After some drinks at an Irish Pub in Florence.. go figure, it was back to work today exploring Florence. I started the day by making the trek up to the top of the dome in Santa Maria del Fiore.. a spot I've been excited about for quite some time, (you should read Ross King's book- Brunelleschi's Dome!) a windy but thankfully dry time at the top was fantastic. The views incredible. I decided to hop on the bus and head up to the small village of Fiesole, a 20 or ...

Today was definitely full of adventure.. I'm finding that the regional trains are very easy to use, the stations easy to understand.. the city public transportation, generally a bit more difficult. It's hard to figure it out when you don't really speak the language! In short, finally got onto the right bus to take me to Siena.. such a beautiful city. I paid more money to walk up MORE stairs to the top of the bell tower in Piazza del Campo... the reason I keep s...

Welcome to Florence! I arrived today after a great evening back in Salerno. I was greeted at the hostel by an extremely passionate, fast speaking Italian (who woulda thought) who gave me a run down of everything I could possibly do in Venice in about a minute. Went exploring.. went into Santa Maria del Fiore (can't wait to go up the dome!), walked across the Ponte Veccio, and went up to Piazzelle Michelangelo.. an incredible view of the city. Wound my way back ...

Today was definitely my best day so far! Got up early and got the bus from Salerno to Positano, on the Amalfi Coast. I have certainly never seen anything like the towns on the coast. The drive there was more thrilling than any roller coaster I've ever been on. The road was hardly wide enough for two cars, let alone a bus. The water and mountains were beautiful and the lemon groves were everywhere. Constantly honking and stopping to let other cars by, it was a rea...

Got into Salerno today.. I think I might be in love. Walking through the small winding streets, the town shows its charm at every turn. I can't wait to get some photos of the boats at the wharf tonight! Decided to make my first stop Castello Arechi.. the bus ride to which is one of those stomach knotting experiences up the side of a mountain where the streets are narrow and all too close to the edge, and goats are around every turn. From the castle you can see ...