I’m getting the travel itch again. So I thought I’d take it out on this blog instead of making a grossly irresponsible (at the moment) travel reservation. Getting the full-fledged travel bug is probably in the works, but in the meantime (as I only have the itch), I have just started daydreaming about vacations of old.
So now, I present to you, my favorite places I’ve visited! (Where I tend to go again, and again, and…)
- Rome, Italy
I looooooove Rome. I want to write a book about Rome, gift-wrap it, and give it to Rome as an engagement gift. I think it is one of the most interesting places on the face of the earth. I first visited in May of 2004 for a summer session abroad, and couldn’t let go. I went back in 2006, and again in 2008. I’ve visited other cities in Italy, but none of them fascinate me as much as the Eternal City. It’s beautiful, it’s historically jaw-dropping, the culture is endlessly intriguing, and the food is -wow-. I also feel quite at home in la bella cittá and know how to get around pretty much by heart. I want to drag everyone there. And learn fluent Italian, but that’s another blog entry.
- Boston, Massachusetts
I’ve shipped up to Boston more than a handful of times over the past several years. I’ve had friends living in this city consistently, so it’s been convenient. I like Boston for a couple of the same reasons I like Rome – it’s a manageable walking city, it’s beautiful (hello, Commons and Public Gardens), and its well-preserved history permeates the center. I’m kind of a history nerd. Not that I know a ton of history trivia, but I love standing in old places or buildings and imagining what life and people must have been like. I particularly like old stairs (don’t know why) and houses. I also like Boston because it’s on the water; there are plenty of places to go, feel the salty breeze cross your face, and watch sailboats drift by. Near the water, Boston has a GREAT Little Italy with my favorite pastry shop – Mike’s Pastry (if I were you, I’d get the macaroons w/ the cherries in the middle).
- Miami Beach, Florida
I’ve been to Miami just twice, but I will say this: when I go to Miami, I like to just plant. I don’t go to Miami to party, or to get dressed up, or to even drink all that much… in fact, I’m going to sound like a lame-o, but I like to go to the Courtyard Miami Beach Oceanfront, get a room with a balcony facing the ocean, and go lay on the beach (and occasionally drift through the waves… I also don’t work out in Miami). And then I ABSOLUTELY like to go to Happy Hour at the Tiki Bar (which is in the picture below amidst the palm trees if you squint… basically between the pool and the beach!). They usually have 2-for-1 drink specials (which includes white wine, my favorite) and appetizer specials. AND they tend to have live music (last year, it was a guy from Jamaica playing reggae – I loved it). And get this – the Tiki Bar is served through Carrabba’s, one of my favorite Italian restaurants. Ding ding ding! We have a happy camper! Miami Beach is just gorgeous, and the Courtyard is really an exceptional hotel. They have friendly staff, and they also have a great buffet breakfast (where you can choose to sit inside or al fresco), so in case you were worried about losing weight during your vacation, problem solved! 😛
life of faith 