Firenze e Pisa

So this week/weekend I went to Florence and Pisa all within 2 days. Our train left Rome at 7:05 am on Thursday, so that meant leaving my apartment at 6 am to get there on time, which meant me waking up at 5 am. The earliest morning I've had so far while being there. It was about an hour and a half ride to Florence on the fast train, so we arrived around 8:30 am.

It was a bit confusing direction-wise from the train station, because we didn't know where anything was. Luckily a nice Italian man pointed us in the right direction, or from what I could understand. Our first stop was to see the Statue of David at the Galleria dell'Accademia. We finally found it (after passing it), and honestly don't know how we got there.

The museum was pretty small, and there was a section of instruments from the 1600s, which I thought was cool. But really the only thing to see is David. He is MASSIVE! I'm 5'5", and his leg is a lot taller than I am. There was a sign saying "it's forbidden to take pictures", but I decided to live on the edge, so I obviously took some pics.

Breaking the rules with this pic.
Except I had to do it from afar so they wouldn't see me. 

After David, we went to the Duomo, the cathedral in the middle of Florence. It is pretty big, and the outside is incredibly detailed. And the entire thing is made of marble. It is oddly placed in the middle of these small neighborhoods. The inside is very Medieval looking. But as any other church around here, it's always gorgeous.

Outside the Duomo

Inside the Duomo

The next stop was Ponte Vecchio, which is the only bridge that wasn't destroyed by Hitler during WWII. That's pretty crazy to think about. Along the bridge is just a bunch of jewelry stores, which is kind of random.

Porcellino (piglet) is a small fountain of a boar. There is a legend that if you rub it's snout, you will come back to Florence. So obviously I rubbed it, along with the other tourists.

I also visited the Basilica of San Croce, which is the church where Michelangelo is buried.

There is a lot of shopping in Florence. Literally every street has some kind of store. There were plenty of fancy stores like Chanel and Gucci. I went in H&M, and it was pretty much the same. There are a lot of leather shops, and some specialty shops. There were a few shoemaker shops, where they make handmade shoes. Also a stationery shop, where they paint and decorate stationery, and they were so pretty.

And they sell a lot of purses. There was one I really wanted, but the real brand was way too expensive. At San Lorenzo Market there were plenty of the knock-off brand, but they just were not as nice. I'm never one to care for brands, but this particular purse you could tell the difference. This one store called Segue had a big sale on all of their bags. I ended up finding a bag 70% for 10 euro! It was the best deal ever.

One thing that I didn't know was the original writer of the story of Pinocchio was from Florence. There were little Pinocchio things everywhere! But not the Disney Pinocchio that you may think of.

And there are a lot of Americans in Florence. I might have seen more Americans than there were Italians. Most of them are students. I go to Lorenzo De'Medici in Rome, which is a branch from their main campus in Florence, which is a lot bigger. There are also a lot of art students who study at another American university.

We stayed in a hostel, and it was my first time ever being in one. It was actually a lot nicer than I expected. The entrance was kind of like a hotel. Our room had 4 other girls in it, and we shared one bathroom. They were interesting. I tried talking to one girl who was from Tennessee, but had been living in London for a while. She wasn't super friendly, so that was the last of our conversation. Another was from Argentina, and the other was from somewhere in Italy.

The hostel even had it's own restaurant/club and a pool and a sauna. Pretty fancy. It had been a 14 hour day, and it was so tiring. I should also mention that all I had with me was a backpack everywhere, because I was not going to carry luggage around the entire city. I do not understand how people go backpacking across Europe, because I was dying with my small backpack, and these people carry giant backpacks over long distances.

We ate at a restaurant for dinner, and I had my first Lasagna in Italy. It was so good! The cheese is what made it taste so good, because it was fresh. The next day I caved for McDonald's to save some cash, but it was actually kind of expensive. It was 7 euro for a meal, which is almost 10 US dollars. And it costs 20 more cents for ketchup. This McDonald's had a full on cafe in it, separate from the main food counter. They served espresso, pastries, and cheesecake. It was pretty crazy. They also had a focaccia sandwich.

Literally a McCafe

There was a chocolate festival going on in Florence, so I obviously had to visit. I had a cannoli, which was delicious! One booth had a bunch of chocolates shaped as object, which looked so real! Everyone was selling this Cioccolata Calda (hot chocolate), so I thought I should try one. They serve it in a cup to drink, but it was literally hot chocolate. Melted, hot chocolate. There was no milk or anything added to it. I could have added a dollop of whipped cream for 30 more cents. I drank it all, and it was very sweet, but definitely not what I'm used to.

Fancy Chocolate

Cioccolata Calda

The train from Florence to Pisa was a regional train, which is different from the fast train. There are no assigned seats, so it's kind of a free for all. It's not as nice as the fast train, but it gets the job done. It was about an hour ride to Pisa. From the station we took a bus to get to the Leaning Tower, which is the only thing we came to Pisa for.

I couldn't believe I was actually at the Leaning Tower of Pisa. You never think you're going to visit these places until you're actually there. It was really cool. We went inside the church there, which was yet another pretty building. And had to take the typical tourist picture of holding up the tower. It was funny to see everyone else trying to get the perfect picture.

And it cost me 50 cents to use the bathroom. Europe is just too expensive.

The train ride back to Rome from Pisa took 4 hours. I didn't think it would be that bad, but it was pretty rough. This one was a regional train, and we had to make almost 20 stops before getting to our destination. I guess that's what you get for paying half the price. It had been a very long 2 days, and I think I need a break from trains at the least.

Florence and Pisa are very different from Rome. Florence is a beautiful city, but a lot smaller. We walked the entire city in one day. We ended up going in circles, because that's how small it is. It isn't as busy as Rome is, and it seems a little more relaxed. I like Florence, but I didn't fall in love with it as almost everyone else seems to do.

Although I didn't really get to experience Pisa as a city, it seemed more residential and an "everyday life" kind of place. It has more of the "typical" Italy with small side streets and the buildings looking old fashioned.

I think by traveling out of Rome, I've learned to love it even more. There is so much to do here, and it has become a home base. I'm starting to get more comfortable with being in the city. It's nice to get out of the chaos of the big city, but it's also nice to be welcomed back by it.

Top of St. Peter's

Earlier this week I had to do a scavenger hunt through The Vatican for my religion class. I just had to answer questions about certain monuments, it's not like I actually did this intense hunt for anything. But I'd say it wasn't bad for my first homework assignment.

It was my first time actually going inside St. Peter's Basilica, and of course it was gorgeous!! I will never get over all of these churches, and this one is THE church of all churches! You have to go through metal detectors before going in, which kind of took a while. Don't worry I got through, I have no weapons I swear.

Basilica Entrance

After finding all of the items on my scavenger hunt, it was time for an adventure to the top of the basilica. For 7 euro you can climb to the cupola (dome) of St. Peter's. Well you can take an elevator halfway up and then climb 320 steps. For 5 euro you can climb the whole 551 steps without an elevator. It's definitely worth the extra 2 euro.

The climb goes to the top of that little dome. 

At first you're like bam! Let's do this! After the first few flights of stairs, you're like "are we there yet?" No, you're not. The stairways get skinnier and skinnier. The hallways are getting more narrow, and the walls are slanting inwards. And then you get to a lovely spiral staircase. And then you're thinking, "I love spiral staircases , we should almost be there." No again. This spiral staircase never ends. Then there's a break! Only to lead to another spiral staircase. And there's a lovely rope in the middle for everyone to hold on to since you're in such a confined space. I'm not usually claustrophobic, but this definitely gave me those vibes.

One of the hallways.

And then finally, you get to the top!! And the view is breathtaking! Literally, because I have no breath from climbing those stairs.

Bird's eye view of St. Peter's Square

It was incredible to be up there! You can see the whole city, and it was definitely worth the climb. "Life's a climb, but the view is great!" Yet another movie reference, but I won't publicly say what movie that's from because of sheer embarrassment. So if you know the reference, then we're cool I guess. But really, the view was great! More than great!

I was excited to reach the top.

And if you've kept up with the news lately, you probably have seen that the Pope has decided to resign. This is the first time this has happened in 600 years! Since the Pope never usually resigns, everyone is going crazy over here. Luckily I'll be here to see it all happen! In the midst of history being made! Crazy! Since I live pretty close to The Vatican, I'm sure it'll be packed everywhere. If only I could see the smoke from my window.

I just watched Angels and Demons for the first time, and I'm glad I waited until I was in Rome, because it was cool to see the places I know, and since it involves the Papal election. I just learned about the details of the election process in my religion class, and I feel so educated. And yes, I am still going to school if you were wondering, because it may not seem that way. It's awesome to learn all of these things while experiencing this city. I guess this is what studying abroad is for!

Carnivale di Venezia

I just got back today from a weekend in Venice! We went for the Carnivale, which is basically a big celebration, kind of similar to Mardi Gras, and this was the last weekend before it ended.

It was a little over a 3 hour train ride from Rome, which isn't as bad as it sounds. And the train was pretty comfortable. Way better than the seats on a plane. It was nice to get out of the busy city, and the ride through the green countryside was beautiful.

We arrived around 8 at night, so it was hard to tell exactly where we were to get to where we were staying. It took maybe half an hour to actually find, because the streets there are so confusing! I thought Rome was confusing, this does not even compare. But the city was pretty at night, and very calm.

There was a DJ playing in one of the piazzas. It was interesting, to say the least. First of all, I had no clue what the heck he was saying, but everyone seemed to like it. There were some interesting song choices, some American songs, but he would play if for 10 seconds, and then start yelling something. I don't think he ever played an entire song. Some people were going pretty crazy. I'll admit I was slightly terrified.

The next day we got to explore the city in the daylight. Luckily the sun was out, but it was freezing!!! Where we stayed was about a 30 minute walk to San Marcos Piazza, which is kind of the center. The city is a lot bigger than I imagined. With the canals everywhere, there are a TON of bridges. And there are no cars where I visited. Everyone seems to travel by boat. There is even a water taxi.

I kind of relate this whole Carnivale thing to Halloween, because so many people were dressed up! So it's like a long-lasting Halloween. Some get really in to in with their costumes and masks. They just kind of wander around and pose for people to take pictures of them. There were some interesting ones, and some normal-type costumes. Some little girls were Disney princesses, I saw a Spiderman, and even entire families get all dressed up together. It was pretty cool.

St. Mark's Basilica was in the San Marcos Piazza, and it is a gorgeous church! It's huge, first of all, and the inside was just incredible. Almost the entire walls and ceilings were filled with gold tiling and mosaics. I am always amazed by every church I go in to, and the detail that went in to building all of them just seems ridiculous.

The outside of St. Mark's

I also got to go on a Gondola ride!! It was really exciting. I'm lucky my first Gondola ride wasn't just at the Venetian, but actually in Venice! I was a little afraid it was going to tip over, but I survived. It was even colder being on the water, but  it was gorgeous!

All of the Gondola men (if that's what you call men who row gondolas) were even wearing striped shirts and the hat, just like you would assume. Unfortunately he didn't sing for us, but his humming could count right?
It was just an awesome experience.

Gondola Man!

And I got a mask!! I was determined to get one, and they were everywhere! There were some really elaborate ones and some strange animal ones. It was hard to choose, and some were pretty pricey. I went for the cheaper ones, so I am satisfied. But the expensive ones were so pretty!

Masks...

....and more masks!

And my mask!

I'm glad I got to see Venice, because it is so different! I'm so lucky to be able to do this, and I can't wait to share more adventures!

Why Must It Be Called STUDY Abroad?

So today marks a full week that I have been in Rome so far. The first 5 days were a nice little vacation, until school started on Monday.
I'm taking 5 classes: Italian Language, Italian Family & Society, Film & Mafia, Religion & Culture in Italy, and Italy Grand Tour: Through the Eyes of Famous Travelers.

I should remind you that my school is very small. It's only one floor of a building. The most students in one of my classes is maybe 15 people. I'll have to take pictures of it. And there are no desks. It's these plastic ones with a little pop up desk/table thing.

I have to take the metro to school, and I rode it alone for the first time this week. It wasn't too bad. I've just been paranoid ever since I almost got pick-pocketed. But literally everyone takes the metro! Even ladies with their heels and Louis Vuittons. So it can't be that sketchy right?

So let's recall my first day shall we? Italian Language is required. I took 3 semesters of Italian, and the last time I took it was in 2011. Initially when I was registering for classes I put down Level 1 Italian, because I lost most of my Italian speaking knowledge since then. But the school decided to put me at the highest advanced level since I have already taken it. I had to take a placement test when I got here, so I kind of assumed they would put me in a low level after I took that disaster. But, no. I show up the first day to my advanced class, and the professor says it's the first and last time he will be speaking in English. We had to do speaking activities with each other, and I felt so bad for my partner, because I was terrible, and I literally had no clue what I was doing or saying. So long story short, I switched to the second elementary level, and I still need to brush up on my skills.

The rest of my classes are pretty interesting, since they relate to Italian culture in some way. Although it is a little difficult to understand some of my professors with their heavy accents. Luckily my Literature professor is American, I guess that makes sense.

But the school has a pretty crazy policy, like all the classes are ganging up on us. Every class has quizzes, one mid-term, final, and at least an 8 page paper. Mid-terms are all in one week before Spring Break. And the papers for every class are also due in the same week. This is brutal. And I have a million readings to do every week!

And for some reason I thought the school would give us books. Unfortunately not :( this is the real deal. And notebooks are really expensive here! They're like 1,50 Euro, which is almost 3 dollars. And that's not even a spiral one! So I'm still on the hunt for cheap notebooks.

I'll admit that I do miss Chapman a little bit. But this city has a million fountains and piazzas to make me feel right at home.

I guess it's all worth having 4-day weekends. All my classes are once a week for 2 and a half hours, which is pretty long. But I'm going to Venice this weekend for Carnivale! I really just want a mask. I'll have to update you when I get back!

Roma Bella!

Well I've been told my past posts have been a little negative on my abroad experience. But give me a break, I haven't even been here a whole week! So let me brag about some positives...like how GORGEOUS this city is!!

There are so many things to see in Rome! I saw practically everything in a matter of days, but those definitely won't be my only visits!

I live a few blocks from The Vatican, which is awesome, because I love the neighborhood around there! ! And I just recently learned the neighborhood I am living in is wealthy. Swagggg. I haven't gone in to St. Peter's yet, but I will soon!

This is the outside surrounding St. Peter's. It literally looks like that part in Hercules where he knocks down all the pillars in the square.

St.Peter's! Incredible!

I don't know why I just fell in love with this pathway of trees. Even if there are no leaves.

Just around the neighborhood.

There are so many amazing sights and monuments, and I can't even imagine how all of this was built. Every building has so much detail, even the cobblestone streets, imagine laying those all over this entire city!

Another monument I saw is the Pantheon. It was literally just in the middle of a neighborhood. And the inside is gorgeous.

The Pantheon

The ceiling of the Pantheon, sun shining in.

Still inside.

Luckily there is a metro stop literally right in front of the Colosseum! It's amazing to visit such a historical site! Okay I hate to reference everything I see to movies but I'm doing it anyway. If you have seen Jumper (with Hayden Christensen ;)) he goes all around the Colosseum, and I couldn't help but think of it the whole time. Even the street leading up to the Colusseum. If only I could teleport inside, because it costs 12 Euros. For now I'll admire it from the outside. But I'm definitely going to have to go in!

I told you Jumper was there!

Okay I actually took this one. 

I'm obsessed with these trees!

And the churches here are just amazing!! So beautiful! If the buildings are so detailed on the outside, the churches are just ridiculous on the inside! From the art on the ceiling, to the pulpits, the walls, and basically anything else you could find in an ancient church. I roamed around a few, and one we stopped in, the organ began to play inside, and it was just an awesome feeling. Just to be in this ancient city, sitting in this gorgeous church, and filled with music. It just felt perfect.

Moses by Michelangelo 

Pictures really don't capture them right, but it's close enough!

This city is just incredible, and I'm excited to explore it and live in its culture. 

A Day of Firsts

I'm posting this a day late, but hey it happens!

Yesterday I experienced a lot of first-time things. Mostly with food and culture.

FIRST CAPPUCCINO:

A bar here in Italy does not always mean the same thing as a bar in America. A bar is also a type of cafe, where you can go in and get a coffee. When you go inside, it's literally a bar that you stand at and order your drink. I had a cappuccino, and let's just say, forget Starbucks! We need more of these bars in the US! It was delicious! It also came with a little piece of chocolate, which complemented it very well. There was no to-go cup either. It came in a cute little cup and saucer.



FIRST MACARON:

Okay I don't know if I'll ever pronounce these right, because macaroons are the coconut ones! Anyways, there is a small bakery a few blocks away, and when I saw the macarons, I had to have one!! I've literally have always wanted to try one. They were not what I thought they were. The outsides were meringue-y and airy, and there was a type of creme sticking them together. Whatever it was, it was tasty!

FIRST ITALIAN PASTA:

The lighting doesn't make this look very flattering.  I don't know why I haven't had pasta yet, so I finally decided to try it. I'm still not exactly sure how to order at restaurants, so I just kind of went for this one to see what comes out. It honestly was not the best pasta I've had. The noodles were really think, and some kind of meat was in it, making it really salty. Most of the pasta here doesn't have meat in it, because they think it ruins the flavor. The Italian way is to eat one thing at a time. Unlike America, where there are countless buffets, you're considered barbaric if you pile different foods on one plate. It's all about enjoying the flavor of one thing at a time.  I think people usually order several courses when they go out, so when I ordered the lady looked at me as if I was going to order more. I'm hoping to find a place with freshly made pasta, like the ones hanging everywhere. Still on the look out.

FIRST BEER/ALCOHOLIC DRINK:

Yes it's true. Innocent little Jenna went to a pub and got a beer. I've never had the urge to have alcohol, but when in Rome, right? At least I'm legal. We went to an Irish pub, and it was packed!! Obviously since I have never had a drink before, I'm uneducated in this department. It was really bitter, so it seems to have an acquired taste. Let's just say it could have been a little heavier on the root (if you know what I'm sayin). I could not drink the whole thing, only about a quarter before I gave up. We went to another place in Campo di Fiori, where there are a bunch of American bars. This time I ordered a Coke. I wasn't going to push my limits. I guess this is the beginning of my relationship with alcohol? Although I think this relationship will be very sporadic.

Well that's it for today! My classes start tomorrow, so hopefully it all goes well!

Also, if you have any questions about little things, or culture differences, stuff like that...seriously ask me!! I try to say all I can but I can forget some stuff. So leave a comment, or just ask on Facebook!

See ya!!