Our last stop in Italia!! and Gelato mmmmm

James and I arrived in Italy at around 7:30 pm local time. I was probably the most nervous about Italy. I spoke NO Italian and James said he only spoke a little bit. And the town we were going to (Alghero on the island of Sardinia) didn't seem like it was a place where people would speak English. And it wasn't a well traveled popular destination for young travelers from North America like ourselves. First of all, smallest airport ever. And the bus to the city center only cost 75 cents!!! And there was no clear bus schedule. So we waited with other people that seemed just as equally confused as we were. And it was so HOT outside. I immediately took off my sweater and rolled up my jeans. The sky was so blue! Good bye bad weather!!!



Finally a bus came that said it was going to the city center and not the beach. I don't know where that was on the map, but I figured we would be able to walk the city wasn't that big. After a little walking but not too much trouble, we found our B&B! Because the city wasn't large and not a lot of young travelers went here, there were not hostels. So we stayed with a woman named Anna, super sweet but didn't speak a lot of English. She was able to communicate the essentials to us about towels and breakfast.

After settling in, James and I decided to head out and explore a bit. It was now that I learned that James spoke Italian well. He could speak a little bit, and understand even more. He asked Anna where we should go get gelato and she responded and James seemed to understand. I understood none of it and he explained to me that there was a festival going on and we should head there. So all of my previous fears were now calmed.

We headed out. It was a bit of a walk but not bad. It was so cute with shops lining the street. I was surprised at how much was open at 10 pm at night. ALL of the shops were open. People were still eating. Young kids were running around. And it continued for most of the night. Even at midnight, when James and I began to get tired people were still out and about.



After passing several gelato shops it was time for me to taste what I had heard from so many people was like heaven on a cone. I ordered peach and watermelon. The watermelon was good, but the peach was AMAZING. I LOVED it. I could eat it everyday.



James and I headed back to the hostel fairly early for us (around midnight) and decided to wake up at 8 a.m. the next morning for breakfast. Breakfast in Italy consisted of bread and jam and some coffee cakes, so nothing really substantial. A couple from Sweden was also staying at the hostel and they ate breakfast with us as well.

We then took off for the beach! Bought one of those straw mats and a towel and just laid out. African people walked around trying to sell sun glasses or clothes... and you could tell who wasn't from Italy. James and I had to be some of the whitest people there. But that was all about to change. Put on some sunscreen and bummed on the beach. We also went swimming a little bit to a rock a bit away from the beach. It was great fun. Once again though, no waves and plenty of nudity...





We had Italian food for lunch and then went back for more sun. James was a LOBSTER by the end. I was a little red, but nothing like James. The next day we decided we probably needed an umbrella.

Note: All other places I visited had all different kinds of foods from different places around the world. Italy though was almost all Italian!! The Italians really love their food, and so do I!!



After showering at the B&B and talking to Anna, we headed out for a nice Italian dinner and some wine from Alghero and then to the carnival (and of course, more gelato!! We stopped at least twice a day). It was a wonderful night and James' and my last dinner together, given the next night we would be on a plane and would probably have to eat at the airport.

I think it was then that it really hit me that I was leaving Europe and going home! James and I had become really good friends, and I knew that I would miss him when I came home. How could you not after spending almost every waking second with someone for the last week!!

The next day Anna gave us an umbrella and we headed for the beach. We frolicked in the water and even buried each other in the sand (everyone was staring at us for sure). This time we made sure to put on sunscreen (James said if people didn't think we were a couple before they did after we put sunscreen on each others back hahaha).



It was a great last day. We then headed for the airport still sandy and in my wet bikini. We got there VERY early especially since it was so small. I was able to change before we got on the plane but I'm sure we stunk for the plane ride.

We didn't get to London until 11 pm and by the time we got to Liverpool St. Station we were able to grab the LAST subway to our hostel. All we had time to do was shower, and check the internet for the first time in a week.

The next morning we woke up early enough for me to repack my suitcases and then grab and English breakfast of sausage, toast, fried tomatoes, and eggs. I couldn't eat... I don't know why. Maybe because I knew I was leaving an experience that I valued so much or leaving a great friend that I appreciated so much.

I wanted to get to the airport early because I heard Heathrow was a nightmare. James had to leave at about the same time I did, so he helped me with all of my luggage to the subway. I remember looking at the time as it counted down for my train. With one minute left I gave James a big hug, thanked him for everything, and got on the subway. I was definitely sad but I knew I would see him again, sooner or later.



Everything in Heathrow went smoothly, and I made my flight with no problems. I arrived home after about 24 hours of traveling (and of course not sleep. I can't sleep on planes!!). I was waiting at baggage claim and my mom and dad, and best friend Nicole sneaked up behind me with a sign and balloons. What a great welcome home. It was great to see them!!



After I finish posting pictures, I'll give one more blogpost as an overview of my experience....