Sorry its been awhile...

Hi Everyone,

I realize that you have probably all quit checking to see if I have updated seeing as how the last time I updated was ridiculously long ago and that I havent delivered on the pictures I promised, but in my defense, Im in Italy! It is hard to sit still in an internet cafe when you can be out in the city, but at the same time, I really do want to keep everyone updated on what is going on in my life.

Sadly, I havent yet figured out how to add pictures on here (which may be good considering that there are lots of cyber-stalkers out there who could happen upon them), but if I do figure it out, I will definitely be showing them off. I firmly believe that a picture is worth a thousand words, probably more, and they are definitely a lot more fun to look at than reading my ramblings! But if you are truly interested, I am afraid that ramblings is what you will have to settle for for now.

We just went to Venice this weekend and it was one of the most picturesque places I have been thus far. I guess the water is what makes it so unique, but the city just has this incredible charm that is impossible to resist (very romantic...). You know that you have been to disney world one too many times when places start reminding you of Its a Small World and Epcot, haha. One of my favorite moments of the whole weekend was taking the ferry back from Lido, the island just beyond Venice, at sunset. Actually, that was probably one of my favorite moments of the whole trip. There are no words for how pretty it was so I will have to post the pictures...

Other favorite moments of the weekend: feeding the pigeons in San Marco square (Ive got a lot of funny pictures of that too- good news, no one got pooped on), an adventurous bus ride to Lido through the non-touristy part of Venice (aka the corn fields), antique shopping at the market (if I had more packing room- or money- I would have bought some pretty cool stuff), just walking around the city, laying on the beach, sipping a morning latte at the cafe next to the gondola-filled canal, the amazing church completely decorated in brilliant mosaics... okay, you get the idea right? It was awesome.

It is hard to believe that our time here in Florence is dwindling, but it is, so we are trying to soak up every possible moment. Caitlin and I are attempting an excursion to Elba Island on Friday, but there is a train strike planned for that day, so who knows if that will happen. We also planned a trip to Chianti on Thursday to go wine tasting and on Saturday I will be going to Pisa, Lucca, and Torre del Lago. Yay for beautiful Tuscan country side and leaning towers! Then on Sunday it is St. John the Baptist day here in Florence so we are making a point to be here to celebrate. He is the patron saint of Florence so it is like their fourth of july and there is a huge fireworks show planned along the river, and we plan to be camped out with a picnic for a great spot.

In other news, I miss you all so much and as sad as I will be to leave this beautiful country, I cant wait to see you all again. I love you so much!!

Love,
allie