Bombon in Italy (Sicilia, Florence and Rome)

BombonAugust 16, 20180 Comment0355

The most photogenic Building…. Altare Della Patria

For the first time I’m traveling at an easy pace, (this was very rare) and this time my destination is Italy. My trip first began in Sicily. However, going through customs at Frankfurt airport was not very organized on Friday morning.

They opened only several counters that were insufficient to handle the passport control processes very effectively. Several people behind me were complaining and quite upset due to the possibility of missing or already missing their connecting flight. Somehow I was pretty calm queuing in the line, which was odd for me – because normally I am always in a rush. After the last travel rush incident, I promised myself- I will never…I refuse to be rushed again while traveling. I am still working on the bigger “no everyday rush”, but for now, for sure no rush while traveling.

On this trip, Sicily is the destination because my friend is getting married in the city called Taormina. I had been itching to travel again. Two months seemed quite long for me. I love my time with myself out in the world where opportunities and possibilities of excitements are waiting. I LOVE the experience and the anticipation!

When I arrived at Catania airport, Rosy from Cundarinollegio taxi company was waiting for me. She didn’t really speak English but we managed to communicate. She took me to Taormina city, Villa Paradiso. Charming, old hotel…very Sicilian. The room view was fantastic! I had a balcony facing the Mediterranean sea…Ahhhhhh! what else could a girl ask for when she has the sea at her gaze when she wakes up in the morning?

Taormina from “my” balcony…

The wedding was beautiful, I was so happy for Carl and Lala. I normally do not have sentimental emotions during a wedding, but this time, it did make me tear up. Well…I wish them happiness and blessings. The party was also amazing! Ask a Lebanese to organize your wedding or party in general next time. They know how to do it right. At the reception, the dance, foods, alcohol, and the music they mixed together created an excellent atmosphere for the occasion. I was surrounded by my close friends, Douggie and Carl and I was content and happy.

After Taormina, I headed out to Florence, or “Firenze” as the Italians call it. There was a slight issue during check-in. My baggage was heading out to Prague, instead of Florence, but somehow in the midst of the busy, hustle and bustle at Catania airport, Alitalia managed to found me at the cafe enjoying Italian coffee. They confirmed my bag and destination and voila ….. my bag arrived safely at Firenze’s airport. It revived my trust in Italian quality service and quality assurance.

It was a rainy day at Firenze, and somehow I felt romantic by just viewing the city from the taxi’s window. I stayed at Firenze Nine Wellness hotel, it is a boutique-spa hotel, beautiful- minimalist and modern while maintaining Florence’s Renaissance heritage. The room was spacious and had a high ceiling with fresco painting. I loved the feeling when entering the room. It was very grand and quaint at the same time. There were high old windows, which you needed a stool to reach and open them. The small side of the room was my fave. I was able to see the small street of Firenze, from the small window.

I strolled down Firenze’s street, just admiring the beautiful buildings; Duomo- Baptism chapel, Museums, Cafes, Churches… I was in my element! My space! I loved the feeling! Firenze had a way of transforming me. I am so grateful for experiencing the culture, art, peoples, food, and style. The Italian style is different, “Rich” and “Romantic!” if I have to put it in words. Rich in sense of color choices, deep strong colors, rich in the quality of materials like velvet and suede. Romantic on the cut, I loved it. I did not want to leave Florence- I can just stroll in the city, admiring beautiful art, history and sit in front of the cathedral-Arividechi Florence all day …

Strolling on Florence’s street… romance at its best

My last city on my Italy trip was Rome. I was able to re-connect with an old friend- Maria “Tutti Frutti” Magnini. She insisted that I stayed with her in Rome, so I did as per her instruction.

Rome was masculine, and magnificent in his cosmopolitan, busy way. It was once was the most important city in the world. I found out Tutti works in a palace!!! OMG!, the building is magnificent, all marble, high ceiling, beautiful white palace. While waiting for her from work I went to Pantheon- which was only a 5 minutes walk from her work palace. Or I went for Piazza Navona and admired St. Anne Cathedral or the Bernini statue.

Every morning we got up around 7:15 am, Tutti made me fresh brew coffee, while I dragged my feet trying to collect my soul. We left the house at 9 am to catch the bus 30. The timeliness of the bus was quite similar to Houston. The delay ranged from -10 mins to +40 mins :), but nonetheless, the bus took us to the city. When Tutti headed to work I made my morning stop at La Feltrinelli, a bookstore.

The Mighty Pantheon, Rome

In this bookstore, magic happens. Wifi- breakfast and of course books, wonderful books. Rome’s history, Italy’s political evolution, travel in Italy, secret places in Rome….. I can go on and on with the titles.

One morning, they inspected tickets. I did not have mine – so I tried to mischievously solve the problem and ended up with a 54 Euro fine. Tutti almost got a heart attack about this incident, bless her heart.

I had such a lovely time in Rome, I went to the Vatican, had a dinner at Jewish Ghetto, visited through Colleseum, Terraverse walks, and did some shopping at Campo Fiore…..

My Italy trip was about friendship- from the wedding, spending time with close friends, and learning to share. Bella Tutti taught me the most precious things like sharing….. share with others. This concept was foreign for me. Of course, I share with my family and close friends. But to share beyond the close circle that was something else. I am committed to following her teaching….. to share and to be willing to learn about others and accept them for who they are, without judging them, without prejudice, but with an open heart and positive feeling.

People are not perfect, but beautiful as their own. Appreciate God’s masterpiece and enjoy the life that He created for us……. Ciaooooo