Right now I am working on Planning a Florence and Orvieto trip this weekend. Orvieto is supposed to be beautiful. The train tickets have turned out to be very complicated to purchase online but I think I should be able to figure out. I will be going with 3 girls: Lindsay, Courtney, and Tiffany.
I feel like I am exploring the neighborhood more and more. I remember when I first came to Chicago and I had no idea where I was going! This is a similar feeling. But with the help of maps and people who do know where they are going, I am slowly becoming familiarized with Monte Mario and Rome! Plus I am damn good at asking for directions in Italian by now.
On Thursday night a group of us went to an area of Rome called Campo di Fiori. It is a huge square of bars with American names such as "Sloppy Sam's" and "The Drunken Ship." This part of town is over run with Americans. I went to one bar called Scholars and the Cav's game was on. It was a bit surreal watching Lebron James in Italy. It was a great night with really fun people, but I think I am ready to explore more "Italian" parts of town.
This is a picture of me, Emily, Katie, and Katie out in Campo di Fiori.Friday was a wonderful day! We woke up early and went to an area of town called Trastevere. It is where many young Italians hang out. It if full of shopping, restaurants, bars, and clubs. I really want to go back!!! We came across a huge market selling fish, boots, clothes, and produce. Such an odd combination under one tent.
We then decided to head to the Vatican to see St. Peter's Square. But on the way there we saw the Castle of Saint Angelo. It is a medieval castle that used to act as a prison.
And then...St. Peter's Square. It was absolutely moving for me to be there. The fact that Christianity has strived for over 2,000 years and has amazing structures (like St. Peter's) representing it strengthens my faith. We didn't make it inside but I will soon! Hopefully to attend Mass even. My excursion buddies and I all stood in awe in the middle of the square and finally felt like we were in Rome. We are scheduled for a papal audience in the next week or so, which should be stellar! Of coarse I ended the day with pistachio gelato...one more flavor to cross off my list.
And that night I FINALLY SAW MEGHAN (a best friend from gradeschool/highschool)! We had been trying to get together for ever. So we met up at a bar and I met all of her John Cabot friends. Hopefully we will get a trip planned together very soon.
Saturday, we had a school trip (fieldtrip if you will) to Villa d'Este. It was a villa used by the cardinals during the middle ages/medieval period. The inside was beautifully painted (reminding me of Versailles) and the outside was full of gardens, fountains, and pools. They lived in luxury that's for sure.
Sunday has been a very relaxing day...well except for the fact that I woke up at 7 AM to go to a flea market in Porta Portesa, but it was so interesting. Basically it is a never ending open air market with everything you could ever want. Scarves, kitchen supplies, and antiques that I would never buy in a million years (yes, people practically brought their whole basement). I got a leather wallet, a scarf, and a curling iron. All good fun.
To give you and idea of what my dorm looks like here are some not so exciting pictures of my living arrangements...
My Top Bunk!
More pictures at: http://romanadventuresandbeyond.shutterfly.com/
Tonight I plan on catching up on emails and uploading more photo's. Until the next bloggation, Love you all.
Hi Megan.....looks like you are having a great time. Firenze is a beautiful city. I know you will love it. Have a great time. Tiamo, uncle patrick
ReplyDeletemegan!!! you can buy your train tickets at termini... its alot easier you just put your debit card in! also if your going to florence anyways your should take the 45 minute train to pisa and spend an hour or two there ... there really is only the leaning tower and a basillica there but its something you should see, and you night not get back to that area... just a suggestion : ] P.L.U.S. hostel in florence was a really good deal when we were there check it out .... miss you tons keep on adventuring!!!
ReplyDeleteSweet Megan, Sounds like you are having a fabulous time. I am so excited for you. Thanks for letting me share your adventures. The passion you feel for Italy comes across in your descriptions and pictures. You make me want to hop a plane for Italy. Hope your classes are going well. I’m meeting your parents in Tucson in a few weeks. I’m sure they will have lots to tell me about your travels. All my love, Aunt Sher
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