After spending two weeks in and around Milan, I thought I’d never see the beautiful countrysides of Italy again…until Salgareda.
Town square.
The family I stayed with lived in an enormous home which also substituted as a lumber yard and agricultural store. The entire house was surrounded by corn fields and beautiful views. Plus, everything is just a bike ride away (which is the main mode of transportation when going around town…my dream come true). I don’t think there are rental places though because it’s not much of a tourism town.
Gorgeous when the sun is on its way down.
my backyard in Salgareda
Swinging in the front yard with Giorgia, my host sister.
biking around the tiny town with my host family
I doubt any traveler would come visit Salgareda based on reading any guidebooks, but nearby is a little city called Oderzo which is more populated. There are a few reasons I loved Salgareda. First of all, the people in the town were warm and welcoming. Second of all, there was plenty of cheap wine at tiny local bars with friendly service.
Third of all, the food was delicious and the overall quality of life was very high.
The mozzarella & salami platter I ate on the first night. OMG.
If you order a pizza americano, you will receive a cheese pizza with french fries and hot dog on top. Because apparently that's what we eat in the states on ours.
While in Salgareda, I visited the surrounding areas including Treviso (old and GORGEOUS) and Jesolo beach. I also went to the mountains for a family barbeque, which was only about 30 minutes away.
Family night in Treviso. Went to dinner at a restaurant with a see through floor over a mini-waterway. Amazing.
All American barbecue in the mountains. Hamburgers, hot dogs, chicken, watermelon, the works.
Hanging with the girls after watching them rehearse their choreographed dance to each and every Lady Gaga song.
The family pic. So cute.
Welcome to the beach of blue emotions??
Empty beach...but it was near sunset.
Order a spritz on the Northeast coast of Italy...a milder version of a Negroni.
Another great part about Salgareda is that it’s only a short train ride (30 km) away from Venice. So I took a little day trip one Sunday afternoon with friends. There are a few ways to describe Venice. One of them is annoyingly touristy and overpopulated. Another is that it’s absolutely beautiful, unique and easy to get lost (physically and mentally) in.
I really hope Gangster Bush is a gang in Venice...because that's hilarious.
Tutors in Venice
Gondola rides are expensive...but I guess part of the overall experience.
OR you can take a gondola ride across the canal (about 2 minutes) and have your freaking camera ready to take tons of photos to pretend you were on a "down the canal" gondola ride. This way its 1 euro for 2 people. Riding dirty.
Eat the biggest meringue you've ever seen. And get it in your eyes, hair, clothes, and a little in your mouth once you take a big bite. Totally worth it.
Drink 3 euro glasses of delicious vino rosso overlooking a beautiful canal.
Go to St. Mark's square and feel hot and suffocated. But then leave after photo opps.
Let a germ-infested bird nearly take a shit on your arm. Why is this a tourist attraction in Venice? Why did I do it? Just because. Ps. you don't have to buy the bread crumbs...just hold your hand like you have some in it. Save a penny.
Take a boat ride. Not that expensive. Pretty & breezy.
Basically, close the door b/c your poop stinks. Saw this at a cafe.
Take turdy, touristy photos of yourself in front of any and everything.
Take pics of nuns. They are everywhere. Possibly my favorite hobby.
Despite the awful tourism aspects of it, Venice is definitely worth the trip. If you are traveling on a budget, buy a bottle of wine and a kebab and just walk around the city for a day. If you are traveling with big bucks, get yourself a nice hotel and live it up properly. There’s no telling how wonderful Venice could be in a fine dining restaurant and 4 star hotel. It’s not exactly a budget traveler’s paradise. But you HAVE to go…because it’s Venice.
