postcards | Firenze, Italia

In July, Luke and I took our first ever trip to Europe -- spending two weeks between Italy and Croatia. I took a million pictures, and being that it took me 3 months to even find the time to share them, I'm going to break all of them down into a few different posts over the next few weeks. The first stop on our trip was Firenze, where we spent 3 nights/4 days. Firenze was breathtaking. I wish I could put into words our experience, but I think pictures do it better. Bellissima!

Buongiorno! Breakfast at our hotel (those croissants were the most amazing thing I've ever eaten) // View from our hotel room balcony

From the top of the Campanile. \\ The day that we decided to climb the 414 steps of the campanile, it was 100 degrees outside. We got an early start, beat the lines, but unfortunately not the heat. We were both sweating profusely by the time we reached the top. It was well worth it for the view and the experience. After we climbed back down we got in line to tour the Santa Maria del Fiore cathedral itself, but mistakenly got into the line to climb the Duomo (dome). We didn't realize until it was too late, so we climbed an additional 463 steps to get to the top. I was claustrophobic, and the heat was unreal, but once we reached the top I realized my jello legs were worth it for the amazing view. Even just seeing the inside of such an incredible structure -- Brunelleschi was truly a genius. We ended an exhausting and incredible day with vino and pizza...because what else would you do?

postcards | saint john usvi

Luke and I were lucky enough to travel to Saint John USVI for one of our good friend's wedding. We were able to spend a week on beautiful beaches, drinking tropical drinks (and a good amount of Virgin Island rum), and catch up with our oldest of friends. It's not everyday you get lucky enough to do that. We lounged in the sunshine and waded through the crystal blue waters of Trunk Bay, spent time in Cruz Bay, and hiked Ram's Head Trail (which I cannot recommend enough). We had such a great time, and cannot wait to plan another trip with our friends in the future.

This image is the view from one of the villas we rented for all of our friends. It overlooked Chocolate Hole and I pretty much felt like I was lounging in a post card. The beauty that covers and surrounds and makes up these set of islands is just magical.

postcards | prahbupada's palace of gold

For our two-year anniversary (one June 2nd), Luke and I took a day trip to New Vrindaban, WV to visit Prahbupada's Palace of Gold. It's a fascinating place that you would never imagine finding in the hills of West Virginia. Dedicated to Swami Prabhupada, an important Hare Krishna spiritual teacher and scholar, it was originally being built as a home for Prabhupada's visits, but was not completed before he passed away, so his loyal followers finished it as a monument and tribute to him.

We had a really great time visiting -- learning about other cultures continues to be one of my favorite things about traveling and living in a new place. I'm so happy that I'm married to someone who feels the same way. I can't wait to travel the world with you, as there is no one else I would rather do it with.

xo

postcards | tulum + xcaret

I was digging through some boxes yesterday and I came across the two disposable cameras that Luke and I had from our honeymoon. Somehow we'd completely forgotten about them in our whirlwind of newlywed-ness. I brought them in and got them developed, and while they aren't great quality, it's really nice to look through them. It brings me back to our honeymoon and lets me reminisce a bit. These are a few of the ones that turned out best. All of these are from one of those dinky little waterproof cameras. We purchased them for our time at Xcaret and our catamaran trip to Tulum. :)