The Vatican City.

St. Peter's Basilica was our first stop and was indescribable to say the least. Photos in no way do this place justice but I tried my best. It was my favorite "tourist" thing we have done so far and maybe my favorite thing I have ever done period. The amount of detail and  artistic creativity that went into every inch of it was mind blowing. It is the size of two football fields and filled from ceiling to floor with minute details of art that blended together perfectly. It really was unlike anything I have ever seen.

Next, we went to the Vatican Museum where we went through room after room of marble, stone, paintings, tapestries, murals, and any kind of art you can think of until we got to the Sistine Chapel (where photos aren't allowed). Everything we saw that day just left us speechless. Words or photos just don't capture how beautiful everything really was or how much there was! It's unimaginable to think of all the people and time over the years that went into making these places as special as they are. Unbelievable.

^^^ Thats the ceiling!!!

It was a good day :)

When in Rome (Part 2)

 Our final days were a little less crazy, half because we knew what to expect, and half becasue we had private tours instead of being thrown in the middle of the city.

Our second day we toured a castle that was used as an excape for the pope, saw a rooftop view of Rome and the Vatican City, and then went to the Vatican city (I decided that deserved a post of it's own so you will just have to wait in suspense).

By the third day we (or maybe just me) were walking around the colloseum like a bunch of melting zombies, but once again well worth it.

Everything is so much bigger and more extravagent than I imagined. Although I had seen a hundred pictures of the collosuem, it was incredible to actually be there and be the one taking the photos.

Overall, Rome was a success. A giant, overwhelming, beautiful, historical, and once in a lifetime kind of success. I will say though, coming home to our apartment in Florence was the best ending to our weekend. Being in such a big place made me so thankful to be able to come back to our place that already feels like home after one short week. We dropped off our bags, walked down the stairs, and had dinner with all 6 of us roommates at a little resturant underneath our apartment, and just relaxed.

 I am so happy I chose to live here where the anxiety levels are a little lower, the streets are a little less crowded, we see familiar faces, and we all feel comfortable enough to just be. Its't the perfect place to come home to after a busy week and weekend and I love it even more than I did a week ago.

Ciao!

When in Rome (Part 1)

The first out of three days in Rome was completely overwhelming. It was beautiful and fun, but overwhelming. Our guide told us on average there are 4 million people in Rome at any given time. Add on 90 degree weather and it was just a lot to take in. It was hard to enjoy all of the beautiful things we were seeing because all I could focus on were the thousands of people crowded around me looking at the same things. BUT when I did ignore the crowds around me, what I was seeing was amazing.

Thankfully our hotel was a little out of the ways from all of the tourist attractions so we had a chance to get a quiet dinner and go to sleep early, a thing that was not received much this first week in Italy, I would say it was well worth it though.

Aside from all the people, the heat, and the exhaustion, Rome is gorgeous and I am so thankful I got to see the landmarks of the city I have read about for years.

Classy Ladies.

Because wine tasting is about as classy as it gets. 

^^^Life Partners/Awkward Prom Photo

After our day in Siena, we went to some of the most beautiful and famous country sides of Tuscany to learn and taste some of Italy's own wine. This place was crazy beautiful and well worth the nausea to get there (yes, Italians really are crazy drivers).

It was so fun to see how and where the wine is made, plus who doesn't love free wine? 

Siena Stole My Heart.

I just walked around in awe and I think you will understand why. 

We spent 2 hours just sitting (something we haven't done since we arrived) and marveling at the central square where just one day before 50,000 people packed around to watch the famous horse races; a tradition from the begining of the city's development.

This Mid Evil city was the most beautiful place I have ever been to. I just walked around in awe listening to the city's unique history and traditions, traditions that are still practiced today after thousands of years. I felt like I had been transported back in time and never wanted to leave. 

All of the alley way streets shining in their clay and brick glory are what I always pictured Italy to be. Florence is beautiful but I don't think anything will compare to how much I loved this place. 

Ciao.