Clint, Sara, and Nick were able to come visit us this Summer! We had a very busy 2 weeks in Sicily, Rome, and Santorini. I am not sure if you would call it a vacation because after they left we were more exhausted than a regular work week. We already miss them like crazy :(
We spent the first few days showing them how we live here in Sicily. They found out how crazy the driving is and how much coffee we drink when walking around the city. Every night we went out for fish dinners that were absolutely amazing. I think that may have been the best part :) After 5 days we traveled to Rome where we realized Summer is not the best time to site see around the city. It was almost 100 degrees and after walking in the sun all day to see all the sites, we were dead. The Vatican was so crowded we could hardly move from one room to the next, but I am still glad they were able to see it.
After 2 days in Rome we traveled to paradise...Santorini! My absolute favorite place in the world so far. We spent 3 days relaxing in our villa over the Mediterranean and driving quads around the island. Santorini is the most relaxing and beautiful place I think you could go. The people were so friendly and happy to have us there. The white stone buildings with blue doors made everything look like a fairy tale...we will definitely head back there sometime soon.
We spent the first few days showing them how we live here in Sicily. They found out how crazy the driving is and how much coffee we drink when walking around the city. Every night we went out for fish dinners that were absolutely amazing. I think that may have been the best part :) After 5 days we traveled to Rome where we realized Summer is not the best time to site see around the city. It was almost 100 degrees and after walking in the sun all day to see all the sites, we were dead. The Vatican was so crowded we could hardly move from one room to the next, but I am still glad they were able to see it.
After 2 days in Rome we traveled to paradise...Santorini! My absolute favorite place in the world so far. We spent 3 days relaxing in our villa over the Mediterranean and driving quads around the island. Santorini is the most relaxing and beautiful place I think you could go. The people were so friendly and happy to have us there. The white stone buildings with blue doors made everything look like a fairy tale...we will definitely head back there sometime soon.
dinner in Aci Trezza- first night |
everyone minus Clint |
grigliata mista - mixed grilled fish |
the first night they arrived our town was having a festival for their saint (St. John) - San Giovanni Festa |
walking around Aci Trezza to get some bread |
dinner at Il Cantiniere in Catania |
our meat and cheese plate :) |
sisters <3 |
Greek Ampitheatre in Siracusa |
the caves in Siracusa |
Fontana Bianche beach in Siracusa - about 1 hour away |
getting some sun |
a stop in Catania for some shopping |
dinner at La Polena - an 8 course dinner that went until 1am! |
our first appetizer |
our very own fish! |
and our very own chef to cut the fish for us |
Taormina |
taking the cable car up to the town of Taormina...it's all the way up a cliff and very very hard to drive around. (right Natalie?) |
having fun in Taormina |
getting ready for our flight to Roma..only 5 hours delayed :( |
just arrived to Rome and ready to tour the Colosseum |
everyone realizing how big the Colosseum is in real life |
going to dinner the first night in Rome and taking a quick photo opportunity at the Fontana Di Trevi |
Clint and Sara <3 |
yes, it was very crowded |
dinner in Rome |
some oyster appetizers |
heading to the Metro |
The Pantheon |
inside the Pantheon |
the group :) |
The Spanish Steps |
we weren't doing this for the picture...we were actually so hot we were putting that water all over our arms and face! |
inside the Vatican museums |
The Sistine Chapel. It was so crowded that the guards stopped asking people to not take photos or stop talking. After about 5 minutes they yelled, "ok, you all got your photos it's time to stop". |
we bought umbrellas to stay out of the sun in the line to enter the Vatican |
flight to Santorini, Greece |
arriving to the villa with our friend, Aris |
our villa |
our deck with the most amazing view! we spent a LOT of time out here |
walking around for the first day |
looking at some shops |
beach day in Santorini |
Clint relaxing before dinner |
full moon in Santorini |
riding our quads |
riding around the island |
petting the cutest donkey...no one wanted to do a donkey ride so I missed that chance! |
what most houses looked like |
my first REAL Greek Gyro..it was yummy |
some old windmills around the island |
hanging out on the balcony |
going to Red Beach |
my new Greek kitty, Aris, he stayed with us every time we were on the balcony and would come inside the house too. |
we drove to the other side of the island to watch the sunset in Oia, we were told it's the most beautiful sunset in the world...I think I agree! |
dinner in Oia |
from beautiful sunset to beautiful moon shining over the Mediterranean |
there were always some cruise ships straight down from our balcony |
back to Catania...the Norman castle |
dinner in Catania and also Clint and Sara's anniversary! <3 |
shopping at the market in Catania |
more shopping in Catania...I think they enjoyed the clothing here :) |
dinner in Aci Trezza |
Nick snorkeling in Aci Trezza |
Clint snorkeling |
me and Clint swimming off the paddle boat |
Clint and Sara swimming |