Today started just like any other day... Wait, no it didn't! Today I woke up, had breakfast, and then got on the bus to Vatican City. After a long wait and reading a good chunk of the Hunger Games (I know, it was a bad idea...), he finally arrived. He being Pope Benedict XVI. Yes. His Holiness, the big Papa, the one and only, the freakin' Pope. I thought he would be taller...
The ceremony was long and very little in English although the Cardinal representing the speakers of the english language had quite possibly the most epic voice ever. After blessings in many languages, the crowd sang the Lord's Prayer in Latin and dispersed. I still can't believe I saw the pope.
From the Vatican, I ran off and found a pizza al taglio place I had heard of online called Pizzarium. I got a slice with spinach, eggs, and potatoes; and a slice loaded with cooked peppers. I wrapped them up, threw them in my camelbak, and proceeded to climb a mountain up to Monte Mario. I found a bench with an incredible view and ate my pizza while I read. I then hiked up to the very top and found there to be a restaurant and a gelato place with the most commanding view of Rome I could imagine. I chilled a little while to soak it in, then ran back down the mountain, across the river, through Villa Borghese, and back to the convent. When I got there I had some watermelon (because I love watermelon), read, did a workout, took a shower, and then Hailey, Christal and I went out to dinner. The rest of the group went to Dar Poeta but having been there twice already and having pizza for lunch, I wanted a change. We went to Il Fontana di Venere or something like that... it was right by the Trevi Fountain. Dinner took a while but it was delicious. I got fettucini with pesto, shrimp, and tomatoes. Afterwards, I knew only one thing would satisfy me: sfogliatelle. I got my pastry, parted ways with the gals, then met Caleb at the Scholar's Lounge, sporting my knee Miroslav Klose jersey, and watched Deutschland completely control the Netherlands surrounded by (half-drunken) Germans and various other people groups. Fun times!
We got back to the convent a little after 11, I read some more and then crashed. Another long, exhausting day but such a great one. Tomorrow (Thursday) is my last full day in the Eternal City. I would say real life starts after that but I'm going straight to Ocean City once I touch down in the states on Friday! After that, real life starts. A short break and then a month and a half of army stuff, followed immediately by school.
The time here has gone by surprisingly regularly. Week 1 went by slow, week 2 I knew my way around the city, week 3 flew because of Cinque Terre, then straight to Tuscany. The days of this week have flown, probably because I have been out and about for the entirety of the day.
Thursday we are discussing clean-up and assignments, and then I think we are going to watch a gelato demonstration and then see St. Theresa in Ecstasy. Other than that, I'm drawing a blank. I feel like I have really done everything to do here and I am satisfied. I'm not going to waste the day but I do need to pack and whatnot.
Thursday's blog will be my last in Italy. I may write a few more when I get home because it's fun, but most likely not daily. Thank you for those who have read and I hope you have been able to enjoy Rome a little bit through my adventures; I know I have!
The last thing I want to add is that I cannot express how thankful I am that God gave me the ability and the desire to run. I experienced Rome, the Cinque Terre, and Florence in an incredible way that many will never have. I truly believe that running is the best way to explore a place. You see culture, weather, landmarks, parks, out-of-the-way items; you discover new places; you see overlooks that nobody else sees; you find things and do things that others don't. It really is a great thing. I know had it not been for running I would not have enjoyed this trip as much as I did. *End rant*
Thursday, June 14, 2012
Wednesday, June 13, 2012
Tuesday!
Today we ventured as a group to go to Galleria Borghese. Being who I am, I walked and met the group there. Only I arrived much earlier than anticipated and slept on a park bench for almost an hour. The gallery was very cool. It housed a huge collection of Carravagio and Bernini sculptures and Dr. Mann gave us background on the more important pieces. After about an hour we had all finished up and we met outside. Dr. D had nothing else planned so off I went.
I went through the park and into Piazza del Popolo and stopped in Santa Maria del Popolo. I had planned to run but I guess being out all day yesterday and then not getting enough sleep combined to give me a decent headache. So I walked. I crossed the river and jogged a little bit to get to Castel Sant' Angelo. This place is beasty! It was used as a fortress for the Pope in the event of an emergency, built by Emperor Hadrian, and I definitely felt safe just walking around! What amazed me was that at the top, you have a clear shot to St. Peter's. I literally felt like I could have hit it with a rock! I had a cappucino on the terrace and after some more walking, I left. I crossed the river again and went to Campo di Fiori. The place is a bustling market but the reason I went is because of a pizza al taglio place I had heard of: Forno Campo di Fiori. It was so incredible. Some of the best pizza I've ever had. I walked to the Piazza Navona and went in St. Agnes in Agony. I also bought a (fake) Germany football jersey! Yay! Then I met the group at the Jesuit Church because apparently something happens every day there at five. Nothing happened so I left. Apparently patience is a virtue because the rest of the group witnessed some singing, dimming of windows, and the revealing of a mosaic behind one of the altars; or something like that.
I had gone to Trastevere and was looking for a place where I would get me all out Italian meal. I picked out a few places but could not make a decision. I walked up Via Garibaldi to a nice overlook and sat and prayed for a while. It was very relaxing. I walked back down the hill when I finally made my decision: I know it's tourist-y but I really want to eat by the Piazza Navona. So I crossed the river once more (Fourth time today I think?) and headed over.
I am glad I made this decision because I found a place right behind St. Agnes in Agony (the church in the piazza) that served Tuscan specialties! One Tuscan specialty is apparently Wild Board and since I never got any while I was in Tuscany, I knew I had found the right place. I got spaghetti alla carbonara for nostalgic reasons and then my wild boar. The carbonara was amazing! Much creamier than what Memaw makes (don't worry Memaw, yours is my favorite) and the noodles were so good; I think they call it al dente when the noodles are a bit harder. Then came the wild boar. Chunks of insanely tender meat bathed in a spicy tomato sauce. I savored each and every bite of that delicious meal.
I then walked to the coliseum and watched it light up as the sun went down. Sensing I would miss curfew, I caught the bus back home. I was out for 12 hours today.
When I got back the group was just finishing up dinner so I sampled some salad and chicken and zucchini along with a piece of watermelon (I had planned to get a pastry on the way home but the shops were closed; watermelon did just fine!). Tomorrow we are waking up early to see somebody... to be continued.
I went through the park and into Piazza del Popolo and stopped in Santa Maria del Popolo. I had planned to run but I guess being out all day yesterday and then not getting enough sleep combined to give me a decent headache. So I walked. I crossed the river and jogged a little bit to get to Castel Sant' Angelo. This place is beasty! It was used as a fortress for the Pope in the event of an emergency, built by Emperor Hadrian, and I definitely felt safe just walking around! What amazed me was that at the top, you have a clear shot to St. Peter's. I literally felt like I could have hit it with a rock! I had a cappucino on the terrace and after some more walking, I left. I crossed the river again and went to Campo di Fiori. The place is a bustling market but the reason I went is because of a pizza al taglio place I had heard of: Forno Campo di Fiori. It was so incredible. Some of the best pizza I've ever had. I walked to the Piazza Navona and went in St. Agnes in Agony. I also bought a (fake) Germany football jersey! Yay! Then I met the group at the Jesuit Church because apparently something happens every day there at five. Nothing happened so I left. Apparently patience is a virtue because the rest of the group witnessed some singing, dimming of windows, and the revealing of a mosaic behind one of the altars; or something like that.
I had gone to Trastevere and was looking for a place where I would get me all out Italian meal. I picked out a few places but could not make a decision. I walked up Via Garibaldi to a nice overlook and sat and prayed for a while. It was very relaxing. I walked back down the hill when I finally made my decision: I know it's tourist-y but I really want to eat by the Piazza Navona. So I crossed the river once more (Fourth time today I think?) and headed over.
I am glad I made this decision because I found a place right behind St. Agnes in Agony (the church in the piazza) that served Tuscan specialties! One Tuscan specialty is apparently Wild Board and since I never got any while I was in Tuscany, I knew I had found the right place. I got spaghetti alla carbonara for nostalgic reasons and then my wild boar. The carbonara was amazing! Much creamier than what Memaw makes (don't worry Memaw, yours is my favorite) and the noodles were so good; I think they call it al dente when the noodles are a bit harder. Then came the wild boar. Chunks of insanely tender meat bathed in a spicy tomato sauce. I savored each and every bite of that delicious meal.
I then walked to the coliseum and watched it light up as the sun went down. Sensing I would miss curfew, I caught the bus back home. I was out for 12 hours today.
When I got back the group was just finishing up dinner so I sampled some salad and chicken and zucchini along with a piece of watermelon (I had planned to get a pastry on the way home but the shops were closed; watermelon did just fine!). Tomorrow we are waking up early to see somebody... to be continued.
Monday
So sorry I fell behind! Starting with today (Monday) I have been out for very very long days, wandering around and exploring the last corners of this incredible city. Today I woke up and went running. I ran to Santa Maria Maggiore, looked around there, and then ran to St. Paul's Outside the Walls. St. Paul's was great. Very huge and beautiful but very out of the way. It's far away from most of the sites so there are not a whole lot of visitors. It actually feels like going into a church! I read, meditated, and almost fell asleep and ended up staying there for about an hour. I also bought something I should have bought a long time ago: a map.
I headed back along the river, down a somewhat sketchy major road, and went to Santa Maria in Trastevere. I was going to go to Il Duca for lunch but it was closed! I was walking by this time, running, resting, and running again makes me very tired. Anyway, I crossed the river and found a buffet by Largo Argentina whilst looking for a kebab shop. The buffet was good: for 10 euro, you got water, a pasta plate, and the buffet which had ROSEMARY CHICKEN, some potatoes, some tomatoes, and eggplant and veggies fried with parmesan cheese. So delicious. I got pasta with cheese and tomato sauce and two smallish plates at the buffet and then walked back. On my way back I stopped and got my favorite dessert and ate half of it. I wandered some back streets and eventually got on Via Nationale and then the straight shot back home. I went to the grocery store first because I REALLY wanted watermelon.
For dinner, we had pasta with meat sauce and Jessica made some delicious almond cookies. I also had a huge chunk of watermelon. I ate and watched some soccer and for some horrible reason I ended up staying awake until 2:30 working on my puzzle.
It was a very good, although exhausting day.
I headed back along the river, down a somewhat sketchy major road, and went to Santa Maria in Trastevere. I was going to go to Il Duca for lunch but it was closed! I was walking by this time, running, resting, and running again makes me very tired. Anyway, I crossed the river and found a buffet by Largo Argentina whilst looking for a kebab shop. The buffet was good: for 10 euro, you got water, a pasta plate, and the buffet which had ROSEMARY CHICKEN, some potatoes, some tomatoes, and eggplant and veggies fried with parmesan cheese. So delicious. I got pasta with cheese and tomato sauce and two smallish plates at the buffet and then walked back. On my way back I stopped and got my favorite dessert and ate half of it. I wandered some back streets and eventually got on Via Nationale and then the straight shot back home. I went to the grocery store first because I REALLY wanted watermelon.
For dinner, we had pasta with meat sauce and Jessica made some delicious almond cookies. I also had a huge chunk of watermelon. I ate and watched some soccer and for some horrible reason I ended up staying awake until 2:30 working on my puzzle.
It was a very good, although exhausting day.
Sunday, June 10, 2012
Sunny Sundays
After a light breakfast, Christal and I went to St. Andrew's Presbyterian Church of Scotland. It was awesome! We were a little late because of the buses but walked in to It Is Well With My Soul. The message was fantastic. I am not sure exactly what the preacher was talking about but it was ok because he had a thick Scottish accent. I loved it! After church they had refreshments on the roof and we talked with Els and Mirta who were there!
After church we walked to Dar Poeta. I had been looking for an excuse to go back so why not a beautiful Sunday after church? I got a pizza with cheese, ham, mushrooms, and potatoes and it was so incredibly good. Christal's had sausage, zucchini, sauce, and cheese and it was also delicious. We split a Strawberry Mousse and it was pretty good; kind of like jello...
We walked back to Piazza Venezia and caught the bus home. I was tired. I finished my pizza, read a little, then fell asleep for about 40 minutes. I wanted to run to the park and do a crazy workout so I jogged over, felt weird, the park was crowded, so I walked around. I crossed the street to the bigger park and walked a big loop around and then up the hill to a flat little treed-in area overlooking the park. I sat for a while then thought "what the hey... I brought my jump rope and have on my workout clothes..." so I did a little workout. Was fun! Walked (very slowly) back to the convent and sat down to watch the Italy-Spain game. After that game I made some black beans and onions and then read some more. Watched some of the Ireland-Croatia game (still on) and now here I am, tired, and planning tomorrow!
I only have a very short time left in Rome so I am trying to pack in a lot of wanderings this week! Tomorrow I plan to run to Santa Maria in Maggiore and St. Paul's Outside the Walls as well as anything else Dr. D recommends.
After church we walked to Dar Poeta. I had been looking for an excuse to go back so why not a beautiful Sunday after church? I got a pizza with cheese, ham, mushrooms, and potatoes and it was so incredibly good. Christal's had sausage, zucchini, sauce, and cheese and it was also delicious. We split a Strawberry Mousse and it was pretty good; kind of like jello...
We walked back to Piazza Venezia and caught the bus home. I was tired. I finished my pizza, read a little, then fell asleep for about 40 minutes. I wanted to run to the park and do a crazy workout so I jogged over, felt weird, the park was crowded, so I walked around. I crossed the street to the bigger park and walked a big loop around and then up the hill to a flat little treed-in area overlooking the park. I sat for a while then thought "what the hey... I brought my jump rope and have on my workout clothes..." so I did a little workout. Was fun! Walked (very slowly) back to the convent and sat down to watch the Italy-Spain game. After that game I made some black beans and onions and then read some more. Watched some of the Ireland-Croatia game (still on) and now here I am, tired, and planning tomorrow!
I only have a very short time left in Rome so I am trying to pack in a lot of wanderings this week! Tomorrow I plan to run to Santa Maria in Maggiore and St. Paul's Outside the Walls as well as anything else Dr. D recommends.
Saturday, June 9, 2012
Esses
Today when I woke up, I had no idea what the weather was doing. It was dark and windy, looking like the world was going to end, and then it was sunny, then rainy (while sunny), then beautiful again. This would continue all day.
Today we went back to help Elizabeth with the ministry for the Afghan refugees. On the way there I missed where everyone got off the bus so I walked and found my way there. We got to work chopping vegetables, fruit, etc. Then we loaded up the dishes and prayed before we left. There was a group from Ole Miss and they were pretty cool!
We got the spot and began distributing food. It did not seem like there were as many people this time and I think everyone received a dish plus the additional bread and dessert. We cleaned up and talked with the men for a while then walked to the Coliseum (some of us). Caleb, Dr. Mann, and I played soccer! The group was larger this time so we split up into three teams and rotated. Some very good players out today and it was a lot of fun.
After the game I wanted to walk home so I started off and before long realized I was close to St. Peter's in Chains. I went in (it wasn't closed this time!) and saw the famous "Moses with Horns" sculpture. Very cool. I kept walking, stopped and got my favorite dessert (sfogliatelle), and wound up at Termini so I took the 90 bus back home.
I showered up and then started roasting my chicken that I bought when we first got here. Just some spices and and onion inside and threw it in the oven while I played bananagrams with the group then watched some of the Netherlands-Denmark game. The chicken was de-lish-us. Downed it, finished my dessert, then watched some more of the game.
Some of the group decided to do a Rome night tour so I tagged along on the bus ride but instead I went to the Scholar's Lounge to watch the Deutschland-Portugal game in english! That place was packed! But it was a good time and Germany won so all is well. Poor, poor Ronaldo.
Caught the bus back and got to the convent at about 11. I freaked out a little because I tried to call the "on-call" phone for Kristen to let me in but my phone kept saying "emergency calls only". I turned it off then back on and it worked! I got ready for bed and read until the group got back so I could talk plans with Christal. We're going to go to St. Andrew's Church of Scotland and then Dar Poeta for lunch!
I slept like a rock and it felt great. Sunday will be good.
Today we went back to help Elizabeth with the ministry for the Afghan refugees. On the way there I missed where everyone got off the bus so I walked and found my way there. We got to work chopping vegetables, fruit, etc. Then we loaded up the dishes and prayed before we left. There was a group from Ole Miss and they were pretty cool!
We got the spot and began distributing food. It did not seem like there were as many people this time and I think everyone received a dish plus the additional bread and dessert. We cleaned up and talked with the men for a while then walked to the Coliseum (some of us). Caleb, Dr. Mann, and I played soccer! The group was larger this time so we split up into three teams and rotated. Some very good players out today and it was a lot of fun.
After the game I wanted to walk home so I started off and before long realized I was close to St. Peter's in Chains. I went in (it wasn't closed this time!) and saw the famous "Moses with Horns" sculpture. Very cool. I kept walking, stopped and got my favorite dessert (sfogliatelle), and wound up at Termini so I took the 90 bus back home.
I showered up and then started roasting my chicken that I bought when we first got here. Just some spices and and onion inside and threw it in the oven while I played bananagrams with the group then watched some of the Netherlands-Denmark game. The chicken was de-lish-us. Downed it, finished my dessert, then watched some more of the game.
Some of the group decided to do a Rome night tour so I tagged along on the bus ride but instead I went to the Scholar's Lounge to watch the Deutschland-Portugal game in english! That place was packed! But it was a good time and Germany won so all is well. Poor, poor Ronaldo.
Caught the bus back and got to the convent at about 11. I freaked out a little because I tried to call the "on-call" phone for Kristen to let me in but my phone kept saying "emergency calls only". I turned it off then back on and it worked! I got ready for bed and read until the group got back so I could talk plans with Christal. We're going to go to St. Andrew's Church of Scotland and then Dar Poeta for lunch!
I slept like a rock and it felt great. Sunday will be good.
Friday, June 8, 2012
TGIF
After a wonderful sleep last night (I was out the moment my head hit the pillow), I woke up a little after 7 with no alarm. Got up, did my morning stuff, had a cup of coffee and an apple, then packed up for a run. I have been getting down lately as I consider the short time I have left here, with still so much to see. That being said, I had planned to run for a long time today. I set out towards the Trastevere and ran through Parco Pamphili. It is huge! After a big loop around, I got back to the Tiber and ran alongside it until I reached the Piazza del Popolo and then into the Villa Borghese and back home. 18.2 miles in 2:25:47; the nice long run I was hoping for.
I got back, made some eggs, and then started on my puzzle until Caleb, Katherine, Dr. D, Kristen, and I went to an amazing gelato place tucked in a corner close to Piazza Navona. True artisan gelato and Thursday we are going back to watch a demonstration of how it's made! I got chocolate/wine, ricotta cheese almond and fig, and watermelon. The cheese/almond/fig has been my favorite flavor of the trip. I'm gonna need to get me some ricotta when I get home.
We walked around the Piazza, I got my handstand picture, and then we headed back. Dr. D and I decided to go to "Momart" for dinner and we would be meeting at 7. Until then we watched the Poland-Greece football game. At around 7 (halftime of the game), we met with Hailey, Christal, and Morrissa and walked to Momart. 10 euro for a buffet of seriously good food. Pizza was great, pasta was great. We walked back and watched a little bit of the Russia-Czech Republic game and then put on Gladiator! Unfortunately, I was very tired so I only watched a little, then got ready for bed and was asleep probably before 10.
It was a good day. High 80's but didn't feel too hot because of the low humidity.
I got back, made some eggs, and then started on my puzzle until Caleb, Katherine, Dr. D, Kristen, and I went to an amazing gelato place tucked in a corner close to Piazza Navona. True artisan gelato and Thursday we are going back to watch a demonstration of how it's made! I got chocolate/wine, ricotta cheese almond and fig, and watermelon. The cheese/almond/fig has been my favorite flavor of the trip. I'm gonna need to get me some ricotta when I get home.
We walked around the Piazza, I got my handstand picture, and then we headed back. Dr. D and I decided to go to "Momart" for dinner and we would be meeting at 7. Until then we watched the Poland-Greece football game. At around 7 (halftime of the game), we met with Hailey, Christal, and Morrissa and walked to Momart. 10 euro for a buffet of seriously good food. Pizza was great, pasta was great. We walked back and watched a little bit of the Russia-Czech Republic game and then put on Gladiator! Unfortunately, I was very tired so I only watched a little, then got ready for bed and was asleep probably before 10.
It was a good day. High 80's but didn't feel too hot because of the low humidity.
Thursday
This morning we checked out of the convent and caught a train to Siena. At Siena we went to the Duomo and then myself and some others went to il Campo and had pizza. Caleb and I ordered a "pizza for 4". Psh. I had my half plus a piece of everyone else's. Morrissa's speck and mascarpone was the best. We walked around a bit after that, went to San Dominico where St. Catherine's head and finger are displayed.
We headed back to il Campo, got gelato, then people watched while we waited for the group. Siena really is beautiful. It's stuck in medieval times and it is really cool to walk around. Siena has 17 neighborhoods, each with their own flag and they are very proud of their own. Every year il Campo is cleared back, covered in dirt, and mattresses placed around the inner area. 60,000 people crowd the middle and surrounding streets for Il Paolo. It is a horse race and each neighborhood is represented. 3 laps around il Campo, no holds barred, winner takes all. Il Campo is big but I have no idea how 60,000 people fit there with room for a horse race.
After a long ride through the ridiculously beautiful Tuscan countryside, we arrived back at the convent in Rome at about 11pm. Tuscany was amazing. Next to Cinque Terre the best part of the trip. The food, the sights, the city itself. All amazing.
I am starting to get depressed as we wind down our time here. This trip has been the best month of my life and it will definitely be weird going back to the states, though I do miss everyone!
We headed back to il Campo, got gelato, then people watched while we waited for the group. Siena really is beautiful. It's stuck in medieval times and it is really cool to walk around. Siena has 17 neighborhoods, each with their own flag and they are very proud of their own. Every year il Campo is cleared back, covered in dirt, and mattresses placed around the inner area. 60,000 people crowd the middle and surrounding streets for Il Paolo. It is a horse race and each neighborhood is represented. 3 laps around il Campo, no holds barred, winner takes all. Il Campo is big but I have no idea how 60,000 people fit there with room for a horse race.
After a long ride through the ridiculously beautiful Tuscan countryside, we arrived back at the convent in Rome at about 11pm. Tuscany was amazing. Next to Cinque Terre the best part of the trip. The food, the sights, the city itself. All amazing.
I am starting to get depressed as we wind down our time here. This trip has been the best month of my life and it will definitely be weird going back to the states, though I do miss everyone!
Wednesday
Today I decided to wake up and run around Florence. Went through a really cool park, into town, and around some streets until I found my way back. 8.2 miles in 57:27. Got a quick breakfast and then the group met up.
Today we went to the Uffizi art gallery and it was pretty cool. I'm not the biggest art fan but cool nonetheless. Got a really expensive sandwich on top of the Uffizi and then went shopping! Haggling is now one of my favorite things to do. It is so much fun. Christal helped me and we tag teamed some helpless sellers. I got a new wallet, and some wine and olive oil. We headed back to the convent and she took a nap, I did a real quick workout then read.
We met with Katherine and headed back out to do a little more shopping then met Caleb at the Duomo and went out to dinner. It was great! Afterward we stopped at a pastry shop and I got my favorite dessert: sfogliatelle.
We went back to the convent and then went out to the same restaurant as Tuesday night to get dessert. I got apple cake and a cappucino, not to mention a good bit more of that amazing bread!
Another great day in Florence, another great sleep.
Today we went to the Uffizi art gallery and it was pretty cool. I'm not the biggest art fan but cool nonetheless. Got a really expensive sandwich on top of the Uffizi and then went shopping! Haggling is now one of my favorite things to do. It is so much fun. Christal helped me and we tag teamed some helpless sellers. I got a new wallet, and some wine and olive oil. We headed back to the convent and she took a nap, I did a real quick workout then read.
We met with Katherine and headed back out to do a little more shopping then met Caleb at the Duomo and went out to dinner. It was great! Afterward we stopped at a pastry shop and I got my favorite dessert: sfogliatelle.
We went back to the convent and then went out to the same restaurant as Tuesday night to get dessert. I got apple cake and a cappucino, not to mention a good bit more of that amazing bread!
Another great day in Florence, another great sleep.
Tuesday
Today started early! We had to catch a pretty early train out of Termini as we headed to Florence. Ride was long and uneventful. Played some cards, read, listened to music.
We got to Florence at about 11 am and dropped our bags off at the convent where we were staying. We couldn't check in yet so we headed into town. We went to the Duomo, grabbed some food (I got a salad with tuna, olives, capers, eggs, and anchovies), then met up and went to the Medici Palace then the Accademia. The Duomo was awesome. Largest brick dome in the world (I think) and it is truly incredible. Brunelleschi was a genius. The Medici Palace was really cool too. The accademia is where Michaelangelo's famous David resides. It really is an impressive work of art. I am definitely more of a fan of sculpture than painting. After the palace we walked around the market a little. The market is so cool! Tons of vendors pretty much selling the same thing. A lot of leather, souvenirs, and other random stuff. I got a shotglass and some other things.
We went back to the convent, I did a quick workout, and then we went next door where I had the best meal of my life. Dr. Mann was very kind a had everyone pay a "cover charge" and then he took care of the rest. We got LOADS of appetizers and every one of them was incredible. The complimentary bread was insanely good, then came soup, then bruschetta (one had mushroom, one had tomatoes), cold cut plate with sundried tomatoes, omelet, other fried bread with mushrooms, then my favorite: bruschettas and three bowls, one containing mozzarella, one some sort of lasagna, one with liver pate. I could have eaten the pate with a spoon it was so good. For dinner I got grilled veal with roasted potatoes and vegetables. The potatoes were amazing and so was the veal. To finish off I had panna cotta and a cappucino. Florence is awesome.
Slept well tonight!
We got to Florence at about 11 am and dropped our bags off at the convent where we were staying. We couldn't check in yet so we headed into town. We went to the Duomo, grabbed some food (I got a salad with tuna, olives, capers, eggs, and anchovies), then met up and went to the Medici Palace then the Accademia. The Duomo was awesome. Largest brick dome in the world (I think) and it is truly incredible. Brunelleschi was a genius. The Medici Palace was really cool too. The accademia is where Michaelangelo's famous David resides. It really is an impressive work of art. I am definitely more of a fan of sculpture than painting. After the palace we walked around the market a little. The market is so cool! Tons of vendors pretty much selling the same thing. A lot of leather, souvenirs, and other random stuff. I got a shotglass and some other things.
We went back to the convent, I did a quick workout, and then we went next door where I had the best meal of my life. Dr. Mann was very kind a had everyone pay a "cover charge" and then he took care of the rest. We got LOADS of appetizers and every one of them was incredible. The complimentary bread was insanely good, then came soup, then bruschetta (one had mushroom, one had tomatoes), cold cut plate with sundried tomatoes, omelet, other fried bread with mushrooms, then my favorite: bruschettas and three bowls, one containing mozzarella, one some sort of lasagna, one with liver pate. I could have eaten the pate with a spoon it was so good. For dinner I got grilled veal with roasted potatoes and vegetables. The potatoes were amazing and so was the veal. To finish off I had panna cotta and a cappucino. Florence is awesome.
Slept well tonight!
Monday, June 4, 2012
Back To Reali... er... Rome.
The bad news: I'm not in Cinque Terre. The good news: I'm in Rome. The better news: I go to Florence in the morning!
Today I woke up around 0730 and went to the park for a workout. Came back and had an egg sandwich then went to the grocery store quickly then had cappucino with Kristen and Christal at the corner coffee shop. I then worked on my presentation, we had class where we talked about Florence and then watched a video on the Medici. The video helped me find some more things to put in my presentation (which was on the Medici)! After class, I had some lunch and then worked on my presentation/read/watched rugby videos until 1430. At 1430 Caleb, Dr. Mann, and I caught a bus to Porta Pia then got tired of waiting for the next bus so walked to Santa Maria di Concezione. In this church is the Capuchin Crypt. Talk about eerie! At some point, some time, some one decided it would be a good idea to dig up an entire crypt and make art work out of the bones. There were 4 or 5 different displays, each centered around a specific bone, and the bones were laced in intricate designs and framing the robed skeletons of monks. It was very creepy. The idea portrayed is "As you are, so we once were. As we are, so you shall be." It is a reminder that death comes to us all (strange considering the "room of the resurrection").
After we got back, I read some more, chilled some more, and didn't do much until dinner time. We had pizza rolls and baked apples with gelato. It was delicious! After dinner we had class again and myself, Morrissa, and Christal all presented. I presented on the Medici family and I learned a good bit through research. Interesting stuff!
As I mentioned, tomorrow we leave for Florence. I will not be taking my laptop so I will catch up when we return Thursday night. I am really looking forward to this trip!
Love,
Dylan
Sunday, June 3, 2012
Where To Begin
Bottom line up front: the past four days have been the best of my entire life. Words simply cannot express the experience. The Cinque Terre in the Liguria Region of Italy is heaven on earth; paradise. It is five towns (Riomaggiore, Manarola, Corniglia, Vernazza, Monterosso) all in a line along a gorgeous coast with a trail connecting all of them. There is also a high mountain trail but more on that later. Each town is small, quaint, and incredibly amazing. Yes, there are tourists, but you truly feel like a guest and the people of the towns are so friendly that it feels like simply visiting a small town.
We (Myself, Christal, and Katherine) began in Riomaggiore on Thursday afternoon. Checked into our hostel then went down to the harbor. I decided to do some unplanned venturing and ended up running/hiking up the mountain to a beautiful monastery that looked over the town. I came back, and we walked down the Via D'ell Amore to watch an amazing sunset. Afterwards we went out with a friend named Adam we had met who was staying in the same room at the hostel. Day one, unforgettable.
Friday I woke up, checked out, and walked along the Via D'ell Amore to Manarola, where I had a slice of omelet and a cappucino. Good fuel for the long hike ahead. I started my venture and went up, up, up, up, up. There are 5 monasteries, each overlooking a respective town (they were used to spot pirates back in the day!). I got on the mountain trail that goes above all the towns and stops at the monasteries. I hardly saw anyone on the trails and for most of the hike I was above the clouds. Katherine and Christal were staying in Vernazza so I decided I would hunker down there and keep in touch with them. The descent into Vernazza was just... wow. It got progressively warmer and beautiful. I stopped at the church above the town for the view then continued into town. I got to Vernazza and called Christal; they were arriving just as I called! I helped them find their hotel and then we had some lunch. I went with them when they checked in and asked if the gentleman had any space (it was a man and his wife who rented out two floors of a house). He kindly obliged and pulled out a cot for me and made sure everything was perfect. We showered, chilled a little, then went out to dinner. I got spaghetti with seafood and it was the best spaghetti I've ever had. Katherine got Trofie with Pesto and I had to finish it for her :). Might I add that the Liguria region is the birthplace of pesto and foccacia bread. We then split a piece of tiramisu then went back to the balcony of our lodging and played cards while the sun set. Day two, unforgettable.
Saturday we all went out for a bite to eat and cappucino by the harbor. I then packed up and set off back up the hill to the church. I then took a different trail that led above Monterosso and to another church. I have walked many trails in my life but the 8b trail between Vernazza and Monterosso was the most absolutely perfect trail. Flat with incredible coastal views. I went to the next church where then the trail follows along the road until you get to right above Monterosso then it cuts back onto a single trail. Just when I thought it couldn't get better, you start going up and up and up. You eventually find yourself at an old tower on the point past Monterosso and then downhill a little bit to The Monastery of St. Antonio. Hands down, bar none, the best view I have ever had the pleasure of seeing. It beat everything in Rome and every overlook and vista I have ever visited. You can see all five towns, the sea, and the harbor and beach of Monterosso. I was awestruck. I descended into town and got some lunch. The place had a "tourist menu" with a 1st plate, 2nd plate, and drink for 13.50. I got trofie with pesto (I don't know how they make trofie but I bought a bag because it is incredibly good. They are short little twisted noodles designed specifically for pesto to stick), and mixed anchovies (a specialty). Eventually Katherine and Christal showed up via train and they had bought me a t-shirt and puzzle that I was planning to buy! They are too cool! We sat on the beach and I convinced Christal to hike up to St. Antonio. Katherine journaled on the beach and I ventured around town. At about 1615 I decided to take the coastal trail to Vernazza, then catch the train to Riomaggiore. The girls had a booking at a hostel outside of La Spezia so I decided to go back to the same place as the first night because Adam was there all weekend. The hike to Vernazza was tougher than I expected but I got there half as fast as the map told me I would! After jumping on the wrong train I eventually got to Riomaggiore. I checked into the hostel, got put in a better room than before, then met the girls at La Lampara where I had an delicious Frutti di Mare Pizza. It had clams, mussels, shrimp, calamari, and tomatoes. They got desserts and Christal's cheesecake was amazing. They had transport to their hostel picking them up at 8 so I walked them to it, bought some Trofie, then showered. It felt so good.
There was a Canadian couple in the room who were traveling Europe so I talked with them a little then went out to town. I ran into Adam and we got some gelato then went to the harbor and talked for a while. I went back to bed around 11 and then got up to watch the sunrise. It was pretty cloudy but so peaceful. I went back to bed because the girls were coming back to hang out at around 0830. I got and egg muffin, crepes, and a cappucino and then we did a good bit of shopping.
We said our goodbyes to the Cinque Terre at about 1200 as we boarded a train to La Spezia, which would then take us back to Rome. Again I say, this was hands down one of the best weekends of my life. I wish I could in some way describe to you this place but it would all be for naught. I will try to go into more detail if you ask me personally but it will still not do it justice. Everything was perfect. The hiking, the towns, the water, the food, the people. I was literally searching for something wrong with it and could find nothing. Nothing. I would go back and live there in a heart beat.
If you travel to Europe and do not include a few days in the Cinque Terre, you have failed and you have my pity. There is no place like it on earth.
Feel free to ask about it!
Love,
Dylan
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