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!

Surrounded by History

The culture, history, art and architecture that Rome has to offer is like nothing one will ever witness except here. It is so amazing. To be a witness of it is so eye-opening! I feel like my world-view has been broadened as I am able to experience, in a sense, the history of the ancient world. To see how and what the Western world was built from and how the Roman Empire influenced not only Rome but the entire world up until this point is amazing!

Dr. Connell, our professor, has emphasized over and over that there is something about Rome, from the beginning until now, that makes in the greatest city of all time. Reading "The Aenead" has broadened my historical understanding of Rome and enhances my experience being here. Seeing sights such as Largo Argentina where Julius Caesar was murdered or visiting the Forum create a living history book as I imagine the lives of those who lives before me. To think Rome has survived until now--throughout history, the good emperors and the bad, which there have been plenty of--demonstrate Rome's lasting prominence in the world! The history of Rome has shown me the importance of Rome--the importance that it has existed as such a powerful city and why it necessarily exists today as the center of the Catholic Faith!

Yesterday was a particularly overwhelming and emotional day for me. Upon rising at 6:30 a.m. to attend Mass in the crypt of St. Peter's Basilica, I didn't know what to expect. St. Peter's Square reflected a calm magnificence about it so early in the morning when hardly a soul could be seen walking its vastness. With the exception of few people, the Square itself was able to show off its grandeur in a different way than I had witnessed before, namely due to the absence and disruption of people. There's a certain beauty and innocence about the morning--the beginning of a new day. St. Peter's stood before me in this innocence and radiance for my eyes to see! Walking inside, the lights were dimmed. The Pieta was more emphasized by the dim lighting that hit the different angles of the sculpture. I felt again, as I always do walking into St. Peter's, a feeling of wander and awe. I somehow always feel a deep connection to my faith especially in this place. My faith becomes more real in a sense--I feel as if I'm a part of something so much bigger than myself. The Catholic faith is amazing like that. Because it is universal, we share a commonality, namely Christ as our head, the faith spreads not only to the faithful here on earth, but with the communion of those in heaven. We share in something so much deeper than ourselves and something even deeper than our personal relationship with Christ. We share TOGETHER in union with Christ. Experiencing that in such a powerful way ordains St. Peter's to be my most treasured experience in all of Europe. It's not only seeing its earthly radiance and splendor in all that it is, for it is definitely a structure of great architectural achievement and beauty, but it is entering into the faith of St. Peter who is buried there, it is entering into the faith of the people who helped construct it, it is entering into the faith of the saints who have walked before us and those living today, that makes such an experience one that enraptures the entire being--mind, body and spirit.

Descending the stairs to the crypt area of St. Peter's was an indescribable experience. I was already emotionally moved by stillness of St. Peter's so early in the morning and beholding the Pieta without crowds surrounding it. I remember thinking as I was walking down the steps what an amazing opportunity I was about to experience: Mass in the crypt. It was beautiful and very moving. It wasn't until afterwards that I began tearing up upon seeing JPII's tomb. The presence I felt moved me to tears. I knelt down. I prayed. I cried. What a start to a beautiful Saturday! I remained in a contemplative state for the rest of the day. I needed to be alone so I set myself apart from the group. Everything seemed touched me in a deeper way that day--everything I saw and every person I came in contact with. I sat for hours to think without feeling the need to go anywhere or do anything.

I made my way to Piazza Garibaldi, which overlooks the city. The view from the top is indescribable. I had been wanting to go up there and just sit. That day was the perfect day to do so. Brown leaves covered the ground. A hint of coolness was in the air as the Fall sun gently warmed Rome. I thought this as I wrote: "How do I describe what's before me?" I often wonder what is going to happen in two months--six months--a year from now. What am I going to remember? The memory lasts only for so long. Memory is our connection to the past. Apart from words and pictures, it's all we have. What things will I remember most? I wish I could write every feeling, emotion, sight and sound I experience so I can remember it forever.

I'm so grateful for this time: moments such as the one on top of Piazza Garibaldi and in the crypt of St. Peter's where I can truly appreciate and contemplate the life God has given me. I know that looking back I am going to appreciate this experience so much more. Now, I'm just trying to enjoy it and take in as much as I can. I heart Rome! It think it's safe to say that it's my favorite city. I'm in love. I would be content to live here my whole life.

A Roman Feel

After our Tuesday morning tour, Maggie and I adventured out to Borghese park with a few stops on the way, including one stop at a cafe called Ristoranti Sabatini where we ordered a "Cafe e Gelato": our own off-the-menu invention of espresso served over vanilla gelato. The idea for this concoction came from a cafe in Kilkenny, Ireland called the Mug Shot where Maggie ordered a delicious drink made from those two ingredients. Separately both are delicious, but together they become a divine infusion! For some reason, we haven't found a duplicate to match the exquisite taste as that found at Mug Shot. Nevertheless, I'm sure we'll continue to order it in Italy and maybe find it's Italian match!

One thing about Italian cafes is that the majority are bar-style cafes where one drinks their espresso at the bar, which is precisely why cafes here are called "bars", not to be confused with our idea of what a bar is. To sit down costs extra. At first, this idea perplexed me. I'm so used to the idea of sitting down to enjoy a nice cup of coffee, certainly not rushing to drink it. The idea here is that if one wants to sit down to enjoy a cup of espresso, he must pay for not just for the espresso, but for the conversation that accompanies it. This is why one never drinks alone, if he does then he drinks quickly at the bar. Paying an extra euro to sit down is normal for one sits to enjoy it and the company he is with. Paying extra to sit down is to pay for a long, enjoyable conversation with a friend! I'm so accustomed to ordering my coffee to go, but here a to-go cup consists of a dinky plastic Solo cup. I'd rather just drink it at the bar then get it to go, although no matter where you have it the espresso here is fabulous!

Continuing on our way to Borghese park led us through the Trevi Fountain and eventually up the Spanish Steps! Not but a five minute walk from the Spanish steps is the beautiful Borghese Park. Thanks to the Borghese Family we're able to enjoy such beautiful places such as these. Much of Rome's restoration is due to this family's wealth! A couple of hours were spent reading and just chatting away at this park that overlooks Piazza del Popolo and Vatican City. We sat specifically in an area where we could see the top of St. Peter's from our "hot spot" on the grass. A kind of cloudy-ness filled the air throughout the city. I've noticed that in a lot of places within Rome and Italy. The air isn't ever fully clear, it seems. Is it smog?

I watched the many couples enjoying themselves in the park. What a beautiful setting to share one's company! The majority of the benches were filled with couples in love. They seemed to exist in a certain timelessness--enveloped in each other. Something about this city evokes such a feeling! One thing seemed to be missing, and that was the laughter of children. I haven't seen a lot children in or around the Rome area. I don't know if it's because they're in school, but I rarely see young children running in the streets or at the park. This park is great for people watching and/or reading. It's open yet full of trees which are a welcome invitation for people such as Maggie and I who love spreading underneath their branches with a big blanket and picnic for a lovely afternoon of talking and reading! It felt very safe and offered much shade as a relief from the warm sun.

On another note, a couple of things have surprised me about the city. Although I've slowly become used to seeing them everywhere, various fountains fill Rome's streets. There is no reason to ever feel a need to buy water here--just keep refilling a water bottle. A drinking fountain can be found at almost every street corner and, if not, somewhere in between. I'm amazed that anyone and everyone can fill up at these fountains--nothing like our boring water fountains in the U.S. These fountains were made eloquently out of stone. The water pouring out of them is refreshing and tasteless!

Another surprising thing and something that has taken me longer to get used to is the graffiti that covers the city's walls, streets, buses, etc. Graffiti lines beautiful architectural structures and seeks to destroy Rome's beauty. I've learned to look past it, although some might argue that it gives Rome character--an urban feel. Personally, I'm greatly saddened by its impotence on Rome's history and beauty. That's not to say that graffiti in itself isn't a sort of art form that can be beautiful in the right context--but, as an act of vandalism, I find it destructive. Looking beyond, the important thing is that Rome's beauty still remains intact despite the array of graffiti that paints its many walls.

Until next time, ciao!

A Day in the Life of (a wanna be) Roman

One week has past. The beginning of my journey to the Eternal City has felt like forever ago. I have done so much already. My philosophy is to waste no time; take of advantage of the time we are given!!

Saturday I adventured out on my own. Surprising? No. I immediately felt a sort of inner connection with the city. Getting around can be an adventure. If you don't know what you're doing, you WILL get lost. Having had experience in London and Dublin with the transportation system, I was prepared to tackle the Italian buses. My conclusion thus far: prepare yourself for rude, obnoxious people, dirty buses, and what I like to call "butt swiping". The term "butt swiping" refers to the act done when a bus is so packed that in order to get in or out you have to squeeze yourself in between people, the majority of who had their butts turned toward yours. It's not pleasant.

Luckily, on my first solo adventure, I had no problems. Along with my pride, I like to believe I have a certain invincible nature about me. Whether this is a good thing or not, I have not decided. If one carries himself in a certain way--a way that is confident and dignified, which means dressing well along with other things--and makes oneself a part of the culture by doing the same things those around him are doing with no sign of confusion or ignorance, then there is no reason why he should be a target for theft or other acts of violence. My testing of this theory has so far resulted in what I thought: that how one carries himself can make it or break it. Holding oneself in confidence, looking straight ahead and making no eye contact, determined and knowledgeable is key to avoiding contact. It sounds ridiculous maybe, but it works!

Believe it or not, I was still able to fully enjoy my Roman experience. I like to think of it as the perfect day in Rome--because it was! It was absolutely gorgeous. I often caught myself throughout the day just stopping to look around and pinching myself. Was I really in Rome? Was the beauty that surrounded me really there? Were these the same roads that so many great men and women had walked before me? I find myself having to do this quite often because taking in so much can be so overwhelming. It's so easy to just pass by everything and not take it in. For me, I need time to reflect and contemplate in order to really take it in. That is why I needed to adventure out on my own, to walk the same streets I had done before, but with a different mind-set. The amazing thing was that what I saw--the same things I saw a couple of days before--appeared in a different light in my mind. I took my time to look and gaze at things. Setting no time restriction for myself allowed me to take the back roads and see things I would not have seen. I sat outside a cafe overlooking Piazza Navona. The once pagan piazza has since been Christianized but the fountains still display pagan gods as a reminder of Rome's past. As I sat and drank my cappuccino, I enjoyed the warm, Fall sun beating down. The few hours spent there flew as I engaged myself in a good book! The Colosseum was not but a ten minute walk. Passing Piazza Venezia on my way to the Colosseum was an adventure in itself. I weaved myself in and out of taxis and buses. I made it through alive. I swear, my guardian angel has been working overtime! The Colosseum this time around (I had see just the outside two days prior) was a different experience. I sat outside basking in the sun and just looking at it in awe, imagining myself over 2000 years ago as an early Christian. What was going through their minds? Would I be as strong to die for Christ (I can only hope)? What was going through the minds of those who saw these events as entertainment? I took my time inside making sure to appreciate every angle and trying to live each step as one might have thousands of years ago.

I couldn't end my day without Gelato. How can you not end with a perfect cup? And, I knew the perfect place to go: Old Bridge Gelateria near the Vatican. The long lines might deter people at first, but this Gelato is worth waiting for. When I arrived the line was stretched to the end of the corner. I had walked all this way, I was, no doubt, going to wait for the best Gelato in town. My order: a small pistachio gelato in a cup with whipped cream! I never feel guilty spending only 1.50 euro on this small because it's more like a large! As I passed St. Peter's square with my pistachio gelato, I thanked God for another perfect day in Rome!

I'm sure there will be many more adventures to come! I can't wait!

Roma, day 1

I'm sitting on my bed! Finally a bed that I can call my own for the next three months--finally a PLACE I can call home for the next three months!

I loved traveling for the past ten days and seeing so much country. We covered a lot! Not only did we walk all of London, we saw the beautiful English country side from our train from London to Holyhead. From there, we were able to see a lot of Ireland: Dublin, Galway, Kilkenny, Cork, and Cobh! What a beautiful country. Having the opportunity to travel wherever and whenever we wanted was so worth it! The luxury of the traveler on his own is that he can travel to the places he wants to go without restriction. He sets a time for himself to explore beyond the tourist attractions to the heart of the country--to the heart of the people. He is able to observe how others live! Another part of our journeys that I enjoyed is not having an idea of time, apart from having to get to trains and buses. Other than that, time meant nothing. There is so much freedom in not being constricted by time, which I have learned from the English and Irish. They know how to enjoy a break and enjoy people!

This is where I must pause to defer the topic, somewhat, to a conversation Maggie and I had about this on one of our many long bus rides. The idea of investing ourselves in another person can sometimes be a very scary thought. The reason why so many relationships fail (and not just marriages) is because people either don't want to or don't know how to truly invest himself in a relationship. Why? The root lies in fear. Fear of being misunderstood--or even more, the fear of not being accepted. One fails to open up and truly express himself--his opinions--because of this very thing which holds him back. To see how so many in England and Ireland loved the company of others opened my eyes to what I see lacking, at large, in the U.S.: genuine relationships and really getting to know a person--the deep stuff the everyone likes to avoid. I fail at this myself on so many levels, but this is something that I really want to work on!

Today's trip to Rome has carried with it many new experiences. Each place we go is a different experience. The scenery is different, the language is different, and the people are different, as witnessed today on arriving at the Da Vinci airport. The Roman people are definitely more loud and flamboyant people. Being accustomed to the lovely hospitality of the Irish made Italians seem rude. But, I'm not judging them yet considering this is only my first day. I do have to say, no matter if they are, I love experiencing the differences. I like to take everything in and, if I can, learn from the different cultures and how they interact. I want to extend my constricted view of the world so as to be open to what lies beyond what I know!

I have already said this to a lot of people inquiring about my trip thus far, but I cannot emphasize how much traveling must be experienced by each person in order for him to understand the importance of stepping outside oneself to view the world in a different light, and hopefully with an open heart. It is a process of growth. As my RD of the campus I'm staying at said: "Because you are away from all that you are used to and totally taken out of your normal situation, it is such an opportunity for enormous growth and a deeper transformative conversion. So take advantage of the opportunities that you have to open the door to the Lord and let Him form your soul." I plan on taking full advantage of the three months I have left--to view, with an open heart, the world in which I live. I can only hope that it will prove to be a truly transformative experience, after which I can say that I have no regrets. The growth that I hope to experience is something that could be so subtle that I don't even see it in myself, or the conversion might be one so deep that I'll look back on myself in three months time and see a different person. The idea of not knowing what lies ahead for me is exciting. One might fear the idea of not knowing, but I look at it as a period to work on relying on God to lead me on paths that I never could have imagined. And, that is why traveling is so much more than just viewing new places, it's the journey, not necessarily the destination.

I have learned so much thus far, which makes me excited for what is to come!
Buona Notte

Galway: My favorite place in all of Ireland (thus far)

Today's journey proved to be one full of insight into understanding the heart of the Irish. Traveling to the opposite coast of Ireland, I was able to view a new side of Ireland. What I saw along the way and what I experienced in Galway was surreal. It was an experience I'll never forget. Although, it was a quick day trip--3 hours to the coast by bus, 7 hours in Galway, and 3 hours back to Dublin--we were able to delve into the heart of Galway and experience Ireland--the Ireland that I've always fantasized about. I say it's surreal because it felt like we were in a movie the whole time. The buildings, the shore, the feel of the sea wind against your face were all signs that we had indeed arrived in Ireland. The more I'm here, the more I feel like my heart could stay! I feel a part of it for some reason. My ancestors came from here. I have even found myself talking like the Irish--being surrounded by them, it's hard not to. The accent here is something that I love!

There is something about the Irish--a certain charm. They have a certain hearty character to them. I noticed this especially in Galway, where the people are sea people--they live right along the shore! There exists a certain roughness in their character; they're strong-headed and stubborn.

Last night, Maggie and I were able to experience, again, the friendly hospitality of the Irish people. Not but a minute after ordering our drinks at Temple Bar, two lawyers struck conversation with us--it lasted the whole night...and them buying all our drinks! They even brought us to the oldest pub in Dublin called The Stag's Head for one last drink! It was a night I'll always remember--full of good conversation!

So much is to be learned by those outside our own culture. Opening our mind to the world around us is so beneficial to our world view. It's not so much being open minded as it is understanding the world we are in. It is so easy to maintain a close view of the world we know. Without any understanding of how others live and interact, we set ourselves up for a life that can limit us and limit our understanding. A whole new world is opened when one allows himself to go beyond himself--to give of himself and to allow himself to be open to understanding and gaining knowledge of the world.

Traveling: An Authentic Growing Experience

Where do I begin? Where did I leave off? So much has happened already.

Since my last post, I have left London. The last days in London were the best. We saw so much and were able to go back to some of our favorite places. Both Maggie and I fell in love with two places: Tea Pod and Serpentine. The Tea Pod was a quaint tea house near Tower Bridge, tucked away behind Butler’s Wharf. It was an gem, undiscovered by the many tourists who swarm London every day. The second, Serpentine, was a Kitchen and café along a pond in Hyde Park! What attracted us to it was its appealing atmosphere. Inside was full of warm colors, where couches and wooden tables were a warm invitation to sit down. The menu itself included coffee and a variety of teas served in pots! The food ranged from fresh fruits and pastries to smoked duck salad with figs, strawberries and gooseberries, which I ordered, which I’d recommend to anyone who might have the privilege of visiting Serpentine on their next trip to London!

Our last day in London was my favorite--I think it was because by that time I had already had a better, more general idea of London. We visited a beautiful church--a whole in the wall sanctuary--that had a beautiful Mass! Beforehand we had stopped quickly at store to grab some fruit, cheese and wine for a picnic after! We found St. Henry’s Square not far from the Church where we sat on a bench underneath the sun and enjoyed our cheese, fruit, and wine! It was delightful. On our way back to the Tea Pod, we traveled by foot, as we did everywhere throughout London with a few exceptions, to St. Paul’s Cathedral on towards Somerset House. Housed here was Courtauld Gallery! The collection in this Gallery was quite extensive. Some of my favorites were Seurat, Monet, Manet, Renoir, and Degas!!! I enjoyed this so much--as I have such an appreciation for art. We crossed Waterloo bridge to Gabriel’s Wharf, which was full people eating good food and shopping at the many vendors. It was extra crowed because it was a Sunday. Maggie and I stopped for Pimm’s and Lemonade to drink while we were walking!

I’m amazed at how much we walked! We decided to walk everywhere so that we could see more (and save money)! We must have walked miles and miles a day! I’m glad we did, even though our feet felt it each night.

Early Monday morning, Maggie and I made our way out of Kings Cross YHA hostel to Euston station! Our next destination: Dublin! I’m so glad that we decided to travel by train and ferry to Dublin, because the scenery on the way was so worth it. The entire train ride was fully of beautiful English country--full of rolling hills and farmland. Some of the English farmhouses had so much character. Sheep and cows freckled the lush, green pastures!! It was breathtaking. Arriving at Holyhead port, we were greeted by a biting breeze and cool mist. I knew we were near the Irish Sea--I could feel and smell it! I was so excited to finally see Ireland--I think even more so that I was to see England! The bus drove us onto the ferry. Upon entering the ferry, we were surprised to see carpet and leather seating. It was humongous--like a cruise ship! We definitely enjoyed our journey across the Irish Sea, although Maggie felt a little of sea sickness! Surprisingly, I didn’t.

Traveling on the bus from the port to the heart of Dublin, I was surprised at the differences between London and Dublin. Dublin isn’t as clean as London. Maybe it had something to do with the cloudy weather, but Dublin seemed more grey. The buildings were more grey--they weren’t embellished with lovely flowers as were most of London buildings. Dublin is definitely not as large as London is, so getting around is a lot easier. We arrived at our hostel about five minutes later: Paddy’s Palace. It was a couple of steps down from our clean, chic hostel in London. As I climbed down the stairs into the basement-like area where our room was, I knew that it was going to be a different experience from London--a more authentic hostel experience. We have a ten person female room. There are five bunks and the bathroom is down the hall. The bathroom has two stalls, two sinks and one very small shower. I’m not going to lie, it’s not them most sanitary place, but I’m a traveler--I must live with flexibility and be open to taking every experience as a learning experience. I’m really working on being more free-spirited!
We didn’t waste any time. We dropped our luggage off in our room and headed out to find a pub! By this time it was getting dark and raining! We were prepared with our umbrellas! We happened upon “The Celt”! From the outside it looks like a little whole in the wall. We thought we’d give it a shot. We went it and were pleasantly surprised. The night proved to be an authentic Irish experience--we listened to authentic Irish music, at authentic Irish food, and Maggie drank authentic Irish Guinness--and our drinks were FREE! After our first drink, we tried paying and the bar tender said that we should have another--it was on the house! So we did! I’m liking Dublin A LOT so far! If every pub experience is like this, we’re going to have a cheap stay here in Dublin!!!

It was so fun because Maggie and I were able to converse about our journey so far. We both agreed we’ve learned so much already. Having this opportunity at the time it came out has proven to be perfect! I think it has been helpful having traveled before--I have been able to grow in different ways and see things in a more mature light. One thing we both realized, is that Europeans thus far--at last the English and the Irish--have a deeper appreciation for life. They love conversation--good conversation! They love to enjoy walks in the park, tea with friends, and a pint at the pub. They’re so friendly and approachable! Even if they were to just meet you for one night and know they’d never see you again, they’d devote just as much time getting to know you!

Today, Maggie and I awoke early to get a start to our day. We decided we would see the majority of Dublin--or what we wanted to see of Dublin--today! It is definitely do-able in one day, especially since we’ve been used to walking so much already in London. We started off with Trinity College, then St. Stpehen’s Green where, again, the park proved to be a truly enjoyable experience--swans, ducks, and pigeons. I just wish I had some bread to feed them! We stopped by Cleo’s--a wool store full of lovely sheep wool sweaters and scarves! Next we went to St. Patrick’s Cathedral--a breathtaking sight, although the inside wasn’t worth going to see and not worth paying five euros for.

Next, Guinness Storehouse! What an experience! I enjoyed learning how Guinness is processed and brewed--quite an extensive process. You’d be surprised at how much goes into a making the much loved Irish beer. It tastes SO much better than an Guinness in America--it doesn’t travel well. You haven’t tasted Guinness until you’ve tasted authentic Irish Guinness. We got to pour our own pint--my favorite part!

We headed to Dublin castle! What a beautiful building so full of history. We strolled the streets, window-shopped, and stopped inside shops and café’s that looked fun! The Temple Bar area was one of my favorites--so many cute café’s, bars, and shop! We even stopped at Moore Street Market where we bought a fresh English apple to snack on!

I’m enjoying my traveling experiences so far. I’ve already learned so much--it’s overwhelming. I’m trying to be open to mingling with the locals. Traveling, in a sense, asks you to step outside what you know--your comfort zone--to experience others. By learning about how others live, you learn a lot about yourself. I hope to grow to be more open minded and free spirited! I want to live like them--I want to enjoy good conversation and enjoy life!

London, Day 2

After a long day of touring some major sights of London, I'm wiped out. Because we walked practically everywhere, my feet are killing me. Yet, it's 11:00 at night and I'm here drinking a latte. Who needs sleep when you're in a city that never seems to sleep? The cars are zooming by the window outside, people are enjoying a beer and good conversation in the cafe at our hostel. Despite being tired, I can't seem to get enough of this beautiful city. I'm still trying to take in everything we did today...and wow, we did a lot.

I thought about my last post and I realized I failed to mention certain things. So, I'm determined to remember them now, while trying to recall my busy day today.

We walked into our room late last night because we got carried away blogging and uploading pics last night, so we were unable to meet our last hostel-mate. Walking in, we tried not waking anybody. It's the weirdest feeling sleeping with two other people that you don't know. Nonetheless, I fell asleep right when my head hit the pillow. We apparently missed our alarm because we didn't wake up to it...

We woke up to a cloudy day. I got ready and headed to Costa coffee house down the street, to later be joined by Maggie as we enjoyed a vanilla latte on the bar overlooking the busy streets of Kings Cross! One thing that I particularly like about watching people here is that the majority of people here dress nice. There are so many different styles, yet everyone looks put together--and well-dressed. It made me realize how much Americans don't necessarily put much effort into the way they dress.

Coffee made us ready to go! We hopped back on the bus--this time we were headed to Oxford Street to catch another bus to Liverpool Street where our next destination was: Spitalfield's Market. Arriving at the market, we found many booths full of clothes, bags and accessories. We were disappointed that the organic fruit and vegetable stand that we thought was going to be there wasn't. We grabbed a quick bite to eat and continued on to London Tower and London Bridge. Expecting it to be too long to walk, we tried finding a connecting bus to London Tower. After asking around, we found out it was a five minute walk.

This is where I must pause to reflect on the confusing layout of London. It's SO confusing. The maps look simple enough, but the streets are not set up in a grid like most cities in America, so it makes it more difficult to travel. For us, we always get turned around. I cannot tell you how many times Maggie and I have walked in the opposite direction of where we wanted to go because the maps confused us so much. But, we're slowly getting the hang of it--we've seen everything we've wanted to. The little detours along the way are only opportunities for exploitation and happening upon cute shops that slways seem to distract us.

I was excited to turn the corner around London Tower to Tower Bridge--what a sight. I have to say it was one of my most anticipated sights of all of London--pictures just don't do it justice. We were able to take pictures of practically every angle. To inquire about a tea shop that we wanted to see in the area, we stopped by a hotel (pronounced "oh-tell") to get directions. We were directed across the bridge to Butler's Wharf!

The Tea Pod was a down the cute cobblestone road that led behind Butler's Wharf. This was no doubt my favorite area. Right across the street was a cute little bread/meat shop where one could go in to buy some nice produce for dinner: pasta, meat, braed, and fresh veggies!

The Tea Pod was even more exciting. Maggie had heard that this quaint, not well-know tea shop was a keeper--and it was. On the wall is a clock supplying the time for brewing the perfect pot of tea! The menu was perfect--the whole store was perfect. Maggie ordered clotted cream and jam on fresh scones. I ordered Greek Yogurt with granola and fresh fruit with Dark Vanilla Leaf Teas! Delicious. The little colorful pots that they're served in provide the perfect amount of tea for tea full cups. I'm beginning to gain a real appreciation for tea! It's so relaxing and warming! One thing I did notice here in London is that one rarely finds tea bags here--everything is sold as tea leaves. I quite like the idea of brewing tea leaves!! Everybody needs to go the Teapod on their next visit to London.

Our next stop: Bourough Market, Vinapolis, then on to London Eye! To our disappointment, Bourough Market had just closed--we arrived to vendors taking down their tents. You can only imagine how disappointed we were after anticipating fresh cheese, bread, and fruit for dinner. Yet, we persisted on. I rather enjoyed this part of the city--the many cobblestone paths led to so many cute and quaint bars and restaurants where people lined the buildings enjoying a pint. One thing that astonishes me is that people stand outside, whether it's for drinking beer or coffee. They collect outside and just stand and talk. Brits LOVE to talk! So was it with these bars we passed by. The streets were lined with people drinking, talking and enjoying life! As we approached Vinapolis--a world of wine--we noticed that it was a little pricey, so we decided to continue on to the London Eye--the big ferris wheel of London. The London Eye was huge! Little bubbles took us up on an enjoyable 45 minute view of the entire city. My favorite view from the top was looking down on the Big Ben and Houses of Parliament. We didn't really plan to do it at night, but seeing the seeing from so high at night was absolutely gorgeous. Seeing the lights of London for miles and miles was breathtaking!

We arrived back to the hostel. Even though I was tired, I really wanted to write some postcards, journal, and upload pictures, so instead of going to bed, I ordered a latte and am here now typing away. But, of course, the latte didn't last long. Maggie and I ordered a nice bottle of Magner's Hard Cider to split!

London, Day 1: A City full of Surprises

London, England.

Much to my surprise, this city is much like any other city. I don't know if I was expecting something different or outstanding about it, but once I stepped off the plane, I felt as if I was in any other airport in America. It could be because I've gotten used to traveling. Maybe new places don't phase me as much as they used to? Either way, I stepped outside the train station to a bustling city, much like my memory of New York. Minus the big sky-scrapers, that is exactly what London reminds me of--New York City. That was my first impression, but I have since been pleasantly surprised by it's unique beauty and diversity.

Our travels today started off as nothing more than just exploring the city. We just arrived this morning at 7:25 a.m. after a surprisingly short 7 1/2 hour flight. Time flew, but that was probably due to the fact that Maggie and I were carried away catching up. We had not seen each other for over a month--it's amazing we survived...and it's amazing we didn't die from a dry mouth after all the talking we did. After 3 1/2 hours of chatting away, we finally realized that a little 3 1/2 hour nap didn't sound too bad. Attempting to sleep proved to be more difficult than I hoped. I always have the hardest time getting comfortable. I feel bad for Maggie who had to put up with all of my shifting and kicking and drooling. lol I also feel bad for the person in front and in back of me. I think I accidentally hit the head of the guy in front of me numerous times because my leg had awkwardly found it's way to where he had positioned his head. Further, I had problems with the handy little remote that Virgin Atlantic attaches to the seat handle. I felt so in control with my own little remote. But, with much power comes much responsibility, and I feel as if I failed on the responsibility part. In attempting to change channels on my personal TV, I accidentally pushed the button that had a light bulb on it. I should have known on seeing the light bulb that it meant 'light'. Duh? Well, come to find out that button turned on the light directly above me, disrupting the sleep of EVERYONE within 5 feet of me. This happened twice. Nevertheless, the guy in front of Maggie and I didn't hesitate to befriend us as we were leaving to get off the plane.

The next feat, baggage claim. Joy of all joys. Smart me decided to pack as much as I could, instead of as light as I could. Now I know why people always encourage one to travel light. That's why Rick Steeves always said pack light. The reason why, my dear friends, that one, especially clumsy me, must always pack light is simple: it relieves one of weight and inconvenience so one can travel with the utmost ease without disrupting one's efficient travel, and without disrupting the travel of those around you...because it's a living hell when your shoulders are killing you because you have to pull one oversized bag and two bags full of heavy books...walking for miles and miles on end...in an unknown city...where there are a lot of people. I think you get the point.

Once we arrived by Underground to St. Pancras Station, our travels brought us not but two blocks from the station. Did we plan well or what? I have been pleasantly surprised at how easy it was to navigate from Heathrow airport, to our hostel, near the city. Picadilly Line (part of the Underground) took us to our destination, a lovely 54 minutes! On the way, we were able to converse with another student traveling abroad in London for a semester. He was on his way to go backpacking for a couple of weeks before school started. I feel as if I've spoken with more Americans over here than I have Brits.

The courtesy of the Brits has also greatly surprised me. I have received nothing but hospitality and politeness from the Brits. As much as I love to bash them, they are truly great people. They're weird, interesting, and diverse, but at the same time, so willing to help two young American tourists!

Like I previously mentioned, we arrived this morning not really having any definite plans for the day. We checked into our hostel, but found out that we couldn't actually check into our rooms until 2 p.m. We placed our luggage, with much difficulty, in the the luggage lockers. At first, we went downstairs to find little lockers that were no where big enough to fit our luggage. Maggie and I didn't know what else to do, but we sure didn't give up on the spot. After much kicking and shoving, and pushing and pulling, and squeezing and punching, we finally went to ask the hostel counter if there was any other storage place for our luggage. And, of course they did. A whole separate room was designated for larger luggage. With no difficulty we found lockers large enough to accommodate our luggage. We are also three pounds poorer because of it.

Next, we decided our best route for viewing a large amount of the city was the bus. We bought a ticket and hopped on a bus. The bus route brought us to Victoria. Among some of the attractions we passed were Wellington arch, The British Library, Buckingham Palace and Hyde Park. We got off the bus at Victoria. The streets were lined mainly with tourists, sprinkled with a few who called London home. On our way toward Buckingham Palace, we stopped at "Whittard's of London"--a tea and coffee store. So delightful. After trying some instant "Dream" tea and eating a few chocolate covered espresso beans, we looked outside. Yep. You guessed right...rain! There's typical London for you. Luckily I had my umbrella, which, right when I needed it, didn't work until I stood for five minutes in the rain, in the middle of the sidewalk trying to adjust it. I must have looked like a stupid American. Maggie wasn't so lucky. She had left her umbrella at the hostel. So, we stopped at a nearby sporting goods store to pick her up a nice big umbrella--the circumference being wide enough to keep her entire body dry!

Buckingham Palace approached us fast. We seemed to be the only ones not afraid to leisurly walk the streets in the rain. Everyone else was either running or huddled under trees. Are Brits afraid of rain or something? Buckingham Palace was gorgeous in the rain. The guards stood there in there with unrelenting faces. What we thought to be the changing of the guard proved to be an exciting experience nonetheless. It appeared to be the changing of the guard, and I'm convinced it was a special changing of the guards just for Maggie and I, so I'll consider myself lucky to have seen it minus the crowd--unless we go back tomorrow at 11:30 a.m. for the actual changing of the guard. We said cheers to the Queen and then left for a nice stroll in Green park.

I must designate a whole paragraph to parks. What is it with British parks? They're absolutely delightful. I'm convinced it's because the Brits have some idea about what leisure means. A nice stroll or jog in the park is the norm for the lifestyle of most Londonites--or it seems to be by the looks of the parks. The parks are unlike any other parks I've ever seen. There is no comparison to Central Park in New York. They're spacious, green, and clean with plenty of benches. No wonder so many enjoy spending time catching up with a friend, taking the dogs for a walk, or playing with children in London's parks. Again, words fail to describe their beauty, and so will pictures, but they will have to suffice for now. Upon entering Hyde park, we happened upon "Serpentine"--a perfectly delightful cafe in the middle of Hyde park near the pond where people feed the ducks and pigeons. We bought a pot of tea, sat out on the porch, and sipped our tea as we took in the same feeling of relaxation and leisure that so many of those in London have mastered. I'm learning through their example to create an appreciation for life through leisure. In the hustle and bustle of the day, it's okay to sit down and enjoy a cup of tea or coffee, and chat with a friend!

Sloane Street was store after store after store. Among the big brand name stores were Burberry, Gucci, Dolce & Gabbana, and many more. Beyond that was world-wide known "Harrods". Can I just say "OMG"? That store is like everything in one. You don't understand...this was THE most amazing store ever...any persons dream fantasy store come true. It was like a glorified Macy's in New York--only better. I was so overwhelmed going into the store and viewing the first floor which included perfumes, chocolates, candies, tea, coffee, fresh pork, rack o' lamb, shellfish, sushi, exotic fruits and vegetables, that I couldn't even go to view the next three levels. The outside was more ornate and gorgeous than the inside. Pictures could never do it justice, but I'll have to post them anyway.

We made our way back, by this time tired and running on the caffeine from the tea! I couldn't wait to take a shower. I had been in my clothes, at this point, for almost 30 hours. Gross. Our hostel room is clean and simple: four bunks, closet space with locked doors, and a bathroom and shower! We met one of he girls staying with us--she's been studying in Wimbledon and is finishing up her dissertation...something about monkeys in their natural habitat. I wasn't really listening to what she was saying, partly due to lack of sleep and partly due to the fact that I just didn't care. But, she seems like an awesome girl. haha She hung up her little clothes line, put her clothes on it, then left for the library.

I've just now realized that I've spent the last two hours down in the chic cafe in hour hostel lobby, drinking a latte and writing. Huh. Surprising? No.

Until my next adventures prompt me to write, Cheerio!

Arrivederci

My last few hours in America are nearing their end, as I approach my departure to London. Bittersweet? At this point, no. I'm just so full of excitement for what's to come that I'm not too sad to leave my beloved United States.

What lies ahead is unknown. I've purposefully not thought too much about what I'm going to experience because I know all too well that no matter what I expect, it won't be anything like what I imagined. I'm going with an open heart, free to experience everything with eyes wide open! Who knows what tomorrow brings? What will it feel like wake up tomorrow morning in London at Heathrow Airport? All I know is that I'll be overwhelmed by the experience, unable to take in enough beauty, and addicted to my love of travel!!

Arrivederci--until we meet again!

"The Eternal Shrug of Rome"

This link does an excellent job of portraying daily life in the Eternal City; it offers an encounter with the vibrant city! It is so full of insightful description, so much so that one is able to feel the experience of what it is like to be a Roman! Reading it makes me all the more excited as I anticipate my arrival to Roma in 10 days!

Have fun reading!


http://www.firstthings.com/onthesquare/2010/09/the-eternal-shrug-of-rome

The Journey Begins...

The journey hasn't actually begun...though, the countdown has begun. Three weeks, five days. Everything is paid for, plans are scheduled. Now, I'm just waiting for September 8th to arrive.

The reality hasn't hit yet. Yet, the journey has begun in a different sense. The journey of preparing myself for the trip is something that has sparked much mental prepartion: preparing myself for what I'm going to see and experience. Although nothing will prove to be the true experience until I actually get there, the time before is a time to really organize my thoughts to prepare myself for what I'm about to experience.

My most recent project has been planning for our 10 day trip to London and Dublin. Both England and Ireland have been places I've dreamed of going since I was young. So full of history and beauty. Although I'll only have four to five days in each place, I'll have the chance to taste British traditions and Irish hospitality, alongside the beautiful countryside!

What I really want to do-my entire trip-is to soak up every experience. To really immerse myself in the traditions and culture is something so invaluable. I'm looking forward to emerging myself in the traditions and culture--tyring new things. My goal isn't to necessarily go to view Europe, but to go experience it and truely encounter it. I want to find the quaint, unknown places where we can experience the locals and gain appreciation for culture and life.

One thing about travling and experiencing new things is that it can be overwhelming at times. Yet, it is an opporunity to grow--it challenges one's limits to experience a different lifestyle and it fosters an appreciation for the world at large. It'll be an opportunity to gain even more appreciation for my home. I'll have to let go of all familiarity--of everything I have known and am used to. Stepping outside my comfort zone, in a sense. I'll be challenged to see things outside my constricted world view and to be open to how others live! I won't be "alone", but being away from my homeland will show me a deeper appreciation for what I have. I'm sure it will also teach me how selfish I am. There exists a whole world out there--undiscovered by many. There are people and traditions that exist outside my own.

On the outlook, I'm expecting the entire abroad experience to be a trip of observation, enlightenment, and ultimately growth (and change--for the better). How invaluable it will be to open my mind to the world in a different light to experience truth-the truth I already know-on a deeper level. To experience that in a different light and maybe in a different way will seek to deepen my own understanding.

It goes without saying that the entire experience will be one of self-growth. I'm always learning new things about myself, but what I'll learn about myself while traveling will prove to be taught by those whom I meet, the experiences I have, the things I see.

I don't think the entire reality will hit me until my arrival home, when I settle back into what I know. Only then will I look back to the experiences that will hopefully change my outlook on my entire world-view. It will hopefully prove to be something that will impact the rest of my life and the decisions I make.

I look forward to experiencing something new every day. I hope that when I write upon my arrival back home four months from now, that I will have encountered myself alongside the other things I will have the opportunity to encounter. Traveling is not only a journey by plane or train, but a journey of self-discovery and self-growth. It is a realization one can and should hold onto for the rest of his life.

Preparation

The tickets are bought. It finally hit me that I'll traveling "the world" in less than two months. The anticipation is almost unbearable. As excited as I am, I'm not rushing these few months until our long-awaited departure. The preparation period is crucial to making any trip. Although it's important to leave a spontaneous element to a trip, it is essential to have somewhat of a plan. Planning a trip can be stressful. Being a first timer at it, I'm trying to organize myself. I'm already a very organized person, but this as proven to be more difficult because there's just so much to do. I find that, in anticipation, I'm getting stressed because I want all the logistics worked out, but it all takes time. Yet, little by little we're getting everything booked and scheduled.

Although stressful at times, I find it fun figuring everything out--one thing leads to another. After booking the plane tickets, my friend and I realized that just because we did that doesn't mean that we're set and ready to go. That led to a myriad of other things we had to figure out: bus tickets to get to the airport, hostels that are near the destinations we want to see, train passes, booking hostels, looking up places we want to go in the local areas we're going to, restaurants, transportation...the list goes on.

This will be the first blog of a book of more blogs to come. This will serve to update and share with others the amazing things I see, the amazing things I experience on the journey of a lifetime!