OK, so today is FINALLY the big day… I’m heading off to explore Itay for about 4 weeks! Woohoo!
At some points over the last few months, I didn’t think I was going to make it here. But I have! I started my day on a good note this morning… but then I remembered I still needed to pack and run a couple of errands. Eek! But because I’m such a super organised person, I got it all done without a sweat. 🙂 The only thing I didn’t get around to was to learn how to speak Italian, but I plan on doing a lot of last minute cramming on the plane. Was going to try sleep with my iPod on for a couple of days, with Italian phrases blaring into my ears, hoping that my brain would absorb at least something. But turns out I was even too lazy to do that! High five to myself on that one…
Having travelled quite a bit before, my packing technique has been fine tuned to amazing precision. I take two bags – One carry on size suit case and one weekender bag. The carry on suitcase is one of those that you can expand, so when I come back I can fill it with more goodies. The weekender bag is pretty much empty – except for some odds and ends I might need on the plane and then my secret weapon, yet another bag! So yes, I plan to shop A LOT. When I come back, I can check in both bags and then use the 3rd bag as carry on luggage (obviously containing all the heaviest items). How awesome am I? haha
Best packer on the planet? Yes, I do believe I am...
To get to the airport I decided to try out our new My Citi airport bus service, and I must say it was fantastic! For only R50, you can get to the airport from town in just 20min! This is the way I am going to be doing it from now on.
I’m flying to Italy with Turkish Airlines, with a stop over in Istanbul. Some people have tried to freak me out saying stuff like “you sure you wanna fly with them? Maybe take your own floatation device…” But I’m not scared! (plus they were really cheap, so I’ll take my chances)
Anyways, onto the more important stuff… My route in Italy is as follows:
- I fly into Venice, spend 3 nights there.
- Then I head up north to Lake Garda where I’ll be staying in a little town called Sirmione. Verona is a short train trip away from there, so planning a day trip there and hopefully I’ll also be able to go check out an Opera performance.
- Then I head west to Cinque Terre (staying in Vernazza) for 2 nights. Google this place! It must be one of the most beautiful places on earth…
- From there I head to Florence. Will be using it as my base for 5 nights to explore the area. Planning to do short trips to Pisa, Cortona, Siena, etc. I also plan on doing some wine touring in the Tuscan valley and also maybe a cooking course (people who know me well will know that I really, really need that. haha)
- After Florence I head to Rome. Will be there over a weekend, so planning on doing a bit of partying there.
- After Rome I head south to Sorrento. I will use this as my base to explore the island of Capri, Pompeii and the Amalfi coast.
- Then it’s a quick Easy Jet flight back up to Venice to finish up my trip.
Oh almost forgot, on the way back, I get to spend a day in Istanbul! Turkey’s not really been on my list of “must see” places. But after doing a bit of research, I’m really excited to check it out.
According to the weather report for Venice, I’m flying into sunny 27 degree weather. Nice, especially because this is what I’m leaving behind:
- Not going to miss the cold…
My love affair with Italy... 