Rome-ing Around Firenze-- Loyola Style.

              I have done quite a bit of traveling this semester, and it didn't stop until I journeyed to Italy! We had a 10-day Loyola trip to Rome and Florence where we hit every museum you could think of! I saw soooo many amazing things that I had only read about in textbooks, and I was lucky enough to see them in person!

             The trip started in Rome, where we walked to the Vatican to enjoy Palm Sunday mass with Pope Benedict. It was UNREAL, there were so many people and we were fortunate enough to have tickets. It was a beautiful day and we sat through the mass (struggling at times because it was mostly in Italian) mesmerized by the reality of our lives...I was just feet away from the most important living human being in the Catholic church.

Palm Sunday Mass with Pope Benedict. 

Tissy, Maeda, & I at the Forum.

The Leuven crew in front of the Coliseum. 

           We had most of our 6 days in Rome scheduled for us, which I didn't hate because we were able to see so much. I am going out a limb and saying Rome is potentially one of my favorite cities I have seen all year, and that says a LOT. It is so beautiful and I am in awe when I think of the great sights like the Coliseum, the Forum, and the gorgeous Trevi Fountain right in the middle of a bustling city---what's not to love? Plus, on my morning runs I ran to the Vatican...I mean, who DOES that? Oh wait, me. I have to keep pinching myself because this doesn't feel like real life!

      We also got to tour the scavi under St. Peter's Church and got up close and personal with the Sistene Chapel....casual.



 Oh yeah, and there was plenty of pizza and gelato to go around...

My first gelato in Italy...and it was fabulicious.

Soooo much pizza. It did not come in pies at "grab 'n go," places....
they actually had scissors and would cut the size of the piece you wanted.

Candy & I at the beach a train ride away from Romaaaa.

We took a day trip to Ostia Antica, an ancient ruin that was really awesome to tour. We were able to see the baths, as well as the cafe's and homes that used to be a home for so many. It was similar to the ruins of Pompeii...but don't worry, I went there too (just wait and see!).

Amazing mosaic wall at Ostia.

         After a FABULOUS stay in Rome, we hopped on a bus to Firenze (a.k.a. Florence). The Duomo, Michelangelo's David, and the gigantic leather markets all made the list of spots to hit while in Florence.

Cait, Katie, Nicole & I enjoying some authentic Italian cuisine in Florence.

Steffi, Candy, & I in Florence. 

We spent Easter Sunday in Florence and there was a spectacular fireworks display in front of the Duomo. I am talking fireworks that would not be allowed in the U.S. because it seemed a little out of control, but than again, it was unlike anything I had ever seen. In the evening we went out to dinner with the entire Loyola Leuven program to celebrate.

Its raining fire? I tried to upload a video, but there were technical difficulties...
so the photo will have to suffice.

          One of my favorite days in Florence was our wine tour of Tuscany. It was beautiful to see the country side and I really did learn so much about wine! I'm so sophisticated now....well, at least I can fake it 'til I make it. 

Your regular day at the vineyard...
We learned how to taste wine properly, as well as all the different kinds and ingredients.
Now lets just hope I can remember it all! 

Our last time all together to end off the Loyola-Italy trip!
So many great times!

Now just because DH and Sue were leaving Italy.....it doesn't mean that I am!