The Other Side of Italy

So. Today (like, in an hour) we leave our most AMAZING hotel (yes, that's "hostel" without the "s" for those of you following along.) that we got to stay in compliments of one smarty pants D. Stock, B.A. Hon, M.A. and her most wonderful parents who felt that her M.A. deserved something nice. I agree, and couldn't be more lucky to be tagging along. THANK YOU FOR THE HOTEL!!!!

We've been enjoying our time in Firenze ("Florence", to the English. Why can't places just be called by their mother-tongue names the world over?!), but as we find the crowds of tourists suffocating, are quite looking forward to our time in Cinque Terre. I mean, I'm sure that there'll be crowds there too, but I'm hoping that I at least have the option of shoving the annoying ones over one of the hiking trail cliffs.
I am mostly kidding. ish.

While in Firenze, we've done a LOT of wandering through street markets. It is here that I thus give a shout out to our friend Eryn (who you can view in a few of our Scotland pics!), as I have purchased this ridiculously wonderful Italian leather suitcase-bag that makes my heart flutter with delight, and which Eryn, Queen of the Shops, could appreciate. It also cost more than I make in a day of work. Maybe if I didn't get paid in pesos this wouldn't be such an issue, but dear LORD is my bag ever pretty!!!! I just want to hug it. (& have. In fact, I've danced with it.) But yes, to get back to my original point, there has been some wandering and some shopping and Florence, crowds aside, has been great. SO great, in fact, that we've even gotten free cappuccinos from the Italian army, and a free desert at our local diner! Just for being amazing! & charming, and cute , and Canadian... or something... :P Anyway, true stories none the less.

Both of us are well, and can't believe that we'll be coming back to our motherland in 2 weeks. Ummm, weren't we just 2 weeks into our trip, contemplating how long of a trip it was?! Whatever though. 2 months is wonderful, but an awfully long time to be away from our beds, our dogs (read: Dani's true love, Cooper), and of course, our families. Enjoy your silence while you can; we'll be back soon!

Ciao, bellas!
xoxo
-a. & d.