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ciao, bella! ♥ italy series: florence & pisa solo trip

2/17/2019

ciao, bella!

I've finally done it. My first solo trip, and to one of the world's most beautiful cities, is complete!

This past weekend I can proudly say that I've navigated Italy's regional train system, accurately located my hotel, planned everything down to the hour and now feel accomplished. Travelling solo is a journey in itself as there is no one to fall back on but yourself if anything were to go wrong. But, there is so much FREEDOM and BEAUTY in being able to call yourself a solo traveller.

I was able to eat where I wanted, arrive and leave without considering the needs of a larger group. I could better blend in to the vibe of the city, meet other solo travellers and explore the area without any constraints. I packed light, only one small carry on - which allowed for easy travel on buses and small Italian cars. I knew I wanted to visit Florence after hearing how glorious it was, so I planned about three weeks in advance which gave me the best deals on my tickets and hotel.

I stayed at Adre Majestc View, a guesthouse offering free breakfast in the center of the city within walking distance to major tourist areas. The staff was helpful in recommending the best sights and things to do in the city. The rooms were older but exceptionally clean and quiet. I even received a free room upgrade and had three extra beds to spare! I would definitely stay here again, as it was a great value for my money.

Florence, or "Firenze," the dreamy capital of Italy's Tuscany region, has been the highlight of my time in the country thus far and is perhaps my favorite city in Italy. It's the home of iconic Renaissance architectural masterpieces, bistecca alla florentina, genuine leather shops and the creamiest gelato. I explored the vast Piazzale Michaelangelo, Il Duomo, the Gallery of Accademia featuring the Statue of David crafted by Michelangelo himself and the lovely Boboli Gardens.

Tuscany is also a region known for its specialization in truffles, the expensive flavorful mushroom used as a delicacy in pasta dishes. One of the finest restaurants offering truffles as a highlight is Trattoria Zà Zà, an elegant eatery with fair prices and delicious dishes. I ordered the ravioli alla crema de tartufo, spinach and ricotta ravioli with truffle cream sauce, for only 9 euro! I also had the pleasure of stumbling upon La Bottega Del Tartufo, a local shop in Firenze that offered a vast selection of truffle goods including truffle pasta and truffle potato chips! I ended up purchasing the chips and a truffle based olive oil. I've never tasted better food in my life!

The art and romance of Firenze can be felt from a mile away. The nightlife included men and women of all ages serenading the city with pure talent, creating the perfect atmosphere for a lovely stroll through the piazzas at dusk.

Pisa was just as great. I arrived early and was able to ask a kind stranger to wait for me to awkwardly balance on a stone and place my hands in the right position in order to get the perfect shot of the leaning tower (see above). I then checked out the Pisa Baptistry and the Monastery for a total of only 5 euro.

There were significantly less people in Pisa itself and it was a nice break from the hustle and bustle of the city. The food was also delicious. For a late lunch, I randomly chose La Piadona, a local fast-food joint that still offered freshly made piadine. The owner spoke English and when I told him I was from California, he got excited and told me he lived in Torrance for a while. I truly loved interacting with the locals who appreciated my broken attempt at Italian.

I highly recommend solo travel. There is such a negative stigma around travelling alone as a female, let alone as a black female. I have experienced a bit of discrimination as some Italians are against those perceived to be of immigrant status. I do also get stares all the time but I believe they're more out of curiosity and shock than mal-intent. However, Italy is much safer than most countries and I always thoroughly research where I will be living and walking beforehand. I also remain aware of my surroundings at all times, watch shadows and know the local emergency numbers.

Men in Italy are known for voicing their attraction, but typically will leave you alone if you're uninterested and shut them down. The main active threat to women here, and anyone in general, are pickpockets. I have yet to be affected by this (knock on wood), but if you keep your hand on your bag and wear it in front of you as a crossbody, you should be fine.

I have no fear of eating alone - it gives me time to reconnect, plan for the next day and people watch. I also highly enjoy my own company. After my mom, I'm my favorite travel companion! I know myself the best, what I like and don't care for, and that makes exploring much more enjoyable.

The only downside I still have to overcome is my hesitancy. When travelling alone I often wish I had the boldness to approach another person sitting alone or even a larger group and chat, but I know this will come with time. I believe that solo travel allows you to love yourself even more and I look forward to my next one. I just wrapped planning for my spring and Easter break trips, so stay tuned!

Ciao,
Ciara ♥

Michelangelo's The Statue of David

A popular sandwich shop in Firenze, "All'Antico Vinaio"

Piazza del Duomo

Perseus with the Head of Medusa by Benvenuto Cellini

Pisa Cathedral

Pisa Baptistery

Statue of the Fallen Angel

Overlooking Firenze from top of Piazzale Michelangelo

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CIAO, BELLA! ♥ Italy SERIES: weekend in campania

2/3/2019

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ciao, bella!

Back in January I had the opportunity to travel to Campania, a southern region in Italy known for its coastal beauty and rich history. The region features major cities such as Naples, Agropoli and Paestum. Because my travel group visited during the off-season, it was so freezing that it began snowing, much to my dismay. Fortunately, we were still able to take in the beauty of the region.

The Second Temple of Athena (pictured above) is Greek and is the oldest surviving temple in Paestum. Our local guide informed us that while it was initially dedicated to the goddess of war and wisdom, it was later used as a Christian church. We also visited the historical Roman amphitheater (now in ruins) and the Archaeological Museum. Agropoli, situated on the Cilentan Coast, hosted marvelous sunsets over the Tyrrhenian Sea. The area was stunning - the perfect lovechild between historical architecture and natural beauty.

Perhaps my favorite part of the trip was the visit to a buffalo farm called Tenuta Vannulo where we watched fresh mozzarella being made. The staff was proud to announce they treat their mammalian guests to a "massage," a grooming technique used to relax the buffalo in order for them to produce the highest quality milk. We then toured a local vineyard known as the Azienda Agricola Vini Marino and did some wine tasting. Although red wines tend to be much richer in flavor due to the skins being left on during fermentation, I highly enjoyed and preferred the sweetness of the white wine. The owner was hospitable enough to offer us some focaccia and bottles for purchase while serenading us!

Stay tuned for a post about my trip to Florence in the coming weeks!

Tua,
Ciara ♥