La Dolce Vita

We just got back from a trip to Italy and in addition to my…. few purchases, I feel like I brought part of its essence home with me. Amongst the many joys, sharing the trip with my family, the astounding beauty of the architecture, the warmth of the people, the style, the food,  the food, the food,  I was deeply affected by the mindset. When we arrived, our cab driver said to us ‘In Italy we relaaaax.’  And that word relax opened my eyes to one of the main differences between our cultures. No one walks around with their coffee in hand, they sit and drink it. Relaaax. You don't see people scrolling on their phones. They talk to each other or just sit. Relaaaax.  No one seems to be rushing between appointments. Relaaaaax.  One of the mysteries of the visit was that everyone seemed to be in great shape, and other than the occasional yoga mat, we didn't see one single gym. Combine that with the menus that maybe had a salad as a starter and it makes you wonder….what the hell??? And how do I bring that back with me too? I do want to share some of the special places that we visited but most of all to encourage you to visit if you haven't already. Yes, it's an expense but I think of all the things we spend money on beyond necessities and it makes you realize travel feeds our souls and expands our consciousness. Accented with the perfect earrings and necklace, of course.

Rome

• Try to stay in the Trastevere neighborhood. It didn't feel touristy and was still close to everything.
• Our favorite Meal were at Ristorante La Travernaccia Da Bruno -all locals and Trattoria de Enzo - we had to line up forever but soooooo worth it. Just order the entire menu. You'll deal with the pounds when you get back.
• We did a couple of tours in Italy but this one one of the Colosseum and the Forum in Rome was the best and most exhilarating. The few hours we spent felt like a favorite college course with a captivating professor. Our guide was Amanda Kerr. Her passion for the ancient history was so intoxicating that you wouldn't believe that she had been doing the tour for years

Florence

• Our favorite pizza in Italy. This was determined by much selfless testing to bring the best to you . Gusta Pizza . The pesto…
• The shopping in Florence is amazing and my favorite out of the three cities we visited. I could have spent days going in and out of stores…if I was alone. (Also ask for tax refund forms when you make a purchase. You will need one to accompany your receipt at the airport) Vintage 55 Modern clothing with a vintage aesthetic. Alberto Cozzi A stunning shop with gorgeous handmade paper and the loveliest of sales associates.

Venice

• We tried to walk everywhere in each city, however in Venice to really get from place to place or place to palace, we bought day passes for the Vaporetto which was a wonderful way to tour around and jump on and off at different stops.
• Our favorite meal was at Paradiso Peduto . We had come across this place in one of my favorite Instagram accounts Samyoukills- No boots required this time. However, do study the menu before you get there. It's the only place we came across where the menu wasn't translated. Oh and the Caccio e Pepe is an experience.
• Do not visit Venice without experiencing the Palazzo San Marco. This Square around sunset brought tears of wonder and awe to my eyes. One of several occasions while we were in Italy

Murano

• Our favorite meal was at Osteria Al Duomo. The Burrata make my heart rattatata. Make sure to sit in the back garden
• The store Gio, Gio was where I made my Murano purchase. Okay, purchasesss. Tell the owner Ruth sent you. Yes, we bonded.
• This Glass Factory was one of the favorite places we visited. Try to get a tour. The warmth ( literal and otherwise) and skill of the artisans were absolutely moving.

Come by anytime for more recommendations and the appropriate accessories for your upcoming trip.

Ciao Tutti!

(Yeah I had to)