Dylan comes to ROMA!

This past week with with my amazing boyfriend Dylan and my family was one that I will never forget. Dylan and I had the most amazing time together. I loved showing him around (as he complained about all the walking) and I loved bringing him to my favorite food places and my favorite sites in Rome. From our day trip to Naples, cooking classes, and bike rides in Villa Bourghese Dylan was always making me laugh (when is he not...) and showing me the best time. Spending time just me and him was something that was much needed, and I am counting down the days until we are together again! Until then, i'll remind myself of all the amazing memories we shared by looking at my pictures!

So in love <3

Yes, dylan made this chocolate soufflé (impressive!)

Dinner at our favorite restaurant Pier Luigi

Making his wish at the Trevi, I hope it's a good one ;) 

Love this picture! Dyl and Kara enjoying the best gelato from Giolitti

Me and Dyl in Naples ( I MISS YOU!)

Montepulcinao

It is hard to describe the beauty that I just witnessed in Tuscany last week. The rolling hills, and stunning views was such a relief from the hustle and bustle of Rome. Don’t get me wrong my obsession with Rome grows everyday, but getting that fresh air in the vineyards was much needed. Thanks to Jenny we had our own private wine tour with a very knowledgeable women named Alessandra. We were all actually obsessed with her. She took us to the town of Montepulciano, which is the most beautiful town encircled by walls and filled with churches and vineyards. Inside the walls the winding streets gave a Medieval/Renaissance vibe. The town is known for its Vino Nobile red wine and Alesandra took us to taste them at the Contucci Estate. I instantly fell in love with Adamo, who took such pride in showing us around the 1,000-year-old winery. Thinking about the lunch that Alesandra took us too makes me want to go back to Montepulciano in and of it self. Everything was freshly made on the farm that the restaurant was on. We got to go down stairs and see the huge wine barrels and the meats hanging form the ceiling. At lunch we ate all traditional Tuscan cuisine, including the most amazing Tuscan soup ( to die for)! We then headed to a little town called Pienza, where the best Pecorino in the area is produced from the unique sheep that are located there. Of course, Alessandra had the hook up and we went to her friend’s pecorino shop on a farm where we got to test all different kinds of pecorino cheese. With my newfound love for pecorino I couldn’t resist buying some and a special apple, pear and vanilla jam to compliment it! I could go on and on about how much I loved Tuscany, I honestly did not want to leave when the day came to an end. The one thing I have to look forward to is sharing the reserve wine I bought from Contucci and the cheese  to share with my family and Dylan when they arrive tomorrow! I have butterflies in my stomach, (I am so excited!!!!)

Piazza Grande in Montepulciano

1000 year old Contucci Winery

Alessandra and Adamo (cutest man alive)

Wine Tasting :)

Ristorante Pulciano

meat hanging in the basement of the restaurant

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Celebrating the 150th Unification of Italy with laundry!

View from the town of Pienza

Unmasked

Colorful masks, elaborate costumes, gondola rides, and cuttlefish linguini are 5 thing that are making me smile after this past weekend in Venice. Words can not describe how beautiful it was. Although our 7 hour bus ride to Venice was pretty much terrible, our day spent wandering around the streets and St.Mark's square without a doubt made up for it. If only you could have seen first handedly how detailed these costumes were....the people really become devoted to their costumes and become compeltely invested in their characters. After
prancing around St. Mark's square for hours we all decided to take a gondola ride. As the gondelier, in his black and white striped shirt and red scarf brought us up and down the canals I was in complete awe. Drinkign wine and being sung to on a gondola was just a reminder to me of how fortunate I am to be experiencing all of this; I mean what more could I really ask for. I get this realization often, and it motivates me to live up every signle
moment abroad. A great meal was obviously next on our agenda, and the whole day Kelly and I were eager to try the ventian local dish called black cuttlefish linguine. This dish is linguine covered in the ink from the sac of a cuttlefish. Sounds gross (I know), but give it a try because I guarntee you you'll be wanting seconds! I can not wait to return to Venice one day because there is so much more to explore, if only i had more time....