AL's Vacation Adventures: Rome, Florence, Pisa

Hey everyone!

Ciao from Rome! I have been a little behind on posting because we have moved around so much, but do not fear, I will try to post more frequently. The last two days have been great. On Sunday (6/3), we toured the Coliseum and the Roman Forum in Rome. The Coliseum was one of the highlights of my trip so far because it is very impressive. This particular structure has seen its fair share of blood. It used to be a part of normal Roman life to go watch animal and gladiator fights. The Romans would bring in exotic animals from Africa, such as lions and tigers, and watch them fight. As the people got bored, the Romans began to shift to gladiator fights. Men would fight each other to the death, which was considered entertainment. Well, if they say so. Regardless, it was very interesting.

The Roman Forum was less impressive, but interesting for me. We toured the building where the Roman Senate used to meet. Other points of interest include the grave of Julius Caesar. There are crazy people who still put flowers on his grave. He has been dead since March 15, 44 BC. Those who know Shakespeare will know the famous line, "Beware the Ides of March" from a soothsayer. Anyways, I found the Forum to be interesting. Definitely worth a look if you are in Rome.

During the afternoon, we began our drive to Florence. Located in Tuscany, Florence is the capital of art and wine. Our group stopped at a local winery and had a wine tasting. Very interesting how they make the wine and how different the wines were. I enjoyed it. Afterwards, we drove on into Florence and bummed around the city. Seeing the Duomo at night is something everyone should see. It is so beautiful that it doesn't look real. Florence is very difficult not to like.

Yesterday (6/4), our group did a walking tour of Florence, which was interesting. There was a confusion with our tickets for the Duomo, so sadly we did not get to go in. That will definitely be on my list for the next time I come to Florence. Also on my list are the top art galleries, which contain work by Michelangelo and other famous artists. We just did not have time, which is disappointing, but will give me an excuse to come back to Florence. In the afternoon, some of us traveled to Pisa to see the Leaning Tower. Despite what some may think, the Tower serves as Bell Tower for a Church, it just happens to be leaning, due to the sand in the ground around it. However, it was so worth it! When I returned to Florence, I met up with an old friend, Chloe Ward who was studying in Florence with the University of Kentucky. It was quite nice and surreal to meet up with her in Italy.

This morning, we packed up in Florence and came back to Rome. Unfortunately, this is the last night with the group. Tomorrow, they all go home and I go to Venice. It feels surreal to have people who have become part of your everyday life go back to their lives. Kind of like ghosts, I suppose. Anyways, I have so enjoyed getting to know Cera, Tara, Michelle, Elyse, Greg, Kenny, Scott, Lauren and Tina. I hope we will remain friends in the future.

Done with Rome, On to Venice!

Arch of Constantine