Florentine Adventures

I recognize I am very behind on keeping up with the blog. I am so sorry. I’ve had a very busy—and exciting—month. February 22-24 (3 weekends ago) I went to Venice and Verona with the other girls from Berry.

I liked Venice—it’s definitely a unique experience. It honestly wasn’t my favorite, though. The city is very compact and labyrinth-like. It can get pretty claustrophobic. Still, I had a great time. We met some absolutely amazing people there—in fact, everyone we met was overly nice and helpful. It was great. We mostly stayed away from the super-touristy spots, though we did at least visit Piazza San Marco and the glass factory island of Murano (where all Venetian glass is made). Our first night there, Friday, we met a very nice Italian in a glass shop and he gave us great tips on where to go (and not go) in Venice.

Following his advice, we went to a great enotecca (wine bar) and had their fragola bianca (white strawberry wine). It was by far the best wine I’ve had yet. After the enotecca, we went to one of the restaurants the man had recommended. Once again, it was absolutely amazing and the best meal I’ve had yet. I got ham ravioli with a gorgonzola cheese sauce. My mouth is watering just remembering it.

We also went into a basilica that night. We went into a side room to look at the paintings, but it had a box that required a “donation” of 50 cents to turn the lights on. I put the money in, but apparently it needed exact change—which I didn’t have. So….I found a light switch and flipped it. The switch worked…it just wasn’t to the room we were in. It was to the nave (the main sanctuary of the church). I flipped it right back, obviously, but an old Italian man came into the room (he had been praying in the nave), walked up to me, and smacked my hand. He then smiled and inserted a 50 cent piece, turning on the lights. I felt bad, but the girls and I laughed for quite a while after that one.

Saturday we explored more and went to Murano. Unfortunately, we got there too late in the day and all of the demonstrations were already done. Still, it was a very interesting, quirky little town (with great gelato). We continued to explore the city that evening. After a while, it all starts to look the same. Still, we found a many fun shops to browse. We also floated down the Grand Canal on a water bus—a fun experience and less than half the price of a gondola.

Sunday we took the train to Verona—that’s right, the setting of Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet.

Two households, both alike in dignity,
In fair Verona, where we lay our scene

I did, actually visit the supposed “House of Juliet,” or at least her courtyard and famous balcony. The entrance to the courtyard was a long arch covered with lovey-dovey graffiti—hearts and “so-and-so forevers.” Inside is a statue of Juliet—rubbing the statue is considered good luck in love.

We also went inside a Roman arena (the third largest in the Roman world). It was by far my favorite site in Verona. The fact that it is still standing—and in such good condition—absolutely astounds me. Overall, I loved Verona. It is a charming town and reminded me of a less touristy Florence.

The next weekend, we stayed in Florence to recuperate after traveling every weekend for 5 weeks. Sunday, after church, we went to the Boboli Gardens, a huge nature lover’s haven built by the Medici family. It is by far my favorite place in Florence—I heard birds for the first real time since we’ve been here. The weather was absolutely beautiful as well. I couldn’t have asked for better.

Classes are going well. It’s hard to believe mid-terms are next week and I’m already starting to choose my classes for the fall. Crazy.

Last weekend Mary and I went to Rome. It was absolutely amazing, but I’m going to have to get back to you on that one later. I’ve barely begun going through my pictures. My goal is to have it done in the next week, though, because March 22 Mary and I head to the UK (Dublin, Edinburgh, London) for spring break!

Italian word of the post: Io sonno andata a Roma. (ee-oh so-no ahn-dah-tah ah Roh-mah.): I went to Rome.