la extranjera

Let’s go to Venice! On Saturday morning the girls and I took a verrrrrry early (4:30am) train from Florence to Venice. Now normally my hat comes off to the excellence of European trains, but this time it was a nightmare. Trenitalia crowded way too many people onto this train, so that people were standing in the aisles face to face, babies were screaming, there wasn’t room for luggage, fights broke out… it was a disaster. Luckily I was able to find a tiny niche on the train where I could pop down and sit on my backpack to read. (I was so addicted to the Hunger Games series) Unfortunately it was a pretty long ride, and my legs were quite achey by the end… 

Relieved to be in Florence, my friends and I found our way to our last Italian hostel- another Camping Plus area. This time Dani and I were put into a trailer/windowless jail cell together which was actually a welcome relief from the Florence tents. After freshening up, we took a bus back into town and then started to walk. 

The first thing that I noticed about Venice was that it is quite a sleepy little town… you could almost say a ghost town. There were practically no people walking the streets, many of the buildings seemed dilapidated, the city wasn’t bubbling with usual Italian energy… it was weird. Perhaps it is the fact that Venice is a sinking city. It was originally constructed on essentially a bog, and all of its buildings have concrete and granite foundations. The sinking effect + global warming = a city going down… literally. I heard somewhere that it is predicted to be uninhabited in fifty years- yikes! Well, I could certainly feel the desperation of the Venetians. It’s such a beautiful city that leaves its inhabitants feeling stranded and hopeless… how romantic. 

We were able to enjoy the sights of the city, however, and very much enjoyed the gorgeous canals, ornate churches, and incredible glass stores. Venice is home to the Murano glass factory, and it was clearly a point of pride for the city- everywhere we turned there were hand-blown colorful glass jewelry and nick knacks. For the majority of the day we hung out around the Piazza San Marco.  

Unfortunately gondola rides are very expensive, and my friends and I decided to opt out. Perhaps one day when I’m rich and famous I can return and be sung sweet to by a Fabio in stripes… On a more positive note, the weather was quite lovely, and my friends and I were able to enjoy cappuccinos in the sunshine and people-watch. We ate dinner at an American-Irish pub, then headed back to the hostel for a night of bonding in the other girls’ cute log cabin. 

Sunday was Easter (Alleluia!), so my friends and I went back into Venice for Mass. We then walked around the city a bit more, and realized a pretty hilarious truth. Apparently Saturday we took a wrong turn and ended up in one of the non-touristy parts of the city. Whoops! We were all laughing when we realized we’d missed the majority of Venice’s heavy-hitter tourist attractions, but then eventually made our way over to see them. We saw the Campanile di San Marco, Palazzo Ducale, San Giorgio Maggiore, and the Ponte di Rialto (Rialto Bridge). 

After lunch (and one last gelato), we went back to the hostel to gather the Big Mamas, then caught a bus to the train station. From there we took an evening/night train to Milan- the cheapest city to fly in and out of in Italy. There we spent our LAST European night in an airport (yayyy!), and then flew home to home sweet Madrid Monday morning. PHEW!! Italy was by far the most exhausting trip of the semester, but it was also probably the best. The cities in Italy are just astoundingly beautiful, and the history incredible. My one complaint would be that the majority of the people are not very friendly- they’re loud, rude, unhelpful, and arrogant. I guess you can’t win em all though. Maybe the Italians should just keep their mean opinions to themselves and just do what they do best- make food. (Was that too harsh?) Seriously though, Italy had hands down the best food in all of Europe. I’m pretty sure I gained about 40 pounds over ten days… lovely. You can’t blame me though… I was in the land of pizza, pasta, and gelato!! VIVA ITALIA!!

After a packed granola bar breakfast at our Rome hostel, the girls and I were on an 8:30am tram to the Flaminio train station. From there we took a train into the city, where we were supposed to catch the metro to Vatican City. However, we weren’t so lucky. The metro strike was still going on, so we had to switch to Plan B. We started reading all of the bus stop signs, looking for any that might point us towards the Pope. After talking to a few strangers we eventually found the right bus, and hopped on. We were guided all the way there by a super sweet girl clad all in denim who worked in film production. As we walked towards the Vatican she said to us “I have a secret. This city is magic! It has given me everything I could ever want- love, friendship..” She was beaming and we all couldn’t help but “awwwh” at her sincerity and happiness. She also let me share her iPod on the way!

Upon arrival at the Vatican, I was floored. It was every bit as majestic and wonderful as I’d imagined. I’m sure that the beautiful architecture and immensity were impressive to all of the tourists, but for me as a Catholic, it was inexplicably comforting. I felt so blessed to be in the heart of Catholicism, to walk where the Pope walks. I’m so glad that I had the opportunity to experience such a place. 

Only a few minutes later, my friends and I were reunited with my friend Jana from SLU America, who is currently studying abroad in Rome. Needless to say I was quite excited to see her (she lived across the hall from me freshman year), and our reunion was a blissful and shriek-filled one. After introducing us to her friends we stood around in St. Peter’s Square catching up on each others’ lives, all grateful to see familiar faces. And then one of the greatest moments of my study abroad experience happened- Way back in early February Lexi made reservations for we girls to go on what’s known as the Vatican Scavi Tour. At 11:00 we were allowed to pass the Swiss Guards and enter a back building of the Vatican, where we met our tour guide. For the next few hours he led us down underneath St. Peter’s Basilica, where we got to see the excavations that lie beneath. It was all very humid and dank, but incredible. We were allowed to see several mausoleums and tombs that had been uncovered, many of which were marked with the Chi Rho. The first Christians. We were then led to a different room where we were able to peer through rock and see the alleged bones of St. Peter himself. WOW. It was incredible. Although scientists are not 100% positive that the uncovered bones are from Simon Peter, there is significant evidence to prove that it is. Our guide told us to make of it what we will, and I for one was convinced. It was so amazing to me to think that this man, Simon Peter had interacted with the actual living man, Jesus Christ, and that he had eventually come to be the cornerstone of the Church. It was by far one of the most moving things that I have experienced as far as my faith. Our tour ended in the grotto of St. Peter’s Basilica, where many past popes are buried, including John Paul II. I’ll admit it- I was fighting back tears. It was definitely a worthwhile tour, and it’s something that I’d recommend to anyone looking into a trip to Rome. It was just amazing. 

After our tour we met up with Jana again who led us to the most delicious sandwich shop I’ve ever been to. (Sorry Tienda Verde) Never have I had such fresh mozzarella, basil, and cherry tomatoes on a baguette- it was just as scrumptious as I expected Italy to be. 

Following lunch we walked back to the Vatican and toured St. Peter’s Basilica. It. Is. HUGE. The cathedral itself is just incredibly beautiful, as it is decorated in the elaborate and somewhat over-the-top Baroque style. We also decided to pay the couple of euros and climb the 551 stairs that lead to the cathedral’s dome. It was a somewhat exhausting climb, but truly worth the trouble. Seeing the inside of that golden dome up close was just amazing, but the view of Rome from the outside was even better. From the top I could see the city of Rome stretched out before me, a beautiful city teeming with history and detail. I once again found myself speechless, unable to convey just how lucky I felt. Seriously someone pinch me- this can not be my real life!!

To complete our Italian cuisine experience Day 1, Jana took us to what is supposed to be one of the two best gelato shops in all of Rome- Old Bridge. I have to be honest when I say that prior to spring break I didn’t really understand the difference between gelato and ice cream, but oh man do I now!! Gelato is like a softer, creamier, richer ice cream. It is heaven on earth. Not to mention the fact that most places allow you to choose three flavors for the price of one- AH. MAY. ZING. I think that after ten days of trying different flavors I decided that Nutella is my favorite. 

Our last Vatican stop of the day was of course, the Vatican Museum. It was a truly glorious and impressive museum filled with some of the world’s finest art. I know what you all want to hear about though… the Sistene Chapel. Yes, it is GORGEOUS. Yes, it is HUGE. Yes, it is detailed as can be. Unfortunately, the guards inside the museum tend to rush people through it, which was a shame. My friends and I just learned to veer towards the outside of the crowd so that we wouldn’t be ushered past too quickly. Also, I did not disappoint you guys- I illegally snapped a picture so that I could share the wonder with you all (:

Following the museum we went in search of dinner and ended up a a cute pizza and pasta restaurant… how typical. Now I will tell you, it is in no way an exaggeration when I say that pizza and pasta are all that Italians eat. Literally every restaurant that one finds has an extensive pizza and pasta menu, with a much smaller and more expensive meats/other dishes menu in the back. If I had chosen to study abroad in Rome, I would absolutely be obese right now. I would stand no chance against that tantalizing food. My first meal was a spinach and ricotta stuffed tortellini, which was just melt-in-your-mouth delicious. Viva Italia. 

After our usual “stumbling around like idiots trying to figure out where the heck we are” routine, my friends and I eventually found our way back to Rome and to our good ole train station. One more tram ride and were home to the camping grounds. Though pretty darn exhausted from our first day of touring, we decided to play around in the hostel bar for a little while, where we were able to access the Internet. Contacting our families and loved ones- always a priority. 

I was in a different room than the other girls, so before hitting the sheets I chatted up the two girls staying in my room, who were studying abroad in Granada- cool! (I always think it’s a good idea to be-friend your hostel roommates: less likely they’ll steal from you.)

All in all, our day in Vatican City was just exquisite, and a must-do for any Italy tourist. Random traveler’s tip: My friends and I were very concerned about having our shoulders and knees covered in the Vatican, so we all went out and bought long dresses and tights and whatnot. Turns out the rules have slackened considerably, as there were tons of people in blue jeans- what!? I also saw two boys in sweat pants and a girl in shorts… make of that what you will. 

Today’s just another beautifully sunny day in the neighborhood. Our spring break starts tomorrow (or Friday for those poor unfortunate souls), and you can feel the excitement in the air. The number one question this week: “Where are you going?” The number one answer: “Italia.” Now I’m not at liberty to disclose where exactly in the world my friends and I will be for the next ten or eleven days, but I can tell you that I’ll be eating a lot of pizza, pasta, and gelato. And possibly seeing a huge ancient ruin or two… (Eek I’m so excited!!) 

So yes, I am psyched about my spring break plans, but I have also come to a horrific realization. I will be home in less than a month. As in, KENTUCKY home. Noooo!!! Sure, there are a lot of things and people that I miss from home, but I’m just not ready to come back! This semester has absolutely flown by. It’s the middle of April already- really!? It feels like just yesterday I was dropped off at Mercedes’ doorstep and informed that Wifi causes cancer… It’s just sad to think that never again will I be twenty years old and studying abroad in Europe. **Tear** This has been one of the best experiences of my life, and I regret that it is already coming to an end. I know that my bank account is screaming “Go hommmmeee! You have no moneyyyy!” but my heart is yelling “Stay in Spainnn! See the worlddd! Live your youthhhh!” Alright, so that may have been a bit dramatic, but c’mon. The USA just doesn’t cut it anymore. Madrid is mi casa now.

And so in honor of my nearing departure (and whining), I have compiled a list of things from Spain that I will miss:

1. Retiro Park

2. Living across the street from an ice cream shop

3. Starting class at 2:30pm

4. Traveling around Europe on the weekends

5. Digestive cookies

6. Tienda Verde hot turkey and brie sandwiches

7. Staying out until the 6am metro

8. Playing in Mercedes’ museum of a house

9. Having my laundry done, dishes cleaned, and room straightened every day (Mom?)

10. White chocolate Kit-Kats

11. Bullfights

12. Real Madrid insanity

13. Sleeping in a bubblegum pink bedroom next to Dani Trout

14. Tapas and sangria at The Golden Cock after class

15. The beautiful architecture of Europe

15. Merengue, tango, bachata, and salsa

16. Soaking up the sun in the quad

17. El Corte Ingles

18. Museums galore

19. Jumproping in the lobby of my apartment building

20. Oranges from Mercedes’ bathroom window

21. Fat Spiderman in Plaza Mayor

22. Seeing Mercedes’ breast

23. Spanish children

24. Theme nights at Joy

25. El Mercado de San Miguel

26. Sol and Gran Via

27. Playing “beauty parlor” and dyeing Lexi’s hair

28. “Saliendo” at midnight

29. Going to class with kids from around the world

30. Being told daily that I am guapisima by Rose

And the list goes on and on… I realize that I listed a lot of foods which is ironic since I always complain about it, but hey, I’m a hungry girl. I become very emotionally attached to food. Tomorrow I’ll provide a list of things I’m looking forward to in America! 

Hasta luego

Great day today. So great. Neither I nor most of my friends (sans Lexi and Grace) have class on Fridays, so we took advantage of the BEAUTIMOUS weather and all went to Plaza Mayor today. 

For those of you who don’t know, I went to Spain four years ago with a high school group, so it was pretty cool for me to return to a familiar place. We walked around Madrid allllll day (whoo good exercise!) stopping only for lunch (nasty sandwiches that I didn’t end up eating), snacks (gelato, churros y chocolate), and shopping. We found an absolutely amazing market with every variety of fresh food that I’m determined to visit for lunch sometime as well. Oh that’s right! I also participated in a street performer’s show! Ridiculous.

This guy was from Australia and freed himself from chains and saran wrap.

Today was truly a wonderful day and it just made me appreciate all of the blessings in my life right now- I’m in an absolutely beautiful city in a beautiful country, I have the best friends a girl could ask for, I’m taking classes that actually interest me, I have so many opportunities to travel and see Europe, and I’m really really happy (:

I also got to go for a run this morning and workout in the antiques show that is our house. It felt SO GOOD to sweat. Running around Madrid was so refreshing and I just couldn’t keep my eyes off of the incredible architecture. I think I’m gonna like it here…

Mis amigas…

Mercedes watch- soooo we still haven’t taken a picture with her yet, but I do have this little gem to offer you guys. Something happened with our electricity so Mercedes set up this little booby trap RIGHT IN FRONT OF THE DOOR for the past few days. She was messing around with the wires and told us that if we heard a loud noise, to run for the balcony! Also, we talked about naked people in art at dinner tonight…

Looks safe, huh?

I’ll be putting up the 120+ pictures I took today on Facebook soon, so be on the lookout!