Post-Rome blog

Post-Rome.

I’m back in the U.S. where the bombardment of American culture has begun.

I guess it is nice coming back to a place where nothing has changed--a stasis or foundation which I call home. The United States has always been my home, but Rome itself has been my home-away-from-home for the past three months. I can’t help but think that Rome will call me back. It IS calling me back. I know I will go back someday. Although it won’t be the same story as my most recent experience, it will still be the Rome I love.

The last couple of days in Rome saw me walking my favorite streets for the last time. I savored every last moment, not knowing when I would be back to visit my beloved Roma. Roma, from the beginning, has been close to my heart. Immediately, I felt connected, I felt like I could call it mine, for some reason. In a sense, it’s true: Rome invites everyone to be a part of it because it can be said to be the foundation for culture. Everyone can be “Roman”, as the historian Remi Brague says. We all have a certain “Roman-ness” in us, in so far as we are affected by Rome’s history, which has an impact on European history, and Western Civilization.

Having lived in Rome for three months really drew me into Rome as whole. I was able to experience its culture. I was able to immerse myself in the deeper reality of what it means to be Roman! Rome calls everyone back, especially if one throw coins into the Trevi Fountain, or drink from the fountain, as The Marble Faun so superstitiously reminds us!

Post-Rome depression has started to sink in, but just when I thought I couldn’t handle the thought of leaving, I realized that as great as my experience was in Rome, I must move on. I must continue to live what I learned through my experience. I have to take it with me in the next step of life. Knowing I’ll go back is propelling me to go forward. My experience in Rome will always be a lasting memory. As my professor, Dr. Connell said, “I’ve learned to be happy no matter where I am, not matter what I’m doing.” There is so much truth in that statement. We cannot dwell on the past, or live in the future; if so, we pass the present, paying no attention to the fleeting moment. I must learn, hopefully over time, to be happy in my present state, no matter where life takes me.

It has been weird being back. It is so not what I expected. I have definitely experienced culture shock. It wasn't until I went out shopping with my sister a couple of days ago that I experienced the overwhelming differences. Apart from the foreign concept of "courtesy" that I witnessed almost everyone I went, I have found Americans to be more down to earth, friendlier people. And, I don't know how to react. I have caught myself on numerous occasions cutting lines, driving recklessly, and saying "grazie" or "scussi". NO JOKE. My sister couldn't believe when I cute a family to get on the train at the airport. I have to practice more patience and courtesy.

Adjusting to being back has been hard, not gonna lie. The first couple of days weren't bad because of the hustle and bustle of everything and settling in. I think it hit me yesterday that it hasn't been too hard because I'm forcing myself not to think about it. Once I do, I get really "home-sick" for Rome. Yet, I've come to a conclusion: life must go on. And, if life must go on, then we must take what these three beautiful months have taught us and live them! The memory of the past three months is something I will cherish forever; it's beautiful that it was a part of my life. It exists as just that: a memory. Yes, I have tangible elements that I have brought with me, but only to remind me of the great adventures we had. Never again will I experience the opportunity to spend three months in Rome with the people I did, but it was wonderful while it lasted. I guess the struggle now, at least for me, is to take what I've learned as a step in the direction of where God's leading me next!

Despite the minor difficulties adjusting, I’m settling back into the American life-style with as much ease as is expected, I suppose. It has been most difficult finding a place that even feels or reminds me of European living. I’m currently at a coffee house where I at least can drink my cappuccino in a mug. It, in some way, reminds me of the many Italian cappuccinos I drank, although the taste comes nowhere near the ones I savored on a daily basis. I miss the clanking of dishes whiles passing the countless bars on the Roman streets. I miss the Italian bartenders asking in Italian what I would like to order, and my reply (in the best Italian I could): “Vorrei un cappuccino per favore! Caldo! Grazie.”

What a struggle it is to maintain a joyful spirit, when I know my heart was left in Rome. I may seem over-dramatic, but being the emotional person (or, at least, deeply touched person) that I am, I can’t help but feel emotionally attached to such a romantic city as Rome. As I said before, I know somehow, I will go back to my beloved Rome, to see again the sights and hear again the sounds that I so dearly miss. How am I to find a comparison? How am I to see life in the same way? I’m not. I must live Rome in spirit, allowing it to penetrate my soul so as to touch others.

Field Work in Rome: Van Gogh Exhibit at Museo Central Del Risorcimento

On a lovely Friday morning, I ventured out to Museo Centrale Del Risorcimento, located near Piazza Venezia. The building itself lies behind Palazzo Venezio, which makes it hard to find for one who might not know where it’s at. It was built “to gather the testimonies of the political, economical, and social transformation of Italy during the 18th, 19th and 20th centuries. These testimonies consist of papers (letters, journals, work manuscripts), paintings, sculptures, drawings, engravings, prints, arms, which recall the events and chief protagonists of this important period of the history of our Country, thus forming a vast memorial archive of the Risorgimento.” The Museum itself stands as a significant building which houses much of Italy’s history, including much of Victor Emmanuele’s contributions, the man whose statue rests at the base of the National monument, in the middle of the Piazza.

Although I did not have the fortune of seeing much of Museo Centrale del Risorcimento, I did get the chance to see the Van Gogh exhibit, entitled Vincent Van Gogh “Timeless Country--Modern City”. The title of this exhibit is very pertinent to Van Gogh’s vision and his artwork. After viewing the exhibit, I was able to understand how Van Gogh’s art developed from casual observation, to a unique articulation of a new vision grounded on his development toward the Neo-Impressionist and Impressionist period. The result of being a man living in a period when art was changing from the pre-Impressionist era can be seen through his art. I noticed a development throughout his works, seeing ones from when he first began in 1881 to 1888, when his works seemed to evolve into what we know him to be famous for, an impressionist artist whose unique talent awarded him fame, not only in his time, but as remaining relevant forever. A quote I wrote down from one of the exhibit’s descriptions describes his ability and or desire to “create an oeuvre that was radically modern, but would nevertheless withstand the changes of time in order to remain relevant forever.”

Vincent Van Gogh’s art exhibits two fundamental aspects: his love for the countryside--unchanging and stable, and his attachment to the city as a place of progress. This was quite apparent through the artwork displayed in this exhibit. I felt like the pieces of art--one’s less known--that were in this particular exhibit at Museo Centrale del Risorcimento were important for understanding Van Gogh’s love for both the country and the city. His earlier sketches, at the beginning of the exhibit, were very distinctly inspired from some of his favorite artists: Jean Francois Millet, Honore’ Daumier, Camille Pissarro, and Paul Cezanne. The sketches were simplistic, depicting everyday life. He focused on the figures themselves, paying little attention to detailed faces. His landscapes are like a portrait into reality--the reality of the simplistic, unchanging life of peasants. The very thing he wanted to portray through his art, can be seen quite apparently through such paintings as The Swamp (1881), The Ditch (1884), Field with Storm Clouds Overhead (1881), and Young Man with a Broom (1882). He catches moments, unimportant, yet realistic. His works from 1883 through 1885 focused on the countryside. It was not until Van Gogh moved to Paris in 1886, that he was introduced to Impressionistic painting and met such artists as Seurat, Signac, and Gauguin. He responded to the trend in Paris to stray from the norm, of what had, up until this point, been unthinkable: Impressionism--“a movement in French painting, sometimes called optical realism because of its almost scientific interest in the actual visual experience and effect of light and movement on appearance of objects.”

The art that followed his initiation or cultivation into this new era of paint were demonstrated in many of the art pieces in Museo Centrale del Risorcimento including Two Ladies at the Gate of a Park at Asnieres (1887). In this painting the brush strokes are different than from what I noticed in his prior paintings. The use of large strokes and “dotting” were obvious. Other paintings such as Kitchen Gardens on Montmartre (1887) showed this use of unique style in comparison to earlier works. The museum also showed a series of his self portraits. His change in style could also be seen from his 1886 self portrait when compared to his later self-portraits.

What I liked in particular about this Museum is that the exhibit not only displayed Van Gogh’s paintings but those of Millet and Gauguin, among others. The purpose for putting these in Van Gogh’s exhibit were to show where Van Gogh drew inspiration from and to contrast his paintings to those who were also painters in his own period--ones who had followed him in his converging with the neo-impressionist trend, and those who did not. I liked that the museum gave a lot of background history in addition, and alongside, the paintings. Each description was followed by a series of the paintings pertinent to the period of his life, whether pre-impression or post-impressionist.

The exhibit ended with his later paintings, after he moved to Arles in 1888. This last series of paintings, down the stairs below the other paintings, articulated his own vision, beyond is usual casual observation. The paintings themselves described a change from what he saw before in nature and countryside to a progression of his work, which “was now changed by his vast knowledge of art and specific ideas.” He was no longer concerned with timelessness, but with modern life, as seen in The Sower (1888). This painting showed a vast difference in its use of color (purples and yellows) and its brush strokes from his former works, and even from Gauguin, his friend and fellow artist. I noticed that his sketches from 1888 depicted, more so than before, industrialization.

Overall, Museo Centrale del Risorcimento held a beautiful exhibit of Van Gogh. I was able to appreciate one of my favorite artists in one of my favorite cities. The museum itself stood in a location that is filled with history, near the Roman Forum and with the Colloseum in the distance. As I walked out of the Museum to Piazza Venezia, I could not help but take what I had seen, and what had inspired me in the Museum with me.

Poland: A Land of Faith

Poland. We visited Poland for our 5-day Fall Break weekend. It was exciting to leave Italy--the first time since our arrival to Italy, which isn’t hard to believe considering Italy has so much to see inside itself.

I really didn’t know too much about Poland before arriving. What I learned on the trip has given me a whole new appreciation for this country, wedged in the middle of Europe. After learning so much about it, I now consider it a powerhouse. Never underestimate Poland’s power. Although a young country, only 92 years old, this country has been through a lot, seen a lot, and pulled through, united! The faith of the people became so apparent even within the first day of being there. The faith, I believe, is what has pulled them through WWII and even Communism. Solidarity fought Communism without shooting a single bullet. The Polish used reason to combat the very thing Communism was trying to inhibit--thought!

We visited Auschwitz the first day. What a moving experience. The gray, chilliness of the air and its surroundings lent to the experience of seeing Nazi Germany’s worst death and concentration camps. To see the result of what ultimate power can do and imagine how evil can corrupt humans to the point of destroying their own race was something that only made me more confused. I still can’t imagine how one human can kill another, how one human can witness another in pain and do nothing, how one human can kill mercilessly. To walk the streets and see the buildings that were a part of something so inhuman, and to imagine the lives of those who walked the same cobblestone paths--both the Holocaust victims and the Nazi soldiers--was an experience I cannot even describe. I thought about it and it’s so easy to see something like that and be affected by it and then walk away leaving history behind, in the past. Something I took away from my visit at Auschwitz is that we must learn from history and take it with us. History does repeat itself and if we don’t learn from history and allow it to teach us something, then we’ll continue to make the mistakes we have in the past. Being present within history, as history is yesterday…it’s the past minute, means taking part in what’s happening right now. I have found it most difficult to recognize that today, right now, we have wars going on--not just in the middle east, but right in our own country, namely abortion. Millions are killed every year. The same thing that I blame those in the past for, is the same thing I can be blamed for: mediocrity. Those who didn’t take a stand during WWII, by not informing themselves and those around them about what was really going on to avoid actually having to do something about it, is the very thing I’m doing. What am I doing to help society and the world? Am I taking a stance?

Something that also ties in with this is our visit to the Rising (Uprising) Museum we visited in Warsaw. The Museum told the history of the lives of the Resistance movement, called the Warsaw Uprising, who fought Hitler’s agenda during WWII, starting in 1944. They fought up until the day when the entirety of Warsaw was destroyed by the Nazi’s. Warsaw stood in the way of Hitler’s advance to Russia. One story that stood out to me was of one man who described how he and several others hid in the sewers for up to fifteen days at a time, living off of sugar cubes. When he thought he couldn’t do it anymore, he was encouraged by the others whom he was with. Stories such as this one defined the courage and persistence of the brave Polish who stood up for something that was wrong. We all can draw inspiration from this. I know I did! It made me think of my own self: would I be that strong if I were in that same situation? Would I be strong enough?

It was ironic that we were to visit the Divine Mercy Shrine that same night, after Auschwitz. Christ, the Dispenser of love and mercy, gave his message to St. Faustina in a country that He knew was going to face a lot. The message now spread world-wide, calls us to ask for and trust in God’s mercy. To go from something so horrific to something so hopeful was a reminder that God is in control. Humans have the capacity, because of their free will, to sin. Yet, God, being the merciful, loving God that He is gives us His Love and Mercy!

The rest of the trip only got better. We visited the Salt Mines, Krakow, and Warsaw. In Krakow, we witnessed the festivities of the Polish Independence Day, celebrating 92 years of freedom! We met some friends who showed us around Krakow! In Warsaw, and this is probably what made our Poland trip an experience beyond what we saw, we met our host families--the families what would be hosting all 9 of us for three days and nights. I was able to truly experience the hospitality of the Polish people. It enhanced my experience to get to know those who lived and were a part of Polish culture so much that I could not help but be affected and attached to the Polish people. They are some of the most humble, hearty, genuine people I have ever encountered. Each family went out of their way to see that our visit to Poland was amazing. They fed us. They organized our days! It was our interactions with them, conversing with them, and getting to know them that showed all of us, I think, why Poland is so special. This one country that no one might think to go to is the one country that is so full of history and good people!

We ended on a good note. Our last day was spent in Czestochowa! So beautiful. The cathedral where the image was housed was gorgeous. The steeple rose high into the deep blue sky where, against the grey-ish, white clouds, it stood as reminder that we must always be pointed upward. Seeing the image for the first time was when we entered the chapel for Mass. It was more beautiful than I could have imagined. It think that it is still being venerated today after five centuries, amazed me. I saw pilgrims all over--hundreds of them--venerating this image. To see the faith of these people as they crawled on their knees around this image--many praying for a miracle--was so beautiful.

As amazing as Poland was, arriving back to Rome felt like arriving back “home” after a trip. I was actually really excited to speak Italian (the little I do know) again, and even interact with the rude Italian mentality again. I think I learned to appreciate it more, and it made me realize I only have so much time left here. It’s hard to describe, but I feel attached to Rome. There’s something about it that attracts me to it. I will always love Rome!

Cinque Terre: The Honey-mooners' Paradise

I feel as if I have not documented much about my actual trips as I should be. Apart from the lack of time I devote to writing about my trips, I keep two journals which I simultaneously write in, one for school and one for personal use. So, I can’t be blamed for avoiding writing down my experiences and adventures, just that I don’t always blog about them. The only reason I feel a real need to blog about my trips is so I have something to reference or point people to when they inquire about my trips.

I have often wondered how I am going to recount my experience in Rome when I go back home. It will be like recollecting three months of traveling, personal growth, adventures, sights, sounds, emotions…I’ve come to the conclusion that it’s literally impossible to summarize my trip. Even within my stay in Rome, I’ve traveled so much outside Rome itself that each trip is like an adventure in itself, and I simply can’t treat my weekend trips as side notes in comparison to Rome. Each trip had its own amazing elements; each experience had its own adventure! I suppose what I’ll have to do when people inquire about my trip is to describe the affect of the trip on me, as a whole, i.e. what I learned from it, how I grew, and my favorite experiences. Sounds easy. Ha.

Anyway, I must continue writing about my trips, so that I don’t forget to do it. Two weekends ago, Maggie and I adventured to Cinque Terre, five cities along the Northern coast of Italy. These cities, , Riomaggiore, Manarola, Corniglia, Vernazza, and Monterosso were like a beautiful dream . The cloudy, grey day on which we arrived added a mysterious feeling to the towns which colored the mountains in which they were carved into. The first town, Riomaggiore, is my favorite, maybe because it was the first town we visited, but it was like walking into a dream. The smell of the salty ocean was fresh in the air and the breeze from the ocean swept up the streets as we walked toward the castle at the top. By this time it was already dark, yet we could hear the waves crashing against the rocks. It was so peaceful. Maggie and I sat up there for a while enjoying the sounds and smells.

Cinque Terre was defined by a series of random, unexpected events, and I here quote blurbs from my journal:

“Sitting by the railroad tracks in Manarola waiting for the train because the road was closed off and Maggie wouldn’t let me crawl over the fence.

Eating cashews and snickers bars.

Getting on the wrong train at La Spezia going to Genova. The detour brought us thirty minutes past our intended destination, but it was a much needed detour. We just laughed when the conductor got mad at us for getting on the wrong train…and I quote him: ‘Make sure you KNOW where you’re going before you get on a train…’

Sneaking into a garden in Riomaggiore at night and picking two grapefruit after almost killing myself upon entering the gate of the garden when I didn’t notice the drop off. I slid and my leg got caught in the fence. I wouldn’t suggest doing it. But, it was worth it.


Maggie trying to throw her orange over the ledge of the train tracks. She aimed. She threw. Squash…right on the train tracks. Epic fail! Hilarious.”

These are just a few of the episodes that defined our trip, not including a random stop off in Pisa on our way back to Rome! We got off the train, found our way to the leaning tower of Pisa, walked back, and hopped on the next outgoing train to Rome! All of these fun adventures wouldn’t have been possible without Maggie.

And, this all happened in some of the most gorgeous towns in all of Italy. I cannot forget to describe the indescribable beauty we saw. The towns wedged into the mountains were painted with color! The reds and yellows popped in contrast to the deep browns and green of the mountains. Wine vineyards enveloped the mountain side! The five towns each offered a unique and different feel! There was pesto and foccaccia bread everywhere. Apart from that, Cinque Terre is known for its delicious WHITE wine. I can honestly say I had THE best glass of white wine that I have ever had in my entire life.

Cinque Terre has to be one of my favorite places in all of Italy!

A City Come Alive

Today everything seemed to come alive! As I walked the streets of Rome, making my way through new allies and discovering new spots such as the one I’m sitting in now, Circus Art Cafe, I felt as if everything stood out. The marble city silhouetted with domes and towering statues, seemed so clear from the top of Piazza Garibaldi. Even the mountains showed off their beauty, a careful contrast against the white outline of the city!

The cute, chic café that I happened upon while exploring the backs streets has a unique style, and somewhat of an American twist to it (American only because it actually has tables and chairs to sit down in to enjoy a cup of coffee or work on a paper!). The sun is shining through the window wrapping me in warmth as I drink a cappuccino.

I’m getting in the habit of forcing myself to order everything in Italian. My efforts to fit in, and appear to be an Italian have seemed to fail up until this point…and I thought I was doing well. For example, when I ordered some gelato yesterday: “Coni piccolo con pistachio solo, per favore!” I immediately felt a sense of pride only to hear the guy scooping my gelato say: “Americini…American?!?!?” Ugh. Really? Was it that obvious that I’m American? In any case, this set back won’t stop me. I’ve continued to order in Italian, and not only that but only speak Italian when I’m addressed by another Italian. I refuse to speak English whenever possible while out in public (except when I’m with other American speaking people).

As of late, my mind has been focused, far too much, on what is my favorite time of year: Christmas. I don’t know what has sparked this premature excitement for preparing for Christmas, but it’s all I can think about. I’m most excited about experiencing a little taste of the Christmas Season, or, rather, the preparations for it, here in Roma! I want to experience and commandeer new traditions. Europeans seem to have more traditions, or should I say, different traditions. Maggie and myself planned a trip to Austria the second week in December, where I hope to participate in their Advent festivities.

So much is planned for the last four weeks of my stay here in Rome. My heart aches at the thought of leaving, yet I must not dwell on the days left, but cherish and live each day to the fullest. I’m making a list of the things I have to fit in before I go so I don’t forget to do them before I leave. We’ve done so much already!

My Journey thus Far

Looking back to the first day I arrived in Rome, I remember the fresh feeling of excitement and anticipation. I remember very vividly my first experience in St. Peter’s Basilica where I felt goose-bumps and tears filled my eyes as I saw before my eyes the most magnificent structure and monument of universal faith that I had ever seen. I can even recall the taste of my first Italian cappuccino.

As I was thinking about this the other day, I realized the novelty of beginning a journey does not always last, which is not entirely a bad thing. As exciting as it was to see things for the first time and be surrounded by overwhelming sights and sounds, I know that the point I am at now is a point where I can truly allow this study abroad experience to impress upon me in a deeper way. Already half-way through this three month long journey, I am constantly seeing new sights and sounds and am still edified when passing the rich art and architecture that I cannot help but be amazed. It is like finding treasure in a treasure chest that has an endless supply of riches.

The difference now, after two months, is that I am beginning to see things with different eyes than before. It can be compared to the process of maturation in a child. The mind, seeing things for the first time, has a sort of child-like outlook (in the sense that it sees things in a new and unfamiliar way). Yet overtime, the mind learns to see a thing for what a thing is and, at that point, allowed to see it in its entirety. For example, I have noticed this on my surmounting number of trips to the Vatican. Each time is a different experience; each time I am amazed, yet, at the same time, each time I am able to see things in a different light or angle than before. The key now is not to take my surroundings for granted and overlook the beauty I have the opportunity to see every day. I have found myself taking more time at each place and going back to the places I’ve been before to soak up, in a deeper sense, what I have already seen, allowing it to trans form my soul.

That is what this city and studying abroad has done for me: transformed me in a way I could never have imagined. I heard from those who had gone before me that the study abroad semester changes a person. I never fully understood what they meant until now. I cannot even express what traveling has taught me other than that traveling, especially in such a glorious city such as Rome, has the power to transform the mind, body, and spirit if one has an open heart and mind. The senses are heightened by the very structures that lift one’s spirit to something beyond itself. I came into this semester with just that: an open heart and mind. I wanted to immerse myself as much as possible in the culture. Doing so has changed me (in ways I might not even realize). I see the world in new light. It is not so much that I have changed as a person as it that I have grown as a person. I have grown in unexpected ways through my experiences. So many factors have played into this: the program (including the director, Mr. Assaf, who has allowed us so many opportunities), the community in which we live, the people I am with, and of course the city Rome!

I have and still am taking every experience as an opportunity to grow and learn. I can honestly say that I have fallen in love with Rome. My heart will always have a special place for this city. I am constantly, on a day to day basis, learning! I never want to stop. Rome has taught me that one must never stop learning. This experience is one that will always be a part of me. It has transformed me and will affect me for the rest of my life. I am thankful for this opportunity as it will form me and prepare me for the next step in life!

Three in One: Venice, Florence, and Siena in One Weekend

Where do I even begin?

It's been a day since I got back from probably the best weekend of my life. Venice, Florence, Tavarnelle, and Siena combined made for a weekend full of Italian beauty!

Venice in all it's beauty reminded me of the reality of the dream I'm living (ironic as it might be). To look back when I was a child who dreamed to travel Europe and now looking at myself years later here is something so amazing. I stood on a bridge in Venice overlooking the same canal that impressed my memory as a child. The experience of it all is surreal and at the same time so life-like. What I knew Europe to be in my mind, is coming alive as I'm seeing with my own eyes the places that I dreamed about. In a sense, it is like living a dream. Venice was very dream-like. It was so serene and idealistic. The waterways and canals filled this city on water as do allies and roadways fill others. Walking upon our first bridge after arriving in Venice at 5:30 a.m. and seeing the sun rise was a breath-taking experience. Imagining the lives of the boat men driving under us, I saw the sun slowly creep up over the domes and tall bell towers of this scenic city. I was able to see Venice come alive as the city started to wake. The shops opened. College students such as ourselves began walking to class, as Venice is full of art schools. When we began our journey, we had no real set plans for what we were going to do in Venice. When we arrived, we decided to just walk and explore. The exhilaration of being in city such as this, unknown to us, was something like I had never felt before even in the other cities I had visited prior to this. Maybe it was because I felt Venice held within it a bud to be opened, a mystery to be solved. It had a sort of romantic enticement about it that pulled me in. It was amazing seeing the unknown become known, in a sense as the perception of Venice in my head upon arriving was changed to an encounter with the city's secrets and treasures. It was so full of treasure. Around every corner lay a new road to adventure. Half the time, we didn't know where it led; we didn't know what we were going to find. What was the next corner going to bring?
What amazed met he most was the myriad of bridges that filled the city. There were bridges everywhere. Of course there would be considering this city is literally a city on water. There are no cars, just boats and waterways, and of course gondolas. Speaking of gondolas, our encounter with a specific gondolier, Alejandro, would come to be probably my most memorable experience in all of Venice. We didn't find him, he found us. We happened upon our first gondola of the day early in the morning. We wanted to wait for it to warm up so we stopped, took some pictures and proceeded to walk up the bridge. Yet, Alejandro had other plans. He saw it fit to not let us escape. Not only did he sing and barter with us, he crossed the river under us, walked up the bridge and that is when our hearts were lost to him forever. He made it a point of making a personal connection with us. Maybe it was him looking for business, but his smooth Italian personality won us over. The six girls gave in--but it didn't come without a deal! We got him down to ten euros per person! So cheap. If ever there was the perfect stereo-typical gondolier, it would be Alejandro. He sang, he entertained us, and he even had the hat and the striped sweater! Maggie had the great privilege of wearing it for most of our ride. He heightened our experience, making it the perfect day in Venice.

Florence was our next stop. This city came alive--all of history came alive--when our tour guide, Professor Liz Levs, explained the city in such a way that one couldn't help imagining living in Florence as it became established as one of the most prominent cities in medieval Europe. What impressed me the most was her explanation of "David" by Michelangelo in the Galleria dell'Accademia! She must have spent thirty minutes or more explaining in detail this magnificent sculpture of Michelangelo, completed in 1504, taking three years to finish. Michelangelo's career really began with the Pieta, found in St. Peter's Basilica, which he completed at the young age of 24.
Not only did we visit the Duomo, Santa Maria del Fiore, and the Baptistery, we visited what might, by far, be my most favorite place in all of Northern Italy, the Uffizi Gallery! Housed here are such great works from Rafael, Michelangelo, Rembrandt, and Gabinetto! There was even a Caravaggio exhibit going on while we were there. It was magnificent.

Next stop, Siena, but not without an adventure along the way!

Deep in the heart of the Tuscan region lies Tavarnelle. On a map of Italy, it's too small to be seen. One has to look at a Tuscany map where it can be seen at the center of Tuscany in between Florence and Siena. This town was a surprise to us all. I had booked reservations at a hostel not knowing where it was in location to Florence. It happened to be a 30 minute bus ride from Florence. On the way there I was worried we were going to end up in some ghost town in the middle of nowhere. Although it seemed like that at our bus stop (literally a pole on the side of the street), we walked into town to find it cute and quaint. We were in a little town called Tavarnelle. Our hostel: Ostel del Chianti. The bus stop was literally a pole in the middle of a little town. I was worried. Were we in the middle of nowhere? We arrived at our hostel, a two minute walk from our bus stop. To my surprise, the hostess was so hospitable, which was so refreshing after dealing with rude Italians all day. She was so helpful. We had planned on going back into Florence (where we had come from) to catch our train the next morning because we had already bought our train tickets for it. Not knowing that this town was so far out, I was worried we weren't going to make our train the next morning. Sure enough, because it was a Sunday the next day and buses run less frequently, a bus wasn't leaving until 7:30, the time our train was suppose to leave in Florence. So, I proceeded to inquire about buses going from Tavarnelle to Siena (our next destination). It so happened Tavarnelle was right in between Florence and Siena--it was literally in the heart of Tuscany. So Florence was to the north, Siena to the south. To purchase a bus ticket to Siena from Tavarnelle was practically the same price as taking a bus back to Florence and it left at nine in the morning. I honestly didn't know how much more perfect it could have been! On top of that, she gave me a discount for the night (which I had actually booked for the wrong night, but thank God they had room enough for the 15 of us). Still yet, I asked her what might be opened for dinner since we were all so hungry (it was about 9:00 p.m.). She suggested her favorite restaurant in this little town that served great, authentic family style Italian food! She called the restaurant and sure enough they had enough space for us and she reserved the spot! (Italians eat dinner late, so it wasn't entirely abnormal for us to eat so late). We walked not but 5 minutes down the main road and there was the the cutest, hole in the wall, family Italian restaurant where the service was the best I had ever seen in my whole experience here in Italy. The family that owned it made us feel like their family. They interacted with us and made us feel at home. And, of course we had to try some of the amazng Chianti wine--the Chianti grapes are grown in that region!! The food was amazing!!!! I was so happy to look around and see everyone smiling and laughing and talking and enjoying good food! It was the best feeling in the world for me. The hostel itself had such lovely accommodations too. We would have been fine with any bed at this point, but we had showers and a nice living area to play ping pong and a tv for the boys! It was perfect. The next morning us girls woke up early because we wanted to explore the town before we had to go since we had arrived when it was dark the night before. We walked onto the main road and were diverted down an off road where we were led to the sun rising over the valley and hills of Tuscany. It was the most gorgeous, Italian sight I had ever seen. We walked the quiet streets of Tavarnelle and grabbed and leisurely cappuccino at a bar (cafe). Most stores are closed on Sunday in Italy, so not too many places were opened. But as we walked the streets some shops were just opening, old men walked by and said "Bonjourno"! What a lovely town with such pleasant people. Everyone was so nice. I want to go back again! The bus ride to Siena was even more memorable. We were able to travel through the rolling, Tuscan hills where vineyards and olive groves surrounded us. Huge villas were on the hill tops and quaint farms speckled the valleys. It was perfect! I hope to make it back to the place again!

We finally arrived to Siena. Visiting Siena, after having visited Venice and Florence, made for a perfect ending to a great weekend. Siena, unlike Venice, offered more of a medieval feel (like Florence). With the Duomo towering over the city, Siena's focus seemed to be pointed upward. And this is exactly what I felt. Beginning at San Domenico's at the bottom of the town, where St. Catherine of Siena's head is located, we made our way up the winding cobblestone streets toward the top where we were able to see much of Siena's charm. It almost seemed ironic to begin at the Church where St. Catherine--saint and Doctor of the Church--was able to do the very thing she did here on this earth: point upward to Christ! At the top, we were able to look down upon the Tuscan hills full of vineyards and olive trees!

This weekend was so amazing, beginning with the sun rising over the canals of venice and ending with the sunset over the Tuscan hills! I cannot imagine a more perfect weekend!