I felt the same when I visited Rio. It makes like so much
easier when someone speaks the language and knows where to go (and where not to
go!).
We flew into Treviso airport and was greeted by Marco’s
father. I was so nervous to meet him but right away I felt at ease with him. I’ve
never met such a genuine man with a pure heart (well other than my Marco of
course!).
We were kindly lent a very sexy car by Marco’s nonna to use
for the week. This made life so much easier to get around.
We went to Jesolo on Thursday night with some of Marco’s
friends. It was lovely strolling along in the heat. We went to a cool bar called
Capannina Beach for a few cocktails and a bit of dancing.
It was so relaxing spending the day on the beach. The
weather was incredible and the sea breeze was lovely.
There were so many incredible places we visited on our trip.
Italy truly is a stunning country with incredible architecture. Many buildings were
designed by Palladio and it’s no wonder Vicenza is on the World Heritage List.
One of my favourite places we visited was Villa Valmarana Ai
Nani(http://www.villavalmarana.com/en/)
We were cycling with Marco’s father and we stopped here. Its own by a family
member and the villa had been used for a wedding the previous day. Of course
this got me rather excited!
I guess whilst on the subject on weddings and marriage, I
should share details of our happy moment. Marco drove us to the incredible look
out point by Monte Berico (http://www.monteberico.it/)
the views over Vicenza at sunset were breath-taking.
The back drop of the stunning church was the most romantic
place for Marco to propose to me. It wasn’t too busy so it felt like it was
just the two of us sharing our special moment.
Afterwards we went to an incredible restaurant in the
mountains for dinner with Marco’s lovely friends. It was the perfect way to
celebrate our engagement.
I loved how things looked so different from day to night
time. We visited Basilica Palladiana (http://www.visitpalladio.com/en/node/376/basilica-palladiana.html)
during the day first. I loved looking up at the magnificent clock tower. Then
when we returned at night, it looked even more unbelievable.
Teatro Olimpico (http://www.olimpicovicenza.it/) was so
inspiring to see. How the grand illusion of the long street is painted is
simply mind blowing. I could love to see a performance there one day (Hint Hint
Marco!).
Although it was very hot, I really enjoyed how much cycling
we did. I was pretty nervous thinking we would be cycling 100km each day but we
went our three times and steadily increased the distance. The longest we did
was 72km and I have to admit, I was pretty tired. I’m completely blaming the
heat!
Marco found it amusing to take me on these climbs and say it
wasn’t too far when it fact it was 2-4 km of climb at 15% + gradient. I am not
trained for those sorts of climbs. Let’s just say on the last ‘climb’ there
were a few choice words shared with amore mio.
Italy has a completely different atmosphere than
London/Essex. Everyone is very family/friends orientated. They genuinely care
for each other and you can witness this is simple ever day interaction.
I am so grateful for how welcoming Marco’s friends and
family were. This was a big trip for us and it honestly couldn’t have gone
better.
I can’t wait for my family to come and visit Vicenza and see
how stunning it is. I know my Dad will love looking at all the buildings, Mum
will love the cobbled streets (plus the shopping) and Tammey will simply love everything!!
I can’t wait to return in August and visit more of Italy. I
know we’re heading to Venice and Lake Garda which I’m so excited for.
It looks as though Italy will be my second home - And I couldn't be happier!!
