Entry 6: June 26, 2008

I felt like a character in a book I could only be reading. It was Wednesday evening and I was walking down a busy street bustling with tourists and anxious shoppers looking for the best deals in the shops that stood tall on my right and my left. Behind me the sun was turning in for the day. Bright warm colors gleamed creating a silhouette of the Arc De Triomphe. I wandered through parks and admired the beautiful flats that were in the area. Many people were enjoying picnics in the parks; some even stopped and ate on small bridges. Watching them only made me hungrier and a bit jealous of their peaceful meal with a romantic view of the Eiffel tower. I wandered closer to the now lit tower that glowed so high above me. The sight just drew me in, I couldn't stop staring. It just hit me I was actually in Paris.

I went searching for some dinner. I found a place that looked too good to be true. Those eating outside on the sidewalk had a lovely view of the lit tower. I debated back and forth on whether or not I should sit down and eat. I decided it was perfect and I would remember it for the rest of my life. The twinkling tower declared it was 11 p.m. as I sat down to enjoy a long leisurely meal. My cheese stuffed basil pasta and side of freshly baked French bread were scrumptious and eased my grumbling stomach. The view of the tower from my little table is burned in my mind. The glass bottle of Evian water I poured into a glass quenched my thirst. I couldn't imagine a better way to spend my evening in Paris. As I was paying my bill the tower twinkled again as the time struck midnight. I said goodnight to the city and went back to rest up for another day in Paris.

Entry 5: June 12, 2008

I had imagined the Alps to be mountains with snow on the tip tops. My imagination could not do this miraculous place justice. As soon as we stepped onto the train to head toward the Alps everyone around us was so peaceful. The entire trip I had not felt so at peace and calm as I did while in the Alps. When we arrived at the inn where we were staying and met the family running the place I felt very at home. All of my anxieties seemed to subside.

The next day was a big one; the entire group was going to 'hike" the Alps. When we started up the steep walk the fog met us for the walk. As the weather cleared up I could see green, green grass and trees I had never seen before. I don't think crayola even has been able to produce such a luscious green. Small farms were in every direction, hills were all around us with cows and sheep grazing. When we finally reached the top I could see in every direction. If I looked up the mountains I could see snow, if I looked out I could see clouds that stared right back at me, and if I looked down I could see water racing down the mountains, splashing all the way. Until I visited the Alps I had no idea how beautiful nature was when it was untouched by sky scrapers and bustling cars.

Entry 4: June 3, 2008
My travel group was so lucky in Venice to have been able to stay in a large room with a loft. There were two great big windows that opened and looked out over a small canal and a bridge. It was something special to be awakened by the sounds of birds, boats and sunshine seeping through the windows. The air was crisp and fresh. There was no better way to be awakened. It was lovely to escape in a romantic city you could so easily get lost in. Every tiny street and alley felt like a maze with a new surprise around every corner.

 I did not think it was possible for an Italian to be a bad cook but Venice proved my inkling wrong. I did not enjoy a couple of my meals in Venice. It did not bother me too much because I had Marigrita's fresh home cooking to look forward to once we returned to Sansepolcro.

Entry 3: June 5, 2008

I am so thankful to have the chance to see Italy and a couple other countries while on this trip. However, I have enjoyed so much getting to meet other travelers along the way. I feel that I get a small taste of another country every time I sit across another traveler from Australia or London. In fact this morning I had breakfast in my hostel and sat across an older couple that has traveled all over the world. This was their first time in Venice and they really seemed to be enjoying it. The man kept asking me all sorts of questions about my studies and America. I felt almost as if I was in class. He was very knowledgeable and I was so grateful to get a history lecture from him about Venice. He was able to fill me in on how the city began. It’s moments like these that I realize the world is so much bigger than I could ever image. I guess the only way to understand it all is to see all that I can. I have been doing my best while I am here to plan my next trip over seas. I can hardly wait!

Entry 2: Thursday, May 29 2008

We finished up our travel break in Rome today. I just hated that we had to leave. I know that leaving only means I will soon be moving on to see more of this beautifully cultured world we live in, however, it is just I did not have enough time to take in the history, the life, the sites, and the people in Rome. As I talked with a man from Australia last night at the dinner party our hostel was having, we both agreed that traveling and seeing where history, literature, and art has taken place has taught us far more than a book or class we took during school.

One of my priceless memories was two nights ago when two other girlfriends and I went out to see the Pantheon. We got off the bus so proud we had navigated ourselves through a large, famous city that did not speak our language. The sun had set and only a few starts were out. The summer air was cool and smelled of freshly made pasta and sweet Italian perfume. To our right stood the bold and great Pantheon building. We went into a gelati shop that had awards for having world famous gelati flavors. We got our gelati and sat on the stairs of the Pantheon, tasting sweet Italian ice cream, listening to a man sing an opera and looking at a beautiful fountain sparkle in front of us. It is a moment that made me feel like I was in a movie. Rome was a blast!

Entry 1: May 20 2008

Today was a jam packed day but a wonderful day in Italy! We visited the Civic Museum which houses many classic art pieces such as a couple different interpretations of the last supper, Mary’s ascension to Heaven, and even some ancient locks and keys.

There was just not enough time in the day to spend looking at the artwork. The pieces were easily 30 feet wide and 12 feet high. In one room in particular where an interpretation of Mary’s ascension into heaven, Jesus' crucifixion, and the Last Supper I just plopped down and stared at the art work. Speechless. I had never experienced such feeling from just sitting looking at art pieces. Even though I could not speak the common language around me or read the blurb right next to any of the paintings I could still feel so much emotion. The artists probably never imagined that a young woman from a country that he had never heard of would have been so touched be something he would paint. I have grown up seeing paintings and copies of the very paintings I saw in the Civic Museum, however when you sit face to painting and the people in the paintings just stare back at you it is a completely different experience. I feel so lucky to be able see all of these art pieces, it is the art that really has enriched the trip to Italy.

I went out to a nice place for dinner last night and had such an amazing dish of spinach filled pasta with beef and tomato sauce. I have found one of the things I miss most about home is ice. Most drinks are served at room temperature here which is an adjustment for a person who just loves ice in just about everything she drinks. So when I found condensation on my water glass at dinner I was thoroughly excited. The restaurant was quiet a quaint place with white table clothes and candles they lit when you sat down. I was sent through a maze when I asked to go to the bathroom though; I went down a small flight of stairs then up another flight then turned, then up another flight, through a hallway passing, a closet where they kept extra wine then on further to finally find the bathroom. Instead of normal toilet paper they had tissues, then I found the button on the wall to flush, and when I had to wash my hands I had to step on a petal. It was quiet an exciting adventure. The best part is one of my roommates has a food allergy and the owner of the restaurant has the same allergy. So the owner made everything on the menu acceptable for people with the same food allergy. It was nice to find a place where she could eat everything off the menu instead of usually having to skip dinner whenever we went out to eat.

I felt like I really got the chance to experience Italy today. A wonderful authentic Italian restaurant, which unlike American restaurants frown at you for staying longer than an hour this one encouraged you to stay and enjoy your food. I hope to go back to the museum or at least spend more time at others so I can have the chance to really take in all of the art as possible.

Hope all is well back in the States