"We travel by train, foot, and cart
To marvel and appreciate Da Vinci’s art
Roman architecture a spectacle to behold
Towering cathedrals to gods once bold
Mines of marble cut from the land
Carved by artisans who craft by hand... "
Where do I begin? Should I start by saying how I have fallen in love with this beautiful country or should i just share all i've seen? In just 5 days, I saw so much! And I have come away with the determination to return to Italy some day with the love of my life and experience the magic with him all over again.
It was absolutely beautiful. Unfortunately we didn't get to explore too much of it because the morning after we arrived it was pouring rain and very windy. We cut our Venice stay a bit short and left. But the night of our arrival we wandered the canals and bridges. The city is stunning. So romantic and unique. There was a couple kissing, hugging or holding hands everywhere. Just like in the movies the couple stood on a bridge overlooking the water and kissing in the moonlight. This city is filled with love and passion. I hope to return there someday and be the girl standing on the bridge with her love. So i am glad i didnt see that much of Venice... i've left it to return again.
Florence is spectacular! It's historic, beautiful, and a shoppers dream!!!
Its sometimes so surprising, you're walking through these narrow streets and then suddenly you come into a square (Piazza) and it's filled with restaurants, tourists, and statues. There is always something to see, whether its a museum, church or just a monument. We walked through Piazza della Publica ( with all the shops), had a delicious dinner in Piazza Signoria, saw the tomb stone of Michaelangelo in Piazza S. Croche...
We went to the famous Galleria degli Uffizi and saw Sandro Botticelli's "The Birth of Venus"; went inside a pink and green Cathedral called Duomo; saw Michelangelo's David in the Accademia dell' Arte; crossed the famous Ponte Vecchio bridge and enjoyed a performance by a man singing Italian songs; and much much more.
Only 2 days in Florence but it was so fun. Ohh and the food was delicious! umm... and do i have to mention Gellato?! It is the best ice cream i have EVER tasted. I want to go back to Italy just for the ice cream!!! lol ( ohh and maybe for those hot hot Italian guys! Just eye cand, ( I have my man) but they were nice to look at ;) )
We got to Rome early morning, quickly checked into our hotel, and headed streight for Vatican City. We stood in line for the Vatican Museum and in 30 min were inside. It was crazy. Halls after halls of art and sculptures. The ceilings were completely covered in different paintings and it felt like we were a herd of people walking through these halls. Then we came into the famous room that Raffael painted. The scene was "The Last Judgement" from the Bible, and it covered all the walls and ceiling. You can't imagine how incredible it looked. Then another room with his frescoes, and another. I overheard a guide saying that in every painting Raffael painted himself as the only person who is actually looking streight at you. He wants to see how his observers react to his work. I found it very interesting. And then we came into the Sestine Chappel. Words can't explain how amazing it is. I studied all this art and history, i knew it was beautiful and priceless, but it never captured me more than to see it with my own eyes. Sadly, they didnt allow you to photograph that room :(
Next we went to St. Peters Bascilica. It was just as stunning as anything else, if not more. The famous cieling by Michelangelo, Bernini's sculptures, and other paintings. I can go on and on...
It was great timing because when we were there, there was a service, and we got to see a live sermon inside the church. No matter what faith you believe, it's just amazing to watch.
We finished the night at the Ponte Saint Angelo, a beautiful bridge that overlooked the river Trever and faced the Vatican.
The only bad part about this trip was our hostel. It was horrible!!! 8 people in a tiny room with 4 icky guys, it was a bad experience... but that's all behind now.
The next day we took a tour and visited the Colluseum, roman Forum, Pantheon, Trevi Fountain, Spanish Steps, Piazza Venezia, and the back to St. Peters Bascilica. We walked down to see the tombs of all the past Popes, including the latest John Paul II, and then walked up to the Cupala to have a closer look at Michalangelo's artwork. And a great conclusion was to go on top of the roof of the Bascillica and see the entire ROME from way up high! The view was incredible!!!
Ahh... i can go on and on. We did so much and i can't even remember some of it now. All i know was that the trip was amazing. We toured all the touristy places, ate amazing italian pasta, pizza and gelatto, and marveled at Italian hottness!! For all you single gals reading this... Go to Italy and bring one back... you wont be dissapointed :)
As for me, i want to go back more than anything. There's so much to see there but it's not the same without having someone to share it with. So someday, i'll be that girl with my boy on a bridge kissing under the moonlight...
Just thought i'd end with ice cream :) Yumm... you know you want some ;)!http://www.kodakgallery.com/Slideshow.jsp?Uc=ixridti.4lk47x8y&Uy=qe7xuz&Upost_signin=Slideshow.jsp%3Fmode%3Dfromshare&Ux=0&mode=fromshare&conn_speed=1
