When In Rome

I can honestly say that out of all the cities my group of friends and I visited in Italy, Rome, beats all of them, by a long run.  The city of Rome is everything I love.  The history, and the art, and even the nightlife are some of the things I was attracted to, that made it hard for me to get back on a train to Brescia.  If it was up to me, I would want to move the entire class to Rome and finish out the semester there (although, I'm sure that everyone would agree, we'd all be as broke as a joke!).

The weekend started with a 8 a.m. tour through Vatican City.  My two friends and I were overwhelmed with the art and the atmosphere of the Sistine Chapel.  For once in our lives, we had a hard time chatting because we were too busy taking in all the beautiful artwork we were presented with.  The day progressed with a visit to the Spanish Steps, and to cool off, for some of us, a nice refreshing 160 euro swim in the Trevi Fountain.  Which I can say, was the highlight of my trip (thanks jordan!)

Saturday was a very long, and exciting day.  We began the day with a tour of the Coliseum and the ancient Roman city.  The tour was very long, and the heat made it hard to focus, but luckily we had an intelligent and BEAUTIFUL tour guide, who made the tour run a lot smoother.  We finished the day up with a visit to the Pantheon and made our way to Campo di Fiore to experience what the saying "do as the Roman's do" really means.

Sunday was also an amazing day!  A few of us visited St. Peter's Basilica.  During our visit, we attended confession, as well as participated in a mass that was given in Italian.  It was nice for me, because as a catholic, everyone dreams of attending mass in the church, and I am privileged enough to say that I met my goal.  For those of you who do not dream of visiting the church, you should now!!!!!!!!!  It was a great way to end an amazing weekend!!!!!

In all, our trip to Rome was more than perfect.  It was an experience of a lifetime, and something I recommend to just about anyone who needs vacation ideas.  I had a hard time leaving Rome, because I enjoyed the atmosphere entirely too much, but I know one day I will return!  ..... When in Rome.

When in Rome...

I can not believe that I was actually in Rome this weekend. It was the first time I couldn't believe what I was doing, and what I was seeing was truly reality. I have seen it in pictures for years, but never thought one day I would be there. Walking into the Colosseum my jaw literally dropped, I could barely say anything. Our tour guide talked a little too much, but I was really entranced by the information and stories he was telling us. I was standing where, 2,700 years ago, people were standing. Our guide even said if they tried, they could probably still find blood of those who fought there all those years ago. Walking into ancient Rome had the same affect on me. It was like I was walking thousands of years backwards into another century. It was amazing. The ruins and the paths were beautiful, I sat and tried to picture what they looked like when they were newly built. We also had the chance to get to the Vatican and took a tour through all of the museum and of course the chapel. Everything was spectacular, I was standing in places that Michaelangelo stood and painted, and other artists as well. I actually saw the image of the Creation of Adam. I have seen that painting for years in so many other ways, but I was up close to it, looking at the original painting. I could not take my eyes off of it. Even now I can't believe i saw that. It still feels like it was all a dream. It was a VERY long day, but every moment of it was worth it.

After our tour we got the chance to go out and do our own thing. Of course we made 3 wishes at the Trevi Fountain, did a little shopping, saw Sex and the City 2 (in ENGLISH! with Italian subtitles: very cool), and then got to go out and experience the night life. You can tell how frustrated Romans get with tourists, they would lie about directions and push us into things as they walked by, it was kind of funny, but after a while got frustrating... It was fun to go out, we went to an area that had bars that was full of people our age and really got to experience a fun time. I can't even begin to tell you how awful the ride home in the taxi was though. Driving in Italy is like one giant free for all. There are no lines on the road, and rarely any stop signs. They just drive fast and weave in and out of traffic. I will never complain about the Roosevelt Boulevard EVER again. Anyway, it was literally my most favorite trip thus far. I loved Lake Garda, but this was definitely more of an Italian experience, and I still can't believe I was there. It was perfect.

These are some of the 500 pictures I took.... The one of the three of us in front of the Trevi was right after making our wishes... We were obviously happy to make them, hopefully they come true! The picture of the movie screen is the english movie with Italian subtitles!

It's Only Illegal... If you get Caught!

To everyone at home reading this blog, I think there are a few things you should know about Rome: 

1. Pictures with Gladiators cost money... after you have already taken the photo.

2. Always carry change (coins) with you, because public restrooms do not exist.

3.Sitting down in a cafe will double the cost of everything you order.

4. Coca Cola is 4+ euros a can.

5. For a small fee, you can swim in the Trevi Fountain!

* I am telling you these things because my friends and I have had to learn them the hard way. 

Christine and Rebecca fell victim to the gladiators tumescent muscles and coruscating armor, and had to pay ten euros for a single picture. Amanda was livid when she had to dig through her purse to find 80cents to open the gates of the restroom after a four hour train ride. Nick and Gwen wanted a slice of pizza (advertised at 2.50 in the window) and had to pay double the price because they sat down at the small tables outside the pizzeria. Heather believes her Coca Cola was sent from the gods since she paid one euro per sip. As for me... well lets just say pictures will never do justice for my experience at the the Fontana di Trevi! 

After a small Italian boy used my camera as his wish token, the events of our day became notorious. Not knowing what consequences would ensue, I climbed into the Trevi Fountain to retrieve my camera. I was in and out faster than I can even remember, but I will never forget the feeling of what came next. The Italian police were standing in front of me demanding my passport. They explained that it is unlawful to set foot into the fountain, and the cost for my ignorance would be €161,82. Fortunately for me, I have crazy American friends who will stick up for me when I am too mortified to even walk. The police officer was very understanding and explained that he would not take me to jail because he saw that I was holding my soaking wet camera, and was not just some lunatic climbing on a famous Italian monument. Also, tourists from other countries explained to the police officer that they had seen the event in its entirety and it was all just a big misunderstanding. They explained that they saw the little boy throw my camera in the fountain then run away. The stated that they saw the boys mother scream expletives at me and tell me she would do nothing about my camera; and that she then ran off with her child. 

Now, I have to carry with me the carbon copy of the ticket the police issued and the receipt that I paid the fine... for five years. I felt so ashamed after the event I could barely speak. Now, I realize that I am one of the very few people to set foot into one of the most amazing pieces of Italian art. The others were movie stars, of course. And although my camera does not work, I would not take back a single second of my submergence into the Trevi Fountain.  

When in Rome...

Jordan

How much does it cost to go for a swim in the Trevi Fountain!?

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5sIwaytmKck

Watch this hilarious video of Jordan walking threw the center of the Trevi Fountain to get back her camera that a little boy tossed into the fountain! We do not recommend anyone to do this because it will cost you about 161.60 euros. And please if you do decide to go for a swim, please take a video so everyone can laugh afterwards. Love you Jordan

Lago di Garda

Yesterday a group of us went to Lake Garda and an amusement park called Gardaland. As much as I have loved all the beautiful places we have gone thus far, I have to admit this has been my favorite day since I got here. Not only was it the most beautiful lake I have ever seen, but it gave me a familiar taste of home, which you can't help but miss when your so far away. Being at the beach and by the water just made me want to cry, because it was such a familiar feeling standing by the lake. The only difference was the scenery, off in the distance you could see mountains covered with snow, yet people were standing in their bathing suits and swimming in the water, quite a contradicting scene. It was amazing.
Than the latter part of the day we spent at an amusement park, it was only four of us together, but that kind of was  reason the day just seemed to flow so smoothly, being in a large group would have been very difficult in the 45 minute wait lines. It was soo amazing there, it was like a tiny Disney World only 20 minutes away from where we are staying. Rides were everywhere, we went on rollercoasters, and the rapids ride. It was such a fun time, and as before gave us a feeling of home, at least for a day. It was the perfect taste of home where now we are ready for another two weeks of nothing but pure Italia. Italian culture must be VERY different from American though, because no one complained when people would budge, and people would smoke while standing in line! We hated that part, it really was disgusting having it blown in your face while you were waiting, but we did our best to keep moving up.

Overall, I just had such a wonderful day, and I think the other girls would agree. We plan on going back again to the beach, with a larger group of people this time, and just enjoying the weather and the scenery... Rome is this weekend, so I better start getting ready! This is the trip I have been waiting for!!

Ciao


Crystal

Anticipating Rome

It is unbelievable that we have been here for almost two weeks, I'm sure others will agree.. but I do not want to go home! This past weekend we went to Florence which was so beautiful, pictures cannot completely capture how beautiful the view was. We ate at a little cafe with the amazing view right there, now you can't get that in the United States. Yesterday we went to Lake Garda, which was yet another beautiful place. We had the day off because it was Italy's Independence Day so none of the schools were open. The mountains were right in the background and it was almost unreal looking. I got completely burned while lying out, but being there was so wonderful.
The other night me and one of the girls had a meal prepared for us by two Italian boys. First they made us pasta which was so delicious then we were served this typical meal that is eaten by those who live in Brescia. I forget exactly what it was called, but when we looked at it we were terrified because it was raw meat with vinegar and lemon, arugula on top and also some cheese. Once we tried it we were amazed at how delicious it was. We are going to have them teach us how to make it so we can have the others on the trip try it, and hopefully remember the recipe so we can have people at home try it too.
We leave for Rome tomorrow and I know this is a trip that all of us have really been looking forward to. Me and some of the other girls are going on a tour to see the Vatican, Sistine Chappel and other popular tourist sites. We are staying until Sunday so we don't miss a single thing. I'm so excited, and I'm sure all of us will have a lot to say, and a lot of pictures to post when we get back. Until then..ciao!
-Julie

Lake Garda

Today, because today was the Italian "Independence Day," we had off from classes due to lack of available classrooms (because all of Italy had off today for the holiday!) So, for the beautiful day off, we went to Lake Garda. At the lake, we were able to lay on the beach and relax in the sun! To cool off we hopped in the water...just like the beach at home...except this beach had rocks instead of sand...and this beach has teal water instead of brown...and this beach had a beautiful landscape with the Swiss Alps in the distance...it was beautiful and relaxing! A couple of us rented a paddle boat for a few hours and paddled out onto the lake to have some fun. We paddled out, took some dives in the water, and just relaxed! We enjoyed ourselves very much! It was so beautiful...words and pictures cannot do it justice! We keep getting lucky with the weather (keep your fingers crosed that the weather keeps up like it has been!) We plan to return to Lake Garda again before we come back home and soak up the beauty once more!
~Gwen