One year ago today I was anxiously gobbling down a slice of pizza while unwisely over-stuffing a large backpack with clothes, shoes and electric adapters.
Frantically checking and re-checking to make sure I had packed all the essentials – passport, money, plane tickets and travel guides – for the epic journey my husband and I were about to embark on.
Our i’s were dotted and our t’s were crossed – we were going to ITALY BAY-BEE!!!!
The vacation I had dreamed about taking for as long as I could remember!!!
Little did I know…
36 hours later the aforementioned large, over-stuffed backpack would cause me to fall flat on my face in the middle a busy intersection in Rome. D’oh!
37 hours later I’d be drowning my sorrows in what was the first of dozens of scoops of luscious, Italian gelato.
Three days later I’d be touring the ruins of the Colosseum, where men and beast fought to the bitter end almost 2,000 years ago,
then flipping shiny Euros into one of the most well known fountains in the world.
Four days later I’d find myself not ready to leave the intriguing, unique city that I’d fallen in love with,
yet eager to make my way towards the picturesque Amalfi coastline that I’d patiently waited to lay eyes on for years.
Five days later I’d be dining al fresco, sipping wine and eating seafood caught the same day from the crashing ocean less than 50 yards in front of me.
Six days later I’d be climbing up and down ancient stone steps while exploring every nook and cranny of the tiny, impossibly charming town of Praiano, Italy.
Seven days later I’d have nothing better to do than sip cappuccinos all afternoon while getting lost in a good book, then cap my night off with a big glass of local, red wine.
Eight days later Ben would have to pry my clenched fingers from the wrought-iron fence overlooking the glittering Mediterranean Sea on our hotel’s balcony, as I refused to wake up from the dream our life had become the last two weeks and go back home to Iowa.
Nine days later I’d be sprinting barefoot through the Paris airport only to see the gate to my Iowa-bound plane shutting…
You know what – lets not relive that memory!
365 days later Ben and I would still be as smitten with Italy as the day we left. That we’d still share our remember when? stories as often as we do. That we’d regularly see things that would awaken memories of our trip, glance at each other and ask, what does that remind you of? – knowing exactly what the other is thinking about.
That we could not WAIT to return someday!
Today, on the one-year anniversary of the best trip we’ve ever taken, Ben and I decided that if we couldn’t get back, we’d reminisce with what we’ve got: the most mouthwatering Italian food in town!
There are at least half a dozen local Italian restaurants that I have been dying to try over the past several months – Tumea & Sons being one of them.
Located on the south-east side of Des Moines, T&S was started in 1998 by Italian immigrants, Joe & Lucretia Tumea, and their American-born sons.
The minute you walk in the door, you’re smiling. You’re home.
First you notice the family pictures and painted scenes of Italy lining the walls, then you pick up on the sound of Frank Sinatra crooning in the background as you sink into one of the deep, maroon booths.
The waitresses are chatting with the regulars, who show up at 5:30pm on the nose, but we’re new, of course, so we’re asked what we’ll have. One God-awful Peroni for Ben and a water for me, thank you very much!
We tore into the warm & doughy rolls that accompany our meal, before cracking open the menu.
It was an easy choice. Cavatelli with sausage and red sauce for her, Canneloni stuffed with cheese, topped with red & white sauce for him.
Before a sip is supped, fresh salads were brought to the table.
Drizzled with the most incredible house dressing we’ve EVER had! (Locals: this beats Bisignano’s dressing!)
A short time later – the main event.
Dun-dun-duuunnnhhhh!!!!!!!
The cheese!
The sauce!
The cavatelli!
The Best!
I nearly slumped down in the booth after tasting Ben’s canneloni though. STUFFED with ricotta cheese, this was one of the best things I’ve ever had.
We knew we needed to call it a night when I started stealing spoonfuls of white sauce from his dish to eat…by itself. NO REGRETS!
Check please!
Stretchy pants, too…OMG!
While we may not be able to make it back to Italy for a few years (there’s so much of the world to see, after all!) being able to devour home-cooked Italian food definitely softens the blow.
Off to find those stretchy pants and question myself as to why I turned down homemade Cannoli for dessert…what was I thinking?!
Goodnight!
~~~~~
Have you ever been on a trip that changed your life?
What were you doing one year ago? Is your life different then it was back then?
Seeta 09.01.2011
LOVE Tumea and Sons (and Cosi as Blair mentioned above). So glad you shared, and maybe a bit (OK, a lot) jealous!
A year and three months ago, we went to L.A. for the first time, and I got to see two of my favorite celebs doing their things: Peter Gabriel in concert at the Hollywood Bowl and Craig Ferguson at a taping of his late-night show. Definitely a life changer!
Gabby Bladdick 09.01.2011
Wow! Italy sounds so amazing! I’ve never been, but it’s definitely on the Bucket List. The most amazing trip I’ve ever been on was to Alaska in 2009. It was seriously life-changing…just being on the cruise in the ocean seeing all the glaciers, mountains and wild life was incredibly breathtaking and humbling. I’m so happy I had the opportunity to go! Not self-promoting whatsoever because I solely wrote this blog for friends to understand how great Alaska was, but if you’re considering a trip there, I’m totally happy to help plan-I blogged about my trip and included a few pictures here – alaskanadventures.tumblr.com. :)
Lesley 09.01.2011
That was a great recap! I have been reflecting that 10 years ago yesterday I left to go to Spain for a study abroad! I hope to go back, but every time an opportunity to travel comes I pick someplace new.
Iowamom 09.01.2011
Beautiful! A trip that changed my life was my trip to Japan. That’s where I met my hubby of 14 years! Camp A sure has a fair share of marriages. :)
One year ago today I was doing exactly what I’m doing now. SAHM to 3, healthy and happy on all accounts. Life is good!
I’ve been to Italy and would love to go back. It’s gorgeous and the south of Spain is similar in terrain and beauty. That should go on your travel list!
J3nn (Jenn's Menu and Lifestyle Blog) 09.01.2011
Your trip to Italy looks picture-perfect! I can’t wait to visit one day.
Your dinner looks delish. In NY, we probably have 10x more restaurants exactly like that, yet we never get completely tired of them. :)
Abbey @ twohaolesexcellentadventure 09.01.2011
The hubby & I went to Italy in the fall of 2007 and I have to agree that it was a life changing experience. The Italians truly know how to live. I can’t wait to experience it all over again someday!
sarah@spinach and spice 09.01.2011
beautiful photography! I’d love to visit Rome someday.
Every trip seems to change me a little, but I’m thinking about Semester at Sea next summer.. which would really be life-changing!
Lindsey 09.01.2011
I’ve been to London and The Netherlands… Also a trip never to forget! That food looks amazing, can I have a bite?
Manissa 09.01.2011
Oh my god I can’t believe that all that happened a year ago! I remember discovering your blog for the very first time not long before you went to Italy. Whoa, it means I’ve been reading your blog for a year. Sweet!
I spent two weeks in London last month, to do a short course at this arts school and also to travel a lil bit. I was alone and I turned twenty when I was there. It was pretty eye-opening :)
And pasta + tomato sauce + cheese = let me die!!!
Shaya (Eye Girl Eats) 09.01.2011
Our epic trip was to Spain for our honeymoon– Seville, Spain is where it is AT. It looked, smelled, and felt exactly like I imagined that country would, and it was totally magical. One of the only foreign cities I’ve been to that I could imagine living in.
Plus, tapas are my favorite kind of food- little bits of a LOT of things!
Jennifer 09.01.2011
What an incredibly lovely recap post! You have an amazing gift for documenting your travels. My husband’s grandfather is from Palermo, so we hope to get there someday soon.
The trip that changed my life was when I was 19 and my mom, two sisters and I went to Jamaica. It was so special because it was the last trip we all took together before my mom passed away. I have some incredible memories that I will always cherish from that trip.
And really….how can you resist a handmade cannoli??? If you ever make it to San Francisco, visit Stella’s Bakery in North Beach for hands down, America’s best cannoli. :)
Blair 09.01.2011
Omg! I have always wanted to try this place too! If you ever are in the mood to try another local Italian eatery(and who wouldn’t be?), you should check out Cosi Cocina. The food is amazing and it was voted one of the most romantic restarauntes in Iowa. =))
Emily @ A Cambridge Story 09.01.2011
I guess it’s been a year that I’ve been reading your blog because I stumbled upon it when you were in Italy. Still loving it just as much. Keep up the good work!
Casey @ Pocket Full of Sunshine 09.01.2011
This was a wonderful recap Kristin. :) I want to go SO bad!
alicia 09.01.2011
Oh my – this looks absolutely amazing. Even though I don’t like the location – the food looks worth the drive from the west side. :) Thanks for sharing all of your vaca pictures. Italy is definitely on the bucket list!
RunEatRepeat 09.01.2011
Loved this fun recap! I want to go to Italy so bad, I love reading travel posts about it :)
Rachel 09.01.2011
Sadly, there is no Italian restaurant in my tiny town, so I make stuff at home. I can’t believe it’s been a year since your trip! That’s a great way of celebrating, though!
Cheryl 09.01.2011
I love Tumea’s for lunch. Unfortunately, I always want a nap after!
Did you check out the bocchi ball court outside in the back? There are always some old Italian dudes throwing a few. (Maybe a little too warm today?)
Lauren 09.01.2011
Wow, has it really been a year? What a great way to celebrate!
kelly 09.01.2011
I can’t believe it has been a year already! That food looks delicious. Sadly, we don’t have any authentic Italian restaurants where I live. :(