Life-a learning experience: Post Immersion

Hi All,

My two months in Italy came to a close at the end of May. I spent the last 10 days of my time in Italy touring with my friends Michelle, Alex and Lauren. Our time together in Venice, Florence and Rome was filled with side splitting laughter from a series of inside jokes that result from traveling with good friends.

Our trip began in Venice where we stayed on the barrier island of Lido. Much to our surprise, the Amercia's cup was holding a qualifying race that same weekend and we got to participate in the parade that followed the event. While in Venice, we took time to travel to Murano, Burano and Torcello.

We made our way to Florence next. After spending time visiting the city and taking in the breath taking views from atop Piazzale Michelangelo, we decided to embark on a wine tour of the Chianti region one day. The tour also included a visit to the medieval town of Monteriggioni, which also allowed us to sober up in between the winery stops.

From Florence we stopped in Orvieto, a small town 45 minutes outside of Rome and known for their white wine (delicious) before arriving in Rome. While in Rome we created our own version of the angels and demons tour and took in some of the ancient sights.

Prior to leaving on is trip from the US to Italy, I was experiencing elevated liver enzymes that my doctor couldn't explain. With no time left to undertake further tests and scans, I left for Italy with instructions to limit my intake of pain medicine, herbal tea and alcohol. When I arrived back home, I had new blood work taken in anticipation of meeting my doctor. My doctor walked into the exam room, beaming from ear to ear, and asked "Nadia, what have you been doing the past 2 months, your lab work is perfect!" I laughed out loud and told her, "drinking wine, every day!" there is a lot to be said about the medicinal effects of eliminating stress from your life and being able to get away and relax.

I left yesterday for the next chapter of what I have termed, "Operation Live Life". I will be traveling in the Middle East and Asia until September. I will send routine updates along the way.

Love, Nadia

VENICE

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Enjoying the parade for the America's Cup qualifying race that took place in Lido.

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Enjoying the canals of Venice, Italy.

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The girls inside the golden staircase of Doge's Palace, Venice.

FLORENCE

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The best city scene of Florence was found atop Piazzale Michelangelo.

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Stuck in a tiny doorway found within the Medieval fortress town of Monteriggioni outside of Florence.

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Too bad the stranger we asked to photograph the group neglected to actually capture the famous Florence sight, Ponte Vecchio, behind us.

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Our visit to a winery in the Chianti region.

ROME

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Before arriving to Orvieto, a small town famous for their amazing white wine outside of Rome, we stopped to enjoy the view before taking the cable car up to the town.