As my time here comes to an end I realize I have not wrote anything about the school/classroom itself. I had started many times to write something, but never finished. Well, guess now is the time.
My fifth grade classroom has 17 students in from 6 different countries. There are many more countries represented throughout the entire fifth grade. I have one student from Israel, four students from China, seven students from Italy, three students from the US, one student from Hungary, and one student from Canada. All of these students are at various levels of learning English; some of them have learned it their whole life and are "Mother Tongue" English speakers, as opposed to one of my students who just started learning English in September when she arrived at this school. On top of these students being from various countries, many of them have lived in more than two countries.
Having students from many different countries brings a unique aspect to the classroom. Students are able to share their countries and cultures with the class. One example is during snack time students bring all different snacks to eat, sometimes it is something from their country, and they are more than willing to share their snacks with their peers and even the teachers. One example of this is a snack that all of the Chinese students bring in frequently, duck tongue. The students were a little hesitant to try it the first time, but since then they are asking all the Chinese students for duck tongues. I even tried it and it was pretty good! Things like this really bring the class together and let the students realize many more cultures in the country.
This has been a fabulous experience for me because I have been able to be exposed to many more cultures. It has also been great to see how a classroom, with so many different cultures and language levels can work together every day. It has been a great learning experience as a teacher and feel that I am very prepared to work with students of varying English language levels. I think this experience has also helped me think of many different ways to teach my students about various cultures, because I think that is very important.
I am really going to miss these kids when I leave and am so grateful for everything they have taught my about their countries, cultures, and myself as a teacher!
Thursday, December 15, 2011
Sunday, December 11, 2011
December, 8: Immaculate Conception
December 8th is a holiday in the Catholic Church, it is the day of the Immaculate Conception. Here in Italy, it is a national holiday, therefore we had off from school. Alissa and I decided to spend the day together since this will be our absolute last day we could spend together, just us, in Rome.
Our day started with a visit to Galleria Borghese which I had heard from everyone is fabulous! I was very excited because there are lots of great works of art in this gallery. Our ticket reservations were for 9AM and they told us we needed to be there by 8:30AM to pick our tickets up or they could give them to someone else. The gallery is located in the Borghese Gardens (yes, the same gardens that just a few days before we were caught in the rain during our picnic!) and we, well Alissa, had a general idea of where in the gardens the gallery was located. We decided to walk up bc it's not that far of a walk and it was a nice morning. We reach the gardens and we see signs that lead us to the gallery which we were very happy about. Although, we end up reaching the gardens at about 8:40AM so we needed to get moving! After following the signs for awhile we are positive we see it through the trees and run towards it, only to realize it is the exit of the gardens. So we turn around and see we walked right by the gallery, and if we had taken a second to look at the signs we would have noticed! We have now realized that Borghese Gardens is not our friend after two different incidences! haha So we arrive, right before 9AM, and are able to get in. The museum was just as amazing as I've heard it was.
We were only allowed two hours in the gallery so we left at 11AM. At this point we decided to get lunch bc we are starving!! And head towards the Spanish Steps bc that is where we want to be after lunch. We find a nice little place, away from the crowds, to each and enjoy just sitting and relaxing for awhile.
On the holiday of Immaculate Conception there is a big celebration/ceremony in Piazza di Spagna (Spanish Steps piazza). In this piazza there is a large statue of the Virgin Mary and on December 8th faithful come to the statue to pay their respects and they leave flowers at the base of the statue. Firemen also go up their ladder and lay a wreath of flowers around Mary's outstretched arm and bouquets of flowers at the base of her feet. On our way to to the Galleria Borghese we saw the firemen putting flowers at the top of the statue and a few people were already bringing flowers. The other big event is at 4PM the pope arrives and speaks to the crowd. When I found out about this whole celebration we decided it would be really neat to go see. So after lunch we decide to sit on the Spanish Steps for awhile since it was only 1PM, but first walked to see all the flowers around the statue. There were crowds of people all around and it looked like people were already sitting along the sidewalks/barriers that had been put up waiting for the pope. We sat on the Spanish Steps for about an hour, enjoying the sun and people watching, and then decided to get up and stretch our legs. We picked the perfect time to get up because as we walked towards the statue we realized they were starting to clear the street, so we found a spot right along the barriers and waited. There were lots of prayers, the president of Italy walked right in front of us (at least that who we think he was! haha), a choir who was phenomenal sang, and then the pope drove by. We were probably about 20feet from the pope!! It was the most surreal experience ever. The pope then spoke, all of which we could not understand bc it was in Italian, but after looking up a translation of it he spoke a lot about Mary and who she was. (Translation of what the pope spoke about if you're interested) Although we could not understand a lot of what was happening it was so great to experience a celebration like that and I'm so glad I had the opportunity to be there!
Our day started with a visit to Galleria Borghese which I had heard from everyone is fabulous! I was very excited because there are lots of great works of art in this gallery. Our ticket reservations were for 9AM and they told us we needed to be there by 8:30AM to pick our tickets up or they could give them to someone else. The gallery is located in the Borghese Gardens (yes, the same gardens that just a few days before we were caught in the rain during our picnic!) and we, well Alissa, had a general idea of where in the gardens the gallery was located. We decided to walk up bc it's not that far of a walk and it was a nice morning. We reach the gardens and we see signs that lead us to the gallery which we were very happy about. Although, we end up reaching the gardens at about 8:40AM so we needed to get moving! After following the signs for awhile we are positive we see it through the trees and run towards it, only to realize it is the exit of the gardens. So we turn around and see we walked right by the gallery, and if we had taken a second to look at the signs we would have noticed! We have now realized that Borghese Gardens is not our friend after two different incidences! haha So we arrive, right before 9AM, and are able to get in. The museum was just as amazing as I've heard it was.
Galleria Borghese
We were only allowed two hours in the gallery so we left at 11AM. At this point we decided to get lunch bc we are starving!! And head towards the Spanish Steps bc that is where we want to be after lunch. We find a nice little place, away from the crowds, to each and enjoy just sitting and relaxing for awhile.
On the holiday of Immaculate Conception there is a big celebration/ceremony in Piazza di Spagna (Spanish Steps piazza). In this piazza there is a large statue of the Virgin Mary and on December 8th faithful come to the statue to pay their respects and they leave flowers at the base of the statue. Firemen also go up their ladder and lay a wreath of flowers around Mary's outstretched arm and bouquets of flowers at the base of her feet. On our way to to the Galleria Borghese we saw the firemen putting flowers at the top of the statue and a few people were already bringing flowers. The other big event is at 4PM the pope arrives and speaks to the crowd. When I found out about this whole celebration we decided it would be really neat to go see. So after lunch we decide to sit on the Spanish Steps for awhile since it was only 1PM, but first walked to see all the flowers around the statue. There were crowds of people all around and it looked like people were already sitting along the sidewalks/barriers that had been put up waiting for the pope. We sat on the Spanish Steps for about an hour, enjoying the sun and people watching, and then decided to get up and stretch our legs. We picked the perfect time to get up because as we walked towards the statue we realized they were starting to clear the street, so we found a spot right along the barriers and waited. There were lots of prayers, the president of Italy walked right in front of us (at least that who we think he was! haha), a choir who was phenomenal sang, and then the pope drove by. We were probably about 20feet from the pope!! It was the most surreal experience ever. The pope then spoke, all of which we could not understand bc it was in Italian, but after looking up a translation of it he spoke a lot about Mary and who she was. (Translation of what the pope spoke about if you're interested) Although we could not understand a lot of what was happening it was so great to experience a celebration like that and I'm so glad I had the opportunity to be there!
A parish bringing flowers to the statue and saying prayers the entire time
Statue of Mary, you can see the wreath of flowers and other flowers placed at the top by firemen
Flowers left by faithful. This was just one side of the statue, the flowers were all around it
Crowds of people, looking down from the Spanish Steps
The choir walking in
Lots of people!!!
The pope
Monday, December 5, 2011
Pretty much, best weekend ever!
So, this past weekend was just about the best weekend ever. Many reasons why and it starts on Friday morning in school. Every Friday the three fifth grade classes get together and have a Fifth Grade Meeting. Throughout the week students are given Falcon Flyer Tickets (they are AOSR Falcons) when students are caught displaying life goals such as responsibility, flexibility, friendship, things like that. All the students put their tickets in a basket and we pick three out, recognize them for their good work and then they can pick one person to give them a compliment. When I walked into the room Ms. J (one of the fifth grade teachers) asked me to help her run the meeting, bc there are usually 2 people running the meeting. At the end of the meeting she asked if anyone had any questions or comments. One of the boys from her class, who I have for science, raised his had and said he had a question for Miss Kolessar. He looked at me and said "Miss Kolessar, will you be Alissa's bridesmaid???" And all the other kids in the class each held up a letter of bridesmaid. I was so shocked I couldn't believe it. And then I turn and two girls had let Alissa in the room. It was such a great way for her to ask me and I was honored that she asked me to be such a big part of her special day! And all the other girls that she lives with were in on it. So after that I couldn't stop smiling the whole day bc I was so happy.
This was also the last full weekend Alissa and I had together, just us so we were already planning on having a great weekend. Friday night we cooked a great dinner complete with DISNEY PRINCESS PASTA! And just relaxed for the night. Saturday we went to the Capuchian Crypt which was really amazing to see. In this crypt they have displayed the bones of thousand of Capuchian Friars in unique ways. It looked like artwork, done by bones. We unfortunately couldn't take any pictures in there, but I definitely bought some postcards. After that we sat by the river for a little near Castel St. Angelo and then stopped off at the apartment. We then made our way to the Villa Borghese gardens and picked up some food for our picnic lunch there. When we got to the gardens we found a bench to sit on and within a minute of us sitting down it started to rain. We were optimistic and figured it would stop soon, as it usually does. We made our sandwiches and started eating, soon enough the rain started POURING down! So we took our sandwiches and stood under a tree so we were protected a little more. After a little while the rain stopped and we found a place we could rent a bike for two people. We had so much fun riding around the park in that, trying to to crash into anything! We went home to change into drier clothes, went to church, picked up pizza and spent the rest of the night in bed watching 13 Going on 30 and eating pizza.
This was also the last full weekend Alissa and I had together, just us so we were already planning on having a great weekend. Friday night we cooked a great dinner complete with DISNEY PRINCESS PASTA! And just relaxed for the night. Saturday we went to the Capuchian Crypt which was really amazing to see. In this crypt they have displayed the bones of thousand of Capuchian Friars in unique ways. It looked like artwork, done by bones. We unfortunately couldn't take any pictures in there, but I definitely bought some postcards. After that we sat by the river for a little near Castel St. Angelo and then stopped off at the apartment. We then made our way to the Villa Borghese gardens and picked up some food for our picnic lunch there. When we got to the gardens we found a bench to sit on and within a minute of us sitting down it started to rain. We were optimistic and figured it would stop soon, as it usually does. We made our sandwiches and started eating, soon enough the rain started POURING down! So we took our sandwiches and stood under a tree so we were protected a little more. After a little while the rain stopped and we found a place we could rent a bike for two people. We had so much fun riding around the park in that, trying to to crash into anything! We went home to change into drier clothes, went to church, picked up pizza and spent the rest of the night in bed watching 13 Going on 30 and eating pizza.
Capuchian Crypt (the church)
Pretty Christmas decorations we saw while wandering the city
Eating our yummy sandwiches under the tree
Our abandon picnic bench and the rest of our picnic
Riding the bike!
On Sunday we went to the Barberini Gallery and it was really great to see! Then we walked around the city a bit more, grabbed lunch and headed back to Piazza Navona for the highlight of our day! As I've mentioned, there is a Christmas Market in Piazza Navona and there is a CAROUSEL! Since the very first day they started setting up the market Alissa and I saw the carousel and decided we needed to go on it together, and what better weekend to do it than our last weekend together. We also had treats we'd seen advertised that we wanted to get. We decided to start with the carousel. We got on two horses next to each other and then were told we needed to move. We understood that I was one a horse meant for children, not adults, I needed to be on a bigger horse, but could not understand at first why Alissa needed to move since she was on a bigger horse. It turns out her horse was broken. So we finally got on appropriate horses and thoroughly enjoyed our ride!! Then it was time for our food! They sell these large doughnuts that they heat up and you can get with Nutella or sugar on. We split a doughnut with Nutella and got a candy apple to split too. I mean, when in Rome... right?? So we pigged out on both of those things and when we were absolutely stuffed we decided it was time to head home. After doing some work at their apartment I decided to come back to my apartment and end the fabulous weekend.
So excited to be on the carousel!!!!!!!!!
With our doughnut, that is half of the doughnut that I am holding. I'm telling you they are huge!
Now on to the candy apple!
Eating our way through the Piazza Navona Christmas Market!
It's going to be tough to say goodbye to all the girls I've met here, especially Alissa. And it's going to be tough since I live so far away from all of them (they are all from the midwest), but I'm so grateful to have met them all. They've made my experience here just that much better!
Tuesday, November 29, 2011
Famiglia Visit Part 2
After Thanksgiving I still had a whole full weekend with my family!
Friday morning my German sister, Joke, arrive in Rome for the weekend!! :) Dad and I walked to Termini Station, the main transportation station in Rome, and after a little bit of confusion on where to find her we were reunited!! Then the family and I headed to Ostia Antica, again being led by the podcast of Rick Steves', which is fortunate bc there is no audiotour or anything here and it could just look like a bunch of old ruins if you have no guide. And it'd be very easy to wander aimlessly without a guide. Ostia Antica was a harbor port of ancient Rome that was situated at the mouth of the Tiber River. The river has since moved and it is no longer situated near the river and was abandoned, for the most part, in the 9th century or so. You can still see so much of the architecture, mosaics, and get a feel for how this town was. It was a beautiful day and so nice just to walk around this area.
Friday morning my German sister, Joke, arrive in Rome for the weekend!! :) Dad and I walked to Termini Station, the main transportation station in Rome, and after a little bit of confusion on where to find her we were reunited!! Then the family and I headed to Ostia Antica, again being led by the podcast of Rick Steves', which is fortunate bc there is no audiotour or anything here and it could just look like a bunch of old ruins if you have no guide. And it'd be very easy to wander aimlessly without a guide. Ostia Antica was a harbor port of ancient Rome that was situated at the mouth of the Tiber River. The river has since moved and it is no longer situated near the river and was abandoned, for the most part, in the 9th century or so. You can still see so much of the architecture, mosaics, and get a feel for how this town was. It was a beautiful day and so nice just to walk around this area.
There were many baths in the town, this is just one of the many.
Amazing mosaics all around
You were able to walk to the top of some of the buildings, this is looking down on a store that you could walk into and see how it was set up.
Kitty cat we found in the theater!
After our day there we took Joke over by the Colosseum, Roman Forum, and Trevi Fountain so she could see all of those things. We also walked to the Pantheon and then grabbed some pizza for dinner.
Sisters reunited, at the Colosseum
Uncle Joe, Pop, Me, Joke, Gram, and Nana all at the Colosseum
Joke and I at the Trevi Fountain
Mom and I at the Trevi Fountain
On Saturday I said goodbye to Michael and mom & dad took him to Termini to catch the train to the airport. We then all traveled to the Appian Way to go to the catacombs. I have to say, the San Callisto tour guide this time was much better than the last time so I greatly enjoyed seeing those catacombs a second time. We then had a picnic lunch, enjoying the sun and took the bus back to Piazza Navona. The Christmas Market opened in Piazza Navona on Saturday and we wanted to see it. It is lots of stands selling sweets, items for your nativity scene, and other Christmas decorations. The market is dedicated to Befana. They story is that she is an old woman who rides a broom and delivers gifts to children on the eve of Epiphany (January 5).. pretty much like St. Nick on the eve of St. Nicholas Day. The good children get little gifts or candies from her and the bad children get coal. She rides a broom bc she is a housewife and is always cleaning. There are a few different legends that go along with her origins. Wikipedia article with her legends if you're interested This market goes until January 6 (Epiphany) and on that day Befana arrives in the piazza. After seeing the market the family got their final tartufos and we headed back to the apartment for some relaxation. We then headed out to church and had a delicious dinner following church.
Sunday morning we got up early and I saw my family off. It was a little sad, but I'm so glad they were able to come for a little at least and I know it's not too long until I see them again. Joke was still here so we packed up and came to my apartment for the day. We then just relaxed, caught up, and watched movies all Sunday. Monday morning I had to say another goodbye as Joke left for the airport. Overall it's been a great past week, although I'm realizing how quickly my time here is coming to a close!!
Thanksgiving
Well, I know this is technically a few days late, but I think everyone will forgive me seeing as, One) It was Thanksgiving and Two) my family was here.
Well my Thanksgiving celebrations started on Wednesday at school. We had a very nice Thanksgiving feast in our classroom. One of my American students brought the turkey (her parents brought it in, after making it for us, and joined us for our feast), and everyone brought some food to share. We had turkey, mashed potatoes, gravy, corn, baked corn, cranberry sauce, brownies, pumpkin pie, apple cake, cookies, and I donated Gertrude Hawke chocolates. We put all the desks together in a big table, had a nice table cloth and all really enjoyed ourselves. I was especially grateful for the DELICIOUS pumpkin pie, and thanked the mom who made it about a million times that afternoon!
On Thanksgiving my family and I visited the Pantheon (again we used Rick Steve's podcast).
We also visited the Trevi Fountain during the day, we had been there at night over the weekend. It was the absolute perfect time to visit, 9:30 AM, there was practically no one there and made it enjoyable and easy to get pictures. Then we walked around and visited many different churches in the area. Around noon we made it to Piazza Navona and enjoyed the delicious tartufo. It is chocolate ice cream with large chunks of chocolate in it. It also has a cherry in it, and chocolate syrup that is frozen a little and cream on top.
Well my Thanksgiving celebrations started on Wednesday at school. We had a very nice Thanksgiving feast in our classroom. One of my American students brought the turkey (her parents brought it in, after making it for us, and joined us for our feast), and everyone brought some food to share. We had turkey, mashed potatoes, gravy, corn, baked corn, cranberry sauce, brownies, pumpkin pie, apple cake, cookies, and I donated Gertrude Hawke chocolates. We put all the desks together in a big table, had a nice table cloth and all really enjoyed ourselves. I was especially grateful for the DELICIOUS pumpkin pie, and thanked the mom who made it about a million times that afternoon!
On Thanksgiving my family and I visited the Pantheon (again we used Rick Steve's podcast).
We also visited the Trevi Fountain during the day, we had been there at night over the weekend. It was the absolute perfect time to visit, 9:30 AM, there was practically no one there and made it enjoyable and easy to get pictures. Then we walked around and visited many different churches in the area. Around noon we made it to Piazza Navona and enjoyed the delicious tartufo. It is chocolate ice cream with large chunks of chocolate in it. It also has a cherry in it, and chocolate syrup that is frozen a little and cream on top.
Not one of our tartufos (I didn't take a picture)
We then took a nice walk over by the Tiber River and had a great view of St. Peter's and Castle St. Angelo.
St. Peter's
Castle St. Angelo
After walking around all day we went back to have our Thanksgiving dinner. It was delicious complete with some cheese appetizers, four types of ravioli, salad, fruits di bosco pie, dates, chocolates, pumpkin pie (leftover from school the day before), wine, and limoncello. Although it wasn't your typical Thanksgiving dinner, it was just as good, and I was just as stuffed. We tried beef, mushroom, 4 cheese, and cheese and spinach raviolis that you could top with either pesto, regular tomato sauce, or spicy tomato sauce. After eating dinner we took a night walk to make some room for the dessert. We walked up to the Villa Borghese Gardens for a great view of the city, walked down the Spanish Steps (walking from the gardens we ended up at the top of the steps, much nicer to walk down them if you haven't just walked up them!), and walked to the Pantheon. Then we headed home for dessert.
This Thanksgiving I had a lot to be thankful for (as I always do). I am thankful that I have made it to this point in my college career and have been blessed with a great first student teaching placement. I am thankful to also have been blessed with a great second student teaching placement. I am thankful I have been given this great opportunity to live in Rome for two months, experience their culture, learn about their country, and learn about myself. I am thankful I currently have a classroom that represents students from 7 different countries, and many more if you count all the different countries these kids have lived in as well. I am thankful that my family; mom, dad, brother, uncle, nana, grandma AND poppop could all be with me to celebrate Thanksgiving. And that they could all travel here and enjoy this great city. I am thankful for the friends I have made here, they have really made all the difference, and have touch my life in so many ways. I am thankful I am healthy, my family is healthy, and my friends are healthy. I am thankful my family supports me in every adventure I take on. I am thankful to have an amazing boyfriend and equally amazing friends who also support me when I need it, put up with my crazy antics, and love me even when I'm being a pest.
Famiglia Visit
My family has now come, and gone, from Rome and it was a wonderful visit! Everyone arrived, safely and with no problems, on Saturday, November 19. Saturday afternoon I took the bus into the city to meet them at their apartment. Their apartment was in a perfect location, right between Piazza del Popolo and the Spanish Steps. That is close to the major sights in Rome, and I get off the tram at Piazza del Popolo. I was so happy to see everyone that I didn't even care that I needed to walk up about a million steps in their apartment!! (You entered the apartment on the main floor which had nothing on it, then each floor only had one room, with the kitchen on the 4th floor!) Saturday was a relaxing day since they had been traveling all day and night.
On Sunday I took them to Porta Portese (of course!) and even ran into Alissa there, which is unusual bc it is such a large place with many people!! But, naturally, Alissa and I were both at the same stand looking at things. I had a major crisis at Porta Portese right before I wanted to leave. I walked up a few stands, away from my mom (I was on a mission to find black boots!) and Michael followed me. I was trying some boots on and went to ask Michael to hold my bags, but he had already left, so I set them on the table. I couldn't decide on the boots, so I left the stand. I stopped at another shoe stand and ended up having mom meet me there to look at a pair of boots. As I left that stand with mom I had a moment of panic.. I DIDN'T HAVE MY BAG OR WATER BOTTLE!!! I ran back, dodging all the people!! I was so incredibly thankful when I saw the bag and water bottle at the stand! And, to make it even better I decided to get the boots from that stand (15 euro, not as good as my first pair from here, but still not bad).
We then spent the afternoon at the Colosseum and Roman Forum. We used Rick Steve's podcast as a guide, and although he's kind of corny at times it was great! I really recommend his podcasts, as long as you don't mind a few corny jokes thrown in there!
The Colosseum
Inside view of the Colosseum
In the Roman Forum
After dinner with my family on Sunday night I had to come back to my apartment bc I had school the next day. I met up with my family each night for dinner and Tuesday night my Alissa joined us for dinner! I was very happy she was able to meet my family and spend some time with them.
Wednesday, November 23, 2011
Firenze (Florence)
A few weekends (November 4-6) ago I traveled to Firenze (Florence) for the weekend with all the other student teachers at AOSR (American Overseas School of Rome). We took the school bus Friday afternoon and got dropped off at Termini, the main train (bus and subway too) station in Rome. Then we bought out tickets for the train ride and after a little bit of confusion we found where I train was. The train ride was about 4 hours. We could have taken a shorter train, for 2 1/2 hours, but the 4 hour train ride was much cheaper. On the way we worked on lesson plans, watched movies, read magazines, and just chatted.
We arrived in Florence at about 8PM and our first mission was to find a map of the city. After buying a map we found our way to the hostel. The hostel was not very far from the train station and it was near to many things in the city. We walked by the Duomo, the famous basilica in Florence on our way to the hostel. It was a breathtaking view at night!! After checking in to our hostel, and seeing our great accommodations!, we went out to grab something to eat and walk around a bit. We walked to the Arno River and sat by the river, enjoying the view, and chatting with each other.
On Saturday we all woke up relatively early and walked to the Church of Santa Maria del Carmine. The walk there was nice because we were able to see a lot of Florence, and the weather was perfect! The church was so beautiful (as are pretty much all the churches that I've seen while here)! I waited with the one girl (Alissa) for a little outside the church; she wanted to go to the Brancacci Chapel that was attached to the church, but it wasn't open yet. As we waited we enjoyed the relaxing atmosphere of Florence, the beautiful weather, and each other's company. After she visited the chapel we went to the Uffizi which is a very famous art museum in Florence. We spent most of our day at the Uffizi admiring the artwork (well, most of it!) and talking about our opinions of it. After we were finished in the Uffizi we went back to the hostel and relaxed for a little. The rest of the girls came back and we made a plan to go out to dinner in a few hours. All six of us had a very nice dinner together with fantastic food! Afterwards Alissa and I grabbed our cameras (we both have DSLR cameras that we love) and walked to Piazza Michaelangelo. From this Piazza you can see a FANTASTIC panoramic view of the city. We sat there for awhile enjoying, again, the beauty of the city, relaxing, and talking.
On Sunday morning we walked around the city more. I spent a lot of time taking lots of pictures of the Duomo, and could have taken a million more. I thought it was such a fantastic looking building. We enjoyed finding a small market and sampling the food people were selling. After getting lunch we walked in some shops, around a piazza, got gelato and saw another church. It was amazing how all the churches were done in the same style on the outside. A very different style than anything I've seen before. The colors on the outside of all the churches in Florence were mainly white, green, and pink. Then we walked to the train station to get our train home.
Overall the weekend was fabulous. I got to see lots of great things and was able to be in a city that made you feel completely relaxed at all times. I mentioned this before, but will say it again, if you have the opportunity to go to Florence, take it!! Or add it to your list, I felt the beauty of the city was such a contrast to Rome. Not saying that Rome is ugly, but Florence had a very very different feel to it. And it's in the Tuscany region so you can travel out to the country-side, or do a day trip to Pisa if you are there for a few days.
We arrived in Florence at about 8PM and our first mission was to find a map of the city. After buying a map we found our way to the hostel. The hostel was not very far from the train station and it was near to many things in the city. We walked by the Duomo, the famous basilica in Florence on our way to the hostel. It was a breathtaking view at night!! After checking in to our hostel, and seeing our great accommodations!, we went out to grab something to eat and walk around a bit. We walked to the Arno River and sat by the river, enjoying the view, and chatting with each other.
On Saturday we all woke up relatively early and walked to the Church of Santa Maria del Carmine. The walk there was nice because we were able to see a lot of Florence, and the weather was perfect! The church was so beautiful (as are pretty much all the churches that I've seen while here)! I waited with the one girl (Alissa) for a little outside the church; she wanted to go to the Brancacci Chapel that was attached to the church, but it wasn't open yet. As we waited we enjoyed the relaxing atmosphere of Florence, the beautiful weather, and each other's company. After she visited the chapel we went to the Uffizi which is a very famous art museum in Florence. We spent most of our day at the Uffizi admiring the artwork (well, most of it!) and talking about our opinions of it. After we were finished in the Uffizi we went back to the hostel and relaxed for a little. The rest of the girls came back and we made a plan to go out to dinner in a few hours. All six of us had a very nice dinner together with fantastic food! Afterwards Alissa and I grabbed our cameras (we both have DSLR cameras that we love) and walked to Piazza Michaelangelo. From this Piazza you can see a FANTASTIC panoramic view of the city. We sat there for awhile enjoying, again, the beauty of the city, relaxing, and talking.
Girls having fun our first full day, posing after the statues
The David statue, not the real one
Love Locks
The beauty of the city!
Great view from Piazza Michaelangelo
On Sunday morning we walked around the city more. I spent a lot of time taking lots of pictures of the Duomo, and could have taken a million more. I thought it was such a fantastic looking building. We enjoyed finding a small market and sampling the food people were selling. After getting lunch we walked in some shops, around a piazza, got gelato and saw another church. It was amazing how all the churches were done in the same style on the outside. A very different style than anything I've seen before. The colors on the outside of all the churches in Florence were mainly white, green, and pink. Then we walked to the train station to get our train home.
The Baptistry across from Duomo
Another church, you can see the similarities to the Duomo
Overall the weekend was fabulous. I got to see lots of great things and was able to be in a city that made you feel completely relaxed at all times. I mentioned this before, but will say it again, if you have the opportunity to go to Florence, take it!! Or add it to your list, I felt the beauty of the city was such a contrast to Rome. Not saying that Rome is ugly, but Florence had a very very different feel to it. And it's in the Tuscany region so you can travel out to the country-side, or do a day trip to Pisa if you are there for a few days.
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