Taking It All In


Photo by Paolo Liloc.

Finishing up our first week in Italy and feeling so very thankful for this experience.

Thankful for the wonderfully kind, creative, fun people I'm traveling with - their enthusiasm and zest has been contagious. Thankful that Jim is such a charismatic guide. Thankful that my international travel companion (and friend of 22 years) Paolo was able to come along for the ride. Thankful for  the scenery, the sunsets, the history, the weather, the wine, the pasta, the laughter - it's really been a wonderful experience so far.

We've got another week of traveling to go including a day in Florence, Rome and then back to New York City at the end of the week.

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38 thoughts

  1. dawn says…
    10/10/2011

    So happy for you Ali, thanks for the update. I have missed seeing you this week. Have another great week.

    Reply 1 Reply
    1. Birgit says…
      10/13/2011

      My sentiments exactly!

  2. Jo-Anne says…
    10/10/2011

    BUONGIORNO Ali, but here we say G'Day!
    Keep having fun and enjoying all those wonderful sights, smells, sounds & tastes! I'm so jealous.
    Ciao

    Reply 0 Replies
  3. Stephanie Howell says…
    10/10/2011

    Oh Ali, so glad you are enjoying it. I have a feeling it's just what your soul needs right now. Xoxo

    Reply 2 Replies
    1. tania says…
      10/10/2011

      ditto what stephanie said...i couldn't have said it better. ((((HUGS))) ali!

    2. Sarah says…
      10/10/2011

      Exactly!! Enjoy every minute. x

  4. MIchelle L says…
    10/10/2011

    This sounds amazing! Glad to hear you're having a wonderful time!

    Reply 0 Replies
  5. Lisa W. says…
    10/10/2011

    OMG my life's dream/goal is to go to Italy, meet you, see ALL there is to see. Ahhhhhhhhhhhhhh, that picture of you is magically beautiful! So SO happy to hear from you, Your blog at times gets me through everyday!!! Have a wonderful trip and cannot wait to see your beautiful creations!!!!

    Reply 0 Replies
  6. alida says…
    10/10/2011

    Thanks for sharing these experiences we can only dream of. Happy to be blogtraveling along.

    Reply 0 Replies
  7. Jamie says…
    10/10/2011

    Ooh... Florence is my favorite city ever! If you have a chance, go to Coquinarius. The food is out of this world amazing (even for Italy) and it's affordable.

    Via dell' Oche 15/r, 50144 Florence, Italy

    http://www.tripadvisor.com/Restaurant_Review-g187895-d1109158-Reviews-Caffe_Coquinarius-Florence_Tuscany.html

    Reply 0 Replies
  8. Gina Crowley says…
    10/10/2011

    Glad you are having fun this week. I've missed your posts.

    Reply 0 Replies
  9. barbi d. says…
    10/10/2011

    Sounds perfectly lovely, Enjoy!

    Reply 0 Replies
  10. Paula G says…
    10/10/2011

    Enjoy every well-deserved minute! How I wish I could have gone too!

    Reply 0 Replies
  11. cheryl@Notesfromthecrystalstairs says…
    10/10/2011

    Now this is living I love that sunset!

    Reply 0 Replies
  12. Liz Ness says…
    10/10/2011

    So thankful for the photos you and Paolo are sharing. Such a beautiful place and you both are so good at capturing the magic of it! =)

    Reply 0 Replies
  13. Tammy Davis says…
    10/10/2011

    Great layout (and costume!). Have fun with your travels and stay safe! (Does Simon ever take the costume off?)

    Reply 0 Replies
  14. JillT says…
    10/10/2011

    Fabulous photo by your talented friend. Not a bad location either :)

    Reply 0 Replies
  15. Cecilia Madden says…
    10/10/2011

    I'm jealous! How splendid :) Glad you're enjoying the time away.

    Reply 0 Replies
  16. Amy C. says…
    10/10/2011

    Thank YOU Ali! You have been so personable and a joy to be around. And thanks for the sunscreen! My forehead WAS baking big time!

    Reply 0 Replies
  17. Michele says…
    10/10/2011

    Thank you for sharing your wonderful stories!

    Reply 0 Replies
  18. Katrina Grabowski says…
    10/10/2011

    What a wonderful experience for a well deserving women! I hope you continue to enjoy the journey....

    Reply 0 Replies
  19. Dana says…
    10/10/2011

    Just got back from Florence and Pisa this morning. Lovely places. Be sure to climb the tower near the Duomo. The views are amazing. Trattoria Nella @ Via Delle Terme 19 R has amazing food and house wine. Have fun!

    Reply 1 Reply
    1. Christine says…
      10/10/2011

      Great suggestion. I climbed that same clock tower near dusk in Florence and got some amazing photos.
      Ali, check out the restaurants across the river. Great local food.

  20. Sharon Dryjanski says…
    10/10/2011

    Ali,

    so happy that you are enjoying the trip.....take lots of pics ( as if that is not a given LOL) hugs and blessings

    sharon dryjanski

    Reply 0 Replies
  21. Jean says…
    10/10/2011

    So happy for you! What a fabulous opportunity to recharge.

    Reply 0 Replies
  22. Gayle says…
    10/10/2011

    *sigh* what a gorgeous picture, and a fabulous itinerary ahead! Thank you for sharing Ali :)

    Reply 0 Replies
  23. gladdie says…
    10/10/2011

    Hi Ali, enjoy the journey!!
    (See, I am learning from you! lol)

    Reply 0 Replies
  24. Christine says…
    10/10/2011

    How wonderful! Soak up all you can :) Blessings to you.

    Reply 0 Replies
  25. kat-in-texas says…
    10/10/2011

    Oh, how I would love to see "David" in Florence!!! Take it all in, Ali!!!

    Reply 0 Replies

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