Italy -- Wonderous Journeys -- Natia's Personal Website

Welcome to Italy!

1st Trip in 1998, part of a European Tour (1 mnth) & Study Exchange in Switzerland (3 mths)
Upon returning from Japan for my first trip outside of North America and mid-way through my studies at university, I realized that I desperately wanted to go on a study exchange in Europe.
Luckily, Ivey, my business school, offered such a program and ultimately allowed me to visit the school of my choice -- Sanct Gallen Universitat, in St. Gallen, Switzerland, which featured a program on European Business. I was ecstatic!
Prior to beginning my course (European schools begin classes in October vs. September in North America) I decided to take a whirlwind tour of Europe for a month. It was fantastic. In one shot, I visited cities across Italy, Switzerland, Spain, France, England, Holland, and Germany. Later, during my studies at St. Gallen I also visited Luxembourg and Austria.
CITIES/TOWNS VISITED IN ITALY: Roma, Firenz(Florence), Venizia.
2nd Trip in 2011, for my brother's wedding in Rome
CITIES/TOWNS VISITED IN ITALY: Roma, Napoli, Pompeii, Amalfi Coast.

TOP TEN THINGS TO DO/SEE IN ITALY

Colosseum - definitely in my do not miss list
The Forum – The heart of ancient Rome
St. Peter's Basilica
Rome's Various Museums
A popular social spot in Rome, the Trevi Fountain (great during the day and at night)
The Pantheon
See the Capuccin Monks (hard to find, but worth the trip to Rome) -- a macabre ossuary / bone pit (!)
Firenze / Florence - The Duomo is the top site to see. To see such an ornate structure is awe-inspiring.
Walk through the maze-like streets of Venice.
Marco Polo square in Venice & the bridge with all the jewellery shops on it.

BEST MEMORIES FROM ITALY

Sampling all the different kinds of pizzas and gelatos that I could find along my journey.
Trying to find a decent looking hostel in September was impossible (book ahead when you can).
In Rome, there aren't really any street lights on so it's kind of scary walking around at night.
There is so much to see in Rome, you can wander aimlessly and still find something a 100% of the time.
It's a lot of fun standing next to these HUGE statues... or seeing a big foot or a big hand here in and there in museums.
Even walking on the streets in Italy's cities is an death-defying adventure. It can really get intimidating just trying to cross the street.

FAVOURITE FOODS / DRINKS IN ITALY

Pizzas: Sundried Tomatoes & Proscutto Pizza (my fav.), Potato Pizza, Eggplant Pizza, Bologna, Corn and Peas Pizza (not sure about this one).
Gelato: Tiramisu flavour, lemon flavour, pistachio flavour, pear flavour!
In Rome, you can actually drink water from the fountains. (Wish you could do that here in Canada!)
Smoked ham and cheese Paninis!

RESTAURANT & ACCOMMODATION RECOMMENDATIONS IN ITALY

PHOTO GALLERY

Roma (45) Italy 2011		Amalfi Coast (21) Italy 2011
Napoli (45) Italy 2011		Pompeii (15) Italy 2011
Food (45) Italy 2011		Culture (15) Italy 2011
1st Trip (1998) Roma, Firenze & Venizia

WHAT ELSE WOULD I DO IN ITALY?

Go back to Venice... take a canal tour in one of the boat buses and have enough time to get lost that way (because I hear you do get lost taking the taxi boats anyways).
Explore the coastline and rest of the countryside.
Go to Milan.