Rain, Cold and lots of Fun!

Well today was our official last touring day of Rome.  We visited the Vatican and and got to see the Sistine Chapel along with a LOT of ancient sculpture.  I think it is safe to say that we have walked this entire city for the most part (at least that is what my legs are telling me) It is surreal to go to some of these places. Yesterday we went to the Colleseum and I still have to remind myself that it was the real thing.  The weather here leaves something to be desired (that thing being the sun) It is cold and rainy as it has been for most of the trip, but I actually think that it has brought our group closer together (literally we have to huddle together for warmth!).  This has been a great trip, but I am getting a bit homesick now.  My roomates and I have a few last minute things we plan to do tomorrow, a few last minute tourist spots and a little bit more shopping.  We have been blessed with a great group of people on this trip and suprisingly we are all still getting along farely well. I dont know what has been my favorite thing thus far, but yesterday and today are definitely at the top of the list!

Ciao for now!

Kristen

Roaming around Rome….

Today we arrived at our final destination the beautiful city of Rome, but not before we had a great night saying goodbye to Florence.  The whole group went to a restaurant in the countryside of Florence where we had a fantastic meal and sang along with the tenor singer and acordian player…my favorite was when we all sang the yellow submarine song!  After a good nights sleep (until the construction at the hotel kicked up) we boarded our bus to Rome.  The weather is somewhat dreary here but hopefully it will clear up and warm up!  We have spent the afternoon walking around and we can honestly say that we walked from Italy to a different country because we walked to St. Peters Basilica or Vatican City which is the smallest country in world!  Rome seems very promising and I am sure that it will be memorable, but I have to say that I miss home. Hopefully I will have some adventures to report tomorrow. Ciao for now! – Kristen

My Favorite Day – So Far!

Well I have to admit that today has been my favorite day yet…This morning we started out escaping our hotel room (that has a some what interesting smell) to take a walking tour of Florence. We saw the actual statue of David! It almost doesn’t hit you when you see the actual thing! We spent the rest of the day shopping in the market, where I have to say that I depleted my funds but it was worth it. We need places like this in the US where we can haggle. (that would be great because Kelli taught me how to!) Kelli is no longer the pretty lady now she is “the negotiator” as dubbed by the Italian vendors. I have to say that it is now registering that I am in a foreign country. As much as I love Italian food, me and the roomies had to find a McDonalds today. Tomorrow we go to Rome after a morning in Florence (where we may get in some more shopping! Once again it is about dinner time and I need to run!

Ciao!

Planes, Buses, and Gondolas

Well I have fnally have a chance to blog now that we have arrived in the beautiful city of Florence. We spent the past two (or was it three days, I have no concept of time over here) in Venice. The city of Venice is surreal, we walked along the grand canal, rode on a gondola (also got soaking wet on the gondola in approximately 2 degree weather, but its all good and yes there are photos) and just soaked it all in (haha no pun intended there). It is hard for me to put into writing what it is like to be here. It almost doesn’t register that I am half way around the world. People in Italy are friendly for the most part, and I am travelling with an amazing group of people. I am sure that I have made some friends for life and the trip is not even half way over. It is a blessing to be with these people, they are great support and they also provide a great source of entertainment. Kelli is the pretty lady of Venice you’ve all heard about and I don’t think I will ever forget Rebekah chasing the pigeons in St. Marks Square (probably because she busted during it but a great moment no less) We are having a great time, it feels like the time is going by so fast. I am looking forward to seeing Florence tomorrow (not today because my legs are on strike from the rest of my body from all the walking in Venice) Hopefully we’ll have internet access from here on out that makes being on the other side of the pond a lot easier!
Ciao!

Kristen

The Countdown Is On!

In less than two short weeks, we will embark on our Italian adventure.  I can’t believe that the trip is almost here.  Reading back through my first blog, I am ashamed to say that my Italian language skills are still somewhat lacking. While I have not learned that much of the actual language, I must say that my fake Italian accent is pretty convincing.  I guess I will have to use that not so short plane ride across the Atlantic to practice the actual language.  I have to say that writing about the upcoming trip still does not make it real to me.  It is hard for me fathom what Italy will be like.  There are many questions in my mind that can only be answered once I get there.  Being involved in politics one of the biggest things that I wonder is how we as Americans will be accepted.  From what little I know about Italian people, they seem to be very friendly towards Americans.  Having a degree in History, it makes me feel strange to know that there are places in the world that would
not be welcoming to a group of Christian American students from Alabama, however I don’t think Italy would be one of these places. (In the event that it is it will be a good thing I’ve been practicing that Italian accent   All reservations, questions and concerns aside I know this is going to be the trip of a lifetime and I can’t wait!!!

Parlo Italiano

We have officially 56 days until we embark on our Italian Adventure! I am excited beyond belief about this trip; I have never been out of the country. Well, I take that back I have been to Canada…so I guess I should say I’ve never been out of North America… I have started making some preparations for the trip… for instance I purchased a pocket guide to the Italian language. So far all I know is, non parlo italiano, which means I can’t speak Italian. I’m going to have to pick up the pace if I’m going to be fluent before we leave! I also have been watching all of the travel channel shows about Italy and it has made me realize that this is truly the trip of a lifetime. I am a history nerd so I have a love of all things old, but I have never seen anything truly old. I’ve been to the different historical sights around the U.S., but I don’t think Italy will compare….we’re talking thousands of years of history! I hope I’m able to take it all in! I also think that one of the most exciting things will be meeting new people and experiencing a new culture. It will be fascinating just to see how people in a different part of the world live…and I have to admit I’m really looking forward to the food!