Man, what a day in Udine! Seriously, I’m still buzzing from it. So, I wake up, right? Sun’s shining, birds chirping, and I’m like, “Today’s gonna be chill.” Spoiler alert: it was NOT chill.
First off, I hit up Via Mercatovecchio. This street is like the heart of Udine, ya know? It’s got that old-school vibe, cobblestones everywhere, and cute little shops. I’m strolling, coffee in hand, feeling like a boss. Then BAM! I trip over a cobblestone. Classic me. Coffee goes flying. I’m standing there, looking like a total fool.
But whatever, I brush it off. I pop into this tiny café, Caffè Contarena. Best pastries ever! I grab a croissant, and it’s like a hug for my taste buds. I’m munching away, and suddenly, I hear this loud argument outside. I peek out, and it’s two guys arguing about... wait for it... the best gelato in Udine. Like, really? This is what we’re fighting about?
So, I finish my croissant and head to Piazza Libertà. This place is stunning! The architecture is insane. I’m snapping pics, feeling all artsy. But then, outta nowhere, it starts to rain. I mean, come on! I just got here! I duck into a shop on Via Vittorio Veneto. It’s a cute little boutique, but the prices? Yikes! I’m not made of money, people!
After the rain, I’m feeling a bit better. I decide to check out the Udine Castle. Climbing up those stairs is a workout, man! But the view from the top? Totally worth it. I can see the whole city, and it’s beautiful. I’m standing there, feeling all philosophical, like, “Life is good.” Then I realize I’m just hungry again.
So, I head down to a local trattoria. I order some frico, which is like this cheesy potato dish. OMG, it’s heavenly! I’m scarfing it down, and the waiter is looking at me like I’m a wild animal. Whatever, dude. I’m just living my best life here!
Then, I decide to wander around. I end up on Via delle Erbe, and it’s like a market explosion! Fresh fruits, veggies, and all these locals chatting. I love the vibe. But then, I see this guy trying to sell me some weird-looking fruit. I’m like, “Nah, man, I’m good.” He gives me this look like I just insulted his mother. Chill, bro, it’s just fruit!
As the day goes on, I’m feeling a mix of emotions. Happy, angry, surprised. I mean, Udine is full of surprises! I stumble upon this street performer near the Duomo. He’s playing the accordion, and it’s actually kinda nice. I toss him a couple of euros, and he gives me a nod. I feel like a hero for a second.
But then, I get lost. Like, really lost. I’m wandering around, and I can’t find my way back. I’m starting to panic. I pull out my phone, but of course, it’s dead. Classic! I’m about to lose it when I spot a friendly face. I ask this old lady for directions, and she just laughs. She points me down a street, and I’m like, “Thanks, I guess?”
Finally, I make it back to my starting point. I’m exhausted but happy. Udine, you’ve been a wild ride! I’ve laughed, I’ve cried (okay, maybe not cried, but you get it), and I’ve eaten way too much.
As I sit down to reflect, I realize this city is full of life. It’s quirky, it’s beautiful, and it’s totally unpredictable. Just like my day. I can’t wait to come back and do it all over again. But next time, I’m wearing sneakers. No more tripping over cobblestones!