Well I'm not really sure where to start, so I guess I'll just tell my trip chronologically. We made our way from northern Italy starting in Milan, then going to Venice, Bologna, Florence ending in Rome.
Milan was probably my least favorite city in Italy (if there even is one). Although as soon as we landed I got a sense of how nice and helpful the Italian people are. A man saw a friend and I looking at a map and pointed us in the right direction of our hostel.
After settling in, we ventured out to discover some real pizza. No more Domino's, Little Ceasar's, Pizza Hut we were in the hometown of America's best couch meal and I have to say I was not dissapointed. The beautiful sights in Italy were equally met with mouth watering pastas, gelato and even chinese food. (on a sidenote the word alfredo does not even exist in the Italian language).
Milan proved to be the fashion capital of the world. Everyone on the street seeped their own individual fashion sense. Making me embarssased of my simple t-shirt, jeans, and boots. But besides clothing we did not find much in Milan.
Venice was my favorite city in Italy. Mainly in part to the absensce of cars and vespas, only boats sprinkled the river. The sun shining as we crossed the Rialto bridge to our hostel. Our hostel owner was wierd and touchy especially towards my travel mate, but besides that our accommidations were fine. We went to one of the three Guggenheim museums. This one was the actual residence of Peggy Guggenheim with art pieces scattered throughout the house. One neon sign on a wall outside seemed to strike me, "Changing time, Changing place, Changing thoughts, Changing future." It seemed to put in words my mindset at this point in my life. As I walked through the halls of Peggy's house I couldn't help but wish I was more artistically gifted. Walking home we saw an odd event. A grown man in a pink tutu with egg and flour splattered all over him. While chugging vodka he read a sign behind him and the crowd chanted "Dotori! Dotori!." After inquiring to our creepy hotel owner we learned that this is what happens the day you recieve your college degree in Italy. Your classmates subject you to any embarassing act they desire while chanting (excuse my language) "Fuck off!". Very interesting. Besides the Guggenheim we walked around the island stopping at various cathedrals and canals to watch gondolas wizz by.
Bologna was a hour stop in between Florence and we ate a fantastic meal. Then ventured back to the train station. On the way we saw whst I believe is the oldest university in the world (fact check that?).
Florence was next and I found this city similar to Venice, with a little bit more noise. The Duomo dominates the skyline and to anyone venturing here must make the journey up to Michaelangelo Plaza (where you get an amazing view of Florence). We also went to Michealangelo's house to view vary sculptues and recieve a more personal view of this perfectionist. At our hostel we befriended a nude art model (yes I didnt believe him at first) and decided to go to a kareoke bar up the street. After a few drinks I mustered up enough courage to sing Bohemian Rhapsody the audience chiming in. Besides being the stop where I decided to share my vocal talent, Florence was also the place where I gave into to an urge that has been burning inside of me since I arrived in Madrid: shopping. I crumbled to my desires and bought a pair of Italian leather boots.
On the way to Rome we had a wierd run-in with the Italian police. While buying our ticket to Rome we were asked for our passports and where we were going. The officials asked us some other questions while we answered quivering and scared. Upon arriving to Madrid my teacher assured me we were just being hit on. I on the other hand am somewhat still weary.
Besides that little bump road we arrived in Rome safe and sound. While drawing money at the ATM in the train station I felt someone come up behind me. Luckily I discovered I was being hugged by my fellow roommate and not robbed. We soon discovered that we were staying in the same hostel, in the same room (go figure). And it was nice to add my traveling partners from one to three. We also discovered that we were in Rome for its birthday week (April 21st) and all the museums were free, except the Vatican.
Due to not paying entrance fee for the Colesseum and Palentine, we spent our funds on excellent tour guides. It amazing how much more enjoyable a site can be with some extra history. We learned about the massacres that occured for entertainment in the Colesseum and the story of brothers Romus and Remus.
The Vatican was equally amazing. St. Peters was probably my favorite church I've seen this trip, after Toledo. And our tour guide told us of the perfection and intricate architecture. The Vatican museum not only held historical Catholic images, but modern religious paintings and of course the Sistine Chapel.
Saturday a man staying at our hostel told me his flight had been cancelled due to volcanic eruption in Iceland and a red flag popped up in my head, because I had a flight scheduled for the next day back to Madrid. At the internet cafe we learned we would be stuck in Rome for at least another two days (tragic I know). Too bad these two days were spent pigging out on Chinese buffet and sleeping in. At night we ventured into the streets to get a taste of Roman nightlife and fortunately we recieved a whole meal of it. Met some great and generous people along the way: Nasho an Itlian director who showed me a less touristic side of Rome, David a close friend of my roommate who showed us night sightseeing , Floriano an Italian from Naples who opened his home to us, and others. One highlight had to be opening a bottle of Prosecco at the Trevi Fountain.
Italy was amazing and I learned of the importance of family and roots. As Nasho told me, "Family comes first" I couldn't help but miss my relatives back home in California and my Aunt Sunshine various get togethers and cheesy potatoes.
Spring break pictures:
Here's a song by Starfucker "Rawnald Gregory Erickson the Seco":
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