Without a lot of planning ahead, a girlfriend and I are spending 2019 in Italy!
An. Entire. Year.
Except, well, not really.
It all started last autumn, when we exchanged birthday gifts. For years, she and I have occasionally talked about going to Italy together for a vacation. It's been on Ye Olde Buckete Liste since approximately 2003, when the movie, Under the Tuscan Sun, was released.
But you know, life being busy, and then throwing giant curves into our paths, we hadn't gotten there. Until this year!
But back to the birthday gifts...
I gave my friend a big page-a-day calendar of Italy. She seemed to be thrilled with it, and I was delighted to have given her something she would enjoy.
When January rolled around, once or twice, she took a phone photo of the calendar page to share it with me. I decided this was our chance to be sure we experienced Italy together. (Life being short and uncertain, you know.)
So I ordered myself a copy of the calendar, and also a copy of Rick Steves Italy 2019. (The paperback version; it sits on the desk next to the calendar.) Each day, we see the same bit of Italy "together" - she in her office, and me an hour away at my writing desk. Some days I share a bit of Mr. Steves's tour info with her.
So far, this year-long trip is pretty awesome, as well as deliciously affordable. And look! One of us is going to ride that bike into the sunset...
USA Today Bestselling Author Magdalena Scott writes sweet romance and romantic women’s fiction. A lifelong resident of Small Town America, she invites readers into her world to find out what’s hidden just below the surface of those tiny dots barely visible on the map. Romance, mystery, and the journey to be one’s best self are all part of a day in her neighborhood. Readers have commented that they’d like to move to the imaginary towns Magdalena writes about, which she takes as high praise indeed.
Magdalena is a practicing minimalist, having downsized from a 3,000 square foot house to a studio apartment, where her Giant Closet continues to resist taming. When not writing at home or spending time with family and friends, she loves to travel–carry-on baggage only–and is always pleasantly surprised at the kindness of strangers.
Website: https://magdalenascott.com/
Fun post, Magdalena. Just think--a one year trip to Italy! (sigh) Rick Steve writes great travel guides. We used his Paris book when we visited France for a home exchange last summer. :)
ReplyDeleteI'm glad you enjoyed the post, Josie! ;)
DeleteI love Italy and would love to go back.
ReplyDeleteMargaret Daley
I hope you get to return to Italy, Margaret!
DeleteMargaret, what a fun way to share Italy with someone. I went on a cruise that made numerous stops in Italy. We have friends who go back there almost every year. I might think of going back, but there are so many places to see. I always think I'd rather see some place new rather than go back. We have used Rick Steves for lots of info when we've been traveling in Europe.
ReplyDeleteMerrillee, I always love your trip photos. I'm like you, preferring to see new places when possible instead of doing the same vacation annually.
DeleteFun way to travel. Even better when you can share the experience with your friend.
ReplyDeleteThank you for reading, Kristin. Yes, it has been fun. Now my friend is adding YouTube videos to the experience. :)
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ReplyDelete