Tag Archives: honeymoon

48. The John Keats Memorial in Rome

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We hadn’t planned on visiting the Keats-Shelley Memorial House. In fact, it was a complete accident that we stumbled upon it as we approached the Spanish Steps (where every other tourist in Rome seemed to be going that day!). Housing a treasure greater than a pile of old stones, I couldn’t believe my luck when I first saw the sign hanging next to the great steps. Even my husband, dubious at this underwhelming entrance I was pulling him towards, squealing and smiling like I’d found the holy grail – yes, even he emerged from the building afterwards thankful and happy that we’d found this unassuming little gem.

in the pursuit of | Keats-Shelley Memorial House

The crowded Spanish Steps (left) may overshadow the Keats-Shelley Memorial (right) in physical presence, but I know which will stay with me for longer. It was also great being able to have the whole place to ourselves – a nice change from the throng of tourists.

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44. A Guide to the Colosseum & Roman Forum

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I wasn’t sure what to expect from Rome when my husband suggested we visit as part of our honeymoon. Italy had evaded me in all my years of travel, and though I did desperately want to visit, I thought to myself, “how could anything possibly compare to my beloved Paris?” The other big international cities had long buried themselves into my heart – Tokyo, Berlin, London – was there space for another? Now, if you’ve been reading my blog for a while you’ll know that anything historical or cultural will grab me, hook line and sinker. So you’ll understand why spending our first day in the ancient ruins of such a magnificent civilisation helped Rome land a cosy spot right under Paris’ wing. 🙂 I suggest you start your visit here as well.

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42. Lost in Tuscany

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We set off in the morning, bidding Florence “arrivederci and good riddance!” after a gruelling few days, and head towards the rolling countryside of Tuscany. The itinerary for today is a tight one;

10.00: Depart Florence
10.00 – 11.00: Drive…
11.00 – 12.00: San Gimignano
12.00 – 13.00: Drive…
13.00 – 15.00: Siena
15.00 – 17.30: Drive…
17.30: Arrive Rome

One might even say it’s a disaster waiting to happen, but we’re optimistic and starry-eyed and nothing is going to get in our way today! Or so it seemed…

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41. Five Reasons why Florence is like Highschool

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Florence, like highschool has long been a hub of culture, history, art, and finance. You’re supposed to emerge a changed person; worldlier, more cultivated, richer in the soul.

But after spending three nights in this popular city, I felt no different. More tired and frustrated for sure – and OK, we certainly had a little fun – but did it all add up to a life-changing experience?

Not really. Every morning we woke up and mulled over whether we should get out and give it another chance, or whether we should stay in bed, or perhaps blow it off completely and find some other city in Tuscany to while away our time in. I’m glad we committed to her, but in the end, it was merely a landmark in our lives to be ticked off the list. Much like highschool.

You’re probably scoffing at me right now, but read our experiences below before you come to your own verdict.

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38. The Best of Cinque Terre

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Where in the world can you throw snowballs on top of a mountain pass AND visit the sweltering Mediterranean beaches in one day? Italy, that’s where!

After driving an epic 585km from the Stelvio Pass, through the Swiss Alps, (regrettably) past Verona, and down onto the Italian Riviera, we arrive finally at Riomaggiore – the first of the Cinque Terre, or “Five Villages”.

in the pursuit of | Riomaggiore

View of Riomaggiore from the ferry.

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