Last days in Italy

So, today is my second to last day in Italy. I can't believe my time here has flown by so fast! I am really going to miss so much...like hour long dinners, wine at every meal, crossing the Ponte Vecchio to go to school everyday, traveling throughout europe every weekend...so much. At the beginning being abroad was hard because I didn't know anyone, but now I feel like when I go back home I have so much readjusting to do. I'm a bit nervous for this supposed reverse culture shock that comes with going home...but I'm also really excited to be heading back to the states! I miss my family and friends so it will be great to reunite with everyone. The only thing is, two days after I get back to Rye I have to hop another time zone, because I'm going on a 2 week long family vacation to the Galapagos! I'm of course really excited, but I know I won't be getting much rest this weekend because I'll essentially be spending 2 days on a plane. Oh wellll. Being in Europe this past semester was WELL worth it and I'll remember my time here forever!

Lucca

Last Tuesday, on a day off from classes, I ventured to the beautiful city of Lucca on my own--just to grab some lunch and see a new town. It was so cute! One of the last walled cities left in Italy, the entire town is enclosed and composed of all these quaint little streets and parks. I took a nice long walk facing the walls, got some good pizza at Pizzeria Felice, and took photos of course. It was definitely worth the trip and a must-see for people who are studying in Tuscany!

Weekend in Venice!

Venice was by far my favorite town that I have seen in Italy so far. I absolutely loved it! It was such a peaceful weekend... our program stayed in a great four star hotel called Hotel Belle Arti, and got to see the famous Biannale art Exhibition. Venice was beautiful beyond words. The whole city is bolstered by a lagoon, so the only way to get around the town is by walking or talking a "vaporetto" (water taxi) if you want to avoid getting lost. Also, Venice was so expensive! I was glad to be on a prepaid school trip because our meals, aside from lunches, were accounted for and the food was of course exquisite... I mean it is Italy : ). I got some great murano glass necklaces and rings too. If you have to see a town in Italy, aside from Florence, Venice is a must... nothing beats its charm and sheer brilliant views!

Photos from my Trip to Denmark and Sweden!

Weekend in Belgium..Details!

Last weekend I saw Belgium, the first time I had been to the country! It was beautiful. With my friend from home, I saw the towns of Bruges, Brussels, and Leuven. Bruges was by far my favorite. So quaint and charming...I had my first waffle and sampling of traditional Belgium chocolates there! We climbed to the top of the Bell Tower, viewed the city from a birds eye angle, took a really cute boat tour and heard about the history of the town...it was great. I really think it might have been one of the most amazing little areas of Europe I have seen, other than the cities of Italy.

Saturday night we went out in Brussels at this great 3-story bar called Delirium, with 2004 beers! I got to try lots of Belgium beer and had a blast. Sunday and throughout the weekend I toured Leuven, where my friend is studying, a small and really nice suburb of Brussels. This weekend I head to Copenhagen and Sweden...another action-packed weekend ahead! Ciao for now!

Escapades in Belgium!

Pictures of The GORGEOUS Siena!!!