How to Share a Romantic Afternoon in Florence; Italy

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Sara and Shawn atop the Duomo // Florence; Italy

There will never be enough to say about beautiful Florence, Italy.  A quick hour and a half train ride from Roma, brings you to this Tuscan city. Red rooftops, and cobbled streets swirl around the cities crown jewel; il Duomo. Everything about the city screams romance. The rumble of music, laughter and joy amongst its streets brings warmth. The architecture, captivating. The museums, moving. This is the perfect place for you are your love to explore. Here is an afternoon itinerary full of romance in the home of renaissance.

Wake up slow, have a café and greet the day! Make sure to have a fueling lunch al fresco - you will need it with all the walking this day will entail! Here we go:

The Duomo: Start with a visit to the Santa Maria del Fiore, aka Duomo. This is one of the most popular sites in Florence to visit and rightfully so. This green, pink and white marble structure is a Gothic masterpiece. I literally gasped when our cab leading us into the city, turned to face it. It is breath taking in every sense of the word. There will surely be a line to climb to the top of the monument, and if you should want to challenge yourself with all 463 steps, it is absolutely worth the wait. A few notes I can offer: if you have spacial issues, or suffer from claustrophobia this would be something to consider. At 720 years old, the Duomo was not constructed with the modern tourist droves in mind. You can expect tight spiral, stone staircases, narrow walk-ways, and as you reach the final paces of your accession, very steep steps. Again, all worth it! Tired and ready for open air, walking out onto the rounded terrace is SURREAL. The tattered red roof tops and rolling Tuscan hills in the distance are your reward for completing the trek. Bravo to you! 

When you are on vacation, rarely are there any rules. Stop for dessert before dinner at Gelateria Edoardo (a gelataria that prides themselves on all organic and local options!) on your way out to your next destination, Ponte Vecchio!

Ponte Vecchio:  The Ponte Vecchio is an iconic Firenze bridge that connects both sides of the city. This medieval stone, enclosed arch-bridge hovers over the Arno River and houses small boutiques of jewelers, art dealers and souvenir shops. Grab a couple of postcards, take a couple pictures over the water, enjoy the street performers along the way and continue on South towards your climactic sunset destination Piazzale Michelangelo. There is a lot of walking to do while exploring a city. Refreshing yourself by grabbing a glass of wine at Bevo Vino in the Piazzetta di San Miniato before making your climb up the stairs of Scale del Monte alle Croci......Onto sunset!

Piazzale Michaelangelo at sunset // florence, italy

Piazzale Michelangelo: When we visited Florence last year, I knew before diving deep into the city that I was going to love it. Studying Renaissance Art in both high school and college, I was drooling over this place since the second I laid eyes on it. With the stunning Uffizzi Gallery having arguably the most important collection of the worlds most ground breaking masterpieces, this city knows a good thing when they see it. We found a whole new masterpiece at the top of Piazzale Michelangelo. The Piazzale is much like an outdoor amphitheater inviting you to have a seat on one of its many stairs to enjoy the view. I have made it a point to seek many gorgeous sunsets in my life and I can truthfully say that in 26 years, this was my absolute favorite. 

The rich rust colored roof tops cast deep shadows over the town. The golden glimmering Arno River cuts through the landscape. Clocktower bells ring in the distance reminding you that time is still passing even when it feels like it's standing still. The Duomo, bold and strong, governs over its beloved city. Ugh! I wish I could be there right now! It was a moment in time I will not soon forget. Every person should see this view and know this joy. It's a must!

Once you have come back down from heaven and your feet are firmly planted on the ground, make your way back to the North side of the city over the river. At this point you will have far passed your average "step count" for the day! When the sun goes down, the Italians eat! By now you will surely need it after all the exercise you have seen! For a mellow, no fuss, yet still epically romantic dinner head to All'Antico Vinaio. There may be a bit of a line peaking out of the small storefront, but it is WORTH IT. Build your own pannino to-go with all the best meats, veggies and fresh ingredients Toscana has to offer. Couple that with a bottle of wine, two plastic cups provided by All'Antico and finish the evening sitting along the stone walls in Piazza Del Signoria. The twilight above you, the trickling water of Fontana del Nettuno (Fountain of Neptune) bonding sweetly with the cellist sonata from a talent playing for tips. I can only hope your time is as idyllic as ours was. Savor your bites and sip your wine slowly - this is what life is ALL ABOUT. As you look up at the Palazzo Vecchio clock tower above you, you will notice that you have just enough time to get to Vivoli for one last scoop of Gelato before there close at Midnight. Don't miss out! Vivoli is said to be the best gelato in Florence, if not all of Italy. PRO TIP: At the intersection of Via del Proconsolo and Via Ghibellina there is (hopefully still there!) a random, stand-alone photobooth. Make memories in this one-off time capsule! Our photostrip is my most beloved souvenir of the whole trip!

At the end of a long afternoon we were proud of the distance we had walked, the heights we had climbed, the moments we let sink in hand in hand. I grew closer to my partner that day by letting this city take hold! 

I hope I have painted a picture for you that is desirable! This, for me, was an afternoon that has made such an impression on my heart, on the way I view my moments with my partner, on the way I savor sunsets, on the way I think about life and love and simple joys. If you end up in Firenze, send all my love. I cannot wait to return!

Preserve Your Penny:

  • Purchasing a bundle card could be a good option for a place like Florence with its 100's of museums and sites. See if the Firenze Card is a good investment for you during your stay! 
  • Though I believe it very important to experience a luxurious meal with a Florentine Steak, having a pannino in a piazza is a great way to fill up and save some dough.
  • Our Airbnb in the heart of Florence was exceptional and cheap! Consider this route over a pricey boutique hotel!
  • Eat where the Italians eat. Restauranteurs will try and lure you into their over priced, decent at best establishments, especially around the main attractions. Dig a little deeper - find a place where the patrons are speaking Italian and the menu is hard to read..... thats when you know it will be the better stuff!

 

xx

Sara De.

What to do with 48 Hours In Berlin; Germany

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Waiting for a train // Alexanderplatz Station; Berlin, Germany

Berlin is a special place.  So much history has swept through this capital city, it is only but a ghost of its former self. Berlin looks very different from the rest of Germany; from the rest of Europe even. The landscape have been bombed to bits throughout several wars, leaving very little of the typical "old world charm" seen in surrounding countries. But just because Berlin has lost many of its frescoed walls, does not mean Berlin has lost its beauty. In fact, I felt the true beauty was in that of its modern inhabitants. Warm, progressive, inviting and streamlined; this was Berlin!

If you only have 48 hours in this awesome city, this is what you do ......

Visit the East Side Gallery: The East Side Gallery is a mural and memorial on a 1 mile stretch of the Berlin Wall. This remaining portion of the wall can be found in Friedrichshain-Kreuzberg on MülhenstraBe. Take your time with all 105 works along the wall and really read into the emancipation message shared with each beautiful piece. There is no fee or entrance to view the gallery, it is simply a public monument for all to marvel.

Typography of Terror: With Germany, there is no escaping it's notorious past. It was the home of the worlds most powerful dictator who left a devastating footprint on history and human-kind. Berlin had seen the terrors of war continuously throughout the 20th century and instead of continuing to let it reign power over their lives today, Berliners have stared it in the face, turned fiercely way from the ideals of the past and proven that with love, compassion, and strength they could take their heritage back and create a brighter future for the modern German. The Typography of Terror is a indoor/outdoor historical museum located on the previous site of the Gestapo and SS Office during the 3rd Reicht. This space is a maze of visual displays chronologically guiding you through the rise and fall of the Hitler Regime as well as a portion of the Berlin Wall with relics shining light on their fight to freedom during the Cold War. Advisory: As the internal  exhibit progresses the content becomes far more graphic. I can assume you expect that knowing the atrocities of WW2 but I figured I would still mention. This is a building dedicated to the acknowledgment of Germany's troubled past through comprehensive displays. 

This FREE museum has guided tours and all of its written exhibitions in both German and English. Definitely a place to visit if you should seek solace with the ones lost and communities effected during those portions of history. 

Other notable sites: The Brandenburg Gate, The Reichstag, and the Memorial to the Murdered Jews for Europe.

THE WHERE TO's:

Where to grab a drink: KASCHK! Artisanal coffee by day and Bier pourers by night. I had one of the best nights of my life here in Prenzlauer Berg. Be sure to head downstairs to the basement for some shuffleboard fun! After you started with a few tall and cheap German craft beers, head to Brut around the corner for a classic cocktail. After a good nights rest, head to Roamers Coffee & Booze for a pick me up and idyllic storefront!

Where to grab a bite: Curry at the Wall! When in Berlin you must try their staple dish - currywurst! Besides wursts, Berlin is actually quite the cultural culinary city. We had delicious Thai food at Thai Window Asia, and even felt at home with some American fare across town in Gleimviertel at The Bird, ordering yummy Brooklyn style burgers and chops! Be ready for cash only and a strict medium-cook on your burger. Many places we visited in Europe WERE NOT into the "well done" option.

Where to shop: Berlin has EXCEPTIONAL flea markets. A stroll through the city on any given day can lead you to the treasures and trinkets of your dreams. Some information about the local flea markets and their schedules can be found here.

With only 48 hours, this should surely give you LOTS to do around Berlin. In my opinion, this is one of the most fascinating cities in Europe. The people are kind and eager to interact with travelers. The history: rich and important. The art, music and youth scene: abundant. No matter what you do, give into the adventure! Happy travels!

Preserve Your Penny:

  • Every site that I have listed above is a FREE attraction to explore. The Reichstag is the only landmark where you need to preregister before entry (being that it is the current parliament building of Berlin) - other than that bit of logistics, visiting the Reichstag dome is still free!
  • You get a lot of BANG for you BUCK when it comes to drinking German beer!  No need for fancy cocktails most days! Find yourself a biergarten and make the most of your day enjoying the weather and sharing some sips with friends!

xx

Sara De.

 

 

Solo Hiking the Kalalau Trail; Kauai, HI

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Sara hikes the Kalalau // The Nā Pali Coast; Kauai, HI

I had the extreme privilege of getting to travel to Hawaii for work last year. I had never been to the string of islands before and was thrilled to see not just one, but two tropical paradises! With Kauai on the list first, then finishing off with a stay on Oahu, I couldn't wait! In between working hours, I broke out to explore! This was my first tropical adventure and I was keen to make the most of it. We stayed on the North Shore of Kauai in Hanalei! Kauai is a dream land - with one highway wrapping around the majority of the island you see so much between shores. Surfshops, attractions and more can be found closer to the airport in  Lihue, Wailua and Kapaa. The further North you travel on Hwy 56, the more rural the landscape becomes. Hanalei is a special place. Just past Princeville, a swank resort location for honeymooners and celebrity getaways, lays Hwy 560; a stretch of road leading you over the Hanalei Bridge. The Bridge is the reason Hanalei is so magical. No major freight comes over the bridge making everything in the area Hanalei home-grown.  Shops, family grocers, and simple-life leisures hideaway here; no big business can mess with the Hanalei spirit due to the bridges weight limit.  Perfection!

The Where To's:

Where to Grab a Quick Breakfast: Harvest Market Hanalei! In the back of this organic grocery, they have a little ready-to-order window pumping out yummy smoothies for a morning boost. 

Where to See the Best Sunset: Ke'e Beach. Take the trip to highways end and find yourself at this black rock beach. The sunset is golden and the ocean mist glimmering.

Where to Grub after a Long Surf: Chicken in a Barrel BBQ. Nothing like a full plate of fire roasted proteins after that workout!

I wanted to challenge my solo-exploration skills.  I chose to hike a portion of one of Earth's most breathtaking trails. At the dead-end of Hwy 560, past Hanalei, is Ke'e Beach. This beach lines the entrance of the Kalalau Trial. This 22 mile roundtrip, strenuous hike, is known to be one of the top ten "Most Dangerous Hikes in America" and ranked within the top 20 "Most Dangerous" around the world. Do all of your research before hiking the trail and make sure it is a fit for you. Like anything, use caution and know your limits! The trail can be a day adventure for some extremely experienced hikers. For the average hiker with balls, it would be a 2 day trek, enabling you to acquire a camping permit to spend the night in the Kalalau Valley. 

I knew I was not going to do the whole trail. Personally, I ranked my confidence level at a 6/10 when reading up about the steep ledges, flood mishaps, etc. I told myself I was going to go only the distance I felt safest, and then call it a day! In March, you can expect tropical storms. The sun is very choosey during this time of year. Being that I have never been apart of a tropical storm, nor hiked a high-intensity trail in such conditions, I took my time with Kalalau. The sun was at my back, and doom and gloom was straight ahead. The trail winds and curves jetting you out onto cliffs over looking the most crystal blue waters, and veering you back into the greenest, vine woven rainforest. It was a very fickle storm. One minute it was sunny and rich, the next DOWNPOUR. I remember a specific moment of the trail; All alone, stopped under a canopy; the marble sized rain pelting my body. Warm and fresh. It was so surreal. I was in a jungle, listening to storm-sounds above head that only could be created in that moment. Never again. So amazing.

Wiwo’ole  - fearless, brave, bold, courageous, dauntless, intrepid. Hana wiwo’ole, bold or brave deed, adventure. Mea wiwo’ole, intrepid person, adventurer.

I continued on by myself. The ground, moving almost as quickly as I was, became unstable. The mud was thick, but slick. The last 100 yards or so of my journey downhill was assisted by secure vines hanging from the rock ledge above. With a final spill, leaving me on my ass, I decided it was time to head back. I was approximately at the 6 mile mark and I knew that the infamous 7 mile stretch ahead was absolutely not going to be a safe decision for this hiker. With mud up to my ankles, a sore booty and hip, but with so much pride that I had known and tested my limits, I turned back. Very thrilled with myself. 

The rain continued off and on throughout the journey. Families, solo-hikers, elderly folk and more take to the trail each year because of it stunning beauty and appeal; Each understanding the importance of safety and responsibility. The vistas and viewpoints can't be compared. There were several moments throughout my time out there where I stopped and couldn't believe my surroundings. The hike was ABSOLUTELY one of my favorite moments of my life. It comes highly recommended - all with safety in mind, of course!

So tell me, what is your next adventure!?

The NĀ Pali coast from the kalalau trail // kauai, hi

xx

Sara De

Chimney Rock Sunrise; Point Reyes

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Sara in the Sand Dunes // Photo by: Harry Glazier

Sara in the Sand Dunes // Photo by: Harry Glazier

(Click PLAY below to set the mood! - 1:16 is where it picks up!)

There are certain instances in your life, where no matter how long ago they took place, nor how many fresh memories have happen since, they arrive joyfully welcomed at the forefront of your mind when recounted. They were THAT GOOD. Well, that was this morning - Sunrise at Chimney Rock.

It was a brisk Fall morning. Myself, along with two zestful friends, some photo gear, picnic munchies and the most perfect soundtrack, head to the Northern Most Tip of Point Reyes to be greeted by the dawn; And she was please to meet us as well!

 

I asked my friend Harry Glazier to recount that morning. As much as I enjoy being a storyteller, I love hearing how friends who shared those same moments dream up the details. In his own whimsical way, he paints a portrait of the morning that helps me relive it in all of its immediate wonder. I hope you can imagine your own vision and play along too.

  

Here's Harry: 

 "I think it was the bag of leftover scones that saved the morning. And in all honesty, it took me half of the drive to completely wake up. But once we reached the park entrance, I knew the trip would not be in vain. Sara, Chris and I had been planning our escapade for a few weeks, in expectation of capturing a glorious sunrise on the coast. Point Reyes is one of the few areas on the west coast where you can watch the the daybreak over water, but Mother Nature had a different plan for the morning. Much to our dismay, upon arrival in Point Reyes, we hit a typical West Marin fog spell. I could barely see just yards in front of the car, but with caution and persistence we arrived in one piece at the Chimney Rock trailhead.

    Bundled head-to-toe in canvas jackets, flannels and jeans, we completed the short hike to the bluffs, blankets and (more) scones in tow. Upon arrival at the top, it was as though we had been transported to alien planet. For the first ten minutes, we could have practically swam in the fog. We snapped a couple shots on the edge of a bottomless cliff, then settled on our blankets to enjoy the morning. Just weeks prior, in a similar early morning trip, my friend Rachel had shown me the Icelandic band Sigur Ros, and I knew it would be fitting for our momentary rest. And we were in luck, too! Sara had brought her portable speaker. It was almost like Mother Nature was in the mood for some post-rock too, because the second we began playing Valtari, the skies opened up just enough for us to see the expanse of eroding bluffs and coastal behemoths.

    Openings in a fog bank like this can sometimes only last for a matter of minutes, maybe even seconds. We knew that if we wanted any shots of the sunrise, or something that could barely be considered a sunrise, this was our chance. So I scooped up my camera and we ran, with no destination in mind: the wind to our backs, reeds brushing our calves, slices of sun cutting through our hair. We lost track of time.

    When I look back on that  morning, I cannot recall how long we spent on top of the bluffs. While I know we would eventually leave to spend time on the beaches and later head home, sometimes I still feel as though we never left Chimney Rock."

Following our time on the bluffs, the dunes below were calling our names like vacant playground slides, dying to be ridden. We tore through the heaps of dewy sand, going ankle deep up and over its curved peaks. The view of the coast was breath taking. As the sun beat a little warmer in the sky, burning off the clouds, we set out to picnic at  a deserted beach. Just us, our scones, a block of cheese and the quite whistle of the wind. 

Chris and Sara Picnic // Photo by: harry glazier

I feel very lucky to gave a circle of people around me that share the same importance for documenting memories as I do. This is a cherished one forever.

xx

Sara De

(All full frame photography above contributed by Harry Glazier)