Day 26

We have made it home back to the US safe and sound! I have never been away from home for about the amount of time there is in the month of February (haha). This trip has brought new experiences into my life and has allowed me to revisit places that are beyond incredible. I am happy that I was able to experience new culture challenges like public transportation in a foreign town, trying to interpret groceries in the store, trying new things, and navigating around the language barrier. It was an experience to share a room with 4 girls, but we made it work so well. I have enjoyed getting to know these people and becoming closer to some people that I wasn't really close to back at home. It's crazy how fast the time went by...I feel like we just boarded the plane to Italy not knowing much about each other and what we were about to see or do in the classrooms. Also, Dr. Marciano, thank you for putting together such a trip. I can only imagine the work that was put into such scheduling of events. It's been a good ride!

Until next time, Italy. 

Day 25

Today we took the subway to St. Peter's square one last time. We did a little bit of souvenir shopping, at some spaghetti, and had one last gelato before our journey home tomorrow. I bought a lot of key chains to use up the last of my euro coins. 

After we finished up at the square, we headed back to the hotel. They wanted to see the fountain, but I went to the colloseum with my dad since I didn't go the previous day. I've been before, but one time is never enough. The fountain is under construction, so I figured I'd skip out. It was becoming cloudy and thundery, so the noise in the Colloseum was intense. This place is incredible to be standing since about 70 AD. That is unbelievable!! You know the Romans had to be doing something right if that structure is still here today in 2015. This amphitheater is just out of this world. The human race is amazing...what we can do in the time period we are put in is awesome.

It looks like a fossil that was dug up, but in such great condition. Rome is so wonderful...

It was a great last day in Italy. 

Day 24

Today was a day to catch up on life. Thinking back...we have been busy bees!  Being on the go takes a toll. I slept in, explored the town, and ate a Big Mac that did not do good things for my stomach. That burger scarred me from McDonalds because it sent me straight back to the hotel. Sorry for the TMI. I got some meds from the pharmacy and was better after a few hours. Then I was able to explore around our hotel since I wasn't able to see the Coliseum with the gang. I also re packed my suitcase since we have 2 days left! 

Day 23

POMPEII !!!!

Such a beautiful disaster this place is. 

Mount Vesuvius swept out an entire town in 79 A.D. This place in ancient!! Once again, I was amazed by the work of people so far back in our lifetime. It was incredible to see what was left standing. We were able to see old houses, frescos, buildings for shops, brothels, and artifacts. The artifacts, including recovered moldings of people, were unreal. The shells of the humans would send shivers down anyone's spine. 

This recovered person shows fear as the ash was coming down to take their life. You can almost imagine what was going through this persons mind. We also saw a baby and a dog...

Observing this town, I could see how these people were just like us. They slept, ate, shopped, and had extracurricular activities just like the people of our time has. We may advance in technologies, medicine, and etc, but humans have certain instincts they obviously haven't changed. Life is truly amazing. 

Ciao Pompeii

Day 22

Today was our first day in Rome and it sure was a busy one! We started our day with a walking tour on our side of the city. We were able to see more work from Michelangelo, the Coliseum from afar, and the ancient Roman ruins. It is truly beautiful to see what still stands from life back then. It still amazes me to think how they could've possibly constructed such beautiful architectures back then.. 

As we walked through a walkway of two buildings, Dr. Marciano pointed out the coolness we felt. They constructed in such a way for natural air conditioning. How brilliant is that?! Later that night we headed to the Vatican and took our first public bus on the way. The bus wasn't s bad experience! Anyhow, the beautiful Vatican.. I could go there a million times and not get tired of it! We were able to see such works of art there. It is so historical and touching. 

The floor to the ceiling was unbelievable! You can just see the pride of this culture throughout the ways the portrayed their art and the content within the art. Everything tells stories and has a purpose. 

We also walked through a room with huge tapestries...I mean huge. We learned the Popes' were able to just walk in anyone's house and take what they want. That doesn't make sense to me. Here is a tapestry that was a little bold. 

Finally we reached the Sistine Chapel (no picture of course). What a beautiful place that tells stories of Genesis and the fresco of The Last Judgement. I learned this was painted using scaffolds, so this must've been quite the job for Michelangelo! This man was amazing.

It's safe to say that I slept like a baby after the many hours of walking we got in! It was a good day, though! 

Day 21

Today we visited the palace museum in Siena. I won't have pictures for this because we were told to not take pictures. This museum had some historical items that are important to their town. There were various artifacts, frescas, and paintings. Some of the paintings seem to be reoccurring in various museums. We saw two pieces in particular that were so similar to ones we we've seen in other places. For example, there was a golden cross that sticks out from the wall, and Jesus on the cross (3D version). I observed the Madonna and Jesus and noticed how she tilts her head toward him in the paintings I've seen. I have observed the paintings including children and ones without them, and the paintings with children are much more lighter and pastel, kind of soft. Other paintings aren't as innocent, I guess would be the word. That ties into their catholic culture as well because you can find these characteristics in the pairings within churches here. 

In Siena I have observed this She-wolf character that was said to have taken two human children and nursed them.i think this shows an importance of children for the town, because I've seen other statues of a single woman nurturing many babies. 

With all that being said, I think the importance of children may link to the many contradas in Siena. I learned that once someone is born into a contrada, they are taken care of forever. 

This leads to the conclusion of the trip in Selva's area. This area is represented by a rhino. We learned about the Palio that takes place and how every contrade participates and it is very important. This event is so special to these individually tight-knit districts, so they strive to win this extravagant horse race. Every part, whether the drummer, flag throwers, and horse racers, is family oriented. It is very generational, so I would concur that family life in this area is very close and extremely important. 

Day 20

Today we arrived in Siena. 

It looks like a little rustic town with its colors and vibe. We first experienced their market and I tried to haggle a simple little clip down from 3,50 but it didn't work. Luckily, I ended up finding mine! Gotta pull the hair back. Afterward, we are at the Kebab place finally. We have s kebab joke we all share amongst each other. I'm pretty sure I didn't eat chicken, either...like the man told us today. The texture was definitely different, but I still ate it.

We then toured the city, after our rest, and saw their duomo and the tower. I did not climb this one. However, I found the duomo to be very beautiful on the outside. I can't decide whether I like this one or Milan's duomo better. I love all of the details that both of these duomos have. 

From what I've seen so far, a lot of these important buildings contain green, white, and a pinkish marble. They also have that gold rub on them. This must be the materials that were available and offered to the rich back during this time. It's amazing to wonder how they lifted these materials, painted this high ceilings, and crafted such art without the tools we have today. This crosses my mind every time I see these buildings.

In Siena I have noticed a lot of sun related emblems. I loveeee that! I love this particular sun, too. I need to find out more about their reasoning for this.

There is also one in picture one. 

Also, I had spaghetti bolgonese today and it has been the best plate so far! I might go back to get some more tomorrow. 

We ended the night in the main square. While we were there, we observed the people and children around. I noticed many kids running at a farther distance from their parents than would be comfortable for us in America, especially in such a crowded place. The kids were playing with each other, in the fountains, and with the people selling those bright toys (of course). Everyone was relaxed and enjoying their time in the  square. 

Day 19

Today we woke up to experience Italy's Independence Day. We were not sure what to expect since this day is an all weekend event for us in America. Because of the language barrier, we weren't quite able to figure out if there was a parade, but we did see some sort of ceremony this morning. There was a band, people in their uniforms (a variety of uniforms), and I think their were awards given out. It took place at a main square, but there were not many bystanders. I noticed many foreign bystanders wandering what was going on, but I don't recall seeing many Italians. Since I don't know what event exactly I witnessed, I don't know the level of importance, but I had expected to see a larger crowd. We ended up leaving about 15 minutes into the ceremony because we didn't really know what was going on, and it isn't our Independence Day. We were respectful about it, so I don't really see a problem with it. It was nice to see a formal ceremony in Italy though! 

Afterward, we headed to the market and then back to the apartment. I did some packing, cooking, laundry, and cleaning. I took this free time to advantage and accomplished a lot. I took a break and observed the world around me once more. I do a good bit of people watching. I noticed families yet again, but still not as many young children while we are in the busy square. I did see an older male and younger boy kayaking, kids riding bikes along with their family, and I noticed kids playing futball in a grassy area. I have also noticed a lot of bigger kids in strollers. I guess it is because of this cobble stone. It probably tires their little feet out like it did mine! Oh yeah, my foot feels so much better. I had a stress fracture in my calf area last summer so it tends to cause trouble every now and then. 

ANYWAYS, I also observed some kids in the back seat of a car today and they were just hanging out of the window and did not look to be buckled up. I'll have to see if I notice anything else like that. Besides that, I just observed everyone else! 

We cooked an awesome dinner tonight of chicken, green beans, and corn. Ah, finally some vegetables. We ended the night well. Ciao, Florence. 

Day 18

LToday was the day we climbed to the top of the duomo. I almost backed out on account of my foot hurting, but I went slow and steady and made it to the the top! We trekked through winding rows of stairs, narrow corridors, and steep steps to reach the top. It was allllll worth it though!

Afterward, we had the rest of the day free. I observed the people around me from our terrace. There are many tour groups, families riding bikes, and many people walking. I noticed the Italian people don't wear helmets while riding unlike the foreigners here. I don't blame them on these streets. Also, Nancy and shakela said the saw a family hell their child go number 2 on the side of the street with no shame... Just saying, we aren't used to that! Oh, the things you see in the city.

Oh, I also went to watch the beautiful Florence sunset one last time. 

Day 17

Today we visited the Uffizi Gallery. It has quite the collection of paintings and statues from the renessaince time, and it housed pieces from da Vinci and Michelangelo. This palace was nothing but art from top to bottom! My favorite pieces included the Birth of Venus

And 

This painting.

Ray helped show us the transformation of art from the depiction of closeness and perception, shading, and structures to their faces. It's crazy to see the amount of work some of these artists have created and how in detail all of it is. This museum was huge and nothing less than unbelievable!