Oh how I love this view...

Yesterday, the group walked up to the top of the mountain that looks over Florence.  At the top, I was able to see the Ponte Vecchio and the Duomo all in one view.  Like the previous post said, it was beautiful.  Other than the city view, there was a church at the top of the climb that was picturesque.  Following are some of the photos I was able to capture.

Other than the hike, the group went on another walking tour.  On the walking tour, we were able to travel throughout Florence with a guide informing us of the history behind certain buildings and sites.  

Of course, the most disgusting thing happened on the trip, a bird pooped on my head.  There was a huge flock of birds, I mean MASSIVE. I had never seen anything like it. They flew in a huge figuration over my head.  I wish I would have got a picture of it, but I guess I was too mad.  The birds were welcoming me to Europe, I assume. 

Gates of Paradise 

"Fake" David 

Inside the museum next to the "fake" David. Gorgeous. 

Galileo Galilei

Street of expensive shopping, aka Heaven

Ponte Vecchio at night

After the walking tour, we were given a free meal of pizza, a soda, and most importantly Tiramisu. It was delicious and I couldn't help myself that I had to take pictures. Don't drool too much. 

Florence, I am here!

Finally after seeing everything possible in Rome... 

Where Mussilini did his speech

Interesting Statue at Vatican City

Vatican 

Belvedere at Vatican

Raphael's painting "The School Of Athens"
Amazing to see since I learned all about it in school, I guess
school is important! :) 

We all had ballerina buns (Some amazing people I have met!)

The group at Saint Peters  

My dream vehicle for the crazy roads of Rome

I am finally in Florence.  It is such a beautiful city that is filled with some very historically gorgeous sights.  I am settled in my apartment and I live right next to the Ponte Vecchio, which is the most famous bridge in the Florence.  It's quite weird to say that I pass over the Ponte Vecchio everyday to go to shops, dinner, or something.  

Yesterday, I was able to see the Duomo, which is unreal, literally.  It looks fake and as if it is a "paint by numbers."  The building is so ornate and almost obnoxiously gaudy.  That may be terrible to say, if everyone was able to see they would think the same.  

Today, we traveled to the top of a hill that looks over the city.  It is called Piazzale Michelangelo.  It was absolutely incredible to see the view from the top.  I could see the Duomo, Ponte Vecchio, the Arno (the river in Florence), and the whole city in one view.  

Later today, we are doing a walking tour of Florence with my program.  I will post pictures, with descriptions, of what I see.  Along with that, I will post photos of the view I saw from Michelangelo. 

Ciao, for now!

The romance of Rome continues...

Day 2 in Roma:

Myself and two other people from the program decided to travel to the Spanish Steps.  I don't know if this was a good or bad idea... 

First, it took forever to find them, because we got lost many times and the map we had was useless (laughs). 

One site I came upon on the way to the Spanish Steps

Second, it was freezing.  Myself, being from Arizona, is not used to the 40-degree weather.  Oh, not only just 40 degrees, wind chill added to that as well. 

But, I have to say, once we reached the steps, they were worth it.  They were amazing to see and are such a famous site in Rome that I would have been disappointed if I didn't reach them. 

At the top of the Spanish Steps

Bottom of the Spanish Steps

Even a little more exciting, for me personally, were the shops that surrounded the steps.  Dior, Fendi, Jimmy Choo, Gucci, to name a few, were all around me.  For any "fashionista" it would be exciting to see these stores that originated from Italy and the countries around.

Later in the day, I was able to meet my new roommates and get acquainted with them.  They are extremely nice and I know that we are going to have a great time this semester, filled with ADVENTURE! 

Ps… we have already been starting to plan some trips. 

Roma!

I arrived into Rome on the 23rd and had the whole day free to do whatever I wanted.  The airport was about 25 minutes from the city, so as I was driving in I saw some of the main landmarks and tourist’s spots, such as the Colosseum.  Unfortunately, it definitely looks different in person; movies and TV dramatizes it.  But, it was still beautiful and amazing to see.  

Since I was so jet lag, and barely slept a wink on the flight, I was exhausted.  I tried to rest for a while when I got to the hotel, but I was too excited.  With all the excitement bubbling up in me, I had to walk down to the incredible Colosseum and take pictures. 

After taking pictures, I took a stroll down the road that led to the ancient ruins. I saw things such as the forum, and a building that goes by the name “Wedding Cake,” which I learned later.

Later in the evening, after taking a nap, I went to the Trevi Fountain with some people from the same program I was in.  Now, the Trevi is exactly like the pictures you can see on the Internet.  It was gorgeous and took my breath away.  It was in that moment that I needed someone to pinch me for it to sink in that I am in Italy. 

Of course, my evening ended with a wonderful dinner and a couple glasses of wine. When in Rome... 

Getting ready

I have been packing for weeks, but it is finally upon me.  I am leaving tomorrow for LA, where from there I will be flying into Rome.  I leave for Rome on Saturday, AZ time, and arriving into Rome on the 23rd (Sunday).
It is so exciting and it's very unreal that I am going to be in Italy for 4 months.  I have said my goodbyes, other than my mom and sister, which is going to be hard.
I will miss you all and soon I will post more to tell you about all my endeavors.