A Perfect Weekend Getaway Discovering Tuscany’s Val d’Orcia

Don’t get me wrong, I absolutely love living in Florence, however every once in a while I desperately crave some time outside of the tourist filled, busy city (with a serious lack of trees and nature I might add). This past week I finally had enough of the crowds and seemingly incessant winter rain, and realized…

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Living “La Vita Bella”: What We Should All Learn From Italians

Sometimes living in Italy has it’s challenges-any ex pat or study abroad student has plenty of stories which elaborate this point. “Creepy” men, a serious lack of dryers, or waiting in line for hours attempting to fill out paperwork are among several ways of Italian life that often drive foreigners mad. However, despite these obstacles,…

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The Top 10 Must Visit Gelaterias In Florence

You don’t go to Italy without eating gelato and you definitely don’t go to Florence without eating at least a few (once a day is a good starting average). However, with a different gelateria on every street corner, it can be hard knowing which ones to go to and which ones to avoid. After some…

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13 Florence Bars You Haven’t Heard Of (But Should!)

If you’ve been in Florence for at least a week, you’ve probably been up to some kind of shenanigans at one or more of the well-known bars, Lion’s Fountain, Uncle Jimmy’s, Red Garter, etc. (if you haven’t, then go, like right now). These places are popular for good reason and I frequent them often, however there are…

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Racing Through Roma: How to Conquer Rome in a Day

Rome wasn’t built in a day, therefore it should come as no surprise that attempting to see all of Italy’s capital city in one day is, in a word, impossible. I recommend spending several days in Rome to be able to explore as much of this historic and glorious city as you can. However, if…

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A Day Trip to “Fair Verona”: Romeo, Juliet, and Me

Shakespeare chose to set his tragic romance Romeo and Juliet “in fair Verona,” and after my visit this weekend, its obvious why. Every inch of the town is dripping with beauty, charm, and most notably, romance. The city truly is the perfect setting for a tale of “star crossed lovers.” Everywhere you look in Verona, there is evidence…

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Cruising through Chianti: Adventures on a Vespa

Have you ever cruised through the Tuscan countryside on a pink Vespa? I had the chance to this weekend and it was absolutely exhilarating. If you find yourself in Tuscany, a Vespa tour through Chianti’s rolling hills and vineyards is a must. Since returning to Florence, the one thing I have been dying to do is…

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