Fall Break Part 1: Italy- Pisa, Florence, Rome

Ciao!

So now that I am back from my amazing fall break, I thought I would share some of my favorite parts and some pictures! On the 19th, my friends Sarah, Emily, Melissa and I jetted off to Pisa via EasyJet (which really isn't that bad). I felt the culture shock immediately as we got on the bus to the Leaning Tower when I had two different women raise their voice at me, in Italian, to hold my bags tightly and put my backpack in front. One great thing about Bath is that I never have to worry about being pick-pocketed...unlike in Italy. I'm happy to say though that I have since returned back to England with all of my belongings!
The only thing we saw in Pisa was the Leaning Tower, and it was really cool to see! I had seen many pictures of it, and was dying to get a picture of myself doing the "Pisa pose". It's amazing how this building is literally leaning over, yet it is still safe enough to allow people to walk inside of it. Here are some pics in Pisa:



Famous Leaning Tower of Pisa Pose

After Pisa, we headed for Florence! I really, really loved Florence! I was so happy to get to stay with one of my best friends at St. Mike's, Jessica. She is studying there for the semester, and it was so nice to see her and get the inside scoop about the city. I liked that Florence was on the smaller side, and it was fairly easy to navigate by walking around. I had some of the best pasta dinners and wine while I was there. Such a nice change of pace from the somewhat bland, boring English food! The Duomo is probably the most well known tourist attraction in Florence, and I am proud to say that we climbed all 463 steps to the top (the most athletic thing I have done all semester)! The view was worth it in the end!




Florence from the top of the Duomo

Duomo



We also lucked out with the weather! It was warm and sunny everyday we were in Italy, and Jess said that hadn't been the case all week, so we definitely brought the sun! We also got to tour the leather market which was buzzing with lots of locals. This is the main place where I was bombarded with stares and names including, but not limited to, "Barbie", "California Girl", "Lady Gaga" and "Shakira". Can't say I wasn't warned about going out and about in a dress with my blonde hair down, but I have definitely never experienced that kind of attention before!
We walked around across the Ponte Vecchio, the Uffizi, and this other part of the city that showed off another amazing view of the city. In all, I loved Florence, and it kind of reminded me of Bath in that it was beautiful and there were things to see and do, but it did not have the overwhelming feel of a big city. It was the best city to kickstart our fall break!



Jess and I with the Ponte Vecchio in the background



Jess and me in our new leather jackets from the leather market :)

                                    
On to Rome!
Of course, I ended up loving Rome just as much. We got there pretty late Sunday night, so we just had dinner, and visited the beautiful Trevi Fountain, and the Spanish steps. Then we checked into our hostel. Note to future travelers: spend the little bit of extra money and get a private room! It felt much more like a hotel when our room and bathroom was only accessible to the four of us.
During our first day in Rome, we got up early and visited the Vatican! This is where I made my first rookie mistake...we fell for one of the guys on the street trying to sell us tours. We wanted to take a tour anyway, so we decided to go ahead and pay the 30 euro for the tour and entrance fee to the Vatican city and Sistine Chapel. Turns out, the "tour" was really an hour lecture about the history, and prepaid tickets to get in. Learned my lesson, that's for sure! Anyways, once we were in, I really did enjoy touring the Sistine Chapel. I wasn't allowed to take pictures, but it was truly beautiful inside. Visiting the Vatican is definitely an all-day affair, and I'm glad we got up early to go see it. It was a little overwhelming and crowded for me, but something that you must do while in Rome!

Trevi Fountain. I made a wish!

Outside the Vatican

That day we also got to visit and go inside the Pantheon, and take pictures on the steps of the Altare della Patria, or better known as "The Cake". Both were beautiful!

In front of "The Cake"

Pantheon

The next day, we tackled the Forum and Colosseum. A good tip for future Rome travelers: buy your tickets at the Forum and explore the ruins first! We only waited in about a twenty minute line before exploring the ruins. Then, since we already had our tickets, we cut a two hour line for the Colosseum. I like to think we made up for getting ripped off at the Vatican...;)It was awesome to walk around the Ruins and see inside the very famous Colosseum. A fun fact I learned about Rome is, the reason the metro is so bad is because each time they try to put in a new subway line, they hit underground ruins. They then immediately end the job in order to preserve them. It's amazing to think they are still making discoveries about this ancient city! I wish we had booked another day in Rome, even though we were able to see everything. The food was amazing, the people were nice, and I loved the style of architecture and feel of the city. Again, I'm still glad to have chosen England as my study abroad location. I don't know if I could ever fully get used to the "names" I was called and the constant pleading to buy merchandise off the street. Those are things I never experience here in Bath, and I'm glad. Overall though, a great experience!

Exploring the ruins at the Roman Forum

Outside The Colosseum



In the Colosseum



In front of Castello Sant'Angelo

Piazza di Spagna



another amazing italian dinner!

Well, if you haven't been able to tell, I loved everything about Italy! Check back in a few days for "Fall Break Part 2: Barcelona and the Patriots Game in London!" I just have so much to say that I thought I would break up my posts :)

Thanks for reading!!

Love,

Sara