Our Summer Adventure!!!!

(Courtesy of karineimages.centerblog.net)

Tomorrow is the day!!

This adventure has been 10 years in the making and is sure to be a life changing summer.  I feel extremely fortunate to have this opportunity. I am determined  to do my best to cease every single moment of this opportunity.  (Please remind me of this determination when we are having our first of many breakdowns!)

We will begin and end our trip in MUNICH with family....beirgartens, wursts, brezels, woo hoo!

We will settle in for a couple of days in Munich then we head down to the Amalfi Coast to begin our rest and relaxation part of trip.  Specifically, POSITANO, which in my opinion (and I am not alone, right Ang?) is one of the most beautiful places on earth.  There we will primarily be beach bums, but we will also do day trips to amazing places, hike the Path of Gods, visit a bufala farm, drink lemoncello...

Next, we will ferry to ISCHIA (the sister island of Capri).  Ischia is where the Ferrigno's are from so this will be an extra special place for us.  Thermal spas and more beaches, here I come!!

Next, we train it to the Eternal City ROME. This city is one of our favorite cities.   Yes, it's big and busy but no one can discount the incredible amount of ancient history and culture that is literally on every corner.  The energy  in this city cannot be touched.  Our Munich family will be joining us for this part of the trip including the next leg which will be even more special (thanks, Mike and Mel!).  Wait, have I mentioned gelato yet:-)!

Next, we will rent a car and travel through Florence (where we will stop to have the kids climb the duomo tower and mommy shop at the amazing town market!) to BOLOGNA in Emilia Romagna.  We plan to eat our way through this part of Italy--parma, mortadella, parmigiano reggiano, balsamic vinear, tortellini, bolgonese.  It is after all the foodie capital of the Italy.

Next, we travel by car to the ABRUZZO region.   This area is not as well known as some of the other Italian spots we are hitting but it is in line with Ischia for special towns given its familia importance.  Atessa was named after the town representing the other half of Chris' heritage.  I'm excited for the salame plants and olive mill tours, visiting the medieval villages, more beach time and ancient settlement excursions.  

Next, we make a quick stop in Nice before arriving in Provence.  We will base ourselves out of AVIGNON (within the walls)....roman ruins, markets, medieval towns, ancient theaters, lavender fields, wild horses, bike rides are on our list of activities.

Next, we train to PARIS where we will meet up once again with our Munich family plus other family members from the states.  Paris, need I say more?   The Eiffel tower has been talked about a lot by a certain little one; cheese, crepes, croissants, jams, and markets have been talked about a lot by a certain mommy!

Next, we train to GHENT Belgium. Een pintje or une biere, Liege waffles, mussels and pommes frites with mayo, chocolates, yes!  

Ending our trip (sniff, sniff) back in Munich celebrating with more family (happy).

I am of the firm belief that you experience culture best through its food and local living.  I could not be more ready for our once in a lifetime adventure.

Stayed tuned for more posts over the next 6 weeks.

Until next time, Ciao, A bientot, Wiedersehen

The Frigs