Sunday, July 3, 2011

I'm Back!

The school year wound up, report cards are done, the room is hibernating for the summer, and I've already been to Italy and back!

My Mom and I ventured off to Italy for two weeks and just got back a few days ago. I've been working on a few cards and just need to snap some pictures of them and get them uploaded to the blog. But in the meantime, here are a few glimpses of Italy, as seen through my camera lens. :)


These were the Tivoli gardens at the Villa d'Este. Absolutely GORGEOUS! Did I mention that there were over 500 fountains at this villa?


A cruise down the Grand Canal in Venice. This is the Rialto Bridge built in the 1500s.



The little canals in Venice. We boarded our gondola here (with a singer, accordian, and wine!).



Looking up into the dome in St. Peter's Basilica.

The small hilltop town (and amazing well preserved Medeival towers) of San Gimignano.


Pompei (with Mount Vesuvius in the background).


I was hands-down the most excited to visit Pompei. It was everything I hoped and more. Here is one of the plaster casts (with the bones still inside) of a body found while exscavating.

Looking up into the Pantheon's dome in Rome.


The Roman Forum. This happens to be the Temple of Vesta with the Vestal Virigins home located right behind it.



Ponte Vecchio bridge in Florence.


I fell in love with the tiny alleys and streets in Florence. So perfectly picturesque.

Duomo in Florence.


Colosseum. It was so magical to be standing in front of this building! We also went inside, but there were way too many pictures to sift through. And then to choose only one to share? Impossible!


On top of Monte Solaro on the Isle of Capri.



Talk about a trip of a lifetime! I was so blessed to have shared this memory with my Mom! And we're already planning next summer's trip. Yay!


I'll be back in the next day or two with some cards to share. Ah, summer vacation is good. :)

3 comments:

  1. I am an avid reader of your blog and LOVE your cards. I probably checked here once a day and I have to admit - I got a little worried that something was wrong!

    Glad it was just due to vacation - and an amazing one at that!

    Welcome back :)

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  2. oh, wow! I can just imagine what all the other pictures look like! What a great trip :) 3 of my sister's go back to Italy every other year...they love it too :) What an amazing history :) Glad to have you back safe and sound :)

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  3. You've got some great pictures, there Kristina and I'm so glad to hear you had such a wonderful time. I only made it to Northern Italy but it was amazing. Trusting you got some good shopping in as well as some good eating LOL! Glad you are back safe and sound and ready to provide me with some Kristina eye candy :)

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