Spring Break 2014: Adventures Galore!

Arrivederci, Roma!

Well, we are on our way out

When In Rome Has Been Said Way Too Many Times, And It's Only Been Three Days... But Hey, When In Rome!

We're in Roma! I can't even believe it. We've been here for three days and I love it here so much. It is unlike any of the other italian cities, because it is so rich in so much history.

The bus ride on Saturday was pretty ok, we had quite the trek to the bus stop (walking with all of our gear was pretty funny, we all died a little bit. I'm so glad Dad always made me push myself on our hikes because gosh darn it, I was bound and determined to be in front, I wasn't going to get lost! Luckily, one of the bus drivers liked me and carried my bag toward the end since I was in the front of the pack.) I mostly listened to music during the ride and Steve was nice enough to give me some of his bus wine for the trip. It was nice to zone out a bit and enjoy the countryside. It was a beautiful ride, slightly rainy so everything was green and it smelled good. On the way into the city, we drove by the Colosseum, took a quick spin into Vatican City, and saw some pretty historic landmarks. Say what?! How did I get so lucky?

OH MY GOD I CAN'T HANDLE IT.

After our bus ride, we got dropped off at our hotel. We are on the first floor (only one flight of steps this time, opposed to the usual six!) It's pretty neat, I'm rooming with Jackie again and we have a great view. We all walked around and then got some of the best pizza in Rome with the group. I had zucchini with mozzarella pizza with Abby and it was to die for. Megan gave me a clove of her garlic from her garlic and marinara pizza because she's a beautiful soul and I almost died from happiness. Stahsha, Jackie, and I went on a late night gelato run and we found a perfect place a few blocks from our hotel that even dips our gelato in chocolate! And even after all of the things I ate and drank, and how many times I brushed my teeth,  and when I woke up the next morning, my breath smelled terribly of garlic.

View from my hotel room, no big deal. I was definitely sipping wine while taking the picture on the right...

The next day was a pretty easy day too, we walked up the Spanish Steps, accidentally walked into a few church services since it was Sunday, and saw the Pantheon for the first time. That was pretty cool. Megan and I geeked out over mythology and Roman history, it's nice to have someone as nerdy about history as I am on this trip. After our brief exploration in the rain, we listened to Steve give his presentation on three Carravagio paintings and had yet another delicious cappuccino in a small cafe. I bought some groceries at a small store and headed back to the hotel, where I snacked and sketched the rest of the day/night away. It was great to hang out with everyone, just making art and laughing.

I ran into those windows. It was really embarrassing, but now it's really funny.

Yesterday was one of the best days of the trip and quite possibly my life, although the day started off a bit rocky (I accidentally ran into our first set of windows and gave myself a fat lip. I understand what birds feel like now, I was so embarrassed!!). We walked to the Vatican yesterday (some of our party were almost hit by a moped and a car when they jay walked but don't worry, no injuries haha) and there were sooo many people, it was not my scene at all. I did enjoy the art though, I saw so many cool things, like Egyptian art and artifacts, some Mesopotamian art, Laocoon and His Sons, and some greats like "School of Athens" and the Sistine Chapel!

School of Athens, what?!

SISTINE CHAPEL (with the wonderful Steve) SHOT!

They were wonderful to see but the high light of my day was the people in my group. I really enjoy the togetherness that I feel around them, we are all syncing quite nicely. Nice-Guy-Steve bought me a cappuccino that we enjoyed outside in the sunshine, we all relaxed by a fountain, and then we all walked to "the best Gelateria in Roma" (according to Harvey, to which I agree). I had limone and fragola, as per usual on my sunny days. Then we walked to St. Peter's Square and man, it was a perfect day to be in the square. Sunny and warm, but not too hot or crowded. After walking around for a bit and taking pictures, we got in line to see the church. It wasn't even that long of a wait, and it was most definitely worth it. We immediately saw Michelangelo's Pieta and were serenaded by some of the priests (I'm assuming) as they were entering the church. The massiveness was almost overwhelming but really fun to be in. I rubbed the oldest bronze statue of St. Peter for good luck with Steve, Megan, and Belit! We also got to go down into the crypts and see where old popes are buried. It was an interesting experience. After that, we drank out of a fountain in the courtyard, so I'm now expecting to live for forever.

Sunny times with friends in Vatican City.

After that, Prof Harvey, Belit, Megan, Steve, Teddy, and I wandered around Rome and saw some of the cool places Harvey knew about. We crossed the river and went to a wonderful cafe. I had my first Aperol Spritz and it was delicious. We talked art and Italy and life. It was a fun time.

Exploring and then rewarding ourselves with booze. My favorite.

We came back to the hotel for a brief respite and then went out for "a surprise". We walked by the Pantheon at night and it was so beautiful! It was all lit up and almost glowing, I could live there no problem. And there was a cellist playing in the square. I gave her a few euro, I have to support my cello family after all! We continued walking and finally saw our surprise: The Trevi Fountain! I threw in a penny for (more) good luck and made a wish (but I can't tell you that one). It was really fun to walk and talk and see some roman night life. I think I could stay here for a while...

 

Trevi Fountain in Roma

Me and Megan makin' some wishes.

After that, some of us went to a wonderful dinner at Taverna Birreria (which loosely translates to Old Bear Tavern) and had an excellent dinner. I had cozzo (mussels) fettuccine with pomodoro (tomatoes) paired with really good white wine. Everything everyone ordered was delicious. I finished it all, and cleaned my plate with the bread they gave us.

 My nom noms of the trip, I could eat this every day and be super happy about it.

And that was my day yesterday! Today was a little low key, we went to a market and I window shopped a little, but mostly I stayed in and caught up in my sketchbook and listened to music. I am having a pretty great time, I'm really enjoying the people I'm with, I'm looking at phenomenal art every day, and experiencing a beautiful city. Life is pretty wonderful.

Ciao for now!

xoxo
Alaine

I Met David And I Think He's Pretty.

Yup, saw David and definitely had a moment. He's very pretty and I might just be in love with him. It was great seeing him in person. But I'm getting ahead of myself.

We went to Siena on Wednesday and that was cool, a little on the chilly and rainy side but it's my fault for not investing in an umbrella yet (amendment: I have since bought one, for a steal so hooray for being dry now). We saw some wonderful frescos and heard Caity talk about the Allegories and Effects of Good Government. We had free time after that to explore the city so we got some pizza and explored. Later, surprise surprise, I got gelato. And it was good.

I could post pictures with art, but sometimes I like gelato more!

Yesterday, we got to see Fra Fillipo Lipi's Annunciation and I was pretty excited, it's always been one of my favorites. It's still so crazy to see these works of art that I've only ever read about and seen online or in books. I love the feeling I get when it finally happens.

Hello Gorgeous.

So, on to one of the big ones: David. I have seen David. THE David. and it was awesome. And I mean, emphasis on the "awe" part. He's so much bigger and grander than I could have imagined. And I could stare at his face for hours and not get bored. I saw some amazing cellos in the exhibit too, they were from the 1500 and 1600s, they were beautiful. After that, I went shopping with Kyle and Abby and watched them haggle over prices. I'm saving my money for something special but it was really fun to get the bartering experience from them.

Florence is great, I can't believe it's almost time to leave already! I've had such a great time here. And it's March tomorrow, time is flying by. I'm making so many great connections with the people here with me, they are all becoming pretty important to me.

We like to swing! (Stahsha, Jackie, and Caity in Siena!)

(Left:) Sneaky Max picture (Right:) Selfie with Megan and Belit

Steve and Abby, looking fiiiiiine.

My girls: Megan, Belit, Abby, and Jackie.

(Left:) Kyle soaking up the sunshine! (Right:) A blurry Jackie and Stahsha walking in the Siena rain

Abby, me, and Teddy on the top of the world... in Florence!

They're pretty great. I think I'll keep them.

Ok, well, I have to pack and then sleep so ciao for now, I'll write more when I have more time!

Buono notte!

xoxo
Alaine

Friends In Firenze

We've been in Florence, Italy for a few days and I must say, it's the coolest city I've ever been in.

We got here from Mantova on Thursday (the bus ride was pretty alright, I watched "Austenland" with Belit and it was perfect). We are in The Hotel Duomo, and this is the veiw:

That's right, the Duomo church is RIGHT outside of my window.

We unpacked, explored a bit with Harvey and Robbye, and then immediately went out on the town and danced at a disco... That was quite the experience. As you would expect, I grew up a lot that day in terms of what the men are like here... And that is all I'm going to say. No, kidding, it was a fun, educational night and I enjoyed myself immensely, but I also don't feel the need to do it all that often. I danced my heart out with the people who went and it was nice to get rid of some unwanted energy. My legs are starting to get some tone and this definitely pushed it over the edge a bit.

It was about what one would expect when you think "European Dance Club." We won't be going back.

The next day was superb because we went to the Uffizi museum and I saw so many works by the great masters I've heard of my entire life. Michelangelo, Raphael, Leonardo (da Vinci, but people only call him Leonardo here), and tons more. I cannot believe I saw "The Birth of Venus" and "Primavera" by Botticelli! I'm still in a bit of shock right now. We also hiked up the hill to Michelangelo's favorite church and saw some great views of the city! 

I'm on top of the world!

Churches and sights and Italy galore!

The food is beyond compare as well, I found a pizza place that I eat at almost every day because I'm that in love with their food. I have tried a few interesting things as well, I'm saving up for a "big meal", but until then, I'm enjoying the smaller, less expensive places. Also, I think I have a severe gelato addiction because there are stores every ten feet and I feel like I stop in all of them for more! (My system is limone (lemon) and fragole (strawberry) during the sunny part of the day and then tiramisu and caffe (coffee) during the cold/dark times... And this system is flawless because I win either way. 

Oh, and the cappuccinos here are to die for. I live on them, too.

Anywhoo, the days spent here are amazing. If I stay in, I bond with the girls (and the three gentlemen) who are here with me, and if I go out, I get a better grasp on this amazingly beautiful city. Words do not express the freedom and happiness I feel here. It also feels good to "escape reality" for a little bit. Stepping away from a few situations at home have helped me process some feelings and thoughts and ideas. Stahsha has said a few times "I could get lost in my head" and that really hit home with me recently. (She says a lot of good thought things. She's a smart kitty). I've been thinking from a more detached point of view, and that has helped me sort a few things out. And it's been really nice to not have as much responsibility, which sounds a bit bad but let me explain: I have always been a work-for-the-future type of person, which is great, but it's also pretty exhausting. It's really exhilarating to have a more flighty and in the moment type of experience. Caitlin told me a saying that fits perfectly: "la vita italiana e bella. Il bel far niente." which translates along the lines of "The beauty of doing nothing. Or of being." more ore less. Which captures it beautifully. Living in the moment without much thought or care is selfish, but much needed. It was a bit of a rough winter, so this feels really nice.

The last few days have been particularly amazing. We spent a day in Lucca, where we rode bicycles around the town and ate gelato and sketched in the sunshine. It was one of the most amazing experiences of my life, I felt completely alive and wonderful.

Yup. It was one of the best days of my life.

Then, yesterday, we went to a paper marbling factory/company and learned how to marble. It was so much fun! I marbled royal blue with gold and violet (pictures pending, I didn't have my camera so I'm relying on Abby to upload sometime. Here's what her's looked like!

Oh hey, that's my elbow too! Marbling was so amazing! Diego was very nice.

We made journals too, I cannot believe how much fun it was. I will definitely be exploring bookmaking when I get back to Montana. We bound journals, made pencils, and talked to some of the friendliest human beings on the planet. Laura had the most infectious laugh I've ever heard, and Gioni was the nicest man in all of Italy. I had some of the most genuine and excited moments of my life, they were just pure energy and happiness. It was an almost transcendent experience. 

Here was us in the workshop and my finished journal (Better photos pending)

Today we went to the a Sculpture Museum in the morning and had a little lunch on a rooftop cafe. It was a beautiful view. Stahsha and Jackie had a little bit of wine and enjoyed the sunshine while I had a tiny sandwich and a cuppocino. It was a lovely afternoon. 

Then after our little break, we saw the inside of the Duomo. It was pretty cool to see what was on the inside of the dome. We were surrounded by tourists which kinda detracted from the experience, but it was incredibly, nonetheless.

I know that I'm leaving out so much and already forgetting things, but there is just so much to experience and remember and do! My italian is sooooo slowly but surely improving. I've been up-downed a few times by some guys, my legs are feeling great from all of the a'cursed stairs, and I'm so incredibly happy (though I'm missing my little Emmy dog right about now!) Life is pretty amazing. More to come, ciao from Firenze everyone!

xoxo

Alaine

On To: Mantova!

Today, we came to Mantova (called Mantua in the states). The bus ride was pretty alright actually, I just listened to music and thought about some things. Nothing dark, but it was nice to just sit with my thoughts and not talk.

I think that Mantova/Mantua is the most amazing place I've been thus far. (Most of the group feels this way, actually). It is so authentic and wonderful. Our hotel room is so awesome, it's all white and spacious, we are having a blast already!

I sleep there. Our room is awesome. As is roommate Jackie

I've had quite a few (very short) conversations with locals. The sad part is, I'm incredibly proud of my limited Italian when I should be reaaaaally embarrassed. Whatever. I also had THE best meal: Risotto with asparagus and aged cheese and delicious wine. Then we got chocolate out of a super sketchy vending machine, but it was quite delicious. I cannot wait to see this town in full!

xoxo
Alaine

Carnevale!

Happy Carnevale from Venezia! I got a mask and everything! I bought it in San Marco Square, the place where the Doge's (Duke's) Palace and Basilica! I am pretty excited, it's a pretty fun purchase! (Now I just need a friend to host a Masquerade... Hint hint!)

Valentines in Venezia aka The Best Night Ever

So, it was Valentines Day yesterday. And it was by far the best Valentines Day I have ever had. We had quite the full day...

This is a pretty good view of the coast, I think! :)

I took this picture. Be jealous.

Just exploring the island of Burano!

We spent the day on Burano and Murano, two islands off of Venice. There were so many colors!! We took the water bus from Venice to Burano, then wandered around the island. We (being me, Abby, Belit, Jackie, and Stahsha) had lunch by a canal and then...

... got Italian gelato for the first time!

After exploring the beautiful isle of Burano, we went to the island of Murano (which is known for it's exquisite glass work). It was towards the end of the evening, so we got to watch the sun set and walked around drinking an espresso. It was quite refreshing. And it hit me again that I was exploring Venice/Islands, I'm like a grown up or something. This is my classroom, these are my lessons. How hard is my life, right?!

While on Murano, we found a grocery store with quite the jackpot: little juice boxes of wine. I KNOW. They were the cutest little things that we all got some and guess what? They were actually really tasty. I also bought myself a little box of Perugian chocolate, to treat myself.

As if that wasn't enough, we got treated to a wonderful dinner at the boy's apartment, courtesy of our very own Max Krone. It. Was. Delicious! Words cannot describe it in full so I'll just show you:

NomNomNom.

And that was my Valentines Day. It was a good day, and I'm so happy that it happened like that. Today was also another good day! We went to yet another amazing museum, the Gallerie dell'Accademia. After we "got out of class", we explored the greater Venice area. It was a lovely day with the ladies. We shopped around and I made my first purchase: Italian sunglasses!

Ba-bam!

So, that is my life. Preeeeetty awesome. Off to drink wine with my ladies!

Un baccio!

xoxo

Alaine