Italy Is Always A Good Idea
I love Italy. Everything about Italy brightens my soul. The food is amazing; the art is breath-taking, everything about Italy is wonderful! Two years ago today I jumped on a plane by myself on a two week exploration to Italy -- with no plan at all. Within my two weeks stay, I was able to visit Venice, Verona, Vicenza, and Rome.
When I first landed in Venice from a long flight from Nashville, Tennessee I was extremely nervous. I didn't speak Italian, I had no cell phone service, and didn't even have the address to my hotel. I rented my Fiat, got in the car, and just my luck it starts to rain. After about an hour I was finally able to get the windshield wipers going, and I was on the road. The good thing about renting a car at the Venice Airport is that you can pay extra to get wifi in the car---all you need to do is download the app Magic Jack, and you can call anyone for free!
If you plan to visit Italy, going without a plan is completely okay! I only booked my trip three weeks in advance. My top two favorite places were Venice and Rome. The funny thing is, is that before selfie sticks became a tend in America they were all over Europe. It seemed like everywhere I went a vendor was walking around trying to sell them, and once I got back to America it wasn't but a month later that we started the new trend. Venice, Italy is not like anything I've ever seen before. It is a town built on water--- pretty much. The bright colored building and the bright green water was a beautiful landscape that I could have looked at all day.
Rome, on the other hand, is probably my favorite place of all. The first sight you MUST see is the Colosseum, also known as the Flavian Amphitheater, it is an oval amphitheater in the center of the of Rome. It was built of concrete and sand, it is the largest amphitheater ever built. The Colosseum was used for gladiatorial contests and public spectacles. The last recorded games were held back in the 6th century. When I was there, they were under some construction, but that didn't take away from the history and the beauty that it held.
Another great piece of architecture was under construction as well, the Trevi Fountain. The fountain is known worldwide for its beauty and the traditional legend that if a visitor throws a coin into the fountain, they are ensured a return to Rome again---- which I can tell you now I will be back to Rome! The opportunities are endless in Rome, there is so much to do, that I could have honestly spent my whole trip in Rome and still wouldn't have seen it all!
Overall, Italy, in my opinion, is one of the best places on this earth. It is like landing in a different world, with great people, beautiful scenery, delicious food, tasty wine, and so much to learn. If you want to plan a trip here, and need to find a place to stay I used airbnb.com--- I shared the link of the apartment that I stayed in while I was in Rome (below). The flight will be the most expensive part of your trip, but save money because the gelato is to die for! (I ate it every day) Taking a trip to Italy is always a good idea, if you start planning a trip to Italy and have questions feel free to reach out to me.
Ciao!
When I first landed in Venice from a long flight from Nashville, Tennessee I was extremely nervous. I didn't speak Italian, I had no cell phone service, and didn't even have the address to my hotel. I rented my Fiat, got in the car, and just my luck it starts to rain. After about an hour I was finally able to get the windshield wipers going, and I was on the road. The good thing about renting a car at the Venice Airport is that you can pay extra to get wifi in the car---all you need to do is download the app Magic Jack, and you can call anyone for free!
If you plan to visit Italy, going without a plan is completely okay! I only booked my trip three weeks in advance. My top two favorite places were Venice and Rome. The funny thing is, is that before selfie sticks became a tend in America they were all over Europe. It seemed like everywhere I went a vendor was walking around trying to sell them, and once I got back to America it wasn't but a month later that we started the new trend. Venice, Italy is not like anything I've ever seen before. It is a town built on water--- pretty much. The bright colored building and the bright green water was a beautiful landscape that I could have looked at all day.
Rome, on the other hand, is probably my favorite place of all. The first sight you MUST see is the Colosseum, also known as the Flavian Amphitheater, it is an oval amphitheater in the center of the of Rome. It was built of concrete and sand, it is the largest amphitheater ever built. The Colosseum was used for gladiatorial contests and public spectacles. The last recorded games were held back in the 6th century. When I was there, they were under some construction, but that didn't take away from the history and the beauty that it held.
Another great piece of architecture was under construction as well, the Trevi Fountain. The fountain is known worldwide for its beauty and the traditional legend that if a visitor throws a coin into the fountain, they are ensured a return to Rome again---- which I can tell you now I will be back to Rome! The opportunities are endless in Rome, there is so much to do, that I could have honestly spent my whole trip in Rome and still wouldn't have seen it all!
Overall, Italy, in my opinion, is one of the best places on this earth. It is like landing in a different world, with great people, beautiful scenery, delicious food, tasty wine, and so much to learn. If you want to plan a trip here, and need to find a place to stay I used airbnb.com--- I shared the link of the apartment that I stayed in while I was in Rome (below). The flight will be the most expensive part of your trip, but save money because the gelato is to die for! (I ate it every day) Taking a trip to Italy is always a good idea, if you start planning a trip to Italy and have questions feel free to reach out to me.
Ciao!
Burgess Falls State Park
Saturday morning, I woke up ready to see the beauty that God created. I packed up my Jeep, called some of my girlfriends, and we were off! Spring is the perfect time to go because it not too crowded. Last year, when I went, I was able to go down a metal staircase down to main falls where I was able to swim and soak up the sun. Due to flooding and severe weather back in July 2015, the stairs and one of the overlooks are not accessible. It was the first time in seven years that they had to close to park down due to all the damage. Sadly, the steps leading down to the falls have not been rebuilt due to funding and resources.
Burgess Falls, is located in Putnam County right outside of Cookeville, Tn. During your visit, you will be able to view four waterfalls that cascade down over 250 feet of elevation. The main falls (pictured above) is the most spectacular! It drops down into the gorge over 130 feet.
Another great thing about this State Park is that you can make a whole day out of it whether you are with your friends or family. There are picnic tables where you can grill out and a playground if you have little ones. The best part of all is you can bring your dogs, just make sure you have them on a leash.
I tried to find their donation website, in the hope that one day they would rebuild the staircase down to the falls, but I was unable to find one. (Please share if you find it) If you are looking for a relatively easy hike, and beautiful views this is a great place to go. If you are looking to get in the water and go swimming, I would suggest you go somewhere else. Below I have attached a link of the park map + location.
Enjoy!
Park Map:
http://tnstateparks.com/assets/pdf/additional-content/park-maps/burgess-falls_park-map.pdf
Location:
Burgess Falls State Park
4000 Burgess Falls Drive Sparta, Tennessee 38583
Burgess Falls, is located in Putnam County right outside of Cookeville, Tn. During your visit, you will be able to view four waterfalls that cascade down over 250 feet of elevation. The main falls (pictured above) is the most spectacular! It drops down into the gorge over 130 feet.
Another great thing about this State Park is that you can make a whole day out of it whether you are with your friends or family. There are picnic tables where you can grill out and a playground if you have little ones. The best part of all is you can bring your dogs, just make sure you have them on a leash.
I tried to find their donation website, in the hope that one day they would rebuild the staircase down to the falls, but I was unable to find one. (Please share if you find it) If you are looking for a relatively easy hike, and beautiful views this is a great place to go. If you are looking to get in the water and go swimming, I would suggest you go somewhere else. Below I have attached a link of the park map + location.
Enjoy!
Park Map:
http://tnstateparks.com/assets/pdf/additional-content/park-maps/burgess-falls_park-map.pdf
Location:
Burgess Falls State Park
4000 Burgess Falls Drive Sparta, Tennessee 38583
ADVENTURE IS RIGHT AROUND THE CORNER
Cummins Falls State Park is a must see for anyone that seeks adventure, and a great time. Grab a pair of shoes that can get wet, a bathing suit, and a backpack full of the essentials; and head to good old Cookeville, Tennessee. To get to the falls, you have to hike down a pretty steep incline, then cross into the gorge, climb over boulders, and other obstacles that might get in your way. After about an hour hike you’re there! Cummins Falls is Tennessee’s eighth largest waterfall in terms of volume — be ready to take pictures!
Before heading on your adventure make sure to check out —-> website: http://tnstateparks.com/parks/about/cummins-falls. Heavy rains often make the gorge trails dangerous and unapproachable, so don’t waste a drive there without checking the website first. If you don’t want to hike down into the water to the falls, you can always take a hike to the over look + its still amazing!
In the summer, this is THE. PLACE. TO. GO.
The Essentials For A Day Trip
-Water shoes: because without a doubt you will be getting wet!
-Eno: There are trees by the waterfall that are perfect to hang out in your Eno and sleep the day away + or enjoy the magnificent view.
-Water: Hydration is a must
-Bathing Suit: For obvious reasons
– Your Dog : I bring my bundle of joy with me every chance I can get! Dogs are allowed at the park, just make sure you clean up after them.
– A friend/significant other: because you need to share this experience with someone, it will be an experience you will never forget!
-Camera! I can never go on any adventure without my GoPro!
Before heading on your adventure make sure to check out —-> website: http://tnstateparks.com/parks/about/cummins-falls. Heavy rains often make the gorge trails dangerous and unapproachable, so don’t waste a drive there without checking the website first. If you don’t want to hike down into the water to the falls, you can always take a hike to the over look + its still amazing!
In the summer, this is THE. PLACE. TO. GO.
The Essentials For A Day Trip
-Water shoes: because without a doubt you will be getting wet!
-Eno: There are trees by the waterfall that are perfect to hang out in your Eno and sleep the day away + or enjoy the magnificent view.
-Water: Hydration is a must
-Bathing Suit: For obvious reasons
– Your Dog : I bring my bundle of joy with me every chance I can get! Dogs are allowed at the park, just make sure you clean up after them.
– A friend/significant other: because you need to share this experience with someone, it will be an experience you will never forget!
-Camera! I can never go on any adventure without my GoPro!
Yosemite National Park
Being a full-time college student, working my own personal training business and trying to have somewhat of a social life doesn't leave a lot of time for adventure and travel. I am on Summer break, and I am taking full advantage of my free time and trying to travel as much as I can. There is something about traveling that is so refreshing for your soul. Tuesday, May 23, I flew into San Francisco, California, then drove about 4.5 hours to Yosemite National Park. Yosemite National Park is located east of San Francisco and is one of the most beautiful National Parks I’ve ever been too. Once you enter the National Park, it is as if you have entered a whole new world full of beauty and adventure. You begin to realize you are just a small part of this huge world, and I say that because the mountains in Yosemite are gigantic! I was blessed with the opportunity to be able to come to this place with one goal in mind; hike up Yosemite Upper Falls. Yosemite Upper Falls is the tallest waterfall in North America and the 5th tallest in the world. It is 7.2 miles round trip with an elevation gain of 2,700 feet. The hike is extremely hard, let me tell you now train for it. I was the one that thought walking on a treadmill on a 15% incline would count as training for this hike. Let's just say it didn’t get me prepared for what was about to come. The hike to the top of Yosemite Upper Falls starts off with immediate switchbacks then continues up and down hill. The trail is extremely rocky, and uneven so make sure to be prepared with some good trail boots (mine are in the link below). The hike ends with switchbacks on the side of the mountain till you reach the top. When you get to the top all of the pain and sweat will be worth it, I promise. Below, is a list of things that I packed for the 9-hour excursion.
Some helpful tips:
I brought anything and everything that had lots of carbs, protein, and sugar to keep me going. To be honest, to finish this hike there had to be a lot of self-talk involved. If you told yourself you were going to make it, you would make it, but If you really thought you wouldn't make it to the top chances are you would turn around. Just know you can do anything you set your mind to! Go out and seek adventure!
If you make it to Yosemite (which I hope you will) share your stories and pictures with me below!
Have a wonderful, adventurous summer ya'll!
- First Aid Kit ( Medium Size)
- Trail Mix
- Peanut Butter
- Crackers
- Cliff Bars
- Go Pro
- Phone
- Beef Jerky
- Bug Repellent
- Eno & Atlas Straps
- Camelbak
- Toilet Paper
- Sunscreen
- Extra water
- Pumpkin Seeds
- Kind Bars
Some helpful tips:
- Be prepared not to have cell phone service
- Bring a variety of clothes because the weather is unpredictable sometimes
- Be sure to eat a large meal the night before your hike (I ate spaghetti and meat sauce)
I brought anything and everything that had lots of carbs, protein, and sugar to keep me going. To be honest, to finish this hike there had to be a lot of self-talk involved. If you told yourself you were going to make it, you would make it, but If you really thought you wouldn't make it to the top chances are you would turn around. Just know you can do anything you set your mind to! Go out and seek adventure!
If you make it to Yosemite (which I hope you will) share your stories and pictures with me below!
Have a wonderful, adventurous summer ya'll!
Photos By: Rikki Raquel & Sarah Thon