“Island of the Lilly”

Wrapping up a sassy-successful voyage. After nearly three weeks, we’ve been able to better absorb and reflect. Funny thing…you tend to idealize coming to a place like Italy. And trust us, there is certainly a hella idyllic scene here. However, you also start to see the raw, real aspects of an old, genuine, diverse and struggling culture. Italy does not solely exhibit the fantasy, Hollywood version of itself (although, that fantasy does certainly play itself out), rather, you take notice of the challenges people face, the struggle between growth and tradition and the unflinching similarities to what other nations and communities are experiencing. At some point, we began seeing more of the similarities than the differences…the aspects that make us all global citizens in the same struggle…in the same party.

Isola del Giglio (“Island of the Lilly”) was our final, full stop of the trek. An outrageously superb recommendation by a friend, that offered us an opportunity to escape the crowds and kick back before we head back. Giglio is a small, relatively isolated island off the coast of Tuscany. Outstanding swimming, loads of quiet roads and trails to hike and amazingly quaint villages. We shacked up at a Gioia Apartamenti run by Maria and her hubby. Newly build, beautiful and ideally located in Porto Giglio. We had small studio apartment on the basement level that was perfect (the upper levels had large patios and outdoor BBQ’s…perfect for a family getaway). Our first night, we grabbed dinner at a hopping seafood joint called Restorante La Margherita. Giglio was a place where Italian tourist went, so very little English was spoken. We just went with it and had a great time struggling through conversations. It was actually refreshing and really enjoyable. Had a great locally produced white wine, spaghetti, Carrie tried an unknown, freshly caught fish and we topped it off with a sweet grappa.

We spent the next two days hiking, exploring and finding the perfect rock to lounge on and swim off of. The water was crystal clear, refreshing and totally romantic. We ventured up an old trail to Giglio Castello, a bustling village that truly did feel like old Italy…children scurrying around the tiny streets, older Italians on benches conversing and gossiping, shop owners tweaking their displays in preparation for the day’s visitors…café owners setting up tables. We found an art and jewelry shop that had some amazing handmade pieces. Central Porto Giglio had scores of shops, restaurants and cafés all with ample opportunities to sit and people watch as boats drifted in. Two nights in a row we ordered scrumptious take out pizza from L’Angolo Di Napoli. Our last full day, we scrambled down some rocks and found a little nook on the corner of a small cove…perfect for lounging and swimming. Spent the whole d

ay there, read, napped and swam. That evening we, grabbed a couple of glasses at Pierina Bar and watched the sun set over the cliff. Giglio also provided the best gelato in Italy. Yep, Bar Fausto…well, maybe tied with the place in Greve. But Oh My Snap, Fausto had some tasty cream.

Our Italian sojourn concluded with one last afternoon/evening in Rome. We bodysurfed the massive crowds to quickly peer in the Pantheon, watched the sun set on the Spanish Steps and grabbed a wicked late dinner at Ditirambo. Yeah, we couldn’t resist. Our first dinner in Italy was so memorable, we needed a repeat. And it did not disappoint. We ended up having the same dishes (Carrie had a fresh ravioli and I had a vegetable lasagna drizzled with a light cheese sauce). Had a stellar bottle of Tenete Silvio Nardi, 2005 Brunello. Sublime way to sign off.

The next day we flew to Dublin for a quick, 22-hour layover and visit. Hung out with Carrie’s stepbrother Charlie who graciously took us on a long walking tour of the city…through Trinity College, past the capitol…long stop at Butler’s Chocolate Café. We ended up at the Ferryman’s for a drink.

It’s difficult to comprehend that we just experienced all this. We are two grateful souls. A seriously funky thank you to our friends and fam for the crazy perfect recommendations…most of which shaped our very successful trip. And most certainly, thank you to our co-workers, whom shouldered the added load.

Fino alla volta prossima…

Charrie

Dialogue as we strolled down a hill in Giglio. Chad: “You are what you eat Carrie.” Carrie: “Well, I have no problems being gelato.”