Italy Pt. 1- Exploring an Paestum and Agropoli

Beautiful view in Agropoli

Ahhh, Italy! There's no other place quite like it. Very laid back, very passionate for their culture, and very inviting. We decided to end our journey around the world with a Euro Road trip. From Nice, France we drove south to Italy. Along the west coast, we decided to stop in an old Greek settlement, Paestum. Paestum is just south of Naples. We stayed for 4 days and truly enjoyed our time and the food! We ventured to Agropoli, a beautiful seaside town on a hill. We saw ancient Greek ruins and relaxed on beautiful beaches. Next, we venture further south to Calabria, the region which Allie's family immigrated from, where we visit Allie's family and Nelson had a huge surprise for Allie!

Italy Pt. 2- Calabria, family, and the proposal!

Nelson and Allie in the church he proposed in, Pianopoli Italy

While traveling in Italy, we decided to head far south to where Allie's family immigrated to America from. Allie had visited family still living in Pianopoli, the small town in Calabria, back in 2001 with family. When we returned in 2012, We were welcomed with open arms from Allie's father's cousins. We spent several nights in this tiny town that has deep meaning to Allie. Little did Allie know, after leaving it would mean so much more! Nelson had a plan to propose to Allie in the church that her grandparents were married in. After some confusion about which church Allie's grandparents were actually married in, Nelson popped the question at the correct church by the altar. Allie cried tears of joy, and of course accepted. Our family had a delicious lunch waiting for us with a thoughtful congratulatory cake. A whirlwind of emotions from the minute we arrived in the small town. Allie remembered her last visit to the town 11 years prior with her great aunt, great uncle and cousins from Montreal, and her aunt and uncle and cousins from the states and beautiful memories they created. The memories of Zio Pino as we were honored to stay in his apartment. Allie was just happy to share the town that meant so much to her with Nelson. Now it has a special place in Nelson's heart as well with new happy memories. Enjoy our photos of a place and event that means so very much to us! We miss you all and hope to see you again soon!