Where I’m traveling in January 2019

I hope to fit in some little trips in the states over the holidays, then in January I will be traveling to Ireland for the first time and then returning to Italy, making stops back in Venice, Florence, and Rome! I still cannot believe that I have a date set, plane and train tickets bought, hostels and Airbnb’s all booked. It is soo surreal to me that I’ll be back in Florence, my second home. Ever since I left in May of 2017 I have been (impatiently) waiting for the chance to return. I can’t believe it will only be for a few days, but it will be totally worth it just to be there once more.

When I think about the smallest things, like that I’ll be walking on the cobblestones again, or that I can walk into a cafe and take a shot of espresso while standing at the bar, I start to get teary-eyed. Details are coming back to me that I’ve stored for safekeeping…the different routes I took around the city, the Christmas lights that will still be up (I hope) when I arrive, the sound of mopeds cutting through the crisp winter air, the smells of leather that permeate the streets and then the delicious smells of dinner that waft through the air once it gets dark. Not to mention all the Italian I am striving to remember upon arrival, knowing I’ll be able to navigate the language so much better than since I left because I’ve taken over a years worth of classes. Ugh I just can’t wait!

My friend and I will be flying into Dublin, which is also very exciting as I’ve never been to Ireland. On the agenda: drinking Guinness, visiting castles, and getting a good feel for Ireland and its people. We are planning a day trip to the Cliffs of Moher and Galway, to see more of the country. I have a lot more research to do, but I am really excited that’s our first stop.

After Dublin, my friend and I will fly into Venice, and I will probably cry tears of joy upon arrival. Venice is one of my favorite places, its magic never ceases to amaze me and as a pisces I revel being on and by the water at all times there. From Venice, we’ll be off to Florence for a couple days, doing everything physically possible under the Tuscan sun, then taking a train to Rome for the shortest leg of the trip. I’m looking forward to visiting the Vatican Museum and the Sistine Chapel, since neither were on my (school-made) itinerary the first time around in the Eternal City. After bella Roma, it’s back to Dublin for one more day before departing Europe. Is it bad that I’m already feeling very sad to leave!?

I am looking forward to documenting the trip here and hopefully sharing more useful travel advice. I can’t wait to share some of my favorite places on Earth with you. Mostly I can’t wait to be back in my second home. For now, I’ve decided to dedicate next week on the blog to Florence, and share all of my favorite spots from when I lived there, and which I will be shortly returning to.

Andiamo!!   xxMaggie