We woke up in Villa like it was a dream...newly engaged on Christmas Day! But true to NaDave-style, we planned a hike planned in Abruzzo National Park, which Villa sits in. The weather was clear & sunny, and we took a 3 hour hike up into the mountain side. We then returned back to Hotel La Gardenia in time for lunch.
After lunch, we had ~1 hour before driving back to Rome, so we walked around town. We of course found "Via Lippa", and also wandered the old back streets. The city dates back to the 1200s, but was hit by an earthquake in 1915, so many of the buildings seen are only 100 years old. But we soaked up as much as possible, before saying goodbye.
We drove back to Rome, and boarded a train for Florence. We arrived at night, and headed to our hostel to call & share our news with more friends & family.
In Florence on Dec 26, we first headed to see the Statue of David, then wandered the streets and saw the famous Duomo Church. We then saw the Ponte Vecchio Bridge, walked to a scenic overlook, and ended back at the Bridge with a relaxing drink.
We then boarded a train back to Rome, got to our hostel near the train station, and planned our sites for the next 2 days in "The Eternal City".
(that's all the emails for tonight...hope to send out the remaining ones next weekend)
Our hike on Christmas Day
The valley floor looking southeast
On the hiking trail...it was marked with white & red tags
There are fountains built to capture the mountain water
Nadine drinking from the fountain (it's safe!)
Looks like a bear cave!
The valley looking northwest
Drive back from the hike...Nadine getting the perfect shot of Villa
View of Villa atop the car
Villa!
Traffic jam in Villa!
Christmas Day lunch after our hike
Walking around the streets of Villa after lunch
Streets of Villa
Villa Town square looking west
Villa Town square looking east
Back streets of villa
Back streets of villa 2
Back streets of villa 3
Back streets of villa 4
Lippa Street is near Valentino's Bar
Lippa Street
Looking down Via Lippa
End of our walk...headed back to Hotel la Gardenia
Dave passed out on the train to Florence
Pretty lights in the main square of Florence
Dave getting the wine cork out with a knife
Hallway leading to the Statue of David...its so huge
Two Davids!
Makes sense there's a David Boutique in Florence
But also a boutique Nadine...cool!
Front of the Dumo Church in the morning
Rear of the Duomo church in the afternoon
Beautiful girl & beautiful overlook of Florence
Ponte Vecchio bridge in background
Ended the night overlooking Ponte Vecchio with a bottle of bubbly
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