Como, Italy

Our last stop together was Como, Italy. Located on Lake Como and near the cities of Bellagio and Tremezzo. Very beautiful, very low-key.











Our first night we took the tram to the top of the mountain for a view of the city and the sunset.

Florence, Italy Part Two

A few very cool churches


















A moment of prayer for the loved ones we have lost.











Crystal and I had seen some fireworks being set up alongside the river earlier in the day. We asked the people setting them up what time the show would be and they told us 11 PM. We went to dinner, drank a bottle of wine and then started to head for the river. We got there just as the finale concluded. Bastards. So, instead of turning back and going home we walked ourselves into the nearest pub. It was the kind of night where you discuss the problems of the world and figure out the answers only to realize the next morning that you should've written them down. Sigh.

Florence, Italy

After our week of relaxation in Capri we had to part ways with Rania. She needed to get to her Aunt's house in Austria and then home to Texas. We tried to convince her to come with us to Florence but the "real world" was calling to her and she had to get back to the States.



The famous Ponte Vecchio bridge. Our hostel was a quick walk from here and across the river from downtown. Not a bad location considering we hadn't gotten a recommendation from anyone on where to stay.









Crystal and I are standing on the Ponte Vecchio. Our first day of sightseeing had only just begun. Please notice that she is not carrying her crutches, that week off really helped her to heal!









There was a small statue in the middle of the bridge and on the gate were all of these padlocks. The padlocks had names on them and from what we understood they were to symbolize relationships that were to thought to last. I wonder how many of those padlocks should be removed now because the relationships went to shit?

Sorry my cynicism is coming out. I should've put a padlock on it with Bella and my name on it. A solid relationship with my dog that isn't going anywhere.


The best panini shop ever. So simple, so perfect.













If there were ever a reason to visit Florence it shouldn't be for the Duomo or Ponte Vecchio. It should be for this gelato shop. Vivoli Gelatoria. I think they might actually put addictive substances in their gelato because it shouldn't be THAT good.

Pompeii Ruins

We took a day trip to see the ruins of Pompeii. This was kind of an adventure all on its own: bus ride, ferry ride, bus ride, train ride, and then we walked to the ruins. Now reverse.

The following are some of the pictures from the former city. It was all very interesting and I would suggest a visit if you are ever in Southern Italy.

On a side note: I didn't have a picture of the building but there was a brothel in the town as well. I guess that really is the oldest profession.