ROMA

Last weekend, we had an inclusive trip through my program to Rome! I was so excited to finally go the city I've heard so much about. I wish we had more time to spend there. As I said about every other place I've been so far, I'd like to go back. I threw a coin in the Trevi Fountain so if the legend is true, I will be back. There was so much to see and I tried to fit in as much as possible. We left Friday morning and stopped in Tivoli, a small town near Rome. We explored the city for a few hours, anticipating Rome! Pictures from Tivoli...

Elisa, Alyssa, Haley, me, Andrea

We got to Rome late in the day, just in time to take a nap and get ready for dinner. Dinner was provided by our program at Pizzeria Callisto. We all had individual pizzas! Sooo good :)

The next day was a very busy one! We had a guided tour of the Colosseum, Foro, Palatino, Pantheon and the Fontana di Trevi. Everything was so amazing to see! We also had some free time so a few of us went to see the Sistine Chapel at the Vatican Museum. Absoutely amazing. We stayed there for nearly an hour just looking at everything. I wish I had more time to explore the rest of the museum but it was already so late in the day and we had to leave to get ready for dinner. I'm a little disappointed because I didn't get to see the inside of the Vatican but I still filled my day with a lot of amazing things!

The Colosseum 

Foro and Palatino  

Tomb of Julius Ceasar

 
 Fontana di Trevi 

Throwing a coin in! Missing half the fountain in the picture...

Rainy day in Rome :(

Just hanging out at the fountain at night

The Pantheon

The Vatican 

For dinner, we went with the program to La Scaletta and we were served pasta, veal and a dessert. All very tasty! Even though it was a little cold, we sat outside. It was a perfect Italian setting! At night, we hung out on the Spanish Steps and enjoyed the view. 

The next day we got lunch at a small pizzeria near our hotel and headed back to Florence! I was sad to leave Rome but how could I complain since I was returning to another amazing city! Tomorrow I leave for Barcelona to see my friends! I'm so excited! I'm a little nervous because this is the first time I'll be leaving Italy and I'm flying and doing it on my own. This will really test my skills! 

Ciao! or Adios!

Venice Carnival

I went with one of my roommates, Alyssa to Venice for a day to experience the city during Carnival. I LOVED IT!!! It was such a unique city, it's still hard for me to grasp the concept that everything is on water. It's so beautiful! We took the water bus everywhere in the city (only 16 euro for an unlimited pass...so worth it!) There are so many islands and random places to explore. I would love to go back sometime when it's less crowded and we have more time to look around. The one thing I didn't like about the city was the food...doesn't even come close to comparing to the food in Florence!

There was a concert at night!

Since it was Carnival, there were so many people dressed up! I'm not sure who these people are but they were really fun to see and take pictures of. Sometimes a little bit creepy and they were everywhere! 

Me and Alyssa trying to look serious and fit in

We went to the island of Murano which was a lot less crowded and so beautiful! Murano is known for their glass and we were able to see a free glass blowing demonstration. It was quick which was nice and really interesting! We saw him make a horse, it was amazing and must take serious talent. He displayed the horse and put a piece of paper under it and it burned right away. I can't remember how hot they said the glass was but obviously it's a lot! The glass is so beautiful, I love it! I bought a ring, a watch and gifts for some people :) I hope they love it as much as I do!