My Italy Diary–Day One

Italy has always been the #1 place I have wanted to visit. It always seemed so romantic, magical and beautiful in movies.

When my husband told me he had to go travel there for work and asked if I wanted to tag along, the answer was an immediate YES!

Being my first time in Europe, my first criteria was that we had to rent one of those teeny weeny clown cars. My expectation was fulfilled when we saw this little car (which reminded me of the yellow and red Little Tikes Cozy Coupe) sitting in the rental car spot assigned to us! It sat in between American cars so I was ecstatic to see this little toy hidden in between them!

As we left the airport in Venice, the Italian flag greeted us. CIAO!

Knowing nothing about Italy other than what I learned in history books or romantic comedies, I had not realized how much countryside was in Italy. I pictured it all to look like Rome, Florence and Tuscany. I expected concrete jungles of Cathedrals and Churches and Disneyland types of crowds.

Instead, the drive from Venice to Aviano was a relaxing view of the Italian countryside. Even the wilting—away homes were beautiful.

(Disclaimer – The following photographs were all taken while my husband drove the 80-90 mph speed limit on the Autostrada so please take that into consideration when you see the blur in some pictures. )

Throughout the drive, aisles of trees flanked the road. With the sun starting to set, it was a beautiful sight.

The first spotting of an Italian vineyard!

Is it possible that even graffiti looks a little cooler in Italy?

The sunset WOWed me!!!!! Look at those colors! My husband laughed and gave me the “are you serious?” look when I told him this reminded me of the Lord of the Rings eye in the sky. :)

Who needs a regular McDonalds when you can go to a McDrive that serves a McBeer??? (And no, I did not step foot in a McDonalds while there!)

More sunset…and even more beautiful!

As we drove the last few miles to Aviano, I was shocked to see the mountains covered in snow. I had NO idea it snowed in Italy. (I need to get more cultured!)

The first site in the town of Aviano was this little road that apparently was similar to that of all the narrow, sidewalkless roads in its neighboring cities. I’m not claustrophobic or anything, but these streets made me feel like I was.

I can’t wait to show you the rest of my trip! Ciao!