If you’re reading this blog, there is a good chance you know me and have therefore met my parents.  If you’ve never had the opportunity to make their acquaintance, let me tell you now you are missing out.  My parents are the best and I realize it more and more every day.  When I was beginning to think about this trip, they were nothing but encouraging and supportive.  They, of course, had hesitations (like any caring parents would ) but most were related to my safety. Questions like “Will you spend the whole time alone?” not questions like  “Are you legitimately out of your mind to quit your job?”

As I planned this adventure, there were numerous times I was overcome with pre-trip anxieties.   I would call my parents and essentially try to convince them to talk me out of the whole thing.   One night after an hour on the phone  discussing details with my dad  I said, “I don’t know Dad.  I think this is maybe too crazy.  Quit my job, sell the car, sublease the apartment?  This is insane right.  Totally financially irresponsible.  It just seems like too much right?” My dad didn’t take the bait.  “Theresa if you want to do it, then do it.  Travel when you are young.  People spend more money in one day buying a car out of their price range than you are in a year.  You’re not going to regret it.” The best.   Often times I would get questions from people about what my parents thought about this whole thing.  I’m not sure what they expected my answer to be but usually it was “My parents are more excited about this trip than I am.”  After leaving San Diego, I was on the East Coast with my parents for two weeks before heading off to Spain.  During that time it was all hands on deck.  My mom, dad and sister were running around for me picking up last minute supplies, booking hotels, and researching details.  It takes a village to send Theresa on a trip apparently.

After Sicily, I flew to see my parents in Rome.  These two crazy kids are now retired so they average at least two trips a year.  It’s a fairly common occurrence for me to call home on a random Tuesday and chat with mom about what’s new.  The typical response is: “Oh not much honey. We are just packing because your father and I are leaving for Paris/Vienna/London/Frankfurt tomorrow on a walking tour/train trip/river cruise.”  Needless to say, it was not a big deal that they were in Europe the same time as me but it was quite special that I would be able to join them on their travels for a few days.

For this trip, my parents were with a tour group with whom they often travel.   It’s an ideal situation because the trip details are essentially planned for them.  They go with a group from their hometown and a leader  who serves as a travel agent and tour guide combined.  It’s a great set up because they can do as much or as little with the group as they want.  My parents being the rogue European travelers that they are, do many things on their own.  For this reason it was quite easy for me to slip into the group.  The group consisted of about 20 people all over let’s just say 50. Everyone was so sweet and to say I fit right in would be an understatement.  “Who’s up for a little gelato and music in the square?!”  Honestly, it was such a treat for me.  After many weeks of planning and figuring out details, it was so nice to just follow a group.

The first few days were spent in Rome visiting all the sights.  The Vatican, Coliseum, Roman ruins, Pantheon and about 100 cathedrals.

Next we took the train to Siena which is an amazing city with, quite possibly, the most beautiful piazza in Italy.  We spent time in Tuscany, wine tasting and touring different small towns.

We ended the trip in the small town of Lucca near Cinque Terre.  I loved this place.  Super tiny and adorably cute town.  We spent one day biking around the city and the following one in Cinque Terre.  Is Cinque Terre the most awe inspiring place on earth or what?  It was so much fun walking between the towns and taking in the ridiculous views.  I kept pondering if these houses on the cliffs actually went up for sale or if they were just passed down through families generation after generation.

After a fabulous time with my parents I was ready to say goodbye, adios, ciao, au revoir to Europe.  I had spent an amazing 6 weeks there and I ended on a high note by seeing my family.  I was ready for the next phase of my adventure!