I'll miss the land of free refills

I don't think I've ever truly been on my own, I've always been surrounded by family or friends. Even starting college in a new city I was only alone for a few hours technically, but then I met one of my best friends that night and had a friend from then on.

But today my mom and sister flew back to Texas and I jumped on a train to Pisa, Italy. I have a week before my program starts in Valencia, Spain and it seemed like the perfect time to explore a little more of Italy (because I haven't seen enough this past week!!)

Italy has so much history, Italians truly didn't rush when making their homes and you can see it in all the architecture in every building. It's not just in the ones they deem important, but every single one. It amazes me how Venice functions. Not only are there no cars, but there are so many little alleys and "streets". So thankful to have had our personal guide, Tenley, to show us the local spots as well as the classic touristy areas. I never would've thought I could eat a whole pizza a day and not be dead from a food coma. The pizza and pasta is truly incredible - however the best was in Lido, Italy!!!! Hands down. But I did eat the most delicious pesto pasta in Venice!!

Grand Canal, Venice, Italy

I got to celebrate turning 23 in Bassano with family and I couldn't have imagined a better birthday. A delicious pizza dinner followed by the first scoop of gelato and Tenley and Flavio putting a candle on top of it... then getting to spend a week touring Italy with Alexis and Mom (thank you for skipping school to move me in).

Finally found a leather bag that I loved in Florence (and it was on sale!!) that fit my computer and wallet. We stumbled upon a jazz festival outside the restaurant we dined at and then walked to another gelatería.

• Eat at as many gelaterías as possible
• Always finish your own pizza

Roma -- I now can see how Italians keep their shape and it's from the thousands of steps. Laughing at myself thinking I've ever worked out harder than I've walked this past week. The colosseum and the Trevi fountain are incredible, but was too crowded for my liking. I did find the best chocolate gelato right outside the station and would honestly take a trip just for that again.

Colosseum - Rome, Italy

To see:

• Colosseum
• Román Forum
• Trevi Fountain

Sorrento and Positano really are as breathtaking as they appear in photos!! Highly recommend making your way down there (even if you have to stand in a line for an hour to get there and back)

• Swim in the Mediterranean Sea
• Try a happy hour spritzer
• Boat ride tour around the Amalfi Coast
• Go to the market for salami, cheese and wine

Last Gelato -- Napoli, Italy

Positano, Amalfi Coast, Italy

Pellestrina Island, Italy 

Things learned:

• Always wear comfortable shoes
• Plan the night before because most things leave in the early morning
• Eat your own pizza (because that's what Italian woman do)
• Always go to the bathroom at the restaurants because you have to pay for public bathrooms
• Never say no to gelato or a pizza
• A pizza a day keeps the doctor away
• Backpacks are easier than suitcases
• USA truly is the land of free refills