In September 2017, we found ourselves winding our way through Italy in our trusty steed, a rented Fiat Punto. From the Valpolicella wine region to Florence and Tuscany, we slowly made our way south. About 40 minutes before reaching our final destination, we made a quick detour in Lazio to the Gardens of Bomarzo. This was one of David’s only requests during our two-week itinerary in Italy—he had read about it, and as a former architecture student, he was fascinated by the idea of this surreal park created by Pier Francesco Orsini in the 16th century, littered with larger-than-life statues and architectural follies intended to astonish the viewer and make them question reality.

It was a fun, trippy little stop.

And then, ROME!

David had been to Rome before and said it was one of his favourite cities in the world. “You like it better than Paris??” questioned a dubious Mel, who had never been to Rome. It didn’t take her long to change her tune.

Day 1

AND THAT WAS JUST THE FIRST DAY!!

Day 2

Day 2 started out in typical Italian fashion: at the barber’s.

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Once we were all fueled up it was time to get back out there and do some more sightseeing.

We snapped a few pics, tried to take it all in, then slowly made our way back to the hotel for a nap (after gelato, of course).

Day 3

Day 3 was slightly more subdued. We’d battled the insane crowds and seen most of the major sights within the first 24 hours, so we were able to see things off the beaten path at a more leisurely pace the following day. We were definitely dealing with some travel exhaustion—we’d been traveling for six weeks at this point. But when in Rome…

We were sure to drop a coin into the Trevi Fountain on our first night, which according to legend ensures you will return to Rome. We’d go back in a heartbeat, so now we just have to sit back and wait for that little coin to work its magic!