I just got back from Italy today! What an amazing trip full of good food,
wine, and amazing times with my Kappa sister. I don’t think I’ve ever walked so
much or drank so much wine in one week. The week could accurately be summed up in
the following list: mozzarella and fresh tomatoes, prosecco and local wine,
pesto and focaccia, history and architecture, friendly culture, gelato,
cappuccinos, walking, walking, walking. As I take time to reflect on the grand
tour of Italy, I couldn’t help but wonder…
How will I decide what new cultures I want to visit, and those I will
keep coming back to?
This question is much harder than one might think. While I now have this
newfound thirst to visit many new countries, see different lifestyles, and experience varied cultures, I also love every place I’ve already visited.
As it was my second time visiting both Venice and Rome, I realized how much I
loved having a little background info. It was helpful to know a few sights, a
little bit of how to get around, and to reflect on how I’ve changed since my
visit last summer as an American college student and now as an abroad student. Almost all week my friend and I
were talking about how we just had to come back in the future with other friends.
It was too beautiful and we wanted to share it with others. I feel that this
question is going to be a hard one to tackle as my list of places to travel
just continues to grow, but unfortunately my bank account doesn’t seem to grow
in proportion.
If there is one place that we saw over our vacation that I must bring my
future boyfriend/husband back to, it’s the Cinque Terre. Talk about a romantic
getaway! It’s the perfect mix of nature and hikes with breathtaking views of
the coast, as well as the comforts and warmth of the Italian culture in the
small villages, their lifestyle, and the amazing food. Ever moment was, I have
come to call it, a “pinterest moment,” meaning it was ridiculously amazing that I
was experiencing it in person, and it seemed too good to be true outside of my
“virtual reality” that I experience on pinterest.
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| The trail between Monterosso and Vernazza. |
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| Vernazza |
Over the three days in Cinque Terre we hiked a ton! The first day we
wanted to experience the coast on the way to our apartment, so we hiked the
hardest trail-2 hours of many stairs and steep inclines. It was grueling. But
after the first 20 minutes the trail got a bit easier, and the views of the
ocean were definitely worth it. Even with my backpack of 11-days of clothes and
necessities on my back. Ugh. Unfortunately for us there was a train strike the
following day, so we had to hike the same trial two more times to get food in the neighboring town. At
least the landscape and ocean were beautiful, and the wine was well-deserved.
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| Riomaggiore |
Our town of Vernazza, usually the most beautiful of all 5 villages, was
unfortunately hit very hard by the floods last October, and is still undergoing
much construction. While the other three towns we visited were up and bustling
with tourists and shops, Vernazza is still getting its bearings beneath it.
This meant no markets or food in town. Luckily we found one lonely wine shop
open the first night with pasta and pesto (and wine!) and were able to get by
the other days by going to the other towns. We loved our little apartment, and
enjoyed each meal outside on our own private balcony. Since both focaccia and
pesto originate from this region, we took full advantage of that in our
cooking. I also rediscovered the heaven that is Italian cappuccinos. Literally
the best. Ever.
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| Vernazza |
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| In Riomaggiore |
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| Manarola |
After Cinque Terre, we headed off to Tuscany to stay in the small town
of Cortona, made famous by the books Under
the Tuscan Sun and Bella Tuscany.
That’s literally how we picked the town, from the books. While I haven’t read
the books, I’m looking forward to comparing our experiences and those of
the author this summer. For two days we took in the beauty of the rolling hills
in the Tuscan countryside, and wandered along the cobblestone roads. Again we
found the best cappuccinos, but unfortunately a few more tourists. While it was
nothing compared to the crowds in Venice or Rome, I was grateful we were travelling in April, and not July or August. I can only imagine. I’m starting to realize that coming
back to America will be offering new realizations and a few culture shocks,
the loud decibel of conversation to be only one of many.
After Tuscany it was off to Venice, one of my favorite towns! From the
second we stepped out of the train station, I was caught up in the beauty and
charm of this canal-ridden city. Nothing compares. As we were wandering around
the winding streets of Venice, getting lost and just enjoying the gorgeous
views, we ran across another Kappa sister from Denison. What were the odds?!?
Ends up she was in Venice for two days on vacation. Since the timing was
perfect, we went out to drinks and appetizers together at a local bar (recommendation courtesy
of Rick Steve’s) and chatted about our respective semesters abroad. (I was
reacquainted with prosecco that night. I don’t know how I’ve gone all semester
without it. It’s a staple.)It was great to catch up with a sister and hear
about her time in Germany. After dinner we went to the St. Mark’s Square to
listen to the nightly orchestras and be enchanted my the nightlife of Venice.
For our full day in Venice, we hit up both the St. Mark’s Basilica and
Doge’s Palace in the morning before the lines were ridiculous. The Basilica was
once again gorgeous, and the Palace was interesting as well. While the first
hour of the palace was full of new history, intricate architecture, and rich
paintings, by the last third I was simply baffled that one government could
have so many councils and chambers that I swear all looked identical. We went
to a garden for our picnic lunch, and ran into a really sweet elderly English
couple. They were adorable to talk to; I love seeing the dynamics between old
married couples, it’s always cute.
We walked to the Accademia bridge afterwards and chatted a bit with an
American couple there who took our picture on the bridge. It was definitely a
vacation for little chats and exchanges of pleasantries.
After our day in Venice, we caught an evening train to Rome to see our
last city! On the train, I was seated next to a really friendly Canadian family.
I ended up having a lovely chat between Venice and Florence about studying
abroad, travelling in Europe, and the French culture. The girl and I swapped
French movies, TV shows and artists, and I told her about the opportunity to
teach English in France for a year. I love how you can make connections like
that with people so quickly! It was truly a traveling experience.
We got up early the next morning to start our three full days in Rome with lots to see, and much walking to do! After visiting the Colosseum, Roman Forum, and
Palatine Hill in the morning, we were already inundated with the amazing history
of the city! It always strikes me how there are just ruins to be found in the
streets, and beautiful old buildings amongst the cafés and piazzas.
Breathtaking. For lunch we picnicked on marinated olives, sun-dried tomatoes, and
artichokes along with fresh cheese and bread that we got from a local deli
shop, and a bottle of red sparking wine, of course. Enjoying our picnic in the
Piazza Navona allowed us some great people watching amongst the local artists
and musicians. After lunch we saw the Spanish Steps and the Pantheon. And,
because Rick Steve’s was becoming our favorite source of advice, we tried out a
local coffee place. The granita di caffè con panna is the best
frozen coffee drink I’ve ever had. It’s literally a frozen coffee slush-rich and dark
roasted-sandwiched between unsweetened whipped cream. Delish. For dinner that
night we made sure to pick up some more prosecco.
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| At the Trevi Fountain |
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| The Spanish Steps |
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| Roman Forum |
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| Colosseum |
For the second day we got to see the Pope’s noon blessing from the
Vatican, which was pretty cool. I specifically liked the section where he said
a few phrases in each language. It was like mini shout-outs for all the
tourists. I found it quite funny. After lunch we relocated to another hotel
since we’d had some problems at our first hostel, and discovered the amenities
of nice-class hotels: fresh linens, clean showers, quiet locations, marble
floors, and free cappuccinos with breakfast. I could totally get used to this
kind of traveling! In the evening we took the Rick Steves’ night tour of Rome,
and caught some gorgeous sights! We also went to the most famous gelatteria in
Rome and got some nutella-flavored gelato. Too good.
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| Piazza Navona |
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| Pantheon |
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| Trevi Fountain |
For our last day, we knew we had to tackle The Vatican. It’s impossible
to go to Rome without seeing it! While the line was ridiculous (a guide inside
the walls told her group it was more crowded that day than it had been for
Easter weekend. Probably due to the Tues. national holidays in Italy and
France), we got in at the last minute! After two hours in line, I would have
been very upset if we didn’t make it in!
While the museum itself was absolutely ridiculous-think a claustrophobic
cluster of people moving at snails pace through ALL of the hallways-the Sistine
Chapel and St. Peter’s Basilica were totally worth it. Even though my body was
aching all over, and I thought my feet were going to fall off after 10 days of
non-stop walking, the splendor of the two buildings still struck me. Even though it was my second
time in both buildings, I thought they were even more amazing, and couldn't stop marveling at all the statues, architecture, and
paintings. Words cannot describe the experience.
After such a long excursion, we rewarded ourselves with more granita
di caffè con pannas and relaxed on the fountain in front of the Pantheon. It
was great to take in the Roman culture one more time. I loved the culture in
all of the piazzas with the bustling people, the cafés, the live music, and
general feel of the Italian culture. I can’t imagine not coming back to Rome. After
all, I did throw my coin in the Trevi Fountain again, and the trick worked for me the
first time!
While it was overall a fabulous Italian adventure, and
a great time to spend with my close friend, I’m afraid my list of go-to cities
has once again expanded. I have to add the Amalfi Coast now, since it’s the one
region of Italy we didn’t get to discover. I’ve already added two towns in Spain
this semester, and am holding on to more Eastern European destinations. I can’t
wait to see how all of these travels get accomplished! But they will. I’ve discovered
a new passion for travel, and I love seeing all the new sights, and learning the
history and cultures of each town. My friend and I are already planning an
American road-trip for after graduation, since we feel our American travels are
lacking in comparison to those in Europe. Grand Canyon and San Francisco, here
we come!
Bises et Ciao
SA
