VIVA ITALIA

Venice was another awesome experience. The only thing I would do if I could go back would be to PACK LESS. Honestly I didn't use half of the articles of clothing in my bag. I brought two deodorants (most of the days I forgot to put it on or went swimming). We had our first Airbnb in Venice. The host was amazing. There was a flood in her home but by the time we got off the water taxi our host already had other arrangements for us in a nice little apartment close to the town center

We had to pack a lot of Venice into one day. We went on a gondola ride, walked to Peggy Guggenheim Museum which is unfortunately closed on Tuesday unbeknownst to us. It did lead us to other side of Venice which we otherwise may not have seen. We went for lunch at La Rosa Rossa. They had amazing pizza and just to throw in some health we also got roasted vegetables on the side. Finally we walked to the top of St. Marks Basilica.

View from St. Marks looking right onto the Piazza San Marco

Emma and I love the Four Seasons after listening to them for hours on end while studying in school. That evening we went to see Vivaldi performed in a church and afterwards shared a plate of pasta. Splendida Serata!

Always wine

After Venice we spent a couple more days spent in a small coastal town called Fiumicino. Then its off to Rome to meet our Familia!

E

Santorini

I have never stayed in a Hostel before and being the nervous traveler I am had a charming little emotional breakdown by the pool. I am attributing it to flying through the night and then lugging my suitcase to the hostel. Not that long a walk in retrospect but not what I wanted to be doing at 6:30 in the morning. We used Hostelworld and I would do it again.

I have nothing but positive things to say about Caveland and the island. The employees were very nice and if you're open minded anything you need is close by.

Fun tip: you can't flush toilet paper which apparently everyone knew but me

We rented an ATV from Santorini Scooter Rental. The owner Pano was very nice and gave us a great deal because we were renting for 10 days.

I thought 10 days was going to be too much in one place but I think it gave us the opportunity to get comfortable and really see what the island had to offer. It was also relaxing. We have time to explore without heavy suitcases weighing us down. Santorini is beautiful and these photos are only from the first few days!

E

Aries, New Year Fresh Start

I am going to treat my birthday as a New Years because I have been missing in action for some time and I think its a great excuse to set a new goal and get back into whatever you were slacking on much like myself.

Horoscope from the Toronto Star on April 19: 

This year you open up to a new perspective. You might be tenuous as to how you use this new vision. If you decide to maintain the status quo, you will often reflect on the fact that you could create more. Many of you could opt to travel or go back to school as you want to understand and know more. If attached, the two of you find the more you grow, the better your relationship becomes. Your ability to embrace your significant other’s negative and positive traits highlights your relationship. You will see this type of acceptance and love returned perhaps not immediately but eventually.

Finally, if you're going through anything draining keep in mind, It's almost that time of year when this is the appropriate uniform. 

Saint Lawrence Market

Now that I am back in Guelph and out of Toronto every time we go to Toronto we have to make the most of it. I went to the saint Lawrence Market with Taylor the week after we moved out.

Then my parents wanted to see what it was also about. I accidently spent 30 dollars on macaroons. I went up to the counter and said “one of every flavour please!” (Without asking how much they were its not my fault I assumed it was like a 10 for 10 of 10 for 15 kind of deal). What are you going to do, live and learn, or ask before you buy?  Im not going to lie the Atwater Market in Montreal is better and has a bit more variety. It also might have something to do with the city, Montreal for the win. 

Both days were beautiful and we took the go train from Aldershot and Mimico the second time. 

My favourite building and my favourite dad

Expensive but delicious

E

Birthday Boy

Never to old for a birthday party right!? It was Jordan's Birthday, Taylor's Boyfriend, and we all came together for the surprise. Taylor baked some delicious treats, including mini cheesecakes, can we just say, “YUMMMM”. Although most of us can handle our sangria the birthday boy was off to bed before the party was even over.  Surprise parties are the best despite being a lot of work for the person planning it. Taylor’s backyard is the perfect setting for many summertime hangouts.

G Frands

3 amigos

Happiness is

I do not enjoy taking pictures at night most them turned out like the ones below. Taylor and I want to take a photography course but they are so expensive! We are hoping to find someone who loves taking pictures so we can make the lesson more of a hang out and learn a little more about our cameras. 

Happy Birthday little J.

E.

Still Growing in Guelph

I love love love my backyard. This year there is so much going on back there. We planted a garden that is growing beautifully. The only downside is every week there are tons of weeds that we need to remove so they don’t take over. Its exhausting. Next year we are planning on putting hay down because midway through the season some gardeners were giving us tips. Not the be negative but where were you guys when we were starting this little adventure.

I hope everyone is getting time outside because it has been the perfect temperature!

Top: J crew (on sale) Bottom: Forever 21

Straight lines are everything

Zuchini are growing so well! 

Green peppers

The rabbits have been helping themselves to our lettuce but that's fine, there is a ton so we will share

Erika gardener extraordinaire

Hello I live here

This week I took a long weekend and went to Montreal! Although the overall goal of the trip was to help my sister move from one apartment to another it was so much more. The weather was gorgeous. After the move, which was a pretty early morning after going out the night before, we went to the Atwater Market and on a walk through Mount Royal. Despite the fact that I lived in Montreal when I was young and have been there countless times since, there was something about this trip that was different. I attribute it to the weather and my beautiful family. My new obsession with gardening is evident in my pictures below. 

Just like Carrie walking into Heaven on Fifth I took a deep and breath and echoed, "Hello, I live here".

making use of an awesome panoramic moment 

Re-found love for this beautiful city. I highly recommend Montreal in the summer so much to do (and there are no mosquitos)!

E