After a quick photo-op in Pisa, we went to Lucca for the afternoon. The USB group discovered a vintage-inspired restaurant, Port Ellen Clan, where I had the best cheese plate of all time.
Sunday, May 31, 2015
Leaning in Pisa
In case anyone is wondering...the Leaning Tower of Pisa is still leaning. so tried my hardest to push it back up today, but I was unsuccessful.
Wednesday, May 27, 2015
That One Time in Firenze
It was just a typical Wednesday...sitting at a rooftop bar in Florence...sipping a Bellini...looking at the Duomo.
More to come later, including the Uffizi o
Museum, the Duomo, and climbing the tower, but for now, I'm collapsing into my bed back at Casa Cares.
Bonna Notte!
Tuesday, May 26, 2015
The Newest Dragon in Siena
Today I spent the day walking around Siena! Siena has been in tons of movies, but the scenes don't do it justice!
Siena is known for its 17 neighborhoods, each characterized by a different animal. If you are a woman born in Siena, you stay within your district until you marry.
Our group from UAB decided to choose which district we would belong to, and I'm a Dragon! The Dragons' claim to fame is our fellow dragon ancestor, St. Catherine of Siena. I highly recommend doing a quick Google search on her - she was certainly one of the bravest women of all time.
After climbing a million stairs, I got the best view of the entire city from the top of the tower!
I also got to see one of the most marvelous cathedrals I've EVER seen, and that's saying a lot!
Saturday, May 23, 2015
Drinking Chianti in Chianti
Well I just checked off something on my bucket list: actually drinking Chianti wine in the city of Chianti!
We travelled to the town of Greve in the Chianti region, about an hour away from Casa Cares. Even though it's a bit chilly and foggy, the views on the ride are indescribable. I'm determined to find out how the farmers get their grape bushes to grow in such straight lines.
Another thing this region is known for is their porquetta - pork - roasted and served fresh off the pig just for you to eat! Doesn't get any more fresh than that!
My favorite part of Chianti was visiting the Faroni Chianti Lounge. Located in an underground, massive cellar, this lounge includes tastings of hundreds of wines, liquor, and oil from right here in Chianti. And they shipped some wine home for me!
Salute from the Sisterwives! We've decided to open one of these in Birmingham and call it Sisterwives. See me, Emilie, or Ashley if you're interested in investing!
Casa Cares
Today I experienced my first full day of seminars instead Casa Cares. We began the day with traditional Italian breakfast: yogurt, granola, fruit, bread, and coffee. We then went on a very detailed your if the house...
Casa Cares, located in Reggello, Tuscany, was built in the 1600s. The first two floors of the villa are still intact. About 100 years ago, the villa was restored and expanded to become a home for young male orphans. It includes four total floors, a cellar, an olive oil press, chickens, and kittens meow-ing in Italian.
We went through several basic orientation seminars, and have already eaten our weight in homemade Italian meals - salads grown in the garden, prosciutto, cheeses, homemade breads, ravioli, pesto, and olive oil that they press themselves from their own olive trees.
Have I died and gone to heaven? I think so.
My view!!!
And if you look closely, you can see me waving from my bedroom window!
San Gimignano
My favorite part of this town? We found the world's best gelato! Literally! Today's choice of flavors: Cremw Brûlée and Stracciatella (chocolate chip).
Thursday, May 21, 2015
Arrival in Casa Cares
After two trains and a coach, we have arrived in Casa Cares! This place is absolutely surreal. You know all those views you see of Tuscany in the movies? Doesn't do it justice. We're taking the afternoon to get settled in and meet everyone. We'll have a historical tour of the villa first thing in the morning. Here's the view from the top of their land! 
Venezia
Buongiorno from Venezia!
Unfortunately I have to leave this beautiful place. The only thing that makes me okay with this is the fact that I'm headed to another Italian paradise: Florence.
So far on the trip, all 72 hours of it, I have flown across seven time zones; navigated trains, water taxis, side alleys, and gondolas; eaten more carbohydrates than anyone, no matter how fit, should eat in three days; worn a makeshift long skirt inside St. Mark's; climbed the Venetian bell tower; and befriended a gondoliere named Fabio. It's certainly been a successful trip to Venice.
I'm currently sitting in the hotel café, sipping espresso and nibbling a croissant (okay, it's my second one of the morning), wondering what today will hold. As far as I know, it's a few trains, one stage coach, and about thirty new friends waiting for us at the institute of Casa Cares in Reggello. I'm rushing off to lug my heavy luggage down several flights of stairs to catch our train. Certainly more to come soon!
Unfortunately I have to leave this beautiful place. The only thing that makes me okay with this is the fact that I'm headed to another Italian paradise: Florence.
So far on the trip, all 72 hours of it, I have flown across seven time zones; navigated trains, water taxis, side alleys, and gondolas; eaten more carbohydrates than anyone, no matter how fit, should eat in three days; worn a makeshift long skirt inside St. Mark's; climbed the Venetian bell tower; and befriended a gondoliere named Fabio. It's certainly been a successful trip to Venice.
I'm currently sitting in the hotel café, sipping espresso and nibbling a croissant (okay, it's my second one of the morning), wondering what today will hold. As far as I know, it's a few trains, one stage coach, and about thirty new friends waiting for us at the institute of Casa Cares in Reggello. I'm rushing off to lug my heavy luggage down several flights of stairs to catch our train. Certainly more to come soon!
Saturday, May 16, 2015
'Twas the Night Before Italy...
'Twas the night before Italy,
And all through the house,
Not a creature was stirring,
Just kidding. I'm "stirring" around my apartment like a chicken with it's head cut off.
I'M GOING TO ITALY TOMORROW!!!!! Well, headed to that side of the planet, at least.
After countless nights dreaming about what I need to pack or showing up at the airport without my passport, it's finally the night before.
Being the organized, neat-freak that I am, of course I've been packing for days. And by packing, I mean making countless (although very tidy) piles of clothes, accessories and toiletries so that I'm sure not to forget anything. I've had to remind myself multiple times that I'm just going to another first-world country... not being dropped off in the middle of sub-Saharan Africa.
After staring at my empty suitcase for who knows how long today, I am finally packed. The only potential issue? I don't own a scale to weigh my luggage. What can I say, even organized, neat-freaks like to live on the edge sometimes.
My best friend Emilie already left for Europe today, and is meeting up with the group in Rome Monday morning. The rest of us are boarding multiple planes first thing in the morning, hoping for no flight delays or unexpected travel changes.
It's literally been a year since I started seriously going on this trip. And I am beyond disbelief that it is finally here. On the night before, I'm experiencing a multitude of emotions: excitement, anxiety, but most of all, gratitude. I have been beyond blessed to have traveled the world my entire life, and here I am again. I am most grateful towards my parents, who, without their help, I would not be writing to you now about this life-changing adventure.
I expect to write tomorrow during a layover if all goes smoothly. If not, expect to hear from me when I arrive!
And to all a goodnight.
And all through the house,
Not a creature was stirring,
Just kidding. I'm "stirring" around my apartment like a chicken with it's head cut off.
I'M GOING TO ITALY TOMORROW!!!!! Well, headed to that side of the planet, at least.
After countless nights dreaming about what I need to pack or showing up at the airport without my passport, it's finally the night before.
Being the organized, neat-freak that I am, of course I've been packing for days. And by packing, I mean making countless (although very tidy) piles of clothes, accessories and toiletries so that I'm sure not to forget anything. I've had to remind myself multiple times that I'm just going to another first-world country... not being dropped off in the middle of sub-Saharan Africa.
After staring at my empty suitcase for who knows how long today, I am finally packed. The only potential issue? I don't own a scale to weigh my luggage. What can I say, even organized, neat-freaks like to live on the edge sometimes.
My best friend Emilie already left for Europe today, and is meeting up with the group in Rome Monday morning. The rest of us are boarding multiple planes first thing in the morning, hoping for no flight delays or unexpected travel changes.
It's literally been a year since I started seriously going on this trip. And I am beyond disbelief that it is finally here. On the night before, I'm experiencing a multitude of emotions: excitement, anxiety, but most of all, gratitude. I have been beyond blessed to have traveled the world my entire life, and here I am again. I am most grateful towards my parents, who, without their help, I would not be writing to you now about this life-changing adventure.
I expect to write tomorrow during a layover if all goes smoothly. If not, expect to hear from me when I arrive!
And to all a goodnight.
Friday, May 15, 2015
Packing 101
Hello class, and welcome to Packing 101. I will be your professor, Ms. Reynolds.
I have been to 19 different countries over the 26 years of my life, so I think by now someone should award me an honorary PhD in packing a suitcase.
Let's be honest, packing your life in one suitcase for three weeks is hard. Especially if you're a woman. We ladies love our clothes. And shoes. And makeup. And bath products. And having OPTIONS. Over-packing is extremely easy to do... then you regret doing so the second your bag is weighed at the airport.
So I've compiled a list of what I've found to be some very helpful packing tips, especially for international travel. I hope they help!
(In no particular order)
1. Roll, don't fold, your clothes. This saves a ton of space.
2. You don't need 10 pairs of shoes.
3. Wait till you get to your destination to buy toiletries. Unless you're going to the desert, your host country does sell shampoo and toothpaste. Besides bringing a toothbrush and deodorant for the 9-hour plane ride, you really don't need anything else until you get there.
4. Store your shoes in plastic shower caps - this keeps the dirty bottoms from getting all over everything in your suitcase.
5. Ladies - store earrings in pill cases. No digging in a bottomless pit of jewelry for your other earring.
6. Pack a change of clothes in your carry-on. TRUST ME. After numerous experiences of lost luggage, it's not fun living in the same clothes for three days in a row.
7. Use every inch of space in your suitcase. For example, stuff things inside your shoes - especially if you have anything fragile - the shoes can be a good buffer.
8. Take plastic bags - you never know when they'll come in handy. They're great for dirty clothes, a wet bathing suit, or protecting against spills.
9. If you're going on a long trip and luggage space is a concern (especially if you plan on shopping while you're over there) consider taking some things you can throw away or leave there to donate before you come back. For example: buy a mega pack of inexpensive socks, then throw them away when you're packing to come back.
If I haven't told you already, I'm an avid user of Pinterest. I cannot begin to tell you all the amazing packing tips and tutorials I've found! Definitely a great reference. Here are a few of my favorites:
http://learni.st/users/60/boards/21761-how-to-pack-a-suitcase-like-a-flight-attendant
http://www.goodhousekeeping.com/life/travel/tips/a25027/genius-hacks-for-packing-your-suitcase/?src=spr_FBPAGE&spr_id=1443_70314215
http://thetravelaccessorystore.com/10-travel-accessories-you-didnt-know-you-needed/
Happy packing!
I have been to 19 different countries over the 26 years of my life, so I think by now someone should award me an honorary PhD in packing a suitcase.
Let's be honest, packing your life in one suitcase for three weeks is hard. Especially if you're a woman. We ladies love our clothes. And shoes. And makeup. And bath products. And having OPTIONS. Over-packing is extremely easy to do... then you regret doing so the second your bag is weighed at the airport.
So I've compiled a list of what I've found to be some very helpful packing tips, especially for international travel. I hope they help!
(In no particular order)
1. Roll, don't fold, your clothes. This saves a ton of space.
2. You don't need 10 pairs of shoes.
3. Wait till you get to your destination to buy toiletries. Unless you're going to the desert, your host country does sell shampoo and toothpaste. Besides bringing a toothbrush and deodorant for the 9-hour plane ride, you really don't need anything else until you get there.
4. Store your shoes in plastic shower caps - this keeps the dirty bottoms from getting all over everything in your suitcase.
5. Ladies - store earrings in pill cases. No digging in a bottomless pit of jewelry for your other earring.
6. Pack a change of clothes in your carry-on. TRUST ME. After numerous experiences of lost luggage, it's not fun living in the same clothes for three days in a row.
7. Use every inch of space in your suitcase. For example, stuff things inside your shoes - especially if you have anything fragile - the shoes can be a good buffer.
8. Take plastic bags - you never know when they'll come in handy. They're great for dirty clothes, a wet bathing suit, or protecting against spills.
9. If you're going on a long trip and luggage space is a concern (especially if you plan on shopping while you're over there) consider taking some things you can throw away or leave there to donate before you come back. For example: buy a mega pack of inexpensive socks, then throw them away when you're packing to come back.
If I haven't told you already, I'm an avid user of Pinterest. I cannot begin to tell you all the amazing packing tips and tutorials I've found! Definitely a great reference. Here are a few of my favorites:
http://learni.st/users/60/boards/21761-how-to-pack-a-suitcase-like-a-flight-attendant
http://www.goodhousekeeping.com/life/travel/tips/a25027/genius-hacks-for-packing-your-suitcase/?src=spr_FBPAGE&spr_id=1443_70314215
http://thetravelaccessorystore.com/10-travel-accessories-you-didnt-know-you-needed/
Happy packing!
Thursday, May 7, 2015
Travel Size-Me
Imagine me, standing at the entrance to Target, with a full cup of Starbucks in one hand and a credit card in the other. Scared of the image? Me too.
Today I did just that. However, unlike most of my visits to Target, today I was on a mission: to travel-size my life. Well, maybe not my whole life, just the three weeks of it I'm spending in Italy living out of a suitcase.
Is there anything cuter than anything in travel-size? I think not!
If only clothes and shoes could temporarily turn miniature when being stuffed into my 29-inch suitcase, then I wouldn't have to worry about what and what not to take to Italy.
Today I did just that. However, unlike most of my visits to Target, today I was on a mission: to travel-size my life. Well, maybe not my whole life, just the three weeks of it I'm spending in Italy living out of a suitcase.
Is there anything cuter than anything in travel-size? I think not!
If only clothes and shoes could temporarily turn miniature when being stuffed into my 29-inch suitcase, then I wouldn't have to worry about what and what not to take to Italy.
Kate Spade Goes to Italy
Ciao amici!
I would like to give a special shout-out and thanks to my awesome stepmother, Laura. Sharing my obsession for all things Kate Spade, Laura used the designer's travel collection as a theme for all of my presents this past Christmas. Even though all I asked for was money to go towards this trip, Laura craftily hid bills in each piece of Kate Spade's travel collection. Included in this collection is a shoe bag, clean and dirty laundry bags, a jewelry travel bag, a travel journal (monogrammed, of course), a luggage tag, and, perhaps most importantly, a passport cover. Thanks to Laura, I will be traveling to Italy in style. Stay tuned to see how Jen and Kate Spade do Italy.
I would like to give a special shout-out and thanks to my awesome stepmother, Laura. Sharing my obsession for all things Kate Spade, Laura used the designer's travel collection as a theme for all of my presents this past Christmas. Even though all I asked for was money to go towards this trip, Laura craftily hid bills in each piece of Kate Spade's travel collection. Included in this collection is a shoe bag, clean and dirty laundry bags, a jewelry travel bag, a travel journal (monogrammed, of course), a luggage tag, and, perhaps most importantly, a passport cover. Thanks to Laura, I will be traveling to Italy in style. Stay tuned to see how Jen and Kate Spade do Italy.
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