Belle Italia

Posted by Nithin Coca

Internet Access is hella expensive in Italy. Seriously. In Lucca, I paid 4 euros for 15 minutes of internet. So, even though this website means a lot to me, I wasn't about to pay an extra 4 euros to post an update.

But it has been one interesting and exciting week. I've gone from one side of Italia to the center of Slovenia, from Central Europe to Cinque Terre, Venice to the mountains. Through rain and shine, I've perisisted. And now, I'm back in Florence, reflecting on Italy and what it was.

But who cares about that? I know what you want...photos! And voila, here you are!







Crazy Italians and their graffiti, which, by the way, is EVERYWHERE.












Venice was like a romantic, picturesque Disneyland, full of tourists all with maps in hand, walking from ride to ride, overpriced restaurants and stands everywhere touting souvenirs. This was the "Gondola" ride, which cost $62 (too much for a budget traveler.








A few more days in Italy, and then, I'm off to Spain on the 12th, via night train, to Barcelona. Then officially begins portion one, as the next 2 months will be spend on the Iberian peninsula, with a dip or two into Morocco. Expect more updates and such! And, of course, everyone is free to email me at excinit{at}gmail.com.

Week One Update

From Venice, Italy

I'm writing this from a very overpriced internet cafe in Venice. The last few days have been, without a doubt, eventful, from eating the best mango gelato in Milan, to talking to a hyper Italian girl on a train who was going across the country to confront her boyfriend, who broke up with her via phone. The last two days have been in Venice, a beautiful but horrendously expensive and touristy city. Its more like a Disneyland than any place I've been in the U.S.

Longer update tomorrow, when I shall check in from Slovenia...or Croatia, not entirely sure yet. Ahh, unpredictability!

Italia, Here I Come!

Yes, I know, this portion is supposed to be the "Spain, Portugal, Morocco" portion. But our portions are uneven. So I'm starting my trip at the boot that longs to kick siciliy, but fails - Italy! My brother is currently spending a semester studying abroad in Florence, so me and mi familia are going to visit him. Except, when they leave, I stay, chill in Italy for a few weeks more, then jet off to Spain.

I'm leaving in three days. I promise to post regular updates and post photos as frequently as possible. Also be on the lookout for fantastic stories. And please, click on the "leave a comment" button and leave a comment!

Nithin Coca