When in Europe the UK and Beyond: Florence the City of Beauty

I took a bus from my hotel to the Piazza Michelangelo area. From here I was then supposed to transfer to another bus that would then take me to the top of the hill. However, at this bus stop it said that the bus wouldn't be coming for another twenty minutes. I figured I could walk up faster and up the hill I went.

In many ways I was glad that I chose to walk up the hill inside. It was a very relaxing experience and the hill itself was very gradual so anyone could walk up it with relatively no difficultly at all. What I enjoyed the most was just taking in what was around me. I enjoyed the gradual overlook of Florence as I climbed the hill as well as the architecture of the various villas. These villas were of a wide assortment of pastel colors, which offered a nice break from all the monotone colored houses of England.

When I made it to the top it was well worth the climb. From atop the Piazza Michelangelo, you could see the entire city down below. One could easily marvel at the architectural beauty of the city. Equally the same, one could let their eyes wander down the endless River Arno. Or you could indulge in looking off into the mountains in the far away distance.

Further up the hill there was a cathedral. Behind this cathedral, there was a very impressive graveyard, that I spent a solid half hour or more exploring. What was really unique about this graveyard was the mere complexity and craftsmanship behind each gravestone. There were some very touching memorials to those who have passed, however, there was one that stood out from all the rest.

This gravestone was for a young married couple. Above their grave was to marble statues of the couple. The man's hair was combed back and he wore a suite and tie. The woman wore a long dress and had long lustrous hair. They stood together holding hands and looking into each other's eyes. Standing there I felt like I was there in that moment watching their sweet embrace. It was a very moving tribute to this couple and I stood there for several moments reflecting upon this moment.

Going through this graveyard gave me a whole new perspective on what graveyards can be. Prior to venturing into this graveyard in Florence I had always seen graveyards as a very grim place, however, being in such an elaborate graveyard such as this one, made me realize that there can be a beauty, reflection and solidarity to graveyards.

I made my way back down the hill and headed towards the Uffizi Gallery. There was no queue to get in whatsoever so I simply strolled right on in. Within the gallery itself it was packed, but getting in was quick as a breeze.

The gallery itself was composed of two parallel hallways that lead off into various rooms along the sides. In these hallways there were various marble statues that mainly composed of Ancient Mythological Gods and Goddesses and of regular old people performing day to day tasks. The ceiling lining these hallways were artwork within themselves, as they had various paintings with a golden leaf lining surrounding them.

What was really neat about this gallery was getting to see various famous paintings I had studied in my fine arts class. For example paintings like Madonna of Goldfinch or The Birth of Venus. I was not expecting to see these paintings so it took me by surprise when I ran into them.

By the time I had finished inside the gallery the weather had cleared up considerably. This morning it was very cloudy, but by the time I got back outside it was sunny and much warmer.

I then searched for a place to grab a bite to eat. I found a place to eat within this market and then strolled around this market. I came upon the Bronze Boar. It is said that if you kiss this Boar, it ensures that you return to Florence. I wasn't about to do that, but it was pretty funny watching others do this.

After exploring the market I did not really know what else to do. I made my way back to the River Arno, where there was a walkway along the river. I saw mountains in the far away distance and decided that I would start walking towards them. As I got further less people were around and that was when I really got to enjoy the ambiance of the city. Whether it was just looking upon the houses that lined the river or just listening to the flow of the river, it was all in all a very relaxing experience.

As I walked along the River Arno I bumped into the couple, whom I had sat next to on the flight to Rome. We talked about our various adventures thus far and then decided that we would go to Pisa tomorrow. If time permits we might also go to a small city called Lucca.

When in Europe the UK and Beyond: Getting Lost in Florence

I woke up this morning around 7am and headed down for breakfast. Shortly thereafter I made my way to the Roma Termi Station to catch my train to Florence.

The train ride to Florence was far more picturesque than going from the airport to Rome. There were rolling hills for miles on end with many small villages on top of these hills. The region that I went through was also very mountainous and offered some very impressive views of the mountains.

11am rolled around and my train made its way into the Florence Santa Maria Train station.  I then walked into the city center to try and find a place to eat.

I ended up finding a small quaint restaurant on a side street off the main square. I ended up getting pasta with four cheeses. The cheese melted in your mouth with each and every bite and was well made.

Next I wandered over to the main city square to go and check out the Duomo a gothic styled cathedral. The inside was exquisite, nothing compared to the St. Peter's Basilica, but still impressive none the less. Similar to St. Peter's the aisles were lined with various paintings and marble statues. The ceiling was also made of a golden leaf texture. The main difference between the domes of the Duomo and St. Peter's Basilica was that there was one continuous scene that was being depicted on the Duomo. As opposed to St. Peter's Basilica which was segmented more to the individual characters. Personally I liked the dome of the Duomo than St. Peter's because there was more of a story being told. However, in terms of overall interior St. Peter's was far superior.

I went and located a tourist information center nearby to get information on how the bus system worked and also to find out which attractions I should visit. However, the tourist information center did not speak English very well and was of very little help to me what so ever. The only thing that they were able to tell me was that I needed to go to a Tobacco Shop to get a bus ticket.

I found a Tobacco Shop nearby and asked if I could get a single bus ticket. However, the shopkeeper also did not speak any English and kept trying to sell me a monthly pass, when I only wanted to get a single ticket. After spending several minutes and getting nowhere, I decided to go and get a taxi to my hotel, because at this point I just wanted to go and get settled in.

The taxi driver ended up dropping me off nowhere near my hotel. The area that my hotel was in was relatively far away from the city center and was an only Italian speaking area. I tried pulling out my phone for GPS but the service was not working for whatever reason.

With no map in hand and no real clue which way to go I just started wandering in a random direction. Along the way I asked random people every few minutes whether I was heading in the right direction. After about a half hour or so I finally found my hotel.

When I was checking in I told the front desk about my whole experience of getting lost and finding my way there. He apologized for having such a rough experience getting to the hotel and then offered me some information about Florence. Heck he even printed out step by step directions off the internet of how get to the various sites from the hotel. He even went as far as to walk me up to my room. Overall, this really brightened up my day as the past few hours had been very stressful. He provided excellent customer service and I was very happy to be at this hotel.

Once getting settled into my hotel, I made my way to the Academy Museum. While in the queue I struck up a conversation with the gals in front of me.  As it turned out they were all from the State of MA from the city of Salem! One of them was a study abroad student studying in Florence and the other two were friends of the study abroad student on their spring break. The mere likelihood of running into someone from your home state halfway around the world is pretty unlikely!

Inside the museum itself there were various oil paintings lining the walls. You could very distinctly smell the oils from each of the paintings.

The main hallway that housed the main attraction "David" created by Michelangelo was lined with various unfinished sculptures of Michelangelo. Each sculpture was at a different stage with some more complete than others. If you were visionary enough you could sit there and sculpt the rest of the marble stone with your mind.

"David" himself was massive in size to the extent of almost being god like. His eyes were eerie and no matter which way you looked at him, it felt like he was looking back at you. The amount of detail put into the body was extraordinary. The muscles on "David" were clearly defined, not to add the fact that his face portrayed such realism.

In the room next door, there were a series of various marble statues. All of these statues were very impressive, but did not compare to the beauty of "David". These statues played along the theme of celebrating the human body, however, each statue had an emotional element to them that "David" did not have.

There was one statue in particular that really stood out to me. It was of a woman leaning forward and peering into your eyes. Her facial expression was one of sadness and sorrow. Apart of me wanted to talk to her and ask her if there was anything I could do to make her feel better, but then I remember that she was just a statue.

Another statue that was in this room that really stood out to me was of a young boy and his dog. The boy's expression is filled with happiness and joy as the dog rests upon his legs and looks up at the boy. This reminded me of the good old days with my own dog and the relationship in which we had.

If anything this museum gave me a whole new appreciation when it comes to art. I never really spend much time in art galleries, but the Academy had some very interesting sculptures that played off the theme of facial expressions and celebrating the human body. It was time well spent.

I did not know what else I wanted to do after I finished the Academy. So I just decided to start roaming around the city of Florence to see what I could find. I ended up going into three cathedrals. Two of which were anything noteworthy.

The first cathedral I went into was extraordinarily dark, as it was only lit by candle light. Alongside the aisles there were various paintings that were barely distinguishable to the naked eye sense it was so dark. However, if you got close enough you could relish at some very impressive artwork, depicting various scenes from the bible.   

The dome itself was very ominous and played off of a very dark gothic tone. The picture in which I got of it does not quite do the dome its justice it well deserves, but you can get the idea.

The second cathedral in which I visited had to be the smallest cathedral I had been in since being in Europe. Its altar mantle was by far one of the most impressive altars I have ever seen. At the center was the crucified Christ, being illuminated by lights in which cast a shadowy reflection of him. I like to think that it was a metaphor that even though he is gone physically, his spirit still remains with us.

I made my way back to my hotel and then with the printed out directions of how to get to the restaurant thanks to my lovely hotel. I found the restaurant and felt very excited that I was able to locate it.  However, to my misfortune in an authentic Italian area as I was in restaurants do not open until 8pm. I went back to my hotel and waited it out until 8pm rolled around.

As soon as 8pm rolled around absolutely starving I walked back to the restaurant in which I had been at before. I ordered a calzone stuffed with mozzarella cheese and ham with a Corona, which turned out to be an excellent combination.

Being at this restaurant was different from any place I had eaten at in Italy before, as the other one where in touristy areas. As opposed to this one which was strictly an Italian speaking area with only Italian menus.

For dessert I ordered a chocolate gelato. This was the best chocolate gelato I had ever had in my life. Never before have I tasted such a burst and delightful flavor of chocolate.

As for tomorrow's plans I will be heading to the Piazza Michelangelo. Aside from that I do not have any specific plans. I'll just make it up as I go and see where life takes me...

When in Europe the UK and Beyond: The Vatican City and Trastevere

Early this morning I got up and made my way to the Vatican City. When I got there it was very empty, making it really easy to get into the Basilica. What stood out to me when I first walked in was the sheer size of the Basilica. A person could easily get lost just wandering around these sacred halls.

The main aisle ceiling that lead up to the central dome was lined with a rich gold as far as the eye could see. All along the ceiling there were various biblical characters that danced, pranced and posed. The floor beneath me was a very crisp and clear white marble. When I looked closely enough I could see my own reflection upon the marble floor.

The Dome itself clearly exemplified the power and meaning that can be seen through religious artwork.

I made my way towards the front and that was when I noticed a large group of people congregating around one area. Lo behold to my surprise it was Pieta, one of Michelangelo most famous works, in which depicted Christ dying in his mother's arms. The amount of detail that was put into Christ himself was remarkably. His bony skeleton was very unsettling to me. I could feel and see his suffering and I was at first angry that such a man had to put through such pain, but then I remember that he died to forgive us for our sins.

I then tried finding my way to the entrance to the top of the Dome so I could get a closer view of the artwork on the Dome, and then go on top the Dome to overlook the city. Finding the entrance was not very easy. I asked various people where I was supposed to go and they sent me in all various directions. After 15 minutes I found the entrance, feeling silly in that I passed it by several times in searching for it.

Then I slowly but surely made my way up 365 steps in order to reach the dome itself. From this vantage point I could more clearly see what was on the dome, as I wasn't really able to before due to the fact that it is really high up. Along the outer rims of the dome were various biblical characters like Christ, Moses and what I think where disciples. Each character was surrounded in gold with angels up above their heads. The walls in which supported the dome from this vantage point were covered in various mosaics, yet again playing off the very similar theme as mentioned.  

What came next was easily one of the things I will remember most about my experience while in the Vatican City. I thought climbing up the stairs just to get closer to the Dome was challenging, well clearly I had not been in the upper section of the Dome quite yet.

Alongside having another 300+ more steps to climb the spiral staircase in which you climbed up was very difficult to climb. Not only where you in a very narrow and confined space but at many points you had to bend your body every which way just to be able to climb up. On top of that the spiral staircase got you very dizzy and every once and awhile you would have to stop to reorient yourself.

Completely out of breath, I finally made it to the top.  The view from up top the Dome instantly made climbing up all those stairs well worth the time and effort. I always remember being on top of there and seeing the city of Rome in all of her beauty.

Next I made my way to go and meet up with Makayla, a Curry student who is studying abroad in Rome. We ended up meeting right by her college in an area called Trastevere. The area itself was very quaint and in much contrast to the rest of Rome. This area is not a touristy area so it was a nice break to see a different side to Rome.

We walked around for a short bit until we found a restaurant she had suggested. We ate outside the restaurant since it was a really nice day and chatted about our experiences at our respective universities. All in all, it was nice to see a familiar face even if it was just a few hours.

Late afternoon had arrived and I hopped back on the tube and explored the Piazza del Popolo. There were a few marble statues and what not but nothing to special. A park was nearby but at this point my legs were very tired, and I just wanted to go back to my hotel and rest until dinnertime.

When dinnertime approached I searched for a quick bite to eat and then sat outside the Coliseum and watched the sun set. Once the sun set, I slowly began walking away from the Coliseum. Every few moments though, I would turn back and take one last look the Coliseum. I began to shed tears of happiness as well as sadness as I got further away from the Coliseum.

Roma stole my heart like no other city has before. I will sincerely miss it and its memory shall forever remain engrained in my mind.

Tomorrow is a new day filled with no adventures and places to explore as I make my way to Florence. Farwell Roma and God bless you and keep you....

   
   

When in Europe the UK and Beyond: Carpe Diem

After a lovely continental breakfast at my hotel, I made my way to the train station. My first stop of the day was the Roman Colosseum. When I saw the Colosseum up close for the first time, it felt a lot like my first experience going to Disney World as a child, but this was far better! Never have I been so happy to be in one place than I was while I was there.

There was a very long queue just to get into the Colosseum that stretched half way around the Colosseum itself. However, I did not have to wait in line because I had done my research ahead of time.

I had acquired a Roma Pass which gives you faster access to the sites than opposed to waiting in the regular lines. The first two sights that you enter are free of charge and then any sight after that will be half price. You also are given unlimited travel via the Metro or the bus system in Rome. It is well worth the investment and it easily pays for itself, in time and money.

Once inside I instantly feel in love with the interior. It was exactly what I had always dreamed it to be like. To start off it was just amazing to think that I was standing in the same arena that some 1000 years ago, Ancient Roman's once spectated gladiators fight to the death. Secondly, that the building had been able to stand the test of time.

In the center of the arena you could see the underground walls and passages that gladiators and guards alike once walked through. These walls and passages were a very complex labyrinth that I could not have imagined navigating.

Alongside the outer edges of the arena was the stadium seating. Although not much was left of the seating other than the incline of where the seating use to be, if you closed your eyes you could easily visualize what it looked like. I even went as far to imagine what the roar of the crowd might have sounded like and what they might of been wearing.

What was also really neat about this experience was that the Colosseum itself was fairly empty as most people were still waiting outside just to get in. This allowed me to enjoy and appreciate the experience more so than if it had been packed with other tourist.

I left the Colosseum feeling blissful and full of delight; it was definitely something I want to go back and see some day.

Next on the agenda was the Roman Forum. After acquiring my ticket, I then spent the next half hour trying to find the entrance to the Roman Forum itself. It was communicated to me originally that the entrance was up the hill on my immediate right. Up the hill I went thinking nothing of the fact that no one else was heading in the same direction as I was. Heck the whole Roman Forum surrounded me so I had nothing to worry about, right?

Unfortunately when I reached the top of the very steep hill the entrance was closed and a sign told me to use the alternative entrance via the street. I walked back down the hill and spent the next several minutes trying to locate this street. Once I finally found it the entire endeavor had lasted about a half hour. The take away being that there needs to be clearer signage, as there was not very clear directions of how to get into the Forum.

Inside the Forum itself there were various areas that you could explore. Most notably however, was a outlook over the Roman Forum and the city of Rome itself. From this outlook you could see sites such as the Colosseum, the Victor Emmanuel II Monument, the Vatican City and the mountains in the far away distance.

Down below where the main attraction of the Forum was, remained crowded while I walked around. Back in the day the Roman Forum was the central hub for activity in Ancient Rome. As you walked around you could admire the ruins of what was left of buildings, including some of the walls as well as the foundations and remaining pillars. It was amazing to think that archeologist are still in the process of uncovering more of the ruins every so often. This goes to show the pure genius of the Roman when it came to architecture, it surely shows that they knew how to build buildings that would last.

The Forum also had various gardens within that you could explore. These gardens had various marble statues of various people as well as these really neat tubs. The water within these tubs reflected the morning sky, giving one an impression as if they were some kind of portal in which you could go through that would transport you to another realm.

After I had finished within the Forum, I proceeded onwards to the Victor Emmanuel II Monument from which on top, offered yet another impressive view of the city.  On the top of the Monument there were these rather animated seagulls that were posing for selfies with tourist. I am not kidding when I say that these seagulls were posing for selfies. These seagulls were the most friendliest seagulls I have ever met ( now is that not an oxymoron?).  In addition, if it tickled your fancy and you wanted to pay an arm in a limb, you could order a drink or a meal at the little restaurant from atop the Monument.

For my next adventure I found myself in the Piazza Navona is a large plaza that is comprised of three fountains.  The central fountain was the most important.

This fountain was comprised of four different characters facing in all different directions as you circled around the fountain.

I made my way for a quick lunch break at a Pizzeria down the street from the Piazza. I ordered a plain cheese pizza. I came to find out however, that rather than eating pizza with your hands, the Italians eat pizza with a fork in knife. I tried eating the pizza with a fork and knife, but it felt very odd doing so. Eventually I gave up and just ate the pizza with my hands as normally would. It was definitely the best pizza I have ever had though!

The final stop of my adventure for today was the Castel San 'Angelo. From atop the Castel you could enjoy beautiful views of the River Tiber as well as the Vatican City. The interior of the Castel was nothing special, but you could spend a good amount of time just sitting up top of the Castel and enjoy the view.

Absolutely exhausted from the days adventures I slowly walked back to the city center. I decided that I would go and people watch at the Trevi Fountain. I went and got a Gelato and found a comfortable place to sit and began to observe the people around me.

The way that the Trevi Fountain is step up is by three tiers. By going down each tier you get closer to the fountain. As I noted in my journal yesterday, I talked about the tradition of throwing the coin over your back and into the fountain. I observed as many people did this. What was humorous about this ritual was the fact that people were trying to throw the coins from both the second tier and the third tier. Most of the time the coins they threw did not even land in or anywhere near the fountain. Sometimes if it did manage to go in it would bounce off of someone's head and then plop in. It was mildly entertaining way to spend a half hour or so until I got up and went back to my hotel.

I tried to make the most of day as I never knew if I would ever get to go back to Rome. As a result it was a very strenuous and physically draining day. However, in this case the reward of seeing this amazing city out weighted the exhaustion. Tomorrow I will be headed to the Vatican City as well as exploring a neighborhood called Travestre.