This to I Will Miss

There are many things I will miss about Florence and Europe ,here are some things I will miss.

1. The slow pace of life

2. The many different people who all have a story of their own.

3. The older women and men are usually the most friendly and so cute.

4. Dragoons, of course. Whether you have them at the beginning or the end of the night it is always an interesting one.

5. Apertivo-pay for a drink and get a buffet of food- Why didn’t we think of that?

6. The fact that wine and beer are cheaper than water.

7. The fresh produce everywhere

8. The food- I still am not sick of pasta or gelato.

9. All the beautiful architecture and detail put into every building- the simple thought of wondering who walked along these cobblestone paths never ceased to amaze me.

10. The rush of taking public transportation- its not fun to take the train unless you are running on it.

11. The street performers.

12. The little turns you make and somehow end up on a street you have never been on before that has a charm all its own.

13. The constant discovery I found in myself, in others, and in the places I visited.

14. Not every really worrying about anything, unless it was missing a train or plane.

15. Santa Croce Square- Kikuya, Salamanca, Red Garder, Moyo, Vittoria all had the best night scene.

16. The sandwich shops- Narboni, Antico Noe, The Oil Shoppe, and Gusta Panino

17. Being able to drink in Public and on the corner of a bridge- so much less worrying

This semester would not have been anything without the people I have met along the way. There were some people I became very close to that made my semester as special as it was…

Amanda was my “little bean” We were a like in many ways it was almost scary. She was the one I called to tell her about my night when she was not there. We had no shame in sharing everything with each other. She had her weird qualities but that was something to love about her. The way she talked was conatagious to everyone whether they liked it or not. She was able to see the best in everyone and was very down to earth. We seemed to always stick together especially when it meant pouring beer on a guy in a case of getting him back.

 

 

Elizabeth had been my great friend and roommate before but her and I went through many things together this semester that strengthened are friendship tremendously. We both watched eachother grow and learn different things. It was nice having someone I could trust with me always and someone who had the same lifestyle I did. We met new friends through eachother and did more traveling than we thought we would which ended up being very great. We created memories that we will be able to reminsce for the rest of our lives.

 

 

Devin was always up for anything just as I was. We both shared crazy and funny stories and always found ourselves laughing through the night. We were able to share many trips together along with many moments in Florence as well, such as drinking champagne in Santa Maria Novella square. Whether it was sleepovers because we were too tired to go out or conquering the bell tower in Croatia or Nueschwanstein in Munich we seemed to always have a great time.

 

 

 

Holly had such a good heart and was so much fun to be with. You would never know what kind of night you were going to get with her but it was always one for the books. She was laid back and willing to do whatever in situations. We always seemed to have a good time traveling and hanging out together. She is one of the funniest people I know. It all started when Elizabeth pushed her in the shopping cart outside the Duomo and only got more funny from there.

 

 

 

Lauren was the mom most of the time but that is why we loved her. We not only shared our cooking class together we shared many trips, night outs and chats as well. She was always there to listen and always so welcoming. Elizabeth was really lucky to have her as a roommate. She always had a quirky attitude that added some spice to the mix. From the beginning I knew we would get along since her and Elizabeth got a long so well. She had a kind soul and always looked out for everyone and was up for anything.

 

 

Hannah and I were in the same major at CSU but were never really that close until this semester. Living in the same apartment we had to go through things when we only had each other. Living with a non working washer and the tiniest kitchen that didn’t have a stove we stuck together through everything. Whether it was heart to hearts over dinners and gelato or horseback riding through Chianti we were able to ask each other advice and learn about each other at the same time. She had a good sense about people and was very personable which made it easy for us to get along. She never judged someone for their actions but was not afraid to give you her opinion about it which was very refreshing.

 

Jess and I were also in the same major but not very close until this semester. We had many adventures together whether it be the wild Spring Break or the nice day tri[ to Portafino we always seemed to have a good time. We both loved to dance at the clubs and always seemed to end the night laughing. She was so funny yet so kind that made her easy to get along with anyone.

 

Larissa and I were the same as the two above. Her and I had many moments together and I was happy to be able to get to know her more. She was so funny when she got a few drinks in her that you could not help but laugh at her. She was very sweet though and always willing to help. She had a very exciting semester, getting engaged and all, and it was very exciting to see everything happen for her.

Jim and Karen Arrive in Italia!

At the time my parents came to Florence I was going back and forth between many emotions. At one point I would find myself just wanting time to stop so I could soak up everything about this city that has become my home and at other times I would feel my heart wanting home more and more. I was very excited to see my parents with out a doubt, but that also meant that this semester was coming to an end and I was not sure if I was ready to face that yet. As always though there is something comforting about having them here and I was excited to show them my new home and all the history and things I have grown to love here. They got settled in their cozy bed and breakfast that was in an area I hadn’t even been to in Florence. We started off enjoying some drinks on the rooftop café overlooking all of Florence. We were able to get a great view of the Duomo, one of the best views I had seen  yet. Then we met Elizabeth and Camillo’s for dinner. It was Elizabeth’s last night in Florence so it was great that we could get a nice meal before she left. After dinner Mom and Dad went home while Elizabeth and I went out to celebrate our last night out in Florence. It was all bitter-sweet having our last Dragoons. The next day I met up with Mom and Dad and showed him one of my class rooms to give them an idea of where I had been studying all semester. Then we went to the San Lorenzo market, making some stops on the way of course. I had to have my dad try a Narboni sandwich and see what the market was like inside and out. After we had some gelato and one of my favorite gelato places and I ran up to Elizabeth’s apartment to say goodbye to all of the girls. I kept telling myself that it wasn’t good bye that it was more of a “See you later.” I couldn’t let it hit me that that “See you later” meant “See you in America.” We continued on our way taking in the sights of Florence such as Ponte Vecchio, the Arno River, and other elements of the city. then we headed to Boboli gardens where I thought I would kill my mom trying to make it up the hills. They enjoyed all the colors in the Spring that the garden had and the history I knew of the garden and the Medici family. After we rested and freshened up then headed up to Piazza Michael Angelo to watch the sunset. We got some cheese, wine and salami and took in all of Florence and its beauty. I saw some more of the girls there and had to say goodbye to all of them then too. That night we went to dinner at 13 Gotto by my house then moved all of my stuff out of the apartment. Jess had already left so after that it was just Hannah and Rebecca, again I  had to say “See you in Colorado.” type of goodbye. On Saturday we started out doing the Uffizi gallery then going to lunch and Gusta Osteria so they could see Santa Spirito. We headed back to Palazzo Vecchio so they could get an idea of the kind of living the Medici’s had. After that we went to Mass at the Duomo so they could peak inside and also saw the baptistery. After we listened to my favorite musician in Florence play in Piazza Santa Maria Novella and enjoyed some gelato. I was soaking in all of my last moments in Florence. That night we went to a place that a woman at our Bed and Breakfast suggested then headed back. The next day we stopped in Siena on the way to the Amalfi Coast. It was a rainy day and I was unprepared in my sandals and shorts. Siena was beautiful even with the rain, their Duomo was beautiful with pink granite on the outside, but not as big as the one in Florence. We also went to San Domineca where we saw St. Catherine’s thumb and face, it was very amazing. She had a beautiful monastery by her old house as well that had frescos depicting her life. We went off to find a place Rick Steve’s suggested for lunch only to find that the place was full. We spent about an hour after tat trying to find the other place and deciding where to eat. Finally we decided on a little hole in the wall place that only had two people working in it. I felt like I was in an old Medieval cave with the walls and shields everywhere and the big bearded man drinking beer like water to cool off. We had to wait awhile for all of the food but it was great and the people were friendly. The man also gave my dad his beer for free which gave my dad bonus points. Dad was frustrated about spending too much time in Siena and worried about the ride to Amalfi and the dreaded coast line. Everything was going great until we got closer and lost trying to get on the right road. By that point it was dark and raining still and all of us were on edge. Eventually we made it to Praiano where our Bed and Breakfast was at 10:30 at night. We stopped and had dinner in Amalfi for some dinner where my dad received another free beer, I think they could sense the stress we were all under. The next day we had lunch in Praiano and San Gennero Trattoria and saw inside the church there as well, it was beautiful with brightly colored tile all over the floor inside and out. The walls and ceilings were covered with white and yellow moldings everywhere. Then we headed into Positano and headed for the beach. The sand was dark grey and the water was a beautiful clear blue. Even though it was a bit overcast it was still beautiful. We collected sea glass along the beach, but my favorite time was when I was taking a picture of my mom and dad on some rocks and a huge wave came up and splashed them. The best part of the day was when I spotted Pierce Brosnan outside of a ceramic store. There he was just living his life right in front of me I almost took a picture but felt creepy and decided to run and get my dad who was sitting on the corner waiting for us to shop. As he walked by him my dad gave him a casual “Hey Pierce, how ya doing?” This is when I realized I would never be able to live in LA. We headed back to Praiano and watched the sunset from our balcony and then headed down for dinner. We were the only ones to sit outside but we wanted to take in the view, even if it was a bit chilly outside. The poor woman kept rushing us our food when she came outside but was to sweet to be rude. My dad and I were too stubborn to admit that it might be just a little too cold out. We had a very delicious meal though so it made it worth it. The next day we headed to Sorrento only to find that the boats going to the Blue Grotto were non existent because of the weather. We took in Sorrento and the lively atmosphere by having a nice lunch and stopping by some shops and of course having some gelato. That night we went to dinner in Positano but were ready to get home and relax. The next day we were heading off to Rome. So far mom and dad have been keeping up very well but I think are a little tired of walking, especially up al the stairs and hills.

Just a Ride Through Chianti

The Chianti Region of Italy is the epitome of the Italian country side we all picture when we hear of vineyards and olive oil trees everywhere you turn. Hannah and I decided to take in this countryside by horse. Naomi and I became very good friends by the end of the trip. She was a beautiful 20 year old horse. It had been a  couple years since I had been on a horse but it was just like riding a bike. Winding around Prince Corsini’s land filled with vineyards and olive trees and huge fields was breathtaking. Poor Hannah had the grandma horse that stopped to eat every chance she could get. After our horse ride we said good bye to our horses and headed to the Villa where we got a tour of the Winery and had a delicious lunch where we were able to enjoyed some of the wine. We made friends with a nice couple from Alabama who were on their honeymoon, it was neat to be able to celebrate with them a little bit. We stopped in a village where Machiavelli was exiled by the Medicis and saw the house he stayed in. Then we enjoyed some delicious gelato-naturally. Italy is beautiful in the Spring, the flowers are gorgeous and smell wonderful. Everything is more green and I find myself blinking just to make sure I am really seeing all of this with my own eyes. The poppies are starting to bloom and more and more tourists are arriving in Florence. Funny how I get so annoyed of them isn’t it? I feel as though I have become somewhat of a local. The weather has been beautiful as I have been soaking in these last moments of Italian life.

The Vineyard, Naomi and Hannah struggling with her horse.

Italy in bloom.

The village where Machiavelli was exiled to in the distance he was able to see the Duomo

Springfest!

In the magical land of Germany  “beer flows like wine”. Our first day we started out doing a bike tour led by a fun witty Irish lad named Andy. It was a great way to see the city and hear stories about Crazy Ludwig being found in the river and the shoot out Hitler and his men had on one of the squares. Huge groups of us were seen riding around on our beach cruisers all throughout the city- tourism at its finest. We made a bit stop at the second largest bier garten in Europe. I am not sure what we were more excited for the food or the beer. We got an assortment of meet some sauerkraut and potato dumplings it was all delicious. We all tried a beer called the Raddler which is a bikers drink so it was fitting to have one of those. It is a beer mixed with lemonade- very good. After the bier garten we finished up our bike tour then went home and got ready to head to Springfest! When we got there it brought back memories of the 4h Fair, but this was much better. We rode some of the rides then found the tent from the inside it doesn’t look like much but once we stepped in we were taken back by all the people in their lederhosen standing on their benches and the massive liter mugs of beer being passed out and the singing with the band up at the front of the tent. The women carried these liter mugs up to ten at a time I could not believe it. Once we found ourselves a table we all got a beer, had a “prost” and sang a long with the band. Everyone was so friendly we knew we would like this place from the start. The next day Devin and I headed up to the famous Disney castle known as Neuschwanstein Castle. It belonged to Crazy Ludwig who only got to live in the castle about 127 days because he died. They never finished the full construction of the castle but it has been open to the public shortly after his death. It was absolutely beautiful every inch of the finished rooms were painted. His room had many wood carvings on the furniture as well. We were taken back by the beauty of the landscape around the area. Once we headed back we could not wait to go back to the festival for round two. We headed straight for the tent this time. We met some boys and girls from Germany that soon became our clos e friends we all sang songs like Sweet Caroline together and had a ball. I was not sure life could get any better. Time seemed to stand still in the tent because we went in when it was light and came out when it was dark. The next day we went to Dachau Concentration camp. It was a dreary day which seemed fitting for it all. The memorials were powerful enough to put someone in a somber mood. It was ironic as well because the anniversary of Hitler’s death was the day before. Walking through the gas chamber had to have been the hardest part to imagine the mounds of people around that area being killed for no reason at all. The dormotories put things into perspective imagining living in such close tight spaces. It was very interesting to see all it and walk through the museum. It was a nice ending to such a wonderful weekend. On our way home I couldn’t help but keep thinking that things were coming to an end. When people said it goes fast they were kidding. I just don’t feel as though my time here is up yet I don’t feel finished with Italy or any of Europe. I find myself walking slower now and looking up more to take in everything that I won’t be able to see. This was our last week of classes before finals as well. I am trying to eat at the places I have been wanting to eat and do the things I have not done yet with the little time I have left here. Sometimes I wish time would just stand still, but that is life time is never on any of our sides.

Haufbrua House, the crew, and the best ride ever!

Cheers! Beautiful Germany and the horses making it up to the castle

Neuschwanstein

Dachua and the morning after Springfest