ROMA

Colosseum

Trevi Fountain

One of my favorite paintings by Raphael- School of Athens

John Legend Concert, night before Rome

Me, Alice, and Ruth

Praga

Cinnamon partying it up in the hostel in Prague before going to the Drum and Bass and Jungle show. Europeans have soo many different classifications for techno.... 

The show was INSANE, but it really took it out of us the next day.

We met some of the most fascinating people at the hostel. Ben on the left is on a break from school before Uni and is basically walking across Europe with less than 200 euros in his pocket. We also met people from Poland, Australia, and Holland. Although, I could not have shared a room with Zaa for one more night due to his excessive snoring and farting that woke even him up.. haha

I love Gothic architecture, so much darker and more disturbing than the ones in Italy. I can't wait to go to France and see more gargoyles!

The view from the castle in Prague- so beautiful

The David deserves its own post

These are for you dad- I had to be sneaky about avoiding the security guards hahhaa

The David is hands- down the single most impressive work of art I have EVER seen live. Nothing compares to it and nothing compares to seeing it in person. I could have stood there for hours. From the look on his face to the veins in his hands he is utter perfection. Truly.

Keep in mind that Michelangelo completed this in his mid twenties. Makes you feel like crap, huh?

Firenze.....

On the train to Florence..... I love train rides. They are so relaxing

It was amazing to see in person most of the art works and statues I've studied throughout the years. The Birth of Venus, The Rape of the Sabine Women, etc. etc... Florence is a Mecca for Renaissance art, but very very touristy.

I'll let Florence speak for itself:

The Death of Medusa

The Rape

Centaur and Man

DUBLIN!!!! Connecting to my roots

Observations: The people of Ireland are some of the friendliest people I  have ever met. Almost polar opposites from the Italians. They laugh all the time and are not afraid to make fun of themselves. They don't take life too seriously.

We went to the windy coast of Howth and got a feel for Irish life outside of the big city. It was cold, but sunny and beautiful at the same time. We were lucky enough to spot a rainbow, but not quite daring enough to jump in and give a go at searching for the Pot of Gold :)

The next day we tracked down the Guinness factory. (photo courtesy of Cinnamon Janzer) We arrived just after 5, closing time, so we didn't get to go on the touristy tour. Little did we know, however, it was actually 4 o'clock! All three of us had forgotten to set our watches back so our entire day had been off. We didn't find this out until after dinner that night- it's amazing how big of a difference an hour makes.

Immediately after getting off the plane Paige and Cinnamon and I headed straight for a Pub to have our first Guinness in Ireland. Within an hour of being there we saw some guy's underwear literally ripped off of him by his friends. They then proceeded to carry it around in their mouths and throw it around the pub. It grazed my shoulder once... it was a close call. 

More Milan

One of our favorite bars to go to, Frida. Definitely in an edgier part of town (right by Paige's house!) but we love it

Here is Cambria (my roommate) and I by the Duomo in Milan. One of the most beautiful pieces of architecture in my opinion. 

Below is an antique market Paige, Ruth and I went to one of the first few weeks we were here. The vendors lined the main streets and most of the side streets. There was so much vintage clothing and fun little nicknacks. I could have spent all day there.

Sorry it's taken me so long

So here I am finally in Milan, living next to the Santa Maria Della Grazie Cathedral which houses The Last Supper by Leonardo Da Vinci. 

My roommates and I really lucked out with our location. We are just a short 10 minute walk from where our classes are held and essentially live on the most popular street of Milan! This can be a good thing and a bad thing, depending on how you look at it... The Duomo (one of Milan's main attractions and one of the busiest shopping centers in the world probably) is about a 25 minute walk from our apartment. To sum up, we basically live on the equivalent of 5th ave in New York. Our area is the most ridden with little old ladies in ridiculously massive fur coats who walk unbearably slowly, yet refuse to move an inch to the side to let you pass. 

The city life is fast-paced and tough, but I am loving it. I am definitely fulfilling the urge I've always had to live in a bustling city. There is always something to do and something new and exciting to discover. As with any place, there is so much more than meets the eye at first glance. Milan has two very distinct kinds of people- the trendy and those who refuse to be trendy. And when I say trendy, I mean TRENDY- not fashionable. I was honestly a little bit disappointed by the fact that everyone here dresses exactly the same. If I see one more purple article of clothing I'm going to puke. Then there are the ones with colors and tattoos and stuff. There is no in between here.

So basically, probably partially because of my blonde hair as well, I get stared at on the metro incessantly and without shame. Sometimes I don't mind- if they're so interested and feel like judging me, let them stare! Other days I stare right back. 

Milan has definitely hardened me a bit. You have to put on your "urban face" in most places when you're out and about as some sort of guard so people don't take advantage of you. Many people in my program have gotten their wallets and bags stolen, but I've been very careful on the metro. Sounds intense, but it's really not. I actually quite enjoy the challenge. Errands here take hours because everything is scattered around the city. I've never done so much walking in my life!

I have a strong affection for this city. Once you discover the little things and people and places, life here is unbeatable.