Spring Break in Paris!

Visually, Paris is insanely beautiful. It is nothing like Italy, which was expected. As my travels continue I don't expect anywhere to be the same as the last. Paris reminded me more of a modern day city whereas Italy is not. However, Paris still had the ancient and absolutely beautiful architecture that we aren't exposed to back in the States. 


We arrived in Paris relatively late due to the late flight we took. We stayed at a hostel on a little river called St. Christopher's. Our room was fit for 8 people, therefore we were living with strangers for a couple days. However, we had pod beds which was pretty fun. Pod beds are beds that are bunked into a wall and have a little curtain so you have some form of privacy from the other roommates.


Our first day in Paris was amazing. And in the morning we had our usual baguette and cereal. Then we headed for Notre Dame. There were crowds of people surrounding it but it was honestly a site for sore eyes. The carvings of angels and saints covered the outside of the cathedral. After roaming around the outside we made our way in. The pictures I took cannot even describe what I saw in person. The ceilings are covered with historic stories from the past with vibrant colors of religious figures. The columns, lighting, and paintings were breathtaking. It was an absolute treat to see. Afterward, we roamed the outside of the garden and just walked along the river where Notre Dame overlooks.


Next, we made our way to the river for a water taxi ride. The water taxi brought us to different tourist spots along the river of Paris. Can you guess where we went first? Clearly we took the water taxi straight to the Eiffel Tower. Pulling up to the tower on the boat was amazing, I felt like I was in a dream. I've always seen pictures, movies or have heard stories about the Eiffel Tower and had to base my perception of it off of what I knew without seeing it for myself. Seeing it in person completely changed my perspective of what I thought. It was the most massive tower I have ever seen and so astonishing to look at. We got off the water taxi and as we approached the tower we passed a person who was dressed up as a robot that was entertaining a whole crowd. It reminded me exactly of a scene from the movie Euro Trip [my roommates and I love that movie.] As we passed the robot and began approaching the Tower we had to make one spot first..crepes! My first French sugar crepe, ever. It was pretty good, but nutella crepes win my vote by far. We approached the Eiffel Tower and it was amazing. Just standing under it was something that felt unreal, I couldn't believe I was actually in Paris and experiencing that one specific moment. I remember standing underneath it and looking up and seeing directly up the Tower and a sense of calmness just came over me, and I had to tell myself "Yup, you're actually here." It was an amazing experience and feeling.


To the Louvre! Well, sort of. We took the boat back towards the Louvre. But it was such a beautiful day out we decided to roam around the gardens of the Louvre instead of going in for our first day. The gardens were gorgeous. There were so many people sitting on the grass just embracing the nice weather and the company of one another. There was a man in the gardens that was feeding birds and literally the birds would be perched on his arms and just eating bread directly from his hands. We walked in the gardens, saw all of the statues and made our way to yet another crepe place. That's where I tried my first nutella crepe, so good. From the gardens of the Louvre you could see the Eiffel Tower in the distance as well as the infamous Arch. I was in shock when I just stopped and realized I'm standing in the gardens of the Louvre and looking at the Eiffel Tower and the Arch in a short distance. Pretty awesome feeling.


After venturing through Paris we made our way back to the hostel and got ready for the Pub Crawl. Before we got to the Pub Crawl we stopped for a couple of touristy pictures of the Moulin Rouge.  So, we ended up being a total of  seven people. Well eight, including our guide. It was fun though, we all got to get to know each other better than we would have if we were in a massive group. There were two girls from Canada, (as well as our guide) one guy Andre from Portugal, Ben from Australia, and myself and my two roommates! It was great meeting new people, it's always awesome to meet other people from different parts of the world.


Day two! We actually went to the Louvre on our second day and spent three hours in there and did not even see 3/4 worth of the artwork there. It was HUGE. Of course we saw the Mona Lisa and Venus De Milo. It was a lot of fun to experience the Louvre but incredibly tiring. After we roamed the halls of the Louvre we went to the garden and put our ipods in and just sat on the grass and relaxed and shut our eyes for a couple minutes, such a perfect moment. After our rejuvenation session we headed to the Arch [this is when we got our nutella crepes, yum.] We arrived at the Arch and it was huge, obviously. The carvings of names took over the massive walls. We sat and relaxed there for a while until we realized we had to head back to meet our friends for dinner.


Dinner in Paris, not too shabby. I told everyone we had to try escargot simply because I remember having it when I was eleven and I liked it. However, I hadn't had it since that time so I wanted to try the French delicacy for a second time but this time in their country. We ordered it as an appetizer and to no surprise, every one loved it. I had salmon for dinner with noodles on the side. The salmon was good but the pasta was super dry and plain, it was no Italian pasta that's for sure. After dinner we headed back to the Eiffel Tower, to climb it at night. Seeing the Tower lite up at night was a completely different experience from seeing it in the day. It was beautiful both times but there's nothing like seeing the Eiffel Tower lit up at night. Surprisingly I was real nervous going up, the elevator to the top scared me. It felt like it was not going to end. We got off at the first stop of the Tower and I overlooked the city of Paris. It was an indescribable experience. Then after overlooking the city from the first level we got on an elevator full of rude Italian high school students [figures, the Italians never leave our side even if we're in another country] and made our way to the very top. It was super windy and cold but you literally could see the entire city of Paris lit up, it was perfect.


Despite some rude French people and sketchy pick pocketers that stole my roommates blackberry, it's safe to say that the time I had in Paris was amazing and I had a phenomenal time. 

Carnevale in Venice!

Before I came out to Italy Venice was one of my top places I wanted to visit while I was out here. After, my experience I was not disappointed.


We took a day trip for Carnevale. In Italian they say Carnevale di Venezia, but for English speakers we just simply say Venice Carnival. The Venice Carnival is the most internationally known festival celebrated in Venice, Italy, as well as being one of the oldest. During the Carnival period Venice offered numerous possibilities for spending money. The choices were various, with activities such as gambling dens, brothels, theatres, cafés, wine shops, and restaurants, as well as booths where people could see exotic animals, ropewalkers and jugglers. In the past, the streets of Venice Carnival were full of people in masks, and no differentiation could be made between nobility and the common people.Nowadays, Venice Carnival attracts tourists from all over. However, Venetian parties were a primary aspect of Carnevale di Venezia for the Italian people. Although they are not made public celebrations still go on at night during Carnevale within the city grounds in unknown locations to tourists.


We took a water taxi to get to the island. The view from the boat was to die for. Absolutely amazing. The water was so blue and speed boats and gondolas (not actual gondola rides taking place)  were just cruising through the waters. We got to the island, put our Carnevale masks on and dove in to the experience.


Right off of the boat I immediately felt like I was in Halloween town or something. Walking the crowded streets and seeing people covered from head to toe in masks, cloaks, hats, and massive dresses, was the coolest experience. Not one person had the same outfit. There were women dressed up as castles, oceans, flowers, gardens, you name it. It was there. Men were dressed royalty or masked men with cloaks that looked evil. Everyone was snapping pictures with and of everyone. Tourists even took part in the Carnevale experience. So many people had masquerade masks on and enjoyed the Venetian aspects of Carnevale.


The architecture in the center of San Marco Square was beautiful. Everything is so historical and old and it is just beautiful to see.


We got our American on while we were in Venice too. In all honesty I didn't think I would miss American food as much as I do.The food in Italy is indescribable but sometimes you just miss what you're used to. So, we ate at the Hard Rock and I got a California Chicken Wrap and fries, something you could never get in Italy. It was a little taste of home :)


But in all honesty, the little canals is what truly made me feel like I was in Venice, seeing gondola rides taking place through the little canals and under bridges was the best part of being in Venice. As weird as it sounds. I've always wanted to see that and experience being in Venice and watching gondolas go by. I know my experience of Venice would have been different if we didn't go during such a popular time when the city was overcrowded but I don't regret it. I went for Carnevale, one of the oldest and most popular festivals Italy has to offer.

Verona.

I'm a little late with updating my blog so here's what's happened. My roommates and I went to Verona two weekends ago and it was absolutely beautiful. There isn't one place in Italy I honestly haven't loved so far.


First, we went to Juliet's house. The walls were covered with letters to Juliet in neon colors. We read some of the letters on the walls and made our way into the courtyard through the sea of people. Inside the courtyard you had a view of Juliet's balcony and the golden statue of the women that symbolizes luck. Supposedly, if you touch her boob it gives you good luck.


After the courtyard experience we made our way into the "house". Honestly, I would consider it a castle because it was five stories and absolutely massive. Inside there were pictures of Romeo and Juliet, glass cases where their clothes were on display, Juliet's bedroom, letters inside rooms that people have posted to her in the past, and more importantly the room that led to the infamous balcony. My two roommates, Kelly and Kira, as well as myself went onto the balcony. We were able to look down into the courtyard and experience William Shakespeare's interpretation of the view Juliet once saw.


After roaming through Juliet's house we made our way to the bridge that overlooks the river. What an amazing site. Domes on top of palaces peaked through the hills and the sun was shining on the water and it was just absolutely breathtaking.


We had very limited time in Verona because we booked the trip horribly so after the bridge we made our way toward the infamous Arena. On the way to the Arena we ran into a Cathedral and saw people going in so we decided to walk in. When we walked through the huge doors it was like a dream. The most beautiful church service was about to take place in the most breathtaking atmosphere. The music was beautiful and loud, the people sat in the pews as the priest was about to welcome them, and the scenery is indescribable. Massive pillars, high ceilings with pictures and carvings that were amazing, pictures, candles, everything imaginable that makes up a astonishing Cathedral in Italy. We felt odd being in the church service and just wanting to snap pictures so we made our way toward the Arena, as planned.


When we arrived to the area, it was packed. However, we made our way through the crowds of people and   went directly inside the Arena. We went in and walked directly toward the center where all of the activities used to take place. What a view. Tourists from all over were sitting in the stands just overlooking the architecture and the overwhelming size of this historical landmark. I loved it. Although we just sat there and took it all in, that's one of the best experiences about being out here. Sitting and enjoying every aspect that I know I'm in a place where history took place and where people have heard stories about. The fact that I get to experience all of this is the most beneficial feeling.


We had limited time in Verona because we planned our train schedule horribly. However, I don't regret not seeing other tourist spots. Yes, of course I would have loved to but I'm not upset that I didn't. I could say I went to Juliet's house, overlooked the most amazing view of the river in Verona, and sat in the infamous Arena, all in Verona, Italy.

Chocolate festival and Kebabs.

Second successful trip to the chocolate festival. I had my first Italian cannoli in Italy thus far. Mmmm, it was super good. I went with my two roommates Kelly and Kira and our neighbor Mike. As we were walking around taking pictures we heard these loud drums and there was a parade of people dressed in tights and red and white outfits playing trumpets, throwing flags and beating drums. It was a really awesome thing to witness. The whole festival just crowed around them and watched as they paraded through.


After we wandered around the chocolate festival we made our way to get kebobs. Kell and I found this little kebab shop the other night on our walk home, we went back today and ate lunch there. The weather wasn't too nice today, it was a little gloomy and it's usually warm and sunny here. After lunch we headed back home and have the night to look forward to.

The David Chocolate and Pizza, three amazing combinations.

I've been slacking with my blog so I have to talk about last weekend first before I start blogging about this weekend. Last weekend my roommates and our neighbors went see the David. It was something I never thought  I would be able to see in my life. Sitting there staring at such an important part of history was an awesome feeling. Kell and I made a team effort and snagged a picture of him even though we weren't supposed to take pictures, opps. It was well worth it, now we have a picture of the David to look back on. The museum had amazing sculptures of statues that told stories from the past, it really interested me and in all honesty I didn't think I would enjoy it as much as I did. Being out here has really changed my perspective on a lot of things that life has to offer.

After we saw the David we all went to the chocolate festival. Clearly we ate so much. I bought a chocolate covered banana with nuts on top and chocolate covered strawberries. They had chocolate kebobs, fresh fruit dipped in fondeau chocolate, waffles on a stick, literally anything and everything with chocolate. Everything was amazing.

After the festival Kelly Kira and I walked around town and then walked along the Ponte Vecchio and overlooked the city. The sun was beating on the river and the whole city looked like a painting. It was the most beautiful experience. After our walk we found some little shops and bought a couple of leather bracelets. We had to kill some time before the the best pizza place in the world opened at 7PM. We went to Gusta Pizza, one of the most popular places to eat pizza in Firenze. They make heart shaped pizzas that are too die for. Unfortunately we didn't get ours in a heart shape but it was still phenomenal. I had Calzone Napoli, it was a calzone that looked like a pizza but on the inside it was stuffed with salami and ricotta cheese. Mmmm, so good.

Overall it was a great day with great people, new adventures, and new experiences that I won't ever forget.

Trip to the Swiss Alps!

This weekend was one of the most incredible experiences of my life. I was able to see the Swiss Alps for the first time ever. I've always heard Switzerland was absolutely incredible and that it would be a place that would take my breath away, and this trip did just that. 

I para-glided off of the Swiss Alps. I was able to run off of a mountain and soar into the air like it was nothing. I was able to see the whole town of Interlaken from a birds eye view. I flew over trees that were covered with snow, the two rivers that split the town in half, and of course the alps themselves. Words cannot explain the feelings I felt when I was up in the air flying around and taking in every second of this once in a life time experience. I saw the most beautiful landscape of Interlaken, something I will never in my life do again.I felt so free and like nothing in the world mattered except that moment in time.

We went into the city of Bern for the day as well. I got to climb 400 stairs of the cities cathedral and overlooked the entire city of Bern. I cannot put into words the view that I saw. The water was so clear from the rivers that you could see the rocks at the shallowest parts.The cathedral had so much history behind it, and the architecture was indescribable. The lifestyle of the Swiss is nothing like that of the Italians. I felt much more excepted in their country and able to express myself as an American more comfortably than I am able to do in Italy. Not to say the Italians aren't accepting, but some of them are not. The Swiss embraced every aspect of us being in their country and it didn't remotely seem to phase them.

I tried Rosti for the first time ever in Bern, it was to die for. Rosti is the Swiss's most popular food dish. It's basically hash browns with other ingredients, depending on what you order. I ended up getting Rosti Garlic, it had garlic, cream and cheese in it. It was amazing to say the least. I had a little taste of home as well, they had a Starbucks in Bern and I had to get some because coffee out in Europe is not the same as the states, so I hear. I have yet to try it. 

More or less words cannot explain what I experienced this weekend, only my memories of it and pictures can describe some aspect of what I saw and felt. This trip is something that I will never forget for so many reasons and I'm appreciative of every moment that I had in Switzerland. It was the most beautiful place I have ever been to so far.

University of Florence visit!

I visited the University of Florence today for my Psychology class and had to talk to Italian students about their perspective of Americans in their country. It was probably one of the most overwhelming and exhausting experiences I've had here so far. Before I came out to Italy I assumed that all cultures including the Italians had embraced some form of the American culture in their daily lives. I was so wrong. Trying to communicate with the locals here is probably the most difficult aspect living out in Florence. I thought they would understand what I was saying and I was entirely wrong.


I found myself explaining myself in depth with hand gestures and detailed explanations in hopes of getting the most simple point across. I know the Italian students felt the same, they seemed uncomfortable when they had to speak English to us but they were pretty good and it made me feel a little embarrassed that I was in their country and couldn't speak their language but they could speak mine. After today, I realized that every culture is different in many aspects and I cannot assume they are all the same. It was a great experience but hard to say the least.


I learned a lot from them and I'm sure they learned a lot from all of us. Every day here is another day that I learn something new, not only about myself but about others as well. In all honesty that's one of the best experiences about being out here.

Pisa.

I finally got to see the infamous Leaning Tower of Pisa and was taken back completely. It's something I've heard about and seen in pictures for the longest time but having that feeling of amazement and astonishment as you look up and have it right there in front of you is a feeling that's indescribable. The town itself was run down and made me appreciate the life I'm living in Florence but Pisa still takes the cake over a lot of cities in the states. In Italy you can't explain the architecture and the history of the buildings or the cobble stone streets, it's something you have to experience as you take every step toward where you are going. 


Cliche, maybe but it's the truth. I thought the tower would be the highlight of the trip but it wasn't. I went into the Cathedral of Pisa and words cannot even begin to describe what I saw. Paintings dated back from centuries ago, the architecture was the most amazing architecture I have seen so far since I've been here. The statues, ceilings, paintings, floors, and walls all told stories that date back from centuries. I have pictures I'll post but it still won't be able to capture the essence of what I was able to see by standing there myself. Italy is the most beautiful place in the world  and living out here for a week and a half has made me see and appreciate a lot of things about life.

Vignamaggio.

I saw the most breathtaking place I have ever seen in my life today. We traveled to the wine country in Chianti. Sitting, walking and overlooking the scenery of the hills, the landscape and the history the vineyard was an indescribable feeling. The pictures I took could not even remotely capture the true beauty this countryside exposed. Hills for miles with the most beautiful houses that sat there as if I was looking at a painting. The landscape is something words could not describe. The only thing I can say to some it all up is that every aspect of Chianti was out of this world and beyond belief. 


In all honesty, I said to myself that I felt this was not real life. We toured the terrace, the garden and inside the winery as well. I learned about how wine is fermented and the history of the winery. Vignamaggio believe it or not was once where Mona Lisa lived. Her father owned the vineyard but had to sell it because they could no longer afford it. Mona Lisa had an arranged marriage and as a present Da Vinci painted a picture of her, however she moved away and the painting was never even seen my Mona Lisa and as of today she remains a mystery of who she truly was after she left the vineyard. 


Thinking about it now, I walked in the same footsteps as some of the most famous and well known people in the art world have walked. Mona Lisa and Leonardo Da Vinci both stepped foot in the hallways of Vignamaggio and today I got to experience that. We tasted Chianti and Chianti Classico wine, the Classico was a bit too strong for my taste but in all honesty they were both amazing. We had fresh salami, prosciutto and formaggio that was to die for. We were served fresh bread as well and homemade rossotto that was out of this world. Today was one of the best experiences of my life. Tomorrow, Pisa!