Barcelona

We arrived in Spain with no set plan.  Correction: the one set plan was to sip on sangria.  If I can give any advice to those seeking to travel, it would be to have no agenda.  Considering one of the best days spent during my Euro tour was the full day I had in Barcelona.  We wandered around the city and managed to stumble upon a wine and food festival, so without a doubt we took part.  Then of course it was off to the sand to experience some Spain beach.  

bridges & canals

Venice is the most beautifully set city that I have had the privilege of roaming through.  There is just something about canals functioning as roads, with miniature bridges to guide your curious path.   As I strolled through it's populated streets, I did my best to take in this little city's elegant decay.  I could never in a million years ever see myself having the luxury of experiencing a place with such unique character and charm.  My time spent here is something I will always cherish.  As even today I can still remember the calming peace I had while standing over the Grand Canal on the Rialto Bridge, sitting in San Marco Square, and while third wheeling it during a gondola ride into the Guidecca Canal.  Venice has the ability to pull you out of routine life, as it isolates you and hits you with island fever in an entirely satisfying way.

hidden in florence

alleys with dreamy ends

grab and go savory pastries

the perfect scenic strolls

more of Italy's finest gelato

a third of the espresso americans consume 

the cutest dates

Michelangelo's finest work

Oregon Coast

When I think of the Oregon Coast I generally think of a rain and wind, sweaters, and game board type of escape.  However, when the ladies and I headed west last weekend, we experienced nothing of the sort.  We arrived and went straight to a local restaurant to enjoy its seafood offerings.  I was able to satisfy my clam chowder craving, as we watched the fog slowly dissipate over the hills. The beach was ready to deliver as we walked along its sands and basked in the sunshine while reading the novels we had on hand.  Later in the afternoon we decided our best option was to stay until sunset.  We traveled to the best onlooking points as we waited for nightfall's countdown before heading back to the city.  This kind of day trip only made us want more, as we left feeling like it was not enough and promised to return soon.

Roma

The thing about Rome is:

- Pizza can be found anywhere.

- The cobblestone streets are to die for. 

- Italian wine can conveniently be paired with any meal.

- Gelato can be had as an afternoon snack after also having it for breakfast.

- Beautiful fountains are placed all over the city adding to it's amazing history.

- The Vatican, Roma Colosseum, and Saint Peter's Basilica are some of the most magical sites I have ever seen as any explanation or photo could never do them justice. 

For these reasons, as soon as I arrived in Rome I knew it had jumped to the top of my list as favorite city visited so far on our trip.