little villages are always just a few km apart so before you know it you have passed through 2 or 3 but don't think you have 'seen' Italy simply by going to one region. Each province is different with their own dialects and food and traditions. Its a beautiful place and it will be the first but definitely not the last time you go... :)
ReplyDeleteI'm very lucky, my dad is Austrian. Most of his family still live there. I have the maroon passport. And while visiting family we have been fortunate enough to travel quite extensively as well. I have travelled the length of Spain, France and Italy.
ReplyDeleteMany people are going to argue with me here.
Italy is not a nice place.
Yes. I said it. It is dirty, overcrowded. Venice sounds cool but is a hassle. I liked Florence and Assisi, those places were awesome.
I also don't like London.
But I will highly highly reccommend Spain (absolute favourite), France, Germany, Austria. Madrid is juts beautiful I was there during the gay pride festival. BEST PARTY EVER. Berlin is just incredible, so much history and culture. One of my favourite cities in the world. Vienna is magical, like a fairytale city. Both countries are completely underrated, just utterly gorgeous. Travel by train to get the most of the countryside, the trip from Berlin to mt grandparents in Austria travels through small towns and thick, lush forests. It's breathtaking.
France, we did a barge trip through small towns. And by small, I mean tiny, We bough fresh bread every morning from the local bakery. One of which operated off a barge moored on the river banks. All our food was fresh, bought form markets. We drifted slowly down the river for a week. Best holiday experience.
And Barcelona! Tash, you must.
Dyl and I are taking July off and doing a bit of travelling. We're driving down through Italy in 8 days, also keen for back roads, small towns, coastline.. pop into a few cities but generally stay away from the tourist hype.
ReplyDeleteSounds incredible, and very eat pray love ;)
Eeeek, your comments are all so awesome - thanks so much for helping. I got two really good books on Italy too, and I'm dying to hear about your trip Emma!Very keen on back roads & small towns x
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