#WANDERLUST – Part II

Posted on October 1, 2014 by Ranndomized

The one place I had to visit while in Italy, was the Cinque Terre. Since I was planning to hike there toward the end of my stay, I spent most of my time leading up to the big day, hoping and praying that it wouldn’t rain. Because naturally, that’s what the weather forecast called for. Of course, when I left Rome to head for Florence, the forecast called for shit weather for the duration of my stay – but I got the complete opposite. The universe loves me.

Photo: ©RAnnDomized

Fino alla prossima volta!

Toscana Part 1: Firenze

Posted on September 30, 2014 by Ranndomized

When I initially arrived in Florence, I wasn’t a fan of the city AT ALL. Mainly because my first day wandering the city left me feel assaulted by both locals and tourists alike – I was pushed, shoved, stepped on – like, WTF people!? But then on day 2, things started to look up and by the time I left, I was totally down with Firenze and its amazing Duomo. I LOVE this building – it’s one of the most stunning pieces of architecture I’ve ever seen and I started (and ended) every day standing right in front of it. How else was I going to get the perfect shot?

Photo: ©RAnnDomized

Fino alla prossima volta!

Hey Pompeii (Yo, Positano) – Part VII

Posted on September 22, 2014 by Ranndomized

A glimpse of Pompeii, Positano and the Amalfi Coast…

Photo: ©RAnnDomized

Fino alla prossima volta!

Il Vaticano – Part V

Posted on September 17, 2014 by Ranndomized

No trip to Rome is complete without a visit to the somewhat chaotic Vatican!

Photo: ©RAnnDomized

Fino alla prossima volta!

Friends, Romans, Countrymen – Part IV

Posted on September 16, 2014 by Ranndomized

While traveling, I started a ‘locals’ series on Instagram. For those of you who don’t follow me there (you really SHOULD!), I thought I’d post a few right here.

This guy (who is the spitting image of my uncle – maybe we’re related!?) is a master butcher with a fondness for il pomodoro. I think that’s his pet tomato, down there.

The typical Italian Nonnas – one of them was business as usual while the other was expressing her annoyance at the group of foodies that were hogging her favorite kiosk.

This guy sold a bit of everything, but apparently if you want true, authentic Cannoli, this is where you get them!

The Swiss guard at the Vatican. Apparently it’s so hot that you can sleep standing up and in full gear.

This priest, who is a dead-ringer for Kojak, was crossing over Ponte Sant’Angelo from Vatican City. I think he’d probably make a great exorcist.

Unfortunately, it wasn’t uncommon to see Gypsy women begging on the streets of Rome. They were often accompanied by young children who are basically forced to beg and scam.