Exploring Friuli-Venezia Giulia: A Family Adventure in Italy

A Sentimental Goodbye

As our twelve-day journey through the enchanting region of Friuli-Venezia Giulia draws to a close, I find myself filled with a mix of emotions. There's a sense of fulfillment from the incredible experiences we've shared as a family, a touch of melancholy knowing our adventure is ending, and an overwhelming gratitude for the memories we've created. Today, we explored historical landmarks, enjoyed delicious local cuisine, and soaked in the unique atmosphere of this beautiful corner of Italy.

Our final day began in Artegna, a charming town nestled in the hills. After a delightful breakfast at Al Dolcenero, where we savored the local *prosciutto* and freshly baked bread, we set off to explore Castello Savorgnan di Artegna. The castle, with its medieval and Renaissance architecture, stands as a testament to the region's rich history. Wandering through its courtyards, I imagined the countless stories that unfolded within its walls over the centuries. The views from the tower were breathtaking, offering a panoramic vista of the surrounding countryside. It was a perfect spot to reflect on our journey and appreciate the beauty of Friuli-Venezia Giulia.


Explore the historical allure of Castello Savorgnan di Artegna, a medieval castle offering stunning views and rich cultural heritage in the heart of Italy.

To travel is to take a journey into yourself.

Next, we journeyed to Trieste, a city brimming with history and culture. Our first stop was the Trieste War Memorial, a poignant monument dedicated to the soldiers who fell during World War I. The memorial, with its striking bronze sculpture and white Istrian stone pedestal, is located in Parco della Rimembranza on Colle di San Giusto. As we stood there, admiring the impressive design and the panoramic views of Trieste, David and I explained to Emily the significance of the monument and the sacrifices made by those who fought for freedom. It was a sobering reminder of the past and a powerful symbol of hope for the future.


Explore the Trieste War Memorial, a historic monument set in a beautiful park, offering stunning views and a serene atmosphere for reflection.

For lunch, we indulged in a memorable meal at L'osteria Di Tancredi in San Daniele del Friuli. This *osteria*, known for its traditional Friulian cuisine, offered a warm and inviting atmosphere. We savored local specialties, including handmade pasta with seasonal truffles and a hearty *frico* (a traditional cheese and potato dish). The food was simply divine, and the friendly service made us feel right at home. It was the perfect culinary experience to cap off our exploration of Friuli-Venezia Giulia.


Experience authentic Italian flavors at L'Osteria Di Tancredi in San Daniele del Friuli - where tradition meets taste.

As the day wound down, we found ourselves at Urban's Bar in Trieste. The bar was lively, and the atmosphere was electric. David enjoyed a glass of local wine, while Emily and I savored expertly crafted cocktails. The music was upbeat, and the energy was infectious. It was a fun and memorable way to celebrate the end of our trip.


Discover the charm of Urban's Bar in Gemona, where delightful drinks and warm Italian hospitality await in a vibrant atmosphere.

Dinner was at Ristorante Farroni San Daniele, where we enjoyed a final taste of Friulian cuisine. The menu featured a variety of dishes, from *prosciutto* and cheese platters to handmade pasta and grilled meats. We savored every bite, reminiscing about our favorite moments from the trip. The restaurant's cozy ambiance and attentive service made it a perfect setting for our farewell dinner.


Experience authentic Italian cuisine at Ristorante Farroni San Daniele - where tradition meets taste in every dish.

This trip to Friuli-Venezia Giulia has been more than just a vacation; it's been a journey of discovery, connection, and growth. We've explored charming towns, tasted exquisite wines, and immersed ourselves in the region's rich history and culture. But most importantly, we've strengthened our bonds as a family and created memories that will last a lifetime. As I reflect on our adventure, I'm filled with gratitude for the opportunity to share this experience with David and Emily.

I am so glad that we decided to be spontaneous with our accommodation, as it allowed us to fully immerse ourselves in the region. I’ve always felt that travel is about more than just seeing new places; it’s about connecting with the local culture and the people who call it home. It’s about trying new things, stepping outside of your comfort zone, and embracing the unexpected. And of course, it’s about creating memories that will last a lifetime. This trip has certainly given us that.

As we prepare to leave Friuli-Venezia Giulia, I know that a part of my heart will always remain here. This region has captured my imagination and touched my soul in a way that few places have. I'm already dreaming of our return, eager to explore more of its hidden gems and reconnect with its warm and welcoming people.

And with that, our adventure comes to an end. Tomorrow, we will be heading back home, filled with stories to tell and memories to cherish. Thank you for joining us on this incredible journey. Until next time, *ciao* from Italy!

I will miss starting my day with a Tai Chi session in one of the parks here, something that reminds me of my routines back in Stratford. I guess I will have to wait until I am back to resume them.

Looking back, I realize that my initial worry about not booking a hotel was unfounded. It pushed us to be more spontaneous and resourceful. We found some wonderful family-run *albergos* and cozy *agriturismi* that offered a much more authentic experience than any hotel chain could provide. David, with his knack for languages, even managed to haggle a bit on the prices, much to Emily's amusement.

I also learned a few valuable lessons about packing. Despite my best efforts, I forgot to pack a power adapter for Italian outlets and an umbrella. Thankfully, we were able to find replacements, but it was a reminder to always double-check my packing list before future trips. Emily, on the other hand, proved to be a packing pro. She managed to fit everything she needed into a small backpack, proving that less is indeed more.

As we boarded the train to Venice, I couldn't help but feel a sense of accomplishment. We had successfully navigated a new country, embraced a different culture, and created lasting memories as a family. It was a trip that challenged us, inspired us, and brought us closer together. And as we looked out the window at the rolling hills of Friuli-Venezia Giulia, I knew that this was just the beginning of our family's travel adventures.