Leaving Germany was a bit bittersweet as I was saying goodbye to all my travel buddies (wouldnt see them again until home!) but then I was soo so excited to finally be getting to Italy. Hearing so much about it and having lots of expectation, I was a little worried to see if it would be everything I hope hoped. But lets just say it was a LOT better :)

Tuesday 23rd September: Via Innsbruck, Austria which was lovely, it was onwards to Venice. I took Dads advice and kept a look out for that canal and made it to my accomodation fine.

Wednesday 24th September: The next day I explored the canals and winding lanes but unfortunately I was having a bad day and poor Venice copped it and I was off to Florence. After a train, bus and a hike uphill through a forest in the pitch black, I made it into my mansion of a hostel .It was amazing and came complete with vineyard, olive grove and beautiful gardens.

Thursday 25th September: Still feeling a little down and lazy, I spent the next day on the sightseeing bus taking in the sights of the churches, museums, the hills, Fiezole etc all from the comfort (and cold) of a seat. My fav was Fiezole with it beautiful views over the city and the fact I felt like I was in Tuscany.

Friday 26th September: Next day I went and saw Michaelangelos David which was impressive, the cathedral, the river, the bridges and shopping :p Then, on the move again, through Rome and Napoli to Sant Agnello (a town next to Sorrento on the Amalfi Coast) and the best hostel of my whole trip-it was beautiful with amazing dinners for cheap :)

Saturday 27th September: It was up early due to the cheering and I rushed downstairs for the Grand Final. It was weird to be watching it so early and with Italian commentary but was stoked to be seeing it at all. Even more stoked to see the Hawks get up especially as I was watching it with a whole heap of Geelong supporters. I then headed to the city of Pompeii. Free entry (always a bonus) and I was walking amongst almost 2000 year old buildings-it was insane! You couldnt help but notice the imposing Mt Vesuvius in the background. It gave a fantastic insight into an ancient city and the condition of the buildings was amazing. After wondering around for 5 hrs, I headed to Sorrento for a bit of wondering about. Headed back and had a great night just chilling out.

Sunday 28th September: Up early again, this time heading to Sorrento then on the ferry to Capri. It was insanely busy heading up the cable car to the hill but very beautiful and everything I imagined it would be. Then it was up to the very top of the island on a chairlift which was good fun. I explored a bit more, did a massive walk back down and relaxed at the beach. Unfortunately didnt get to visit the grottos as it was too rough but was just happy it was warm enough to go swimming again :p

Monday 29th September: Back through dodgy Napoli as fast as possible and onto Rome. At the hostel, I met a girl,Casie who took me for a little guided tour and some good pizza and ice-cream.

Tuesday 30th September: A good sleep and up early to hit Vatican City and luckily bumped into a lovely old lady who was giving guided tours and had a fantastic tour with her around St Peters Basilica and St Peters Square. Then headed to the Colluseum via some other sites like Trevi Fountain, Spanish Steps etc. Went through the Colluseum and Roman Forum which was amazing then went home to rest after some intense sightseeing.

Wednesday 1st October: Up early this morning, as I had a date with the Pope so was off to St Peteres square where I (with a LOT of other people) went to see the Pope speak and even tho I had no idea what he was saying, it was pretty impressive! Moving on again, up the coast to the little town of Levanto. Pizza, gelato and a beatiful sunset helped me relax then it was early to bed.

Thursday 2nd October: Then early to rise and on the train to Monterosso to enter the Cinque Terre National Park and do the walk between the 5 towns. The clouds looked imposing so I took of with my poncho but I wasnt too worried as I love the angry ocean and the grey clouds although soon enough it cleared and out came the csunshine which was great. Up hills but nothing too strenuous, and through vineyards and pine forest, the longest leg was to Vernazza which was a beautiful little town with a little harbour and a good resting and eating spot. Onwards after the shock of having to use a squat toilet in Italy and I had managed to lose the crowds which made it even more enjoyable. The section into Corniglia was a lot more even and very rugged tho the town wasnt so nice. So keept moving down through the most annoying stairs which, if I was coming up them, wouldnt have made me turn back! It was nice to be so near the ocean and the view up to Manarola was one of the best., Manarola was also a great town and then it as only a short walk into Riomaggiore which by that time I was so exhausted I didnt explore much. Back on the train to Levanto and after a rest and a good shower, I watched the end of the surfing comp which was a perfect end to a perfect day!

Friday 3rd October: Up extremely early on the train to Torino and I was so excited to be going to see my little Italian sister, Stefania. Got to the train station and eventually found her and it was very cool to see her. We walked around the city, catching up, her showing me the sights and meeting her bf. Then it was home to meet the family and out for dinner before heading out for a gig with her bfs and friends bands. Was fun to meet them all and a bit of an adventure because hardly any spoke English but had a great night even tho I nearly frooze to death being a soft Aussie :p

Saturday 4th October: Sleep in the next day then a great lunch followed by lying in the sunshine in the backyard listening to the new Kings of Leon (finally!!). David and Caeser then came and we had coffee then time for Stef to go to work so the boys took me up to the hills and the Basilica of Superga. We then met their friends and drove out to a resturant in the country. It was so random having a 3 course dinner in a deserted resturant in the middle of country with 5 Italaian guys . Had a great night tho with the limited English and wine, it was very funny. We then met up with Stef and hit another bar and had a late night.

Sunday 5th October: Then it was time to go, all too soon and it was very hard to say goodbye to Stef and Italy in general.