March 30, 2013-
One more day until the Lord has risen!
Today on the agenda was the Vatican Museums and Saint Peter's Square. More things we absolutely had to do today because they would be closed the rest of the time we would be in Rome.
We started our day off with a delicious breakfast at the hotel. I even got to have toast with jelly, so I started the day off right. They had a huge selection of breakfast foods from croissants to yogurt with granola, yum.
Then we navigated the bus system and made it to the metro and on our way to the Vatican. I had bought ticket vouchers online which would take us to the front of the line, because I knew it would be super crowded today and I didn't want to wait in line. Not to mention the possibility of us not getting in, that was just not an option.
We walked right up to the entrance and right through security and over to the ticket window. The whole process took about 10 minutes until we were in and on our way looking around the museum. Meanwhile, the line for people who hadn't bought tickets online was around the corner and down the block. I'd say probably a two hour wait time. All I can say about that, Thank GOD I thought of getting tickets beforehand.
We walked around the museum and gazed at the beautiful ceilings and architecture. The Vatican is truly a beautiful place. You had to go through all of the museums to get to the Sistine Chapel. Eventually we made our way up to the top, the Sistine Chapel. Photography was strictly prohibited and strict silence was completely enforced. There were guards walking around the crowd, as well as, lining the walls. If someone was caught taking a picture the guards would literally make them delete the picture off the camera, they were that strict about it.
....However..... Amanda was sly with her Iphone camera and was able to sneak a picture ---> there you have it!
The Sistine Chapel was such a blessed and holy place, we were so lucky to be here.
After we were finished with the Vatican Museums we headed down Vatican City, and along the Vatican City walls, to Saint Peter's Square and Basilica. Due to the Easter Vigil going on later that night, the square and basilica would close at 2 p.m.
There was a road going in to Vatican City with a guard in the middle. The Vatican guards were dressed like jokers, it was pretty comical. I had to take a picture.
Then we got to Saint Peter's Square. WOW. What a sight. We got a little lost, but found an entrance off to the side of the square where we went through security and walked right in to the Basilica. I have no words for what I saw in the Basilica but to try to put it in to words, it was the most beautiful sight I have ever seen. I've never seen anything quite like it before: it truly is a wonder.
We walked through, took pictures, but mostly stood there with our jaws dropped in astonishment at how beautiful the Basilica was. Unfortunately the grottoes (the Pope's tombs) were closed for the day so we didn't get to see those, but the Basilica was too great to be disappointed.
After the Basilica we walked outside of it, stood, and overlooked all of Saint Peter's Square for a little while watching people setting up flowers, the stage, the microphones, etc. for the Pope for the Easter Vigil later on in the day. We looked up and saw the balcony that the Pope stands on when he looks over Saint Peter's Square on Easter.
Then, at the end of the square we saw a huge line and were curious as to what everyone was waiting in line for? Maybe it was to be let in to find a spot for the mass? We didn't know. We found someone standing in line who looked like they spoke some English and asked. Apparently, that was the line for Saint Peter's Basilica, we, somehow, took a shortcut and were let in on the side. SCORE!!!
Not only had we bypassed the huge line for the Vatican Museums, but we also bypassed the huge line for Saint Peter's Basilica....on accident.... We were in luck today!
Leaving Saint Peter's Square, our next building to see was Sant Angels Castle. We took pictures of the outside of the castle, but the ticket to get in was another 13 euro for another castle we had no idea what it was.
We crossed the bridge in front of the castle to find a bunch of street vendors selling tourist trinkets and bums playing music for money. Along the street was a man playing the drums on pots, pans, buckets, etc. He was actually pretty good too, he kept a great beat.
We walked along the river more and found little tents with handmade jewelry and finally, our favorite, a dried fruit stand! Of course we had to stop; I got banana chips and Amanda got her normal dried fruit. We ate our fruit and walked along and then decided to hop on the metro and take a little metro tour.
We rode the metro and got off to see things and then got back on and went to our next destination.
Then we caught the bus, yes, the right bus, and rode around trying to find a place to eat for dinner near where our hotel was. Nothing was open because it was 5:30 and apparently restaurants in Rome don't open until 6:30 for dinner, but after a long search, we finally found a place to eat.
Then it began to pour (rain).
At the restaurant we had a calzone, which wasn't very good, but for dessert we had fried bread that were in little gnocchi balls with nutella and powdered sugar on the top: talk about delicious, my taste buds were in heaven.
After dinner we walked down the street to find a bus stop, but got all the way to the bridge over the river and couldn't find one, so we figured we would just go to the same bus stop we got off at and ride the bus all the way around and eventually get back to the hotel.
Well, while we were waiting across the street, we saw our bus and it stopped on the other side. We sprinted through the traffic, in the pouring rain, and jumped on the bus just in time!
When we got back to the hotel, we were soaking wet and ready to take a warm hot shower. We put on the Easter Vigil Mass that the Pope was giving and fell asleep.
Day 9: Vatican is the prettiest place in the world
March 29,2013-
Today was the big day: the day we made the trek from Florence to our final destination in Italy: Rome.
Our alarms were set for 7:15 and we would be walking to the train station, this time, WITHOUT getting lost.
Well, we woke up, ate breakfast at the hotel, walked out the hotel for the last time and started our journey, in the pouring rain, to the train station.
Alas, we made it to the train station........without getting lost!!!!!!!! Five stars for us!!!
On the train we rode first class, which was immaculate. We had big leather seats and there was no one in the cabin besides us. We got free snacks and a free newspaper to read too.
The ride on the train only took about 2 hours and we got to see more of the beautiful countryside of Italy. We were on the high-speed train and since we were riding in first class they had monitors which told us how fast we were going: 250 km/h (155 mph)!
We arrived in Rome to the train station, got on the metro and got off at the appropriate stop that corresponded with our hotel location. Now the challenge: finding the hotel in the streets of Rome. This should be interesting.
In the directions that the hotel gave us they said to get on a specific bus at the stop right outside of the metro, but because Allison is so good with maps and so scared of the crazy bus system, I found directions before hand on how to get there by walking. What. a. disaster.
We walked about an hour to get to our hotel. The directions were correct and we weren't lost (although we thought we were because we had been walking for so long) but it took us a whole hour, nonstop walking, to get there. When we arrived the receptionist asked how the journey was and we told her about our long walk. She said we had walked about 3 miles and proceeded to look at us like we were crazy, we really were, so I don't blame her.
However, before all of this, the Colosseum, which we had to see today because it'd be closed the rest of the time we were there, was closing at 2 p.m. due to the Pope coming for the Stations of the Cross. Well, after our walk, it was 12:30.
We had an hour and a half to figure out the bus and get to the Colosseum. We could do it.
Quickly, we threw our stuff in our room, talked to the receptionist about how to get to the Colosseum, and got on the correct bus to go.
We did make it before 2 p.m. and we did get to go inside. Apparently it was closing at 4, not 2. We walked around the Colosseum for awhile and took pictures and since we were planning on seeing the Stations of the Cross and wanted good seats, decided to walk across the piazza to the Palantine Gardens and the Roman Forum.
We walked through the entrance and just after us, they closed the gates and weren't letting anyone else in. We were literally the last people let in.
We wandered around the beautiful gardens and then down to the Roman Forum for awhile. As it got later in the day we decided it would be a good idea to stake out our spot so we had a good view of the Pope for later on that night.
By the time we had got down to where he was supposed to be there was already people starting to put their stuff down, so we did too. It was 4 p.m., the Stations didn't start until 9: it was going to be a long night.
I sat down and claimed our space while Amanda went to find a store to get dinner and snacks for the night.
Then, after sitting there for 2 hours, the guards told us that everyone needed to be pushed out of the piazza and go through security. Makes sense, but why didn't they tell us that before, instead of us waiting there for 2 hours with this perfect spot and now being put with the people who just arrived ten minutes ago. Needless to say, it was complete chaos: everyone started yelling and flailing their hands in the air.
Eventually everyone was pushed out of the piazza and standing behind these gates waiting to be let back in. Ambulances were trying to cut through the crowd and utility trucks were also trying to get through brining more gates to put around.
Finally, one last truck was let in, by this time, we were around the back of the crowd. Then, we see one man walking behind the very back of the truck, so we followed. When the people in the front saw us doing this, they started yelling again, but hey, it got us pretty much to the front of the line.
We were let in and then we sprinted to the spot we wanted to be. There was only one row of people in front of us. PERFECT. However, we still had three hours until the event even started, which meant we had to stand there for three hours. in one place.
A long three hours it was, but so worth it. The Scouts of Europa handed our candles to every person in the crowd along with a book of the Stations of the Cross to follow along. The candle sticks weren't such a good idea, because with candles, comes fire and that many people standing so close together with their candles lit, meant trouble. No wonder there were thousands of firefighters and medical people walking around everywhere.
After what felt like forever and a day, the Stations finally began. The Pope arrived and began in the Colosseum and then (magically) appeared under the red tent that stood over where we were. To his left was a cross made out of fire and circling him in the air were three doves. They continued to fly around him the whole time he was up there. When he first walked up everyone was screaming and yelling "Viva el Papa." That's what he is referred to in both Italian and Spanish. He talked for a little and then the stations commenced. He stood for about ten minutes of the stations and then sat back in his chair. There was a procession of priests and nuns that walked with a cross throughout the space in the middle of the crowd that was sectioned off, for each station, eventually ending up where the Pope was on the ledge. After the stations finished the Pope stood up again and spoke for awhile and then gave the sea of people a blessing. The ceremony was over and the Pope left.
The ceremony was so beautiful, to be in the presence of the Pope and be able to see him, is one of the greatest blessings. Such a life-changing experience.
By the end of the night our legs were shaking and we could barely walk. Now, it was time to walk to the bus and make our journey back to the hotel.
Well, Allison thinks she knows the Roman public transportation system and we got on a different bus than the one we were supposed to because the right one was taking too long. This led us to getting lost and only having a half hour to figure out a way back before the buses closed completely.
Long story short, we couldn't find our way and the bus driver wasn't helping us either, so we got the nearest taxi and just paid for a taxi home.
After a long day of traveling and standing, we finally laid our heads to sleep at 1:30 a.m.The only sitting we had done for the day was on the train at for 2 hours waiting for the Pope: our feet/legs were about to fall off.
Day 8: I'd do it all again
March 28, 2013-
After wandering through the streets of Florence last night, we were excited to see how much more we could fall in love with Florence today.
We got up and had the breakfast that the hotel provided. Yes, we made sure it was provided and free. Then we were on our way to the Duomo. As we were walking along, we looked down one of the streets to our left and saw a bunch of tent stands with souvenirs and such: this was the famous "leather district" of Florence.
The tent stands had purses, leather jacks, tourist items, you name it, bustling out of their tents. It kind of reminded me of a more formalized/organized swap meet. We walking through and looked around and bought things from the stands. We stopped at one tent and met an Italian man, near our age, and talked to him for awhile. He told us he would show us around Florence later that night if we wanted. After we were done chatting with him, we walked further in to the tents and found a market, this was the "Mercat Centrale." Just like the bocqueria, but indoors and much cleaner, the same thing as what we went to in France. I like these little markets, the fresh fruit is always so luscious and the cheeses/meats always look like they would be good.
We spent a few hours walking around the leather district and Mercat Centrale then continued our journey to the Duomo. Looking up and down streets and alleys, we turned around the corner and gazed at this huge cathedral that was right in front of us. The outside of the cathedral was beautiful, so we had to go inside. We walked around the cathedral and took pictures and then asked the guard how to get to the Duomo, he laughed and said "this is the Duomo." Alright, so apparently the cathedral and the Duomo are the same thing, OOPS! Next to the Duomo was a giant tower with a long line waiting to go inside.
Everyone I had talked to in Florence and those who have been to Florence said to make sure to climb to the top of the Duomo, so this must be what they are talking about. Standing in line, almost to the front, I looked over and saw a little sign that read "no lift, 414 steps." Well, it was too late to turn back now! If nothing else, it would be my workout for the day.
Walking up those steps, I almost thought I was going to faint. Step, after step, after step. One in front of the other.
Finally, I made it to the second of the three openings (about 350 steps) and decided this was high enough: not because I was tired of walking, but because my fear of heights kind of kicked in. From here I could see all of Florence, the steps were so worth it! What a beautiful view which turned in to great pictures as well!
Well, as the saying goes: what goes up, must come down. So I made my trek down the stairs and out of the tower to find Amanda. When I got to the bottom I noticed that my legs were shaking and I couldn't stand in place. Whew, I needed some water, or better yet, gelato!
After the Duomo, we walked further down the street to find the Gucci Museum. I had to go in, there was no questions. Amanda decided she would sit outside and read while I was inside. Unfortunately, photography was not allowed inside the museum so I don't have any pictures, but many pictures in my head and a memory of what I saw. I was in heaven, I love learning about fashion and designers' lives/ inspirations.
Then we were getting hungry, and after walking all of the steps, the gremlin in my stomach was growling. It was time to eat. We sat down next to the statue of Michelangelo and had pizza and listened to the according someone was playing in the piazza: that's how people beg for money in Italy, playing instruments, it's quite nice and I appreciate it much more.
Our stomachs were filled and our ears were in heaven but time was ticking and daylight was burning. It was on to our next destination: the vecchio bridge. As we walked across the bridge it was lined with beautiful expensive jewelry shops.
My friend who recommended Il Teatro also recommended that the best gelato was located on the other side of vecchio bridge. I bet you can guess what the first place we went when we crossed the bridge was. Oh yes, a gelato shop, and to say it was the best gelato I've had was quite the understatement.
We walked around eating our gelato and licking our lips and came upon piazza pitti: apparently the largest palace in Florence. Tickets to get in to the museum were 13 euro and we had never even heard of it, so we decided that pictures of the outside would suffice.
With the thought of the leather district still in the back of our minds, we continued to another bridge, crossed and made our way back to the leather markets to walk around and explore a little more.
The leather markets were a close second, after the Gucci museum, to my favorite place in Florence.
Since we seemed to have success at Il Teatro the night before, we decided to head back to the same street/piazza and find another place to eat for the night. This time we ate in the Sant Croce piazza, right next to the cathedral we had stumbled upon the night before. I had a delicious calzone, even better than the one I had before! I didn't think that was possible.
At dinner, we met a family traveling from Manhattan and talked with them about their journey in Europe.
On our walk home, as we were passing the Duomo, in the square we heard loud music. Then, all of a sudden, we see a bunch of bikes with balloons on them and people singing along, just riding their bikes. It was a bike parade! The four person bike had a huge speaker on it and was blasting upbeat music (even Micheal Jackson at one point) and everyone behind them were just riding along talking, smiling, and some, drinking beer: just having a grand old time!... As if I hadn't loved the Italians/ Florence enough!
Day 7: I've never loved a city more
March 27, 2013-
Destination: Firenze (Florence), but first, the Leaning Tower of Pisa!!
After walking around Verona all day yesterday, today our destination was Florence, Italy. We would take the train from Verona, make a transfer in Florence to the train that would take us to Pisa. We would get off at Pisa, walk to the leaning tower: have a small photo shoot, and then get back on the train to Florence.
We left Paula and our cute bed and breakfast to walk to the train station at 7 a.m. This time we decided to walk to avoid any problems with the bus which would cause us to potentially miss our train.
Our train was scheduled to leave at 7:50. We had a map and were pretty confident we could make it to the train station with about 20 minutes to spare.
Well, because we had a map, it only meant one thing: we got lost. We should have known. We took a wrong turn and ended up in a disaster. At 7:30 we decided to turn around and walk the way we came from. Eventually we made it to a piazza with only 20 minutes until our train left the station. Desperate, we searched for a taxi and hoped it would get us there in 20 minutes.
In the taxi, with only 10 minutes until 7:50, we could see the train station so we told the taxi driver to let us out. He jacked up the price of the taxi two euro and we were on our way, SPRINTING to the station.
Side note: we were doing all of this while it was pouring rain.
We arrived at the train station and ran to the board to look at which platform our train was on and luckily we read that it was 15 minutes delayed, phew, someone was looking after us! We still went to the platform and were able to get on the train and rest for 15 minutes.
However, because of this train being 15 minutes delayed leaving Verona it meant the next train that we needed to catch in Florence, which would take us to Pisa, we missed. Thankfully on the train ticket it said that the ticket was valid for four hours after the original time, for instances just like this one.
Eventually we made it to Pisa and walked to the Leaning Tower. Surprisingly the town of Pisa, that we had to walk through, was very run-down, had graffiti everywhere, and overall pretty ghetto. I didn't expect that. Luckily after arriving at the tower, there wasn't as many people as I thought would be there, but the tower, in real life, looks exactly how it photographs. Of course we had to take the stereotypical pictures: holding the tower, kicking the tower, and pushing the tower. Then we were back on the train to Florence, finally.
I sat next to this old Italian lady (Nonna or grandma) who was so sweet and funny. We laughed and smiled at each other, not even saying a word. Which brings me to another point; If you haven't been able to tell already, the Italians are much more friendly than the Spanish. They always seem so happy and full of life, even the older ones.
After arriving in Florence, we got off the train and of course, on the wrong bus. We asked a few people and they tried to help us out but apparently gave us the wrong directions. An Italian man, about our age, who was sitting across the row on the bus from chimed in and us told us that he was going somewhere near the hotel we were trying to get to and to just follow him, so we did. After getting off the bus he pointed us in the direction we needed to go and then he went on his way.
We walked to where he pointed and it was still the wrong way, so we asked more people and eventually found our way. Even the people who didn't speak any English who we asked, motioned for us to show them the name of the street and then they pointed in the direction it was. Amazing and so willing to help.
So we walked in circles for a little while and eventually found our hotel: Hotel Colorado, how ironic :).
Hotel Colorado was nice and the man working at the reception desk was very accommodating as well. He gave us a map and explained where everything was in relation to the hotel. The hotel was in a GREAT location and right in the middle of everything. So far we're 3 for 3!
At the hotel we set our stuff down, used the WIFI and the map to plan out our day for the next day so that we saw everything in Florence, and then adventured out to a restaurant my friend who studied abroad in Italy said was the best in all of Florence.
Surprisingly, even though we had many turns, we didn't get lost finding the restaurant. We did, however, get there too early, so we had 30 minutes to spare. So we walked around the area, not to far from the restaurant so that we didn't get lost going back. We found a cathedral (Santa Croce Basilica), a huge library, and then the canal that went through the city. By this time the sun had began to set, by far the most beautiful sun set I have ever seen. We watched the sunset on the side of the canal and then made our way back to the restaurant. Walking through the alleys and along the roads was exactly how I had imagined Italy. This was Italy, just how I had always dreamed it being.
The name of the restaurant was Il Teatro, a little whole in the wall and family owned, but the best place I ate in Italy. I could have ate anything on the menu, it all sounded so delicious, but I decided to have bruschetta to start, then tortellini, and finally cheesecake for dessert. We ordered the house wine and had that along with our meal. If I could eat that same meal every day of my life, I would, it was that good. As we were at our table there were two girls, who were speaking English, next to us. Eventually they asked where we were from and we all started talking. They were from San Francisco and studying abroad in Florence and this was their "go-to" place whenever they wanted great food. They had just been in Barcelona two weeks before (the one weekend it was sunny) and absolutely fell in love with the city. We chatted about Barca for awhile and then, after stuffing our faces, decided it was time to make our way home.
Day 6: Firenze, you have my heart
March 26, 2013-
We woke up to a nice breakfast that Paula left for us. We had toast, jelly, salami, cheese (the Italians got the cheese thing down too, take notes Spain!), yogurt, cocoa pebbles, orange juice, tea, etc. Gourmet and delicious.
We ate and then got dressed for the rainy weather. On our way to the next piazza, we stopped at a gelato shop and had a couple scoops to get us started. Yes, it was raining, and yes, it was only 10 a.m., but you know what they say...."When in Italy...." We couldn't resist.
After we ate our gelato, we went to the Roman Arena, paid 4.50 to get in, only to find out they were doing construction and really, the Arena looked much better from the outside. There really wasn't much to see on the inside, except the construction, and that doesn't always photograph so well. That could have got us another few scoops of gelato!!!!
Anyway, then we were on our way to a castle: castel veccio to be precise. We walked around the castle and took a few pictures and then headed to our next destination: Romeo's house. On our way there we stumbled upon another church, San Lorenzo. We walked in through the gates and up to the church, but we couldn't figure out how to open the door. We thought it was locked until the man behind us pushed the door, not pulled it and then snickered a little at us. BLONDE MOMENT.
Here in Europe every door is push instead of pull, so we always look like idiots trying to pull every door open, but at least we get a good laugh, us and the people watching us. On our way out of the gates when we were finished with the church, the gates wouldn't open. We stood there, trying to figure out how we were going to navigate this contraption and then a guy from inside the church came out and opened them for us. Of course, the man who helped open the door letting us in was right behind us watching this all unfold. He passed us on the street and gave us a funny looked and we all laughed.
On our way to Romeo's house we got a little lost, of course, and ended up at Anastasia Cathedral. We walked around inside and then made our way to Romeo's house, finally. After arriving at Romeo's house we found only a closed garage door with a bunch of writing on it. Clearly, Juliette's house was the more popular one.
As it was the afternoon, it was time for cappuccino. We found a cute cafe and sat inside and drank cappuccino and ate pizza for an afternoon snack.
After pizza and cappuccino we stumbled upon some type of Gardens but later realized it was 7 euro to get in and quickly decided to go to the Roman theater just down the road. At the top of the Roman theater you could see all of Verona, it was quite beautiful with the river running along the middle of the town. It was cold, but a dry crisp cold, which made the pictures that much better.
But the Roman Theater wasn't enough. We wanted to be higher and get an even better view. We took a road that wound through the countryside part of Verona, up and around to the highest point in Verona, the Saint Maria Cathedral. Where we looked out and saw an breathtaking, unrealistic view of God's beautiful creation: Verona, Italy.
After our small photo shoot of Verona, we walked back down the mountain and on to San Zen Basilica. We walked along the beautiful river that wove in and around the town for what seamed like forever, and eventually arrived at the Basilica, which ended up being a disappointment.
Then it was finally time for our favorite part of each day: DINNER TIME!
We retraced our steps to where we were in the piazza in the morning and sat down and had pizza.
Day 5: God's country: Verona, Italy
March 25, 2013-
Destination: Verona
Chao Venezia, it was now time to move to our next destination, little Verona.
We
checked out of our hotel, with trash bags I had brought to put over our
bags so that our bags didn't get wet when it was raining. As we were
walking out of the hotel, the receptionist saw our bags and thought it
was such a smart idea, but we ripped the bag so that our handles would
come up and he noticed and put tape on it so that the rain wouldn't get
in. Italian men are the nicest guys!
It was pouring
outside and windy, as expected, but we caught the vaporetto and arrived
at the train station. On our way to the vaporetto, after leaving the
hotel, we stopped at the outside market one last time and got our daily
banana chips and dried fruit. We were sad to leave it, but would be back
one day.
We got on the train to Verona, I've never
seen a train be so nice before! The seats were in perfect condition, two
on each side, facing another two, with a table in the middle. The table
had plugs to charge things and the cabin even had a bathroom. The train
had huge windows to see our of and there weren't many people on it.
We
began our voyage to Verona along the beautiful Italian countryside. It
was filled with grape vines which were obviously used to make Italian
wine. It was snowing, but the grass was so green and luscious.
After
riding the train for about an hour, we finally arrived to Verona and
made it to the bus station. Now the challenge: getting on the bus and
making it to the hotel.
As you could probably guess, we
got lost. We rode the bus the correct bus I will add, all the way to the
final destination and got off and had no idea where we were. We
couldn't read the bus stop signs because either the bus driver would
pass them when he stopped or the writing was too small. Great, lost
again, story of our lives.
Eventually after asking
around and trying to read the signs, we got back on the bus and got off
at the right stop (we almost passed it and didn't get off again).
This
time, in Verona, we were staying at a Bed and Breakfast. The name: Bed
and Breakfast next to Juliette's house. Dear Lord, what have we got
ourselves in to, a place that doesn't even have a name? This ought to be
a good time. We made our way up the stairs to the cutest place I have
ever stayed in. We were greeted by this sweet Italian woman named Paula
who showed us the beautiful apartment, decorated in paisley and so
clean. She showed us to our room (it was only a 2 bedroom) and then gave
us a map and told us what we should see while we were there. She made
sure we had everything we needed and asked us what time we wanted
breakfast and then went on her merry way. Paula will always have a
special place in my heart! She made me feel at home the most while I've
been in Europe.
Then we went out to Juliette's house
and to explore Verona. We walked through a tunnel with writing all over
the walls and saw a lock wall. We went in to the Juliette's house
museum, which was a waste of 4 euro because it was really only just
clothes with quotes from Romeo and Juliette, but that was okay. After
the museum we wandered around more and found a square called Piazza Erbe
which had an island in the middle with a bunch of tented stands with
little tourist trinkets, sandwiches, and then lastly: fruit!
After
looking around there for awhile we headed to the Lamberti Tower to see a
panoramic view of Verona this time. This time around it wasn't so cold
or windy and we could spend more time looking out and taking pictures.
We
went to another cathedral and then sat inside for a cup of cappuccino
and then walked around exploring a little more before dinner. When we
were walking around taking pictures an Italian lady that was walking
along, stopped and asked if we wanted a picture together without us even
asking. Uh, I love it!
The scenery in Verona was just like a Thomas Kinkade painting, absolutely beautiful.
Well,
after killing enough time before dinner, we wandered around a little
more and found a cute little restaurant and I had bigoli amatriciana,
which was so good, with grilled vegetables (ahh, I've missed vegetables)
and homemade Italian tiramisu. The tiramisu was BY FAR the best I've
ever had, the flavor was unimaginable.
Day 4: Loving the Italians
March 24, 2013-
Chao!!
We braved the rain storm, which continued in to today and went on our way to Piazza San Marco, this time, without breakfast.
We made our way to the San Marco Basilica just in time for mass for Palm Sunday. Perfect timing! We were handed our palms and walked around until we could find a good place to see the alter. The Bishop was giving the mass and the basilica was absolutely astonishing, so pretty! Because we were in Venice, the mass was in Italian, naturally. By this time we were fluent, you know, but he was speaking a little "too fast" for us to be able to understand it ;)
When mass was finished we went back out in to the pouring rain and in to the square and went to the top of the campanile tower to get a beautiful panoramic view of Venice.
As we were just about to get in to the elevator to go to the top there was a sign that said "Warning: cold and windy." Alright, we thought, no big deal, we've been through that before.... or so we thought. We got to the top and walked out of the elevator and were frozen solid! Our fingers could barely move to take the pictures, not to mention, the bells, which could be heard throughout all of Venice, were 5 minutes from ringing right next to us in the tower. We scurried around and took as many pictures as possible and then quickly got back in the elevator and down to the bottom. It was worth it, and we didn't even lose our hearing!
As my Spanish teacher told me many times "you must drink cappuccino in Piazza San Marco." Alright Alright Midea (Me-day-ah) since we were freezing cold, I think a cappuccino in Piazza San Marco was exactly what we deserved. We found a cafe and got out of the rain to sit at the bar for a cappuccino..... Which began my addiction to cappuccino in Italy. Amanda had ordered hot chocolate, only to recieve, literally, a cup of hot melted chocolate. Then, we found another cafe with a heater and we sat down at an empty table and ate my left over heavenly calzone from the night before.
After we were full and feeling warm and fuzzy, we adventured to the Museo di San Marco, the museum on top of the basilica. We walked through the museum looking at old bibles that used to be used, old candlesticks, old priest vestments, etc. From the museum you could see the whole basilica and the ceiling was lit up so you could see all the pretty gold tiles.
By the time we were done with everything, it was pouring rain and getting late. We were hungry and even though I had an umbrella, soaking wet. We walked to the nearest vaporetto dock, but I saw a huge cathedral on the other side of the canal that looked beautiful. We HAD to go over there. So, we got on the vaporetto, got off at the next stop, which was right in front of the cathedral, walked around and took pictures for about 5 minutes and then got right back on the vaporetto and back home.
Because it was pouring rain and very chilly, there weren't many people out and about, which was nice. Of course there were still come gondola's out and about with crazy people with umbrellas riding along, but for the most part, it was pretty quiet. As we got off the vaporetto and were on our way home, the outside market was open so we stopped for banana chips and dried fruit this time. I couldn't feel my hands or feet, but the banana chips sure did taste good after a long day.
As we were walking home we noticed that the canal was starting to overflow into the streets, what a disaster! There's going to be a flood!
For dinner we stayed close to the hotel and ate Chinese food. I had almond chicken with rice and SOY SAUCE (something my roommate nor I can find in Barca). For dessert we had some kind of white and dark truffle ice cream. So good!
When we got home, there was our friend, waiting for us, peaking outside the restaurant, welcoming us with a big smile.
Day 3: a cup of cappuccino
