Vicenza may have been worth this whole trip!

I know Paige wasn't sure what to expect when we went to Vicenza and it was a hassle trying to get there since we couldn't get a room in town due to the International Gold Festival (for dealers) and had to stay in Padova instead but this morning when we got up early and hit the train tracks headed to Paige's birthplace, she was excited with anticipation!

She started her day with a frozen espesso at the train station and if there could have been one time I had the camera out this whole trip, that would have been the time.  NOT what she was expecting.  A bit strong to say the least so actually, all that excitement and anticipation may have been just caffeine. 

We got to Vicenza and immediately took a bus out to the military base where Tim was stationed to see if we could sign in and I could show her where we lived while we were there.  No deal.  Since we didn't have a "sponsor" (basically someone to vouch for us), we couldn't get on base but Paige was at least able to see that it does exist.  We got to see the apartment building we lived in while there and she saw the side walk I must have walked a million times with her in her stroller between the base gate and that apartment.  It was still good even without the visit on base.

Next we got back on the bus and headed downtown.  We saw the famous Messina Burger where Tim made us promise Paige would have lunch.  Found out from the fresh fruit vendor next door (where Paige said she had the best strawberries she has ever tasted) that they opened at 1pm so hit the pavement to get to the Olympic Theater so we could tour that while we waited.  Paige loved this!  It is really the first "museum" type attraction we have gone in and her jaw just dropped.  She got lots of great pictures while there.

We started up the main street and hit a bunch of shops and finally made it to the town square with it's belltower and gorgeous balconied buildings.  More pictures and Paige enjoying every minute.  We started wandering the streets again and finally made it back down to Messina Burger for lunch and Paige LOVED it.  Tim will be happy.  She thoroughly enjoyed her first and maybe last for a while anyway, Messina Burger. We jumped on the bus to head to Mount Berico so Paige could again fulfill one of Tim's requests and hike the Mount Berico stairs to the Basilica at the top.  Let me tell you, this is no easy task.  There are over 800 steps (some sloped and some actual stairs), there are probably more but we lost count.  I went much slower than Paige!  We did make it to the top and got a gorgeous view of all of Vicenza and the surrounding area.  We made it down safely and jumped on the train back to Padova.  We were so beat we didn't even stop for dinner and headed straight to the hotel.  It was certainly well worth the trouble to get here and let her experience where Tim and I started our life together and where she can always call her birthplace in Italy. 

Paige and I heading out from our hotel in Padova

Paige at the Train Station in Vicenza

The statues at the Teatro Olimpico

The stage and amazing back stages of the theater

Another view of the incredible marble work and architecture of the theater

On our shopping adventures

Paige taking a break with her treasures

Her favorite purchase of the day

At Vicenza's town square

Paige fulfilling Tim's first request for her while in Vicenza

Paige thinking that after Panini and Gyro's, helping out with that request can't be all bad! Famous Messina burger = genuine "American" burger, fried egg, lettuce, tomato, mayonaise, provolone cheese, and awesome fresh made bun.  Not too hard of a request to comply with!

Heading out of the city center and up to Mount Berico

Looking down Mount Berico's steps when Paige made it to the half way point (yes, I said HALF way)

Paige documenting just how far behind her I was on those 800+ steps

The basilica at the top of all those steps

Paige enjoying the view at the top overlooking Vicenza (those are the Italian Alps in the background)

Another shot of the amazing view from the top of Mount Berico.  Imagine this in 180 degrees.  Paige took pictures to try to do a panorama when we print them.

Paige and I giving up for the day after the walk up and looking forward to the walk back down all those steps! 

Tomorrow we are on to Verona to see Romeo and Juliet's castle, see you there!