We celebrated our first year of marriage on February 2, 2019. We decided to start our second year of marriage with a fun trip of exploring and hiking through different parts of Italy. Italy has been on my bucket list for several years and when I put it on my list, I never imagined I would be going there with my husband. Traveling in the winter has its perks and it's downsides. The biggest perk was staying in perfectly located airbnbs in every town. In Rome we stayed a short walk from the Trevi Fountain. The second nicest perk was having very few tourists to navigate past in the cities. The stone streets of Venice were spacious. If you've never been there, that might not seem like a big deal, but their streets are very tiny and the "roads" are water canals. I would highly recommend visiting Venice in the winter. We really didn't miss "summer weather" while we were in the cities. However the biggest downside was that the Tuscany wasn't green and the vineyards weren't full and luscious. This just gives me an excuse to go again. ;)
We started our trip in the states with a train ride to NYC. Then off to Paris, France for an 8 hour layover. Just long enough to venture into the city for a bit. We grabbed a coffee and walked to the Musee De Louvre. The park outside of the Louvre would be absolutely stunning in the springtime when it's full of blooming trees. While there we were attacked by a small sleet storm and we hid under the arch. I'm so thankful for a husband that sees the unexpected as just another adventurous memory. Literal minutes after being pelted by sleet, I was taking off layers as the sun streamed down. We took a 50minute stroll down the River Siene to the Eiffel Tower. Hands down the best part of Paris was eating a Banana Nutella Crepe underneath the Eiffel Tower. Thank you Shondra & Erica for the recommendation. It took me a little bit to see the beauty of France. I blame the jet lag. But...once I got into the heart of the city and was able to the see the incredibly detailed architecture...I fell in love. I'll definitely be back when the weather is nicer, and I have time to explore the countryside a bit more.
Seriously, look at all the details!
Off again to our next destination, Venice, Italy. By the time we arrived we had been awake for close to 48 hours. Walking the deserted streets of Venice in the fog with only a few street lights guiding us. It felt so relaxing and romantic.
One of favorite shots of the back streets.
The Bridge of Sighs
This was one of favorite spots in the city. It was a suggestion from our Airbnb Host. Always take the locals recommendations. ;) For our train out of the city we majorly overslept thanks to our room darkening shutters. We adjusted, grabbed the next available train and began our 6 hour train ride to Riomaggiore in Cinque Terre.
Check back for part two at the end of the week :)