Today we fly home from Italy – our three generation vacation that was three years in the making.

Last night, after getting the kids settled for bed, Paul and I went out for a quick bite to eat. A last supper of sorts. An opportunity to reflect on the trip and enjoy a meal…just the two of us.

We went to Osteria Ca D’oro, or Alla Vedova, as it’s known. Alla Vedova is one of Venice’s oldest bacari, or wine bars, and it came it came recommended to us from a food writer who is a friend of a friend. It was within walking distance from our hotel, so after a short stroll we approached the restaurant where people were standing outside with glasses of wine. We thought that meant there would be a wait, but in fact people were enjoying their little plates of food while standing outside in close proximity to the bar at the entrance of the restaurant. A little snack on the go as part of their night out.

We sat down at a table for two, and asked for a plate of cichetti (little plates) versus ordering from the dinner menu. She happily obliged and brought us a fantastic meal:

Pork meatballs which were so tender inside, and deep fried in a thin but very crispy batter.

A plate with grilled calamari, octopus salad, baby shrimp salad, grilled eggplant, mussels, a deep fried sardine, the bottom part of the artichoke marinated and soft, potatoes, a cooked hot green pepper, and a carafe of the house red.

It was all so delicious that we asked for another plate with items that we hadn’t tried yet! Round two was more of the pork meatballs, bread topped with baccala, and a plate with the softest warm beans with onions, a grilled and marinated pepper assortment, and a half tomato stuffed with cheese.

Paul and I could have stayed there all night. The meal gave us an opportunity to reflect on the trip: the heat and historic sights of Rome, the Campo dei Fiori, going to Circus Maximus for the soccer. Bringing our family to the Amalfi coast, visiting with friends in Cetara, dancing across the stage in Ravello, the chair lift to the top of Ana Capri. The Umbrian countryside, the pool and life at a slower pace. In Parma, the vaults of cheese and ham. In Venice, watching the kids explore the bridges and alleys and marvel at all the boats.

Each one of us has their own special highlights of the trip. And the nice part is that the experience involved the six of us, together. Memories to last a lifetime thanks to my husband’s incredible planning.

Arrivederci, Italia!