Lately

Since our trip to Venice we have been going non-stop. We found out that Great Gran wasn't doing well on our way home and had to make a last minute trip to Auburn. We hated having to go home for a family emergency, but the time with friends and family couldn't have come at a better time.

We flew overnight back to Rome and I went straight to work on Monday, that Wednesday we flew to Lisbon, Portugal. I had to attend a conference and teach a workshop, but still found plenty of time to explore. We got back the Sunday before Thanksgiving and I think we are all caught up and back on schedule.

We had to leave Libby in Rome the whole time we were travelling. Thankfully one of my good friends agreed to move in to our apartment while we were gone. Libby is amazing and such a blessing. My job has been extremely stressful the past few months and having a sweet little puppy to remind me not to take life so seriously has been a life saver.

Now, back to Lisbon. This should immediately be moved to the very top of your list of places to go. Lisbon is a modern city steeped in rich culture and history. It is cheap, the food is delicious, and the people are so nice. And, not to mention, the language is beautiful. What isn't to love?

Here are a few pictures, though they don't do the city justice.

Bacalhua à Brás at a little hole in the wall in the Barrio Alto. €24 for way more food than we could ever eat!

Pasteis de Belém - addictive Portuguese pastry made with cream and eggs, topped with cinnamon and powdered sugar. Yum, yum, yum!!!

Venezia

We spent a long weekend in Venice. Woke up at 3am on Saturday and caught a 6:30am Easy Jet flight to Venice. The weekend was non-stop walking, eating, drinking wine, and eating - did I mention that we ate a lot?

Yes, Venice is touristy. Yes, Venice is expensive. But, Venice is also incredibly beautiful. There really is no other city like it. Don't forget to make dinner reservations - you won't get in anywhere without them. And pick up a map when you arrive so you can get off the beaten path and "get lost" in one of the most unique cities in the world.

Where we stayed:

Fujiyama Bed & Breakfast

A few places worth trying:

Vecio Fritolin - delicious Venetian classics with an updated twist.

Da Romano - On the island of Burano, this is a must. Try the goh risotto and you will not be disappointed.

You also must stop at one of the many bàcaro, traditional wine bars, for cicchetto and ombra, Venetian tapas and a small (usually only €1) glass of wine.