Day 4: San Marino

Che freddo!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! This is my new phrase. It means, "How cold!!!!!!!!!!" Seriously, this could go down in history as one of the most miserable touring days I've ever had. Who knew that in April it could be so miserable in Italy. Grrr. We visited San Marino today for maybe an hour before we gave up and came home. Luckily, I've been there before, and I'm sure we'll be back, since Fabio's dad only lives 9 miles away. The wind was NASTY and we were the only ones there. No joke.

For those of you who are unsure, San Marino is a small republic (independent nation) of about 40,000 people in the middle of Italy. It sits up on a cliff with a medieval castle snaking along the top. The streets are old and narrow and quaint, and it's one of my favorite places. Unfortunately, today was quite possibly one of the worst days to visit. Sigh. Here are some sad and pathetic pictures of Fabio and me trying to look like we're enjoying ourselves. Ha!

A view of San Marino from Fabio's dad's piadina factory (more about this later):


A view from the top of one of the castle towers:








Fabio's father makes piadine (like tortillas only better) in San Marino and so we got a tour of his factory. He was so proud to show us around. (And to show off his son who lives in America.)



Proud Giulio. We are going to Taranto with 4 bags of these. Yum:


Rewind to last night. We had dinner with Fabio's brother and girlfriend at a restaurant on the beach. It was really fun for Fabio. He hasn't been with his dad and brother since 2007.



In a few hours, we are getting on a night train to Taranto. To top off yet another night of sleeping in the sitting position next to strangers, Fabio and his family are worried about our stuff being stolen while we sleep. Super duper. I'll let you know if we make it alive.

Day 2 and 3: London and Rimini

All I have to say is, why didn't we do the British Museum the first time we were in Rome? When I found out a few months ago that the Rosetta Stone was there, I was so mad at myself for not going. Good thing we had a two day layover in London on this trip. We made up for lost time.

I know that England sure took advantage of the world by plunduring it and taking all their good stuff back to a museum in London, but at least we all get to enjoy it now in the comfort of a free museum. Any part of history you want to see (short of U.S. history), it's there in its fullest form.

As you can see, I had the most fun with the Rosetta Stone (which is a big part of my 6th grade history curriculum, and I intend on using these photos).



This was the only way to get a photo with the Rosetta Stone. The other side, no surprise, was far too crowded with gawkers like me:


Fabio with an Easter Island statue:


We were so excited to find a whole room dedicated to Greece's influence in Southern Italy, and about half the room was about Taranto, including a whole coin collection. This coin has Taras (who Taranto was named for) riding a dolphin, the symbol of Taranto. Fabio was very excited:


A funerary relief from 300 BC that says "Tarentino" (from Taranto) on it:


I was thrilled that they had a fake Rosetta Stone at the end that I could pretend to be deciphering. This should get some "Whoa, Mrs. Ambrosio's" out of my 6th graders:


We arrived in Rimini at 1am this morning. We ate at a pizzeria and have been taken around by Fabio's dad, our tour guide for the next few days. Four words: Italy is not warm.



Fabio's stepmom made us a yummy lunch, but as Fabio put it, "Aren't you a lucky American girl whose Italian inlaws are trying to make a pig out of you." Yes, and thank you:

Day 1: Windsor Castle

*Disclaimer: We're trying to look awake (and Fabio's trying to look warm) after 16 hours of travelling through the night.

It's My Birthday! (In 7 days)

My parents came yesterday for a few hours before they boarded a flight out of Sea-Tac. Even though we only live 3 hours away, it's been 2 1/2 months since we've last seen them. My mom came up the stairs loaded with gifts and cupcakes. It took me a few seconds to realize that they had brought my birthday gifts with them! I was so excited, as I had not been expecting this at all. (My birthday is being a little overshadowed by our trip to Europe...not that I mind!)

My parents are so sweet and thoughtful! I got a cute pair of shoes, a hoodie and a Scentsie candle. Yum. Our apartment already smells like citrus. Fabio decided since we were celebrating my birthday he might as well get my gift out too. He got me my first ever apron! It's called a "Flirty Apron" and I love it! (Notice me showing off my gifts below.)



My mom then informed me that the cupcakes were NOT for me! They were in honor of Fabio's naturalization. (If I had looked closer, I would have realized they were red, white and blue.) Really, who cares! These cupcakes are famous in our family. They were made by the same lady who did our wedding cupcakes, Abbie's wedding cake and Dale's wedding cupcakes, and we still crave them all the time! A dozen cupcakes for less than $5! Oh, so heavenly! Again, my mom is so thoughtful!!!



We then made the trek to Ravenna to our newly found favorite Italian restaurant, owned by two brothers from Taranto! Who knew??? Not us until a month ago. The food is AMAZING. It's a true Italian experience in almost every way! The owners' mamma came out to visit with us. She only speaks Italian is so adorable and sweet. The owner also came out in his chef outfit to make sure the food was ok. Being married to an Italian has definite perks.

On another note, the Europe countdown is in the single digits: 7 days!!! (We're crossing our fingers that the British Airway strike doesn't affect our flight from London to Bologna.) No matter what, it's gonna be sweeeet!

Say Hello...

...to the newest citizen of the United States:

Ironically, we celebrated by eating Mexican food. Nothing says America like chips, salsa and taquitos!