Italy #1: Lake Garda

Ciao! Well as you have probably already guessed I have just got back from a week in Italy and it was fabulous. I've fallen in love with the Italian language, Italian sunshine and Italian dudes. Seriously, us single pringles need to get our arses over there. I stayed in the north of Lake Garda, the biggest lake in Italy, in a picturesque place called Riva del Garda which is a hub for watersports aka lots of dudes with bronzed, shirtless, six-packed torsos. Anyway, I'll divide my little diary into three posts as there is a lot to digest: Lake Garda, Venice and Verona, the latter two places we went to on a day trip.

LAGO DI GARDA

Riva del Garda · The lake is huge · I wish England had buildings this colourful · Cars lined up for the Stella Alpina rally ·  Waking up to the view everyday was alright wasn't it ·  Bastione Castle and the view · In the midst of the mountains ·  Phallic shaped pasta anyone? ·  NUTELLA ICE-CREAM ·  Near-by town of Torbole · I think I'm in love

Surrounded by the breathtaking sheer drops of a mountainous background, with the cool breeze of the water it's hard not to be taken aback by the beauty of Lake Garda. I went for a swim in the lake one day and it was so liberating with the scenery surrounding you (that's if you looked away from the jam packed shoreline. Man, Italians love to sunbathe.) The main way to get around the perimeter of the lake would be to cycle  or walk, the path takes you around directly next to the water so you're never far away from the stunning views.

I stopped at a lovely hotel that opened up right out onto the water and the service was amazing. Food wise, we were treated to a four course meal each night, even dining with the sound of a quintet playing to the guests on one occasion. The waiters were excellent, they ran up and down non stop and could all speak English and German as well as their native tongue. Service out there is much different though; I'd be lucky to get a smile from some waiters here but the Italians were always greeting us with 'buongiorno!' or 'buonasera!' They were all so handsome too. Speaking of handsome, I have decided I'm emigrating to Italy and marrying this lifeguard. Italian guys are clearly doing something that other guys aren't.

See you in Part two!

Italy #2: Venice, Italy #3: Verona

Cave Rave

Today has been hella hot. And what better way to spend your time lying in the sun than with Crystal Fighters transporting you from your back garden to somewhere tropical?

I've been waiting for some tribal, exotic and just generally uplifting music ready for the summer and Crystal Fighters are just that. The band's magical combination of traditional Basque instruments, bass-driven rhythm and electronic synthesisers is so perfect for this gorgeous weather. Released in May 2013, their second album offers a range of diverse tracks that each capture the band's distinct sound; LA Calling just makes me want to bust some tribal moves, Love Natural makes you aware of the band's Spanish roots and These Nights showcases a delicious mix of light vocal harmonies with a drum and bass rhythm.

Wave, the first track from Cave Rave (and try to resist the urge to get up and dance around to this):
 
I implore you to listen to the album, it is so damn cheerful.

Junestagram

Damn good album · Crazy cat lady at it again, they just love me

When I fell in love with a Maori · I'm a walking library · My friends are so friendly

PP is official business · Bought some new albums to get stuck into

I've been such a rubbish blogger this month, two posts just isn't good enough. But I do have a few ideas so July should be better.

As you can see I bought some new albums which I love. Ever since I heard All I Want by Kodaline I've been a fan and the album In A Perfect World doesn't disappoint. I also became very much obsessed with Lauryn Hill and The Fugees this month. Very.

Aside from musical interests, I've been reading a lot more to find the perfect novel for my English Literature coursework and umm-ing and ahh-ing about universities. It's hard to make decisions when you have no focused path for which you want your life to go. Gah. If there is a course that allows me to travel to a different country each month then please, sign me up.

Tippi: My Book Of Africa

Born in Namibia to her French photographer parents, Tippi Degré had a chilhood growing up all over Africa, having animals as friends and living the wondrous life of Rudyard Kipling's Mowgli. This fascinating book documents the magical moments she spent in the beautiful continent. It's basically how I wish my life was everyday.

images via dailymail