The floating city- Venice.

Last weekend our group went to Venice. I didn't know this, but Venice isnt exactly a city, its a archipelago, or group of islands. The weather was not the best- rainy, windy, and freezing BUT it was still enjoyable and unlike any place I have ever seen. There are no cars at all, no traffic, and not a lot of noise- just water, boats and people. Its a peaceful, beautiful place. All of the islands are different from one another, each has its own unique feel, yet they are all connected by bridges. Our professor Alessandro took us to Venice on our last free weekend because he said it is a place to tie together the most important things we have learned. He said, "We must not be afraid of all that is different. We must bridge those differences." Venice is doing exactly that, and so should we all.


Venice at night
A view down the Great Canal to the Academia
some friends and I after visiting a local fish market.
Gondoliers and their Gondolas
A typical Venetian canal
Alessandro, our professor and life coach.
St. Marks Square- flooded.

Roma!

This past weekend, our program took us to Rome. What a breathtaking city. It’s huge, and we walked non-stop for 3 days, but had the opportunity to see some amazing sights, and get the history behind it all. Traveling to Rome, I had absolutely zero expectations. To be honest, this is the best way to travel because everything you see is above and beyond what you can imagine.

Highlights:
1. Federico, our guide. He was an amazing story teller, and was so passionate about his job. He was extremely entertaining and made the history interesting.
2. The Colosseum. Yes, I've seen it before in pictures, but there is something incredible about standing at the foot of it, and looking up at the HUGE structure. It was really something else to know the history and the stories of what went on inside, and be standing in the midst of it all.
3. The Trevi Fountain. We went once during the day and once at night, and both times it was beautiful. I threw a coin in, which means at some point I must make it back to Rome. I'm okay with that:)
4. St. Peter's Basilica- the biggest church in the world. On Saturday, we toured the inside and learned about the history, and on Sunday a couple girls and I attended the service, and saw the pope give a blessing from his window. Quite the experience!
5. The Sistine Chapel. I have seen pictures of the ceiling before, but seeing it in real life makes all the difference. I stood, looking up for 30 minutes admiring the work of Michelangelo. i don't think I ever fully knew/understood what an artistic genius he was. (no pictures allowed- so all of you reading this must travel to Rome to see it!)

And, here are some other pictures that TRY to capture the beauty in Rome.

“Twenty years from now you will be more disappointed by the things you didn’t do than by the ones you did do. So throw off the bowlines, sail away from the safe harbor. Catch the trade winds in your sails. Explore. Dream. Discover.” -Mark Twain

Midweek thoughts

Recently in my Dante class we have been studying Purgatory- the temporary state between Hell and Paradise. In the text, ‘Bella Donna’ is used, which is an Italian phrase, meaning the dominance of the beautiful. My professor gave the definition of beauty...the combination of qualities that give pleasure to the senses; especially to the eye, the ear, and the mind. He expressed that the beautiful can be anywhere, at anytime, or in any era.

As he was talking about Christian theology, he said that one definition of God is often forgotten; THE beautiful, beauty, and the essence of all that is beautiful. Man made beauty is an imitation of natural beauty and natural beauty or nature is divine creation by THE beautiful. I think this is such a neat thought to reflect on. All of our work to create beauty in this world is just an imitation of the natural beauty in which God, the ultimate beauty has created. Nothing that we create can measure up to the beauty that God has created on this earth. Therefore, “sing to him, sing praise to him; tell of all his wonderful acts.” 1 Chronicles 16:9

Frescobaldi Vineyards

One of the classes I'm taking while here in Italy is Wine culture. I know, its rough. Our teacher Diletta, is a member of the Frescobaldi family who has been producing wine in Italy for the past 700 years. They own a couple estates in the Tuscany area, and our class had the opportunity to visit two of those last week. We had a tour of the land and the production areas, and ended with a wine tasting of 3 of their best wines, along with cheese, bread, and their olive oil. Such an experience!

Barcelona!

Two weekends ago, a couple girls and I took a trip to Barcelona, Spain! The city was extremely diverse, happenin', and full of interesting sites.


My favorite part:
Park Güell- designed by the artist Gaudi. The large garden-like park is full of detailed mosaics and amazing architectural designs. It's below in the first 3 pictures!



We went to a Flamenco show one night in downtown Barcelona. The performers were so passionate and intense- it was unlike anything I have ever seen.
And some other pictures of architecture, street performers, the port, and the market...

"Not all who wander are lost."


copied from my roommate Alexa :)

Fall Break Continued

Prague:

- Ate goolash

- Went to a 5 story European dance club

- Saw the Prague castle, the clock show, and the Lennon wall

- Walked over the Charles Bridge

-Ate Fried Cheese

- Reunited with an old friend

- Watched the shooting of Mission Impossible 4

Vienna:

A nice historical city, with friendly people, frigid weather, and GREAT coffee/pastries.

Salzburg:

My favorite of the places we went to over break!

- The girls and I took a Sound Of Music tour which took us around the city and up into the mountains. The town is charming and the surrounding landscape is absolutely beautiful. I could live in Salzburg.

Random thoughts:

I think it’s sad that Americans don’t put more emphasis on learning additional languages. Most people I have met from other countries speak at least two- what a great way to get to know other cultures and communicate with them.

Recently I've realized the little things that I take advantage of in the states like...free water, ketchup, or bread at restaurants. I know, the necessities.

I really can’t put into words how great my study abroad experience has been thus far. I could say life changing, amazing, and beautiful in every way- but even those don’t do it justice. These past 2 months I have learned more than I feel I ever could at home. I have a new appreciation for different cultures, languages, and ways of life. I have truly been able to enjoy every waking moment, and am constantly focused on the here-and-now. It’s refreshing to not be constantly thinking about tomorrow or worrying about all I have to get done today. I’ve had time to think about me, my relationships, my faith, and my future and it’s been incredible. I feel refreshed and revived- ready to finish this semester on a new foot.