Italy

It was a long way up but well worth it. The Italian Dolomites are just a short trip away from Venice. I wore as many layers as I possibly could but still experienced a special kind of cold up there. I’m not complaining…The Dolomites have been on my bucket list for many years and they exceeded every expectation. These mountains lie on the Italian-Austrian 🇮🇹 🇦🇹 border and surround several manmade lakes like the Santa Caterina. They played an important role in World War I (The Italian army sought refuge in the caves from the weather when fighting the Austrians - but many still died due to extreme temperatures and winds). Despite the cold and terrifying edge-of-cliff driving, I would not change a thing about this adventure. I encourage anyone passing by Venice with a few hours to kill to take a Dolomite tour. But, remember ... even during the peak of summer, it will be extremely cold up there.

A lot happened in one night… I missed a few trains, fell asleep on another train, almost walked into a military base, and slept outside on a bench. But like I always say, it’s these type of situations that make traveling fun.

How I mistakenly prepared and served dinner an hour early working as a chef for a six week Work Away experience in Monteleone d'Oriveto, Umbria, Italy.

Here’s my guide to a full day in Milan on a budget; perfect for students and backpackers. Between the castles, museums, cathedrals and the availability of phenomenal cheap coffee, Milan will keep you entertained.

"I had never set my eyes on a sky so blue and water so pearl-like before. The buildings are magnificent. Even in their battered, crumbling, antiquated state. It allows you to envision its history playing around you. I could see Casanova tiptoeing on the wall’s edge of Doge’s Palace. I could see Marco Polo getting ready to set sail for the East."