[2014] Papa Francis - The Vatican, Italy

The church never turns you away. Although the St. Peter's Basilica states that you need a ticket to attend mass as a visitor. You can also just show up and go to Mass. Local church members don't need these tickets and guards also don't check them. We are so happy we showed up for Maundy Tuesday to ask the Swiss guards.

[2015] Vulcan, Sicily, Italy

We spent just a 2 nights in Vulcan. I felt like we had landed on a different planet going up this little crater. We also jumped in the hot springs caused by the volcanic activity and we smelt like sulfur for a few days...this can also be mistaken for burnt rubber and seemed to really attract flies for some reason... Some of our clothes we had to trash.

It was a short trip, very cool, and local place - not sure I'd return to stay over night, but it's a nice little island. 

[2014] Rome, Italy

I think we can all agree that Rome is the most romantic city in the world

A short trip to Rome around Easter we had divine pasta, coffees and saw the Pope during a service at the Sistine Chapel. Classic. 

[2015] Sicily, Italy - mostly food

[2008] Venice, Italy

[2008] Florence, Italy

I had such a hard time choosing photos for this post because there were just so many fabulous shots. Mostly from my friend Annette--she's a bit of an artist. Really, she is.

This was my first trip to Italy and I just remember everything being so beautiful.

We were in Florence for the longest time of all the cities, and it was great to go through all the touristy sites slowly. I feel like I got to know the city, and I can't say that about a lot of places I've visited.

[2012] Milan, Italy

Milan was a soulful weekend that goes down in my books as an amazing place mostly because of the great company.

I met up with 3 girls that I worked with in Korea years ago.  I hadn't seen one in over 2 years. All four of us live in different countries; Switzerland, Germany, Spain and Jordan, so it just made sense to meet up in Milan.

This weekend was 'the best slumber party' ever! It included a 4 bedroom hotel room, take out pizza eaten on the floor, window shopping at the most expensive stores, and of corse some really good January sales.

Pure food to my soul~