Europe: Part 3

Next up was Venice, Italy! Again, we took a nice little bus ride up to the little "island" of a city, Venice. Really, Venice is made up of a bunch of different islands that are "hooked" together by cute bridges and buildings. Therefore, Venice is all about water! To get there, we actually had to ride a ferry boat. We got to spend pretty much all day there, but the bummer thing about that day was that it was RAINING. Nonstop. Okay, maybe just a little sunshine break in the afternoon, but then it went right back to the way it was. I did not bring my cute pocket-sized umbrella that day. Oh, and did I mention we almost didn't get to visit Venice because it was FLOODED. Yep. Flooded. We even walked on small wooden walkways above the ground so we didn't have to step in the 2 or 3 inches of water below us. Crazy!

Well, it wasn't as horrible as it sounded, but I was pretty much freezing and wet all day! Despite that, we still went on a gondola ride (serenading and all), walked the streets, explored the fun little shops that were all over, and watched a glass-blowing demonstration. I think my favorite part was just looking at all of the bridges and canals. I think I would like to go back there on a nice, warm day though to appreciate it all a little more. It was still amazing being there and worth it all in the end! It made me feel like I was in all those action-packed movies like James Bond that took place there! :)

Europe: Part 2

Okay, so here goes part 2 of my trip to Europe. Our next stop was to Florence, Italy. Florence is up more in the "country" part of Italy. It took only about a half day to get there by bus from Rome. The scenery on that bus ride was AMAZING! Wonderfully green, rolling hills! When we got to Florence, we got to spend the afternoon and evening exploring a little square in the city. The next day, we were led on a tour through more of the historical parts of the city and through a museum that held the famous "David" statue, sculpted by the one and only Michelangelo! We also did some good shopping of the fine leather goods! In all, I actually really enjoyed the little city of Florence! Not as overwhelming as Rome, but it was very fun to walk the tiny little streets, shop, and see the ancient architecture!

Europe: Part 1

Okay, so I realize I am terrible at keeping up on this blogging thing...I am not sure it will ever change either, because Facebook is so much easier to update, but I will keep doing my best! Anyway, Happy New Year!
I thought I would share some highlights of my trip to Europe in October/November of last year. We stopped at 6 different places in Europe and I will most likely have to do 6 different posts about each of those places, because I took WAY too many pictures!

The first place we stopped was Rome, Italy! Rome is one of those places that is totally unique because they have so many ruins from the ancient times there. You will be driving along the streets and all of the sudden, in the middle of 2 modern buildings, will be some ancient columns or steps or homes just sitting there! So interesting! Also, there is the center of the Roman Catholic church and all of its buildings and history. The day we got there, it was a Sunday. Apparently every Sunday at 12 noon, the Pope comes to his window in the Vatican Square and does his little sermon to all the people. Our hotel was literally a block from the square, so, you guessed it, we got to go hear him! We had no clue what he was saying and even left before he was done, but it was so interesting to listen and watch all the people there! We spent a day and half there and expored the Colosseum, Roman Forum, Vatican, Sistine Chapel, and all the old Roman City parts. It was all unbelievable! However, I think that since I have been there, I wouldn't really go back...I didn't feel really safe and it was kind of dirty, so definately not my favorite place in Europe, but I was glad I experienced it! Here are some pictures: