The Carthegenian Scrolls

This is the Movie my group and I made for our last project. Please note: The Carthegenian Scrolls aren't real scrolls, and were never found.

Gelato, anyone?

Yes, everyone. We tried many places. I liked the chain Blue Ice. They gave you the most ice-cream for your 2.50 euro. We tried a famous place that I can't remember the name of, mostly because the gelato wasn't that delicious. It could also have to do with when I asked for no peanut butter gelato, the Italian man went straight for the peanut butter with enthusiasm. My further explanation of my impending death from it made him only more excited to scoop it onto my cone, I think. In this picture, we had just visited the Vatican after a long day of touring. The odd shaped thing Abby is enjoying is a Nutella filled crepe that she got at every opportunity she could. I never tried it, personally, but it looked delicious.

Pompeii

This day worked out in our favor. The storm was kept at bay for the majority of the day, but the looming overhead clouds, with the breaks in the sunlight reflecting off of the puddles throughout the ruins really set the mood for what we were seeing. It also helped that we had a tour guide who regaled us with stories, probably fictitious but all the better, about the people of Pompeii at the time. It was extremely interesting to walk around the ruins and see the way in which people of the day lived. Aside from technological advancements, I don't think that man-kind has swayed too much in their habitual lives. It's definitely a site to see.

That's not the Christmas Spirit

If you'll notice, they were putting up a Christmas tree... which turned out to be a multi-colored, tree-shaped, light post which isn't... um, Christmassy. But even the Vatican's Christmas display was weak. It wasn't even lighted, and the manger scene still hadn't been put up completely by the time we left which was on the 20th. Of all the places in the world to go all out on Christmas, you'd think the Vatican would be one of them. I'm just guessing that they probably aren't having funding problems, so what's the excuse? I'm not sure.


To the left is a picture of the Vatican. Actually, is it the Vatican or St. Peter's Basilica? St. Andrew? One in the same? I clearly care. See if you can find the Christmas Tree. OH you can't, because there are no lights on it hardly. Please ignore my shoddy camera skills... apparently the combination of night time, unsteady hands, and rain made it nearly impossible for me to get a good picture. Anyway, Merry Christmas, the Vatican.

Trevi Fountain

This was one of the first "famous" sites I saw in Rome. At first I didn't even realize what it was because it wasn't what I was expecting. It was surrounded by buildings and didn't have the space around it that a site typically would have. Pictures are deceiving. It was still beautiful though. I didn't make a wish, I didn't throw any pennies in... is that even what you're supposed to do? I'm not sure.

360 view from the top of the Duomo: Florence, Italy

Assuming this video works, This is the view from the top of the Duomo in Florence, Italy. If I remember correctly, which is questionable at best, we climbed nearly 600 steps to get to the top of the Dome. Yes, I broke a sweat, and yes, I almost fell backwards several times. Apparently the Stairmaster at the gym has been either A, lying to my face, or B, not a very good stair climbing simulation. Regardless, I made it to the top with my classmates, and it was definitely worth it, as you will, or possibly will not, agree. Luckily for me, I don't have to hear what you think, but if you'd like to share, get your own blog.

Florence: My Favorite

On our class's 10 day adventure, we saw and visited many places in Italy. We began in Rome, but visited Pompeii and Florence, and saw all there was to see in between. Although we only spent a day in Florence, it was immediately my favorite. I felt right at home the second we stepped foot off of our four hour long bus ride from Rome. It wasn't as busy as Rome was and seemed to be less touristy. I also really enjoyed the purse and scarf vendors that greeted me enthusiastically as I stepped off of the bus. Luckily for me, and my professors, their math skills weren't as proficient as their selling skills, and I walked away with some great deals :) The picture I've posted is a picture I took of the River at twilight. I thought the sky was beautiful and the lights and reflections on the water were gorgeous. I will definitely go back to visit Florence. I feel so lucky that we were able to take a day trip there.