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So, I really like to be prepared when I go somewhere. Be it a walk down to the neighborhood pool, a day trip to the mountains, or going across the pond to Paris:). I like to have things to provide … Continue reading
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So, besides the fact that I woke up today and my loved ones are well, I have tons to celebrate because we are at 25 days until we head off to Paris! I have already started gathering up my clothes, … Continue reading
So, during our trip to Rome, we took a train to Venice for a day and a half. Venice in a few words: breathtaking, magical, romantic. I have never seen anything like it. It’s so old world, yet so modern. It’s the guys in the striped shirts and the striped poles that I have dreamt of, but it is so much more.
I was quite surprised when we got there, how packed it was. But we were in their “rush hour” of sorts as we got on their water metro and had to go through all of these stops with the various commuters. It was so cool how it was timed just like a modern subway. I never imagined that there would be such a thing. Maybe I am in the minority on that, but I only thought Venice would be filled with super old and musty (but gorgeous) buildings and historical spots and that part was true.
I was however surprised at the amount of luxury brands that there were. It was like stepping out onto an ancient street and seeing old world Venice and then stepping into the future within a few steps to the Venetian version of Rodeo Drive. I didn’t like that so much. But I did love our romantic and whimsical digs for the night. Hotel Flora (https://www.hotelflora.it/) did not disappoint. The embrodiered pillows, the lovely views, the fab brunch and the charm- Hotel Flora is definitely the place to stay. ML did good!
After taking a quick peek at this fab place and changing, we walked out onto the streets and breathed in the Venice air, and looked at some of the independent shops. We were starving at this point because it was around 2. We walked into a ridiculous touristy type restaurant where the servers were more like snake oil salesman. It was the worst food we had in Italy. Tip, don’t go to a place with a plastic covered patio and too anxious employees:). We did have decent food in Venice but I don’t have as much to share because of our limited time there.
Afterwards we strolled by the gorgeous iconic scenes like the Doge Palace at dusk and the gondoliers and the pigeons on the square. It was nice as it got dark because it emptied out a lot. I really wanted a gondola ride, but being the sweetheart I am, I told ML no because it was overpriced. Honestly it was getting cold and the experience seemed cheesy. I was just grateful to see it in action and didn’t want to break my guy’s wallet. Standing there with him was priceless. I just couldn’t believe I was actually there, and with my best friend.
We had a nice dinner and wine at L’Opera, and then we turned in. It was very cold at night! Bring a leather jacket if you go in November! The next morning we had the brunch- there was a yogurt table with all of the fixings, a pastry table, protein table and bread table. Fresh marmalade and yummy condiments for everything. There were tons of drink options-Hot Chocolate, Americanos, Cappuccinos. We could not believe all of this was part of our stay. They did not skimp on any detail and the head chef (pictured below) had videos on the screen showing how to make dishes.
After stuffing myself, we headed towards Doge Palace for the tour since it was closed the day before, and walked tons seeing as much possible. On a whim, we crossed the water to another island that was the part of Venice that we loved the most. I got gorgeous cobalt blue Murano glass earrings at a Glimpse of Venice, a place with magnificent handmade jewelry . All of the businesses on this side were independent and just beautiful. I had to get a slice of pizza there that tempted me in a window and ML got a gelati (of course) before saying goodbye to this mystical and special place.
We really did not want to get back on the “metro boat” to get off at the stop for the train. The trip was absolutely incredible and a dream come true albeit short, but I am so blessed to have gone there. I would recommend at least 3 days, but 2-2 1/2 full days would suffice. We had maybe 27 total hours and it flew by. If you do get to go and you take my hotel recommendation and go to the other side of Venice where there aren’t so many people, you can get a true taste of Venice in its amazing and mesmerizing splendor.
Cool musician we met on the “other side”
Thanks for reading. I will be posting more about Italia in the future, hopefully you won’t get sick of reading about it!:)
simply~
Dee
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So, the lucky and blessed and deserving girl who I am, was whisked away to Roma in November with ML. The kiddo was pissed! But hey, it took me 4 decades to get there, so she can wait. Roma and … Continue reading
Planning to rent a car to drive down south for spring break because plane tix are twice the price during spring break. Going to the beach somewhere for 5 days with my kiddo and I am going to Vegas for a wedding in October-I may have mentioned Vegas. So, this may not be major travel to some and I am not going abroad, but I am quite excited about these trips!
I haven’t seen one of my friends in 20 plus years, since I was a teen and will see her this year! I am going to meet her in Savannah in the spring and Vegas in the fall! I feel like though we have not seen each other in so long, that we are still so connected and have so much in common. The older I get, the things that are most important to me are connections to loved ones (besides faith).
I am totally excited about destinations new and old this year, and about gorgeous scenery and gorgeous hotel rooms. But seeing those that I have history with and celebrating with them is just as exciting as going to Paris-maybe;). But though I am ready to let loose and let my hair down and wear some fabulous clothes, I am ready to find some of that old fun spirit that is hidden underneath my ‘momness’.
I am counting portions, doing my 21 Day Fix work out and taking care of my body. I am working on my spirit and attitude as well and trying to get my finances in order. And for the first time since being a mom, I am not going to worry about money when I travel. I will also feel confident because I am going to get into the best shape of my adult life. I hope that all of these positive changes will change not only me, but influence my daughter in a positive way and others that have known my challenges over the years.
Looking at the gorgeous mounds of snow in this ‘blizzard’ we are having in D.C. metro, I am cooking delicious and healthy food and mapping out all of the good to come this year. Hope that you have a safe and warm and positive weekend too!
simply~
Dee
When I travel, which is nearly not enough and to not too many places, I don’t want to be just regular me. Not that my fashion sense isn’t good, because dressing well is part of who I am (most of the time), but I like to be different when I am somewhere else.
Even when I visit my hometown, I try different outfit combos that I don’t normally wear in D.C. Maybe I pull out my short boots and wear them with leggings and a knee length dress. Or wear a hat that I haven’t pulled out in years. When I travel to places besides home, I try to not look touristy, so I wear my normal black ensemble. It works really well in NYC:).
But besides clothing, I try to push the envelope. I try to be bolder in my choices. Maybe I will order the raw salmon appetizer that I would typically avoid. Or, I will go to an event or neighborhood that locals go to that may not actually be my cup of tea, but is different enough to not be me. I don’t want to go to Paris and just see the Eiffel Tower or just go to the top 10 places rated by Fodor’s. I want to go to a cafe that artists and poets go to. Or venture a few miles out of the city and go to a mom’s and pop’s patisserie.
Are you like that? Do you stay on the tour bus, or do you jump off and make your own tour? I am the kind of person that won’t buy the birthday package at a store or place, but take bits and pieces of activities at different places and make a party that is mine. You know, take the best parts of a situation or place and tailor it to fit me or my style.
Now don’t get me wrong, I won’t jump off a bus anywhere without a bit of research. I do have the kind of personality that thinks about crime and bad areas, etc. But, I look into it before an adventure, therefore not taking the fun out of being exciting and adventurous.
Darn! Now, I want to go on an awesome trip! Not just to see family or for a reason, but just because. Well, a girl can dream. And, make lists. And add some dollars to our Paris/Europe destination jar.:)
simply~
Dee
Have any of you gotten a really cheap deal on a plane ticket ever? I feel like its urban legend or something. I am trying to book tickets for us to go to Vegas in the fall for a destination wedding and to see family. I am also trying to book tickets to go down south to visit family this spring. I have a few tax dollars coming and decided to spend them on these trips because it would be worth it, seeing family is always worth it (most of the time).
I found great sites that say they have flights for less than 100 dollars and when I input my dates, it is like 300 dollars. I don’t fly out on Fridays or come back on Mondays and I try to stay long enough for it to be cheaper. I even book on Wednesdays which is the cheapest day to buy. So, is it like one of those black Friday sales when tvs have been marked down from 1000 to 500 but there are only 2 that are in stock?
If you guys have any tips or know any more secrets, I am in! I am also accepting miles from anyone who has to many.:) It is exciting to think about traveling to special events to see amazing people, but times like this I wish I worked for an airline or either on someone’s flight privileges. Oh well, a girl can dream. Speaking of, I have got to get some shut eye. I may be productive in 2016, but I am not sleeping enough. Night!
simply~
Dee
Simply Dee in D.C. 