Everyone Needs a Little R & R

I just got done talking to my friend that is planning a wonderful vacation overseas; my mother is packing her bags and heading off for an Alaskan cruise with her friends; and a co-worker just took off for a couple of days to one of the casinos on the river. It seems everyone is going on vacation.

Since everyone is heading off for vacation I thought I would book my own travel plans. I planned a trip to the countryside of Italy; specifically San Paolo, Manerbio, Brescia, Lake Como and Milan.

One of the first days driving around in San Paolo, the little town I stayed in. It was quite charming. I even stopped to get some fruit from a Fruiteria.

Friends we made and a favorite restaurant we would go for lunch. (The "we" were team members, and we were over in Italy together for a horse competition.)

A farm house. I took this photo while driving and would never, ever recommend doing that. But when you have to get from Point A to Point B quickly, pulling over for a photo op isn't always possible.

The "we" again, Lauren and John, stopping one evening for our favorite food , GELATO!!!

Como, Italy - trying to find our way to the docks.

More Como, I could have spent so much more time there. As it was I only had a couple of hours and that was spent on the Lake.

This was a chalk drawing the artist was doing right in the square. It was beautiful and very detailed, not to mention large. My camera couldn't get it all in the frame.

Beautiful architecture.

Lake Como. It was beautiful!!!! One day when I become ridiculously wealthy I think I will buy a house on Lake Como. (When I say "ridiculously", I mean I will have to be able to own a small country. )

Beautiful, Gorgeous, Wish you were here!!

This is Milan. I had half a day to discover all of Milan's wonders, and it wasn't enough. I just skimmed the surface. But now I know where to start when I go back!

Castle Sforzesco in Milan. It was beautiful and old.

The inside courtyard of the Castle. To think that this was built without machines, but hands.

Two guards and their trusty steeds came walking out of the courtyard. I first heard the clip clop of the horses shod hooves, and being that I was taken in with my castle surroundings, I thought they were knights. I guess they are knights, just modern day knights/guards/cops.

The Piazza de Duomo which held this lovely cathedral.

An old statue. Because my tour was quick I didn't ever get to figure out who it was.

Ah, I am back now from my 15 minute Italian vacation. It was a whirlwind, but I don't think I have ever eaten so well! I miss the gelato already! Until next Italia, Ciao!!!

P.S. I took this trip last September, but since I have no vacation on the horizon planned I thought a vacation down memory lane would work. Boy, was it refreshing. Next month, Germany!