Tag: travelbug

Venice Steals My Heart

There’s something in the air that makes me fall more in love with Venice every time I visit.

Maybe it’s the history. Maybe it’s the culture. Maybe it’s the art or luxury. Or, maybe it’s the sense of mystery you come across as you walk through the narrow streets.

Whatever the reason is, my heart belongs in Venice.

Early morning by the Rialto

I had never stayed there overnight until this past trip. I usually lodge in nearby cities, like Padova or Mestre, but this time around we spent three nights in this beautiful city and I only wish I had done so earlier.

We rented an apartment which was walking distance to the train and bus terminal, so carrying luggage wasn’t such a hassle. Though, going up and down all those bridges, can get annoying. So it was good to have some man power – thanks bae!

It was also very affordable. Three nights split amongst two couples brought the total to around $380 per couple. Which is a steal, since some hotels can charge that a night! Plus, it gave me a chance to pretend I lived there, even if it was for that short period of time.

Morning views ♥

Waking up every morning to a ringing bell tower and terracotta rooftops was a dream. There was a grocery store around the corner from our apartment so we were able to make breakfast in our straight out of IKEA catalogue kitchen. And with the all day outings, it was convenient to be able to walk home instead of racing against time because you had catch a train back to your hotel.

Saving Venice for last was the perfect way to end our trip. It is inevitably one of my favourite cities I’ve visited and continues to steal a piece of my heart every time I go.

Check below for a few pics I snapped!

xo

Stephanie

Venetian masks

Venetian masks

The Rialto

Piazza San Marco

San Marco

Piazza San Marco

Views of the Gran Canale from the Rialto Bridge

My spirit animal. If only I had room in my luggage to bring you home!

Tip: If you want to capture moments with as few people as possible, then go early mornings. We made our way over the Rialto to Piazza San Marco before 8am. There were already people there, but most tour groups were present by 9am. So I was able to to get some nice solo shots and OOTD photos which you will see in an upcoming post. Stay tuned!

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For more pictures, follow me on Instagram @s_pasquali!

September 5, 2017
Hiking to the Heavens

I’m not one for camping, but I don’t mind going on a nature hike every once in a while. Especially when the views are gorgeous, it’s totally worth the climb.

Now, in Tivoli, there’s a cross that sits on top of a hill that overlooks the town. And I always see it from the train station, but never thought it was reachable. Until one year I went hiking up that trail with my dad and bae. We took a wrong turn and didn’t end up at the top, but after seeing the view, I told myself that next time I’m getting all the way to the cross.

And that I did.

It’s quite the hike since I’m no mountain climber and definitely wasn’t wearing the right shoes (bad moment to break in my new Keds!), but after following the marked path, we reached the croce.

Happy with my accomplishment, it was nice to sit down and soak it all in. There was something humbling about the experience because sitting below the cross were a bunch of papers with hand-written prayer intentions. It made me feel almost connected to those people because even though their home is halfway across the world from mine, we’re all still human and experience the same feelings of life, love and loss.

prayers from Tivoli

prayers from Tivoli

As bae was off shooting a music video with my brother-in-law, it gave me time to take some photos and really appreciate the scenery in front of me. And I don’t know if I was just on a vacation high, or reading some of the prayers, but I swear I had an epiphany. There’s something about being away from home and engulfing myself in a different culture that allows me time to reflect and be stress free, just for a moment.

The past year has been a little difficult for me. Especially from last summer to the first couple of months of 2017. I lost my grandmother and pet chinchilla within 2 months of each other last year. My grandmother had been living with my family on and off since I was about 5. And my chinchilla was my first pet that I had for almost 10 years. So it was really hard to cope, but I had to push through those feelings because there were so many other things happening around me that I didn’t have time to pause and actually mourn.

So I put it aside. I focused on other things like work, because I was hopeful and holding out for a position that I thought I was a candidate for. After months of being told to be patient, and applying and going through the interviewing process two separate times, I didn’t get it.

And that crushed me.

I was so overwhelmed with disappointment that all those feelings I bottled up were starting to surface and I broke.

I desperately needed to get away. I needed a break. So I was counting the days until my trip. And it really helped. Plus, something major happened on this trip that I’ll go into more details in future posts, but I’m thankful I had the opportunity to travel and refresh my mind. And being at the top of Tivoli looking down made me realize I am so small in this world. I can’t wait or count on others to tell me my worth. I have to do it for myself. Appreciate myself. Believe in myself and what I want to accomplish in this life. It’s not going to come easy. I have to work for what I want. Maybe harder than others, but I don’t want to waste anymore time. I don’t want to be stuck in a place just going through the motions. I want to start living my best life, so I can experience more moments like I did climbing to the top of that cross.

The pictures don’t really do it justice, but here are some of the photos I took looking down upon Tivoli.

xo

Stephanie

Tivoli

Tivoli

August 13, 2017
A Sucker for Sunsets

There’s something about a sunset that’s so calming and peaceful. Watching the way the blue sky changes colours within seconds. Blending and intertwining with one another without separation as if they all fit together perfectly. So picturesque.

Though, what I love most about a sunset is the moment the sun touches the horizon. It makes me think it’s something attainable. That if I were to quickly run to the ends of the earth, I’d be able to reach out and feel it with just the tip of my finger… but then I remember that’s impossible because the earth is round. And the earth and sun are in space. And space is infinite. Which freaks the crap out of me. Because how that is possible?!… No? Only me having those thoughts? Anyways!

So I stop thinking about it and come back down to earth.

One of my favourite places to see the sun set in Tivoli is at the Panoramica. Just at the top of these 75 steps from my dad’s house, it’s a long walkway covered by trees to one side, but the other side overlooks all the towns below since Tivoli sits on top of a hill.

And so, watching the sun set here is something I always look forward to. It gives me a moment to pause whatever I’m doing or, wherever I’m going, and just admire.

Here are some of the moments I caught from my most recent trip.

xo

Stephanie

La Panoramica

Sunset in Tivoli

Sunset in Tivoli

Sunset in Tivoli

July 2, 2017
Home Away From Home

I grew up with the privilege of having travel bugs for parents. We haven’t been all over the world, but I’ve been lucky enough to have visited some amazing cities and experience different cultures.

Though, one place that will always be a second home to me is my father’s hometown of Tivoli. He was the only one of his family to have moved abroad and so we go back to visit when we can.

Situated just east of Rome, it’s a lovely town that sits on top of a hill filled, with ancient history, picturesque views and a lively community. Plus, the gelato at every corner is a total bonus!

Here are some moments from my recent visit. Enjoy!

xo
Stephanie

Tivoli

Tivoli

Tivoli

Tivoli

Tivoli

Tivoli

Tivoli

Tivoli

Tivoli

*Note: All photos were taken by me and mostly captured during the early mornings.

June 25, 2017
Less Is More

I have been itching to travel.

It’s been a few years since I’ve been some place new. Last I was on a plane I was headed to Vegas and LA just over a year ago.. As much as I love trips to Cali, I’m in need of some fresh and inspiring scenery.

I blame my parents. They gave me the travel bug. And I’m pretty sure once you catch it, it’s not curable. My family has always been one to go on trips because my dad’s family lives in Italy. He’s the only one that moved abroad. So, every few years we’d go and visit and tour the country. It’s a gorgeous country. I’ve been privileged to experience it. Some may even call me spoiled because of it, but I don’t think so. It’s a second home.

I remember staying at my nonna’s with a friend when I was 17. It was our first time travelling without our parents. My cousins were there and we were arguing over who would do the dishes. I said my friend would do it, and my cousin said no, because she’s a guest. So I said, “well I’m a guest too!” and he said, “no. You live here.”
For some reason that was very comforting to hear.

It’s a totally different lifestyle in Europe. Way more relaxed and a less stressful. Maybe I think this way because I haven’t stayed for more than a month at a time, but the people seem to be more laid back and free spirited.
And I’m in need of a refreshment.
Less wifi, more history. Less PVR, more art. Less worrying about work, more exploring different cultures. Less worrying about weight, more eating delicious food. Mmmm gelato.

Tivoli, Italy

My boyfriend has this tradition on New Year’s Eve, where you pack a bag with your important belongings and at the stroke of midnight you run out the doors and go as far as you can. It’s supposed to signify many travels ahead for the new year.

So come on 2017. Let’s go explore.

xo
Stephanie

January 13, 2017