Pisa and Cinque Terre!

Where to begin! The last week has been a blur! I'm not sure how I'm going to manage this traveling and school thing but I'm sure I'll figure it out! On Wednesday, my program hosted us at the church of St. Ignatius in downtown Rome for Mass of the Holy Spirit. Afterwards, we all went to a delicious dinner in the piazza outside the church.

The ladies (Me, Court, Lauren, Jess) before Mass

Thursday, we prepared for our FIRST self-planned trip, packed, and then went downtown to meet-up with the other Santa Clarans.

I finally got to see Mary at Scholars!!! 

The next morning was an early one, but we got our espresso and we were off to Termini to catch our train to Pisa! Embarrassingly enough, we may have gotten some fries and cappuccino milkshakes at Mcdonald's (they are literally in EVERY train station) - we felt like such tourists, but I think we can justify needing a little taste of home. I've been craving bagels but they are NO WHERE to be found...so sad.

Termini

We likened our train compartment to that of the train to Hogwarts (Harry Potter reference) - and a little cart with treats was even wheeled by the door! The ride through the countryside was gorgeous. Trains are a great way to travel cause you get to see so much of Italy! Finally, we arrived in Pisa, said our goodbyes to our other travel companions (who were going straight to Monterosso), and we were off! Rick Steves pointed us is the directions of La Lupa - "the wolf" - a little cheap caffe with DELICIOUS food. We were all starving surprisingly, and each wolfed down our own salads and huge pizzas. Thank you Rick. We decided to walk to the Field of Miracles, and thus got to see most of the picturesque little college town. The river, with a view of the beautifully colored houses, was my favorite part!

Here it is! Courtney and I with our backpacks and the river behind us! 

Finding the leaning tower amongst other gorgeous buildings was quite a shock to us. I pictured it in a grassy field all by itself, but it is in the "Field of Miracles" with a decorated cathedral and a stunning baptismal structure. We were pointing at the church saying "what is that!?", and all of a sudden the tower appeared! Of course we had to do the typical touristy photos...and a Delta Gamma one for the recruitment video. Then we bought our postcards, leaning tower shot glasses (yes, they tilt), and plopped down on the grass to take it all in. Our train was late getting into Pisa, so we didn't have a ton of time and we wanted to hit up the best gelato place is town (are you sensing a theme?) before leaving. So, we began our walk back to the station with our treats in hand.

The classic photo

DGs

The ride to Monterosso (the last of the 5 towns in Cinque Terre) was very quick! We were getting so excited looking out the window because the views kept getting better and better! Stepping off the train we knew we had reached an indescribable place - but I will do my best to tell you about it...

The train steps take you directly out to a view of the beach and the deep blue horizon. We then walked on a road (pretty much foot traffic only) paralleling the water, through a tunnel with a women playing the flute inside echoing off the walls, and up into the cute little town. Our hostel was towards the top of the town, but we found it in no time and checked-in.

First hostel!

Then it was time to freshen up, and meet the boys for dinner. There were eight of us girls staying in the "Hotel Souvenir," and the boys lucked out in an apartment owned by a couple who make their own wine. Needless to say they got lots of free-tastings. We followed Rick Steves again to a yummy place by the water. They couldn't accommodate twelve people so we broke off into groups of four. Courtney, Jess, Lauren and I stayed at this restaurant and had probably my favorite dinner of the trip. The region is known for its pesto so we went a little pesto crazy. We ordered a bottle of Chianti and caprese salads (with pesto) to start us off. Then, the other girls got the pesto linguine and I got the vegetable soup with pesto. Most delicious pesto we've ever tasted - I tried to bring some back but it was just too heavy! Guess I'll just have to make another trip there! The best part was that dinner was just sixteen euro a person for everything! We were supposed to meet up with the rest of the group afterwards, but we got really tired and settled for a refreshing walk along the beach accompanied by, yes, more gelato...hey, you only live in Italy once...

The next morning we headed off to the beach. We rented lounge chairs for six euro - totally worth it. They are so much better then the ones in the States! They have little visors to block the sun from your face, and a little pull tab when you want to recline!

View from my chair...not too shabby

Our next hostel was in Vernazza (the next town over), and we had made reservations over there for all twelve of us (we learned our lesson the night before)...so we needed to start our hike. First, we searched for a place to cliff jump, but were unsuccessful in finding a popular location - and that's not something you test through trial and error. We decided to save it for the Amalfi Coast this weekend, but we were a little disappointed to say the least.

Searching for a jumping spot

We may have misjudged the hike's difficulty, the heat, and how much weight a backpack adds...and we thought we were in good shape! Whoops. About seven minutes in, we were definitely getting our cardio. The hike is pretty much ninety-degrees straight up. It takes you from the beach all the way up to the top of the cliffs, and then back down into the next town. Let me tell you, Italians do not believe in switchbacks...just stairs, lots and lots of them, that I liken to the ones on the temple at the Mayan ruins. Regardless, the views were more then worth it...I definitely need to bring my father back here! He would absolutely love it!    

Ran into the boys heading back the other way to their Monterosso apartment to shower before dinner

The view is much more enjoyable when it flattens out

A relatively flat set of stairs if you can believe it

Made it to Vernazza (the "jewel" of the Cinque Terre)

Vernazza (we climbed that castle tower at the top of the photo)

In Vernazza, we checked into our surprisingly SUPER NICE hotel (Francamaria Rooms), and immediately starting the shower rotation. We then met the group for a wonderful, loud dinner where the waiter was this super feisty old man. He hit me in the back of the head like I was one of his children when I was talking...I wasn't sure how to react but the rest of the group got a good laugh from it! We invited the gang back to our room (because it was HUGE) to hang out. We proceeded to get more gelato (surprise, surprise), and then spent the rest of the night wandering the tiny harbor and chatting at the town's "young and hip" bar - which was also our breakfast spot the next morning.

We climbed to the top of the castle tower before leaving Vernazza the next morning - glad we did

Gorgeous

Ciao Ciao Vernazza!

It was then time to head off on our next (and hardest) hike from Vernazza to Corniglia. Despite being the hardest, it was also the most rewarding. That hike gave us the best look at area you could possibly get. One of our group members wasn't feeling too great so she took the train to meet us. When we got to Corniglia we realized there wasn't much to it. While we waited for her in the ONLY piazza, we grabbed a Coca Cola Light, some of the area's famous focaccia with olives, and a chunk of asiago cheese. GREAT snack choices. Then we decided to push through Manarola to Riomaggiore, the final town.

Looking back at where we'd hiked from (see Monterosso in the distance?)

Manarola

The view behind us as we approached Manarola

The next hikes were quite easy - at least in comparison. Even though we planned to push through Manarola, we had to stop. It was just too precious! We watched the busy fisherman at the harbor lowering their boats from the cliff into the water to start their day, and did a little shopping at a painted pottery shop. Then we headed to the famous Via dell'Amore! Couples on this "road" lock padlocks on various surfaces together to symbolize their undying bond...or whatever you want to call it. It was pretty cute though. All ages were there traveling it, and so excited to get their pictures taken (a lot of them by us), and to lock their symbolic lock.

Some locks

Via dell'Amore

Popular couples picture spot

Right as the "via" ended, we found a gorgeous terrace with self-serve food. We decided to camp out their to wait for our train to La Spezia. The salads and cappuccinos were delicious. The other girls we traveled with found us, and we grabbed some pesto (of course) sandwiches and apples for the long train ride home - we may have also stopped at the Mcdonalds at La Spezia...we'd earned it (or that's how we justified it).

Drinking my cappuccino in paradise

Now it's back to school! But I'm in Rome so I can't complain! I am however VERY tired...and I think we all came down with colds. Fingers crossed we will make a full recovery before our train to Napoli tomorrow night...yikes!

Long story short, EVERYONE must experience Cinque Terre for themselves...it is truely a magical place full of both relaxation and adventure. I'll go back with anyone who wants to go...just say when!

:)

Rome was not seen in a day...

My friends and I decided to stay in Roma this past weekend to get to know our new home and make some travel plans! We did an excellent job of wandering and getting lost, but I think we have the basics of the public transit system down pat now. 

On Thursday night, we went exploring and met up with our Santa Clara friends in the other Rome program! It was fun swapping stories and seeing what we'd all learned so far.

Bus stop on the way to Trastevere with the gang

We found Alex and Gina!

On Friday morning, our program dropped us off at the Colosseo to explore it on our own. It was a dream come true for me (whose favorite movie is Gladiator and has been for a number of years). I'd been wanting to see this structure for my entire life. I love Roman history - so I think I came to the right place. My next mission is to get a tour of the area beneath the stage!! 

Jess and I outside the Colosseo

Where I want to explore on my next adventure

Sam and I inside

The Loyola girls (my roommate's on the far right) - they are traveling with us to Cinque Terre this weekend! 

Dream come true

We then continued on to the Forum. The views from atop Palentine Hill are incredible, as is the water flowing from the drinking spouts. We were thankful for this water because it got SUPER hot. I wish we could have stayed there for hours, but the heat got the best of us and we were all getting a little cranky. It was definitely time for a pizza and gelato stop. After that, we attempted to figure out the metro (subway).  We got home eventually, but not without asking people for some guidance.

Atop Palentine Hill - a panoramic view of the city

The following morning Father Al took us on a private tour of the Vatican. It just keeps getting better every time I see it! Such an inspiring place to be...

Courtney and I

With some of the girls before entering the Basilica

Finally on Sunday, we bought our month long bus passes and ventured out to explore the city! Father Bohr ended up being on our first bus and gave us some excellent tips on the fastest ways to get around...We started in Piazza del Popolo, headed down Via del Corso to the Spanish Steps, threw our coins into La Fontana di Trevi and ended at the Pantheon and Piazza Nevona. A pretty touristy trip but we saw some of the less popular sights also as we worked our way through the city. An excellent day! 

Bus stop

Piazza del Popolo

Nike Roma

View from the top of the Spanish Steps

Trevi Fountain

Throwing my coin in :) 

Classes have started so I have lots of reading, but it hasn't gotten too bad yet (fingers crossed it won't). We have a beautiful Mass of the Holy Spirit to attend tonight followed by a dinner, and this weekend we head to Pisa and are hiking the towns of Cinque Terre. Lots to look forward too! 

Ciao Ciao 

ROMA - ORIENTATION

Wow...

I live a rough life. I'm living in arguably the most beautiful city in the world, I'm traveling to amazing destinations, and I'm befriending incredible people! Life is GOOD. 

My new home

Move-in

Move-in was crazy...the heat and humidity were very intense, and it was hard to grasp the concept that we would be living here for 4 months, but now that everyone is settled (and it's cooled off a bit) we are all very happy. I love my roommate, Samantha!! She is from Loyola and is here on scholarship because she is doing a major research project along with her abroad experience. After this semester she heads to Bejing for another semester abroad! Impressive.

First dinner out with our program! (Sam and Courtney)

The first really memorable thing we did as a whole program was the second night. We all went out to a beautiful dinner in the Balduina area near school. Benissimo! Afterwards, we tried out the metro system for the first time...we took our chances with what stop to get off on, and after a lot of wandering ended up finding Il Campo di Fiori. It's a great little piazza with a wonderful nightlife. We definitely felt like Americans not locals, but hopefully that will change as we get more knowledgeable of the area. It ended up being a successful night, but we decided not to push our luck with the night bus and took a taxi home. It was the first time my Italian was tested as I had to explain where we needed to go to the driver. Success!

Il ristorante! 

My friends and I took a walking tour of the area one afternoon, and discovered where all the necessities of life were located - including the travel agency, gelato stand - you get the picture. Two of us also ventured out running to see how we would fare in the humidity. Downhill was great…coming back up the hill was rough.  My goal by the end of my time here is to be able to run down to the Vatican and back effortlessly. We’ll see how that goes…

Our orientation trip took us to some spectacular places: Assisi, Ravenna, and San Marino.

Assisi - view of Umbria countryside

We left for Assisi around 7:00 in the morning. I grabbed banana and macchiato at Rinaldo’s caffe (the caffe run by this adorable Italian couple) since Mensa (our cafeteria) doesn’t serve us breakfast - just lunch and dinner. Then we hit the road. We stopped at the base of the Assisi hill to see Saint Mary of the Angels Cathedral. 

St. Mary of the Angels 

View from Cathedral of St. Francis

Santa Chiara

Inside of it is the original structure where Saint Francis of Assisi did his first work. It was very moving to see this site. Then, we continued up to Assisi. Spectacular views - wow! The Cathedral on the hill is huge!!! The town had such a great feel - just what I would picture the perfect, ideal Italian village to look like with amazing views of Umbria. We had a tour guide who took us around most of the town…starting with the Cathedral of Saint Francis and ending with Saint Clare’s (Ciara)! It was incredible we even got to see the preserved body of Santa Ciara…the saint our school all the way back in California is named after! Too cool! Then we did a little shopping. I got a beautiful olive wood bracelet with the sign of Saint Francis on it, and we also made a gelato pit stop. Then we loaded back on the bus and headed for Ravenna!

My bracelet

Gelato!

The bus ride to Ravenna was very windy and the driver was taking the turns rather quick. But we made it to the Holiday Inn (I felt right at home) just outside of Ravenna. After a fabulous four course meal and some fun free time outside, we headed to bed. The next morning, we went into an overcast Ravenna and saw the famous mosaics. We went into various cathedrals and an empress’s mausoleum! Later that day we drove to the Adriatic Sea but it was pouring rain so we didn’t end up swimming. My friends and I decided to explore Ravenna – yes, in our swimsuits. We decided that WE were what give Americans a bad name…oops! After returning to the hotel we met in the conference room for a program meeting then dug into yet another multiple course meal! The long meals here are great though because they really have allowed me to get to know lots of people in my program!   

One of the group dinners

Dante's Tomb in Ravenna

Mosaic work in a cathedral in Ravenna

The next day we headed out to San Marino! It’s the third smallest independent state in Europe after the Vatican and Monaco! I had no idea the treat I was in for!! It was definitely my favorite stop. San Marino is literally on top of a mountain. It is so high up! There is a cable car that takes you from the base on the mountain all the way up to the castles up top (the cable is completely suspended the whole way up, no poles). 

Cable Car

View - see the Adriatic Sea?

Side of the first castle

Trap door up to the top

A little queesy

We climbed to the tip-top of that one

Castle courtyard

To my relief, the buses drove us up and we had a few hours of free time at our disposal before lunch. We booked it up to the top (we were very short of breath from the altitude believe it or not), and then bought our tickets to see two of the three castles. The views were the best I’d ever seen. I could see all the way out to the Adriatic Sea!!! After climbing through trap doors, up a latter, and squeezing through tight spaces, we made it to the top of the first tower. I was a little cloister phobic, and the sheer drop off (I liken it to the wall of the Grand Canyon) made me somewhat anxious, but I conquered my fears and made it all the way up! Then we began our descent and headed to the next castle. The walkway there was on ridge with drop offs on either side…great…Before most of our photo ops we had to remind each other not to lean too far back…yikes! The view from the second castle was so cool though because we could see the last castle we had visited. It put its size and cliff-top location in perspective for sure. 

View of first castle and drop-off

After buying a few postcards we headed to lunch where I was ostracized from my main group to the vegetarian table.  It ended up being great though. The food was to die for and it gave me the opportunity to meet more people! The bus ride home of course took longer then expected (the DGs: Courtney, Jessica and I) have decided we have TERRIBLE luck with buses. One of our caravans broke down so we were off the road for around 3 hours. Ugh. But regardless the trip was amazing, and I feel like it really allowed the members of the program to click. As of now I have a great group of girl and guy friends who all get along really well and look out for each other! I’m so happy and excited for what is to come – especially travel!

I had my first day of classes yesterday and so far so good! It sounds like I’m in for a good semester all around! More to come on those later…especially after my first on-site class meets.

I'm staying in Roma this weekend to tour the Forum and get to know the real Rome – hopefully I’ll get to practice my Italian too. The IES Rome girls got in this week so the whole group is here now!

Stayed tuned because we booked a Pisa and Cinque Terra trip for next weekend!!!

Xxoo,

Bri