internet again!!

we are currently in Munich, Germany and have wifi in our hostel finally!

there is very much to recap but thought i'd give a brief overview of some of the places we've been since last writing while larry and i are sitting in the bar of our hostel having some German beers with a friend from Australia who we met here.

Italy:

Cinque Terra was absolutely beautiful. I was astounded that a place like this even existed. We stayed in Rio Magorrie (the first or last town of the 5 depending on which way you look at it) it was tiny, about 150 people and right on the ocean built of cliffs on both sides. While we had to work to get to our room on the top of one of the cliff-sides and then climb to the top flat it was well worth it. Somehow we got set up in the "suite" with a seating area, big bed and wrap around balcony overlooking the entire town as well as the entire expanse of the water.We ended up having dinner at the same small restaurant just down from our room both nights we were there. The first night ended up being one of Larrys favorite meals and the second night was absolutely on of my favorites of the trip. Aside from the table we had (both nights) on the terrace overlooking the ocean this was an absolute goldmine. The pesto and fresh fish was enough to send us back the second night when I fell in love with the carpaccio and lobster ravioli particularly. We did the hike through all 5 towns which was unlike anything Ive ever done. While during the hike I may not have been the happiest after all the crazy paths, steep rock steps and scary areas without anything between yourself and what would be quite the dramatic fall down the sides, it was an incredible experience. At the end of this day we crawled down to some huge boulders sitting in the water and laid out in the sun. Like I said, this place was unbelievable.

Florence:

Did lots here but what sticks out the most in my mind, what most of our finances went towards here and what you are "supposed" to do in Tuscany was the EATINGGGGG. Some of the most delicious meals we had came from Florence and we did it well. A few highlights were a black truffle (aside from carpaccio, my new favorite indulgence..dangerous i know) pasta, a florentine steak which only gets sold by the gram. It is a MASSIVE steak served on the bone and rare. Larry and I enjoyed this on our second night with a traditional bread soup (mostly mushy vegetables in a bowl.. which gillian you will know I absolutely loved) and roasted vegetables. We had some ridiculous breakfasts here as well..one day we had a belgian waffle sandwich filled with nutella and banana gelato and another morning we had pizza from this amazing place called gusta pizza.

(ill be more brief now as I'm borrowing our friend's computer and could go on forever)

Rome:

We're still talking about italy so there is no surprise that food it something that first comes to my mind... The first night in Campo de Fiori after a frightening bus ride through the city we had a flat fee no menu meal from at a restaurant where the Italian mother creates an undocumented menu different each night and her sons cook and serve a large 5 course meal with wine. After the 5 plates of antipasti were put down I had to ask larry if these were our 5 courses...but of course they were just the first. we continued with 2 pastas (right after being set down one of the sons came out with the huuuuge serving dishes and plopped some more down in our bowls), italian beef, zucchini, mozzarella and delicous pie with a nectarine and peach compote on the side.

much more to add here..and i can't even believe looking back on what I've just wrote that all of that was about just one meal. But again, we were in Italy so any guilt can be written off by the cliche saying "When in Rome..."

Just one more highlight before moving on (and not about food!!) I absolutely loved the Colosseum. As a closet Greek and Roman history/mythology fan it was just the coolest thing I have seen yet. Larry downloaded a podcast that essentially took us on a private tour..it was really just amazing.

Athens:

we only spent a few hours here but got to see the Acropolis and the Parthenon..again the dork in my was very pleased. Oh, and obviously right off the plane we grabbed a gyro! the boat to mykonos was cool too! Huge! It only made me want to go on a cruise even more..

Mykonos:

The place we stayed reminded me of the condo areas in Florida but of course white stucco with blue shutters..as were every other building. Actually, each place next door to each other made sure to shade their shutters a slightly different blue. From turquoise, to royal to powder blue, it was all very classic and very beautiful

I hate to stop here but we are leaving for some more beer, and I can guarantee I'll be having a bratwurst for dinner. Sorry to cut short but at least there's some more information on here now!!

Hopefully back soon!