With summer being so short, I find myself trying to pack everything into this short season - trying to travel here, see these people, hop on this plane, take a train here, rent a car and drive there, brunch with this friend, go out dancing with that friend, stay up late nights, and JAM PACK every moment of every weekend!

Though this is great - I AM TIRED!!!!  And as I write this on my very first weekend not having any plans, I must say it feels good to just do nothing.  So before I go and take a nap (more important than doing laundry), I'll leave you with this:

Enjoy life but don't forget there is so much enjoyment in just being still.

As usual here are some pictures of my latest and greatest food escapades (Brooklyn to Harlem to Washington DC).  Disclaimer to rich food pictures: I have recently begun a clean eating diet, only drinking water (infused with cucumber, lime, and mint), meat serving once/day (small portion) and I feel great.  The exercise portion of this routine will begin next week - progress to be detailed soon!  If you have any suggestions, let me know.  I want to lose weight (about 12-15lbs) and just create a habit of incorporating more healthy items into my everyday diet.  Though, I will not give up my love of burgers and/or pizza!!!!

There are so many things on my mind these days, and life is busy - I'm taking a continuing education course (I'll let you know about it, once I'm done) - that there is soooooooo much to write about.  And I will.  But for now - enjoy the rest of the weekend - and remember, take some time to just enjoy yourself!!!!
 
You will be hearing back from me soon!

Hugs,
Des

Look at the captions for each picture to find out where I ate!

Hello Lovies,

I'm back in the states, wishing I was still writing to you from Italy. 

What an experience the past two weeks were.  I HIGHLY recommend Italy to everyone.  It has become my favorite country by far.  I was surprised by how comfortable and "at home" I felt in Rome.  

Other than being embarrassed by the fact that majority of the people spoke English & Italian and I knew nothing but hello and how much, this trip has made me want to learn a second language and see how I can escape back there again for about 4-6 months.

I cant even begin to describe the food, the wine, the GELATO!!!  I took the advice of a colleague and ate gelato EVERY DAY that I was there.  It was all so delectable and fresh and yummy!  With my favorite cuisine already being Italian, you can imagine my delight when it was time for dinner everyday.  The richness of the olive oil, the homemade pasta, the sauce - THE CHEESE!!!!!!!  I was in a deep food coma just about every night!  (despite the fact that I caught an awful cold and dairy is the last thing I should have been putting in my system).  YOLO!!!!

I say this in hopes that you are inspired to SEE THE WORLD!  Traveling is such an enriching experience - opening your eyes to so many new and great things.  More than just the sightseeing, I felt like I was walking back into time - seeing the beauty and intelligence of mankind from thousands of years ago.  I honestly believe that as far as humanity as come that is also how far we have gone backwards.  Every time I travel to Europe, I have this urge to throw away my phone, and thoroughly disconnect from life; to live in the moment and enjoy the people and things around me; to learn a new language and immerse myself in a new yet deep culture.  A culture built on faith, family, and food.  

One of these days, I might just do that......

Until then,  I will travel, take pictures, live in the moment, and create memories!  And I hope you do the same!

Enjoy some more pictures from my trip and be sure to comment (sorry if they come out sideways).  Let me know your thoughts and opinions.  What does traveling mean to you? 

Hugs & Love!