Bellissimo!

By curiousillusion ( March 10, 2010 at 8:55 am) · Filed under travel, , ,

happiness

So I have this trip planned for the summer… a friend is getting married in England and the original plan was for me to go to England for a week.  My dad forked over his frequent flier miles (poor guy didn’t really have a choice, there’s no way I could’ve afforded it on my own) and a few weeks ago my flight was booked.  That in itself is exciting, but there’s more.

You see, my brother really wanted to go somewhere while he was in Europe, he didn’t care where.  My parents and him were gonna go but then the parents bailed and my brother was all, I’ll go alone then.  And then I was told that a ticket to Italy from England wasn’t very expensive and I decided… why not?  I mean, it’s freaking Italy! And so all of a sudden, my flight has been changed and… I’m going to Italy too!!

I’m so excited, words don’t even describe.  Being in Italy, seeing the sights, TAKING THE PICTURES. My camera is drooling at the bit.  Oh wait, that’s me.  And we have plans: to take tours around Rome, Vatican City and Venice.  But I don’t even mind what we do… as I’ve said, I’m going to be in ITALY.  I’m over the moon thrilled, anything else is icing on the cake.

prego!I will admit, I’m a bit nervous too.  I don’t speak the language at all… I’m trying to learn a bit and so far I can say hi, bye, thank you, please, excuse me and, well my favorite word is… you’re welcome (prego!  I love it… I saw the jar of Prego sauce this morning at home and had to snap a pic). I have 3 months to learn as much as I can.  The other part that I’m nervous about is the fact that my brother goes home on a Monday… and I don’t leave til Tuesday.  Which means I’ll be on my own for an entire day and night.  In a country I don’t know, around people I don’t know, speaking a language I don’t know.  Gulp.  I’m also kinda paranoid for Lola, walking around Houston makes me nervous and now I’m gonna heft it around countries overseas.  My dad seems to think people are just gonna cut my bag, grab it (and my cam in it) and run -is that as common as he says it is?  I would die if something happened to her.

But still, this is such a fantastic opportunity. My brother can actually afford to go and take care of me, so he’s basically covering most everything and I’m just gonna have to owe him my half…  basically for the rest of my life.  But, it’s as he said… how often do you get to go to Italy?!  (Well hopefully more than once. And hopefully next time I’ll come back with someone other than my brother.  As in, maybe with a boyfriend?  That would be romantic. Sigh.)

Now the next 2 and a half (or so) months need to hurry up and pass so I can GO!  To ITALY!  EEK!  Are we there yet?!

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  • How did I miss this? Wow, what a trip you'll have! When I was 24, I backpacked through Europe by myself -- you'll be fine! I kept a pen and paper journal, and on the 10-year anniversary of my trip, I transcribed the whole thing to the blog. Here's my impressions of Rome, one of my favourite parts of the trip: http://danigirl.ca/blog/2005/08/10/ten-years-ag... I was only carrying a film point and shoot at the time -- I wish I could do the whole thing over again knowing what I know now about photography!! Oh, you're so lucky! ;)
  • Hi! I'm Chili, I live in Barcelona but I'm from Argentina, I love your blog and your pictures, I'm doing a 365 project myself and it's tougher than it seems, anyway, Italy is great, you are gonna love it, don't be afraid of thieves, of course there are some like everywhere else in the world but if you are a little careful it should be alright. If you want to eat the best lasagna you have to go to Tratoria "Luzzi", Via Celimontana with Via Di San Giovanni in Laterano, It's cheap and cozy and close to the Coloseum.
  • Ah, Italy!

    I was there in 2008. It was fantastic. I won't ever feel the need to see another church ever again (but St Peter's Basilica... seriously...)

    I know very little Italian too, and didn't have much of a problem. As long as you know 'prego!' you'll be fine -- you can use it for just about everything... (somehow)

    And you're going via England you say...? Not quite as romantic I know, but...
  • Hi Ari,

    I for one am very much looking forward to seeing your pictures. I lived in England twice (7 years total), and also spent 3 months in Italy back in the 90s. I have great memories of both places. I'm sure you are going to have a blast!
  • mycognitivedistortion
    OMG. Quave called you a cracker.... ha ha ha. Different meanings in different countries, eh?

    I am SO jealous that you get to go to Italy. I really want to get stationed in Germany so we can vacay in Italy. Fun fun!! I can't wait to see your pictures. I should give you money to get me something Italian..... Hmmmmm.....
  • joe
    Ari, this is so awesome!!!!! Italy is my dream destination, I am so jealous!! YOu are going to have an amazing time, I already can't wait to see your pictures from this trip of a lifetime! As for a camera bag, i would suggest you get either a sling, or a backpack for this trip. Lowepro, has some great ones. they don't look like camera bags, and are much easier to carry around country. and since you don't have a lot of equipment yet, you don't need a gigantic one. inconspicous is key. also get a camera strap. not the one that has nikon plastered all over it that comes with the camera. I recommend the Rapid strap. google it. its amazing.
  • writetoreach
    Oh, awesome. You're going to have a great time!
  • Sooo exciting! I want to go to Europe so much, or anywhere really. Have fun.
  • carol
    Break Lola in and come walk around Detroit! Me and my friends often walk around downtown shooting, and lots of my friends are serious Urban Explorers. Seriously... if you make friends with other local photogs, you can almost always find someone to go shooting with. That way, someone has your back.
  • I'm so excited for you, and glad you have your big brother to take care of you. Otherwise I'd worry myself silly between every tweet. ^_^

    Can't wait to see the pics, and who knows? You might come home with an extra fella this time...
  • Oh I am super jealous! I want to go to Europe in July but I dunno if I am going to make it there or not :(
  • how fun! i'm totally in favor of grouping trips together because it's cheaper that way [well, relatively]. That's why backpacking through [insert continent here] is so appealing to me. If you're going to do it, then really DO IT! :D yay!!!
  • Request for a Scavi Tour NOW! You get to see the underground ruins of the Vatican.

    http://www.vatican.va/roman_curia/institutions_...

    It's worth it
  • eQ
    Lucky gal! I want to do a whole Europe excursion when I get the funds! Can't wait to see your photos! Oh and good luck with learning italian!
  • Paul
    I've only been to Italy once (Rome), but I loved it, it's a beautiful city. The language thing shouldn't be an issue as they pretty much all speak really good English, but of course learning at least the basics of the language is just polite and you'll get great service when they see you've made the effort :)

    Hope you're still coming to see London too though ? As for pickpocketing - it's worth being aware of, but I've never had a problem and it's the same as any big city really.
  • Oh yes, definitely still coming to London too. It's been absolutely ages since I've been and I'm looking forward to visiting now that I'm 'all grown up' and able to do stuff on my own... and with my new camera. :)

    and yeah, I'm trying to learn Italian to be polite... to at least show that I'm trying, even if I'm awful at it.
  • ari_b
    I went a few years ago and it was wonderful! I loved Rome - just be really careful on the subway and watch out for gypsies. Don't worry too much about knowing the language - knowing some is good but most Europeans speak multiple languages (because they learn them at an early age in school) and English is universal.
  • Don't worry about the language at all. A lot of Italians speak English, especially in the more touristy places (which is where I'm assuming you'll be going).

    Do you speak Spanish at all? As a last resort, you can sometimes muddle your way through with a bit as many words are similar enough (or at least, that's the case in Sicily - but they have their own weird dialect things going on down there).

    You will have a blast - eat everything. EVERYTHING. The food in Italy is so beyond amazing. That jar of Prego is to Italian food what Taco Bell is to Mexican. Your tastebuds will cry when you leave.
  • I'm so excited for you! You're gonna have so much fun!

    Pickpocketing is probably one of the most common crimes in both England and Italy. But just be aware of your surroundings and belongings and you'll be fine. Carry a purse/camera bag with a zipper so it's harder for people to get into in without you noticing. Don't carry important things in your pocket. Don't hang your purse on the back of your chair at restaurants/bars. If you're walking through a crowd, keep one hand on your purse. :) You'll be fine!
  • Quave
    hahaha, you're a cracker. :)
    It should be a fun trip. Although you're gonna be in the wrong part of Europe for the Formula 1 Grand Prix!!!
    I think you just gotta apply common sense to how you behave with your camera, that's all. Just don't show it off, but don't crouch looking around all the time either. :)
    Just remember, you're in Italy, see it, enjoy it, take it all in. You want to take more from the country than just the photos. Don't let the photos be the first thing. (OK, yes, brushing off the men will be the first thing). :)
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