Cinque Terre

We dropped by Vernazza for a few days during our honeymoon. It's been 11 years since I visited this magical place, and the hordes of day tourists haven't diminished the beauty and allure of this tiny little town. After the crowds have deserted the place, I caught some quiet moments - after indulging in a plate of freshly caught seafood and handmade pasta, of course!

Street view from our apartment, on the main drag.

 I was enchanted with all the bright, cheery colors that splashed across each doorway, wall and storefront.

 A cafe by the harbor, after the dinner rush.

The licking area by Stalin Gelateria. The name is most rather unfortunate, but the gelato is delectable.

 

La Dolce Vita in Roma

I haven't been to Roma in over a decade, and it's a relief to see that many things haven't changed in this ancient city. We were on a hunt for some artisan gelato in the Pantheon area (yes, there are some bad gelaterias in Rome) on a beautiful, warm evening.

The scene was totally hoppin', even on a weekday night. High-powered politicians were dining in a fancy restaurant - their bodyguards eyed us suspiciously as we walked by. Nearly every person on the street was in deep conversation, like these two sharply dressed men here. Oh, who am I kidding? Everyone is dressed beautifully in Rome.