Thanksgiving in the beautiful Florence.

The few days before Thanksgiving and our time in Florence ended up being one of the most incredible weeks in Italy.  First of all, we only had three day of classes, which is always great.  But before we left, we had some pretty awesome activities in the former days. 

To begin, Monday morning we got up quite early and went to the Vatican for mass.  Fr. Nicholas Becker from St. John's is currently in Rome and he agreed to say mass for us in the lower level of St. Peter's Basilica.  I know, it really doesn't get any better than that.  He took us below the church to where there are many small chapels for mass.  Our group felt quite important to say the least.  The mass was really beautiful and I loved being in that setting amongst my fellow Bennies and Johnnies.  That morning was one of my favorites and it reminded me how blessed by God I really am.

That evening, we had Theology class at St. Paul's Basilica (St. Paul Outside the Walls).  This church is exceptionally beautiful.  When we walked in, I couldn't believe how large it was.  It's very open; much of it is empty due to it's size and somehow I found peace in that.  These large churches remind me how truly big our God is.  It's amazing really, he lives and breathes within us, but yet He is our creator, bigger and more powerful than anything on this earth.  I have found that in each church I visit, these thoughts always find me again.  What was even more incredible was the fact that St. Paul's tomb is located below this church.  We were not informed of this beforehand so when we were, I was definitely excited.  Paul's letters in the Bible tend to be my favorite and to say the least, I was in awe.  Everything becomes more real, and that's the way Rome is in general.  So much history is beneath where I walk now.  Most of the time, I can hardly even wrap my head around it.

The following night, our director Greg took us to an Opera performance (again, how lucky am I?)!  It wasn't your typical performance, for it didn't have a story line, rather it was segments of different songs performed.  Each segment was only a few minutes, but there were quite a few of them.  Never seeing an Opera, I didn't know what to expect or if I would even like it for that matter.  To my pleasant surprise, it was very good.  There were four different singers, two male and two female.  Generally I enjoy male voices more, so I did during this performance as well.  The two men were very theatrical and had very strong vocals.  This group also had a great orchestra.  It was small, but really good!  And might I add, our group looked very snazzy for the night.  Then guys sported their ties and us girls delivered as well, as always.  Afterwards, guess what Jen did?  Oh yes, she went and got gelato.  Me and a few other girls (naturally) tried out a new gelato shop, which is now one my favorites.  It has Oreo (OMG) and a really delicious cinnamon.  I've probably been there 3 more times since then =) 

The following morning, we took off for Florence!  Our whole group had really been looking forward to this for quite some time and of course, Florence delivered.  It was an incredible Thanksgiving.  Everyone had the intention of doing a lot of Christmas shopping, and let me tell you, hooooly wow it happened.  Florence is known for its leather and everyone took advantage.  Many belts, purses, wallets, and boots were bought.  The leather market is huge and it's really fun to just walk through it.  I tried out my bartering skills and let me tell you, I'm quite awesome.  I managed to knock down a few prices, and most importantly, my boot purchase =)

So, going into this weekend trip, I had really wanted to find leather boots.  I was willing to spend 80 euro, and no more (it's partially a Christmas gift, chill).  There was a store on the corner near our hotel and I had walked quickly through once before, but upon my second visit, two men remembered me.  There was a pair of boots that I loved, but they were 120 euro.  He could tell that I really loved them.  Pretty quickly, he knocked down the price to 100 euro, but I told him that I was a student and could definitely not pay that much.  When he asked me how much I was willing to pay, I said 80 and he pretty much cringed at that.  Now, these guys were quite the charmers and were trying very hard to get me to buy the boots.  Europeans love to bother you while you're trying to shop.  They stand right in your face and show you pretty much every product they have in their dang stand.  Most of the time it frustrates me enough to walk away, but in this particular case, it turned out quite well =)  He asked me to try them on at least, and I could tell things were potentially looking up, so I decided to.  I had them on and was walking around the store and the man asked me, "how much do you love these boots?"  I said, "oh I love them quite a lot, but I can't pay 100 euro."  He gave me the 'you are so relentless' look.  He then asked me if I'd buy them, and I responded, "80 euro?"  He then proceeded to say, "Ughh fine, special discount for you!  Double discount, but don't tell my manage!  Don't tell anyone!"  He rattled some Italian off to his coworker, and before you knew it, I had the boots and was out the door.  I was pretty much in shock, for this all happened within probably 15 minutes.  I guess you could say I slightly love them... the following morning when I woke up, I rolled over and said good morning to my boots.  Yes, I actually greeted my boots.  

That was definitely one of my highlights, but the rest of the weekend was really incredible.  Our hotel was beautiful, for one, and we were in a great location.  Within a few blocks, we were in the central part of Florence where many of its attractions are located.  I have failed to mention that we actually had class during this time, but I just really don't find it to hold that much importance.  I did see the David by Michelangelo, but other than that, I saw a lot of stuff in a lot of museums.  Some of you may be wondering why the attitude, but oddly enough, I have found that museums and me don't really get along.  I can handle them for a short while, but then I just lose focus.  The art I love and am talented at is quite different than what I've been seeing (Renaissance pieces).  Oh well, you learn to appreciate new things!

There were many highlights of the trip and I really wish I could cover them all, but this blog would be way too freakin' long.  To begin, our Thanksgiving dinner was definitely a favorite.  On Thursday night, our hotel made us a Thanksgiving meal.  They really tried to make it authentic, which we were all so appreciative of.  Our turkey was very good, and they made us a cake that was supposed to have USA colors, but looked more so like baby blue, pink and white.  Gotta love the attempt!  Our director Greg and his wife asked that we all held hands and go around to say what we were thankful for.  This was a really great moment.  It really put into perspective how much this group is like a new family to me.  To say the least, so much to be thankful for this semester.  

My wonderful roommates!

Beautiful spot of Florence!

There were many incredible conversations and dinners out as well.  Two nights we went for pizza and both times it was so delicious.  I easily get sick of pizza at home, but here it seriously never gets old.  Another night, me and a few girls went to an Irish bar, which was really great.  I finally tried Cider, which some girls had really raved about.  It is now one of my favorite drinks.  It's closely related to beer, but is much sweeter and doesn't have that horrible after taste.  

I also managed to have gelato 3 times while in Florence (oops, but not really).  The last time though.. oh jeesh.  So my friend Kate, who neeeeever suggest gelato, did.  Naturally, Laura and I knew we had to get it then.  (Now, remember how Kate started it all.)  So I then decided on a place that we had walked by a few times.  When we arrived, we all decided to get a SMALL cone with only TWO flavors.  We figured it would be, as it says, small.  And we also figured it would be cheap.  Well, I went first and picked my two flavors.  I notice that as she places the first scope, it happens to be HUGE.  I then start to worry as she dishes up the next heap.  She then proceeds to place whipped cream and fourrrrrr waffle pieces on it.  She looks at us, points at the cone, and says "Mickey Mouse!!" with a big smile on her face.  I hesitantly grabbed the huge cone and looked at her like, "Are you serious?"  So when I go to pay, I know this is not going to be cheap.  Well yep, I was right.  7 euro! ... on gelato!  We were so full after eating those things, but I am going to be quite honest with you all, it was delicious and I don't regret it.   

The ultimate gelato experience:  "The Mickey Mouse" cone

Beyond that, we also went to mass at the Duomo, which is the largest church in Florence and also the focal point for pretty much everything else.  It is lavishly decorated on the outside and a famous masterpiece.  I don't particularly like the design, but mass inside was beautiful.  Many times throughout the weekend I also went to the famous bridge of Florence.  It is famous because it stayed standing throughout the World Wars when all the others did not.  It also is lined with really expensive jewelry stores.  It's fun to walk up and down the bridge just to see the absurd prices.  At night it was also all lit up with Christmas lights!  

Our last day, we meandered around the city and just enjoyed the sites.  We walked to Michelangelo's piazza, toured the Pitti Gardens and palace, and then had some panini's to finish off the afternoon.  I did indeed find lots of gifts for my family and overall, really loved the city.  Florence is gorgeous and I am glad I actually got to go there twice.  I'd say I'm quite blessed to be able to spend Thanksgiving in such a beautiful place with such great people. 

Love these girls!

The famous bridge, lined with jewelry shops.

I'm trying to bring you all up to date as fast as I can, but there has been so much going on, for the days in Europe are coming to an end.  Only 5 are left and we are all in disbelief at how fast this all went.  I will try my best to blog a bit more, but otherwise, I will see you all at the end of the week! =)

God bless & pray for appropriate weather and safe travels home!

God is good.

I'm still in attempts of catching you guys up, but I'm getting close!

To begin where I left off, the weekend following our morning at the Vatican for sunrise was one of the best here.  Starting with Friday, we had a quiet day just with Italian class.  This class, being only once a week, has been a challenge but also really fun.  Italian is seriously the best language.  It not only rolls right off the tongue, but it sounds oh so amazing.  Our Italian professor Mario?  Oh what a treat =)  He's quite hilarious, but also has just the best accent.  One of his favorite key phrases has to be, "ahh, shit, I kill you!"  Now obviously people, he doesn't mean it.  He's always smiling, winking at us girls, and charming us with how wonderfully suave he is.  No worries everyone, a little Italian crush won't hurt anyone! (Sorry Jordan!)

On Saturday, a few of us made our way to the Vatican Museum!  About time, right?  Well we were waiting for the opportune moment so that we would have plenty of time to see as much as we could.  Well folks, we spent 5 freakin' hours in there.  Now, I am not a museum person.  At all.  Well, if you let me explore on my own, maybe.  But about 97% of the time I get bored within an hour.  But the Vatican held my attention very easily.  It is filled with everything you can imagine and having learned about so many pieces in my Art History class, I felt quite smart.  My favorite though, was obviously the Raphael Rooms and the Sistine Chapel.  The Raphael rooms have scenes covering the walls and ceilings.  I would explain them to you, but it'd take way to long.  Google it for your own benefits, it's beautiful I promise.  The Sistine Chapel though, was incredible.  First of all, it's a bit smaller than I had imagined.  But it does excel its reputation in how exceptional it is.  Michelangelo managed to paint the entire ceiling in four years, but suffered dearly because of it.  His posture to do so was constantly arched backwards and his sight suffered horribly afterwards; he could only see things if they were a couple feet in front of him.  Before this, he actually had little experience in painting; his expertise was sculpture, but you'd never be able to tell.  The ceiling is filled with symbolic meaning and the colors are just beautiful.  Photos are not allowed in the chapel (they make that clear within 2 seconds of being in there) but I managed to sneak like 7!  Psh, tight security, didn't phase me a bit!  Following our visit at the museum, we obviously went to Old Bridge Gelato.  This place is right by the Vatican so whenever I'm in that vicinity, I never miss the chance to go.  It is one of my favorites, and I've recently found out it's open until 2am =)  I may have to take advantage before heading home!

Sistine Chapel!

Old Bridge Gelato my friends =)

Sunday was awesome.  Kate, Laura, and I went on a day trip to Assisi, which is in the north of Italy.  Assisi is a common place for pilgrimages so us being all Theology majors, we were quite excited.  After being there for only an hour, I knew it was one of my favorite places.  It's a very small town, quant and filled with small streets leading in every which way direction.  As I've mentioned before, us 3 really enjoy just exploring, so that's what the majority of our day consisted of.  Oh and we went into a llllot of churches, which I highly enjoy also.  The town is mostly recognized because of St. Francis, who is also the patron Saint of Italy.  He is an amazing man of faith, but it had not always been that way.  He came from a very rich family and he had the persona of that.  He enjoyed the sinful life, as he said later in his life and everyone really loved him.  He thought of himself highly and desired to be the best he could be, by the worlds standards.  It was on his horse that the Lord confronted him and his life changed dramatically from there on out.  He spent extensive amounts in a cave praying and lost all connection with his family, for they did not approve of the path he chose.  He lived zealously for the Lord and he continues to be a very prevalent role model for the Christian world.  When visiting, we were able to see where he was imprisoned by his own father, where he prayed, and the church built for his names sake.  Below this church is his tomb, which was an amazing sight.  The Italians have a very strong love for Francis and it is apparent in how many people visit Assisi.  There a specific cross design that resembles St. Francis and it stands for his belief that we must remember to be crucified to the Lord daily.  His passion and love for the Lord is inspiring and I feel so blessed to have been able to go to such a holy and sacred place.

I loved the architecture.

St. Francis Church

Beautiful sunset.

We had an amazing day exploring and I always love being with those two girls.  We have similar interests and never fail to have great conversations.  We also enjoyed an amazing lunch in a small hidden restaurant.  I had bruschetta and ravioli- sooo delicious.  I really wish I could bring this food back with me.  Anyway, we loved it.  God has been so present, in my time in Rome especially, and I have been incredibly blessed to walk where all these radical men and women of faith have journeyed before.

I must end here, for it is 1am.  I'll (hopefully) post again soon!  11 days to go my friends, so bittersweet.
Godbless!

The Beginning of the End.

I've been trying my best to keep up with this, so we're going to continue from where I left off (Tokyo man).  I may be a bit behind, but I'm including as much as I can! Patience, my friend, patience.

So, our third weekend here was a really great time.  Beginning with Friday, our school provided us a with tour of the biggest film-making site in Europe, Cinecitta (Chin-cheetah).  This was really fun, we were able to see sets from Gangs of New York and Italian films.  One particular site was absolutely huge and it was designed into what Ancient Rome is believed to look like.  I felt as if I was walking through such a time.  It really amazes me of what people are capable of creating.  Turns out, parts of The Passion were also filmed in this place.  My favorite part of the tour was a documentary that we were able to watch about how a film is made, after the actual filming takes place.  The editing process, music selection, lighting & sound effects is what truly fascinates me most.  Overall, it was pretty awesome.
That afternoon, a few of my roommates and I took off for Villa Borghese, a huge park within the Northern part of Rome.  It had been recommended to us that we visit and rent bikes to ride around.  It was a beautiful afternoon so we thought we'd take advantage!  Well, it was sooo great.  One of my favorite things I've done here thus far!  We rented the bikes for an hour and rode around the park.  It's a beautiful park and has many great outlooks over the city.  We just so happened to go nearing sunset, so we were able to see a beautiful one occur.  The fall colors were gorgeous and I'd say to anyone: go!  It's a blast.  Thinking about picnic-ing it up soon!

Villa Borghese Park!

We are just so cute.

Look at that wishing skill.

To end the day, we went to the Trevi Fountain in order to make the most epic of epic wishes.  The date was 11/11/11 and we went at 11:11.  This was hilarious because Americans pretty much took over the fountain.  First off, military time is used here so "11:11" is actually 23:11 to them.  Second of all, I really don't think "11:11" is a thing for them.  Regardless, 10 seconds before the minute, over a 100 Americans or so counted down to the time.  I just loved this.  At that minute, I made my wish and threw my coin into the fountain! All the girls of my group did the same, we represented well I'd say.

Following that night, we went to Pompeii, Sorento and Naples for the weekend.  In Pompeii, we went a saw the ruins of the volcanic disaster.  This eruption, which occurred over 6 miles away, wiped out the citizens of the city, but much of the buildings still stand.  It's actually amazing at how well preserved the site is.  Within our two hour tour, we didn't even cover half of what remains.  We walked through what use to be houses, restaurants, stores, bathing halls and a few stadiums.  I was really amazed at this place.
Following that, we went to Sorento to spend the night.  Sorento is a cute little town that is along the coast.  Our hotel provided us with an amazing dinner as well (ravioli, chicken with potatoes and green beans, finished with dessert).  It was a great night spent visiting with the group and just hanging out.
In the morning, we took off for Naples, which is also along the coast.  We went to a museum in the morning, but then the rest of the day was ours for exploring.  We all started out by going out for pizza.  Pizza was invented in Naples and is thus known for its incredible pizza.  Well folks, easily the best pizza I've ever hard.  Naples held up to it's reputation quite well.
It just so happened to be Sunday and because it's nearing Christmas, Naples was craaaazy.  They have two to three particular streets that are just packeddddd.  They specialize in making Nativity scenes, along with other little Christmas trinkets.  We were hardly able to walk through it was so busy.  We were also recommended a bakery by our school staff so when we arrived to try it, we were shocked at how packed it was.  It was completely filled with people and you had to take a number just to place your order.  Our director's wife was with us and she was an amazing help.  We were quite overwhelmed, but she turned the situation into a cultural experience.  Instead of seeing it as simply a packed bakery, it was an Italian bakery where this is a typical afternoon.  If you take the time to notice, no one is upset about having to wait, that's just the way it is.  The women taking orders find joy in the experience.  They were often laughing at the crowds and eagerly helping as fast as they could.  People rattle off in Italian extremely fast, push and shove their way to the front, and go about their business.  This my friends, is Italy.  There is no such thing as line, you just get yourself up to the front sometime.  It is culturally known, so no one really gets upset.  I ended up really valuing this experience and fell even more in love with this crazy culture.

Naples!

Upon returning from our weekend away, we had an awesome week awaiting us.  Monday night, our school staff took us out for Nutella crepes at one of their favorite places.  For those of you who don't know what a crepe is, it is like a very large, flat pancake that Nutella and whatever else is placed within.  Mine in particular had Nutella and white chocolate Nutella with coconut pieces.  Ooohhhmg so delicious.  Quite rich, but so good.  Everyone should try these little heavenly gems.  Prior to this, I've had one in Greece with strawberries/Nutella, and then one in Paris, with Nutella and whipped cream.  Mmmm, so good =)

Now I know I am constantly listing all of these awesome things that we do, but don't worry, I have lots of class as well.  We have each class about once a week and we're pretty much always out in the city touring something.  We are so fortunate to be able to do this, and our professors are really great.  I've seen countless beautiful churches, endless ancient ruin sites, and museums filled with exceptional art.  I count myself blessed everyday for this, regardless of how exhausted I feel at the end of the day.
Greg's (my director) class is always one of my favorites.  We were able to go back to Villa Borghese and watch the sunset with the whole group.  Everyone really enjoyed it and the sunset was one of the most beautiful I've ever seen.

Class visit to Victor Emmanuel!

Obsessed with these trees.

Vatican at sunrise.

The next morning, a group of us took off for the Vatican to watch the sunrise.  Although it isn't really elevated on a hill, the color of the sky turned a little purple that morning and the coming of the morning was really beautiful.  It was especially cold that morning, so we didn't stay too long.  We didn't waste too much time getting back lol.  These mornings I particularly enjoy, for I don't have class until 2:30.  So being up and having the whole morning to myself is really enjoyable.  I've enjoyed countless mornings on our terrace and the sun has been shining for the whole month of November for us.  Typically in Rome, this is the rainy season but we've been especially blessed to have hardly any (knock on wood).  Today marks the day of the 1st of December, and yes that means I have only 15 days left.  I really can't believe it, but I'm trying to not think about how little of time is left, and just enjoy what I have.  I continue to get to know my group and it's really been such a gift.  I love everyone here for their own reasons and truly cherish the impact they've all had on my life.

Now, the studying for finals must begin.  I will try to blog a few more times before leaving, but I am warning you, it may be lacking.  But I will try! =)

See you all soon =)  Godbless.