London Time

Last year for my birthday, I bought myself a purse. This year, I thought a vacation was due. I'd never been to London and given that my sister is about to marry at Brit, I knew I needed to rectify that.

I left Italy and jumped on a plane and invited the boyfriend along. He met me at Heathrow and together we explored London.

Our first day was tame compared to the rest of the trip, but it was still pretty magical.

We walked the streets.

Checked out the river. 

Walked over London Bridge.

Saw the building that I'm obsessed with. 

(The Gherkin)

Smiled a lot. 

Found a cute cafe for lunch.

Together we decompressed, examined our options, and chatted over coffee.

Then we ate some burgers which were amazingly good.

I was tired and hungry so I forgot to take a picture before we started eating. I blame it on the early flight!

After lunch we checked into the lovely apartment where we were going to stay. It was a tiny studio but in a wonderful neighborhood. (Thanks Airbnb!)

Then we set out for The Shard.

If I learned anything about myself this past month, it's that I sort of love anything with a view.

These views didn't require climbing a bunch of narrow stairs, and despite the foggy weather, they were amazing.

We stayed as it got dark and got a few pictures as the city lights started to come on.

It was pretty dark by the time we left and The Shard was lit up. 

We grabbed a quick dinner on the way back to our apartment and fell into bed. All in all, it was a good way to start the trip.

Spring in Italy, a Photo Recap

I wasn't up for another winter storm so I jumped on a plane and ran away to Italy.

Okay, not really.

I went to Italy for work (yay for work trips to Italy--I love my job), but I did plan to go a few days early and make a vacation stop on the way back. Because if I was going to Italy where it wouldn't be snowing, I had to make the most of it.

That meant some really great food.

This included my favorite restaurant which is down one of those dark secluded alleys.

And where only the bus boys spoke much English.

I, of course, had the gnocchi. It melted in my mouth it was so good.

I did a few fancy restaurants.

 I had a lot of great pasta. 

And then some great Italian main courses.

There was a lot of Prosecco.

And a lot of cheese.

Um yeah, this is parmesan cheese chunks in a bowl make completely of parmesan. Yes. This is a thing.

But there were also some casual meals and some good salads. 

Because I needed to save room for the gelato.

I did more than just eat though, I promise.

I saw a few sights.

Some were less planned than others.

This fountain is in the main public square. And I still can't really get over the sculpture...



I stumbled across this church looking for the restaurant where I was meeting a few colleagues.

I climbed one of the "two towers"--Torre Asinelli.

It's a little over 800 steps to the top. Wooden steps. Originally constructed back in the 11th century, though thankfully they've been reinforced since then.

It was at times, a tight fit.

But the views were worth it.

And of course, because nothing in my life is complete without books, there were also a lot of really cool book things to see as well.