Firenze

One of the best things about studying abroad is being able to travel on the weekends. One of the best things about the JFRC is that they understand that and only have classes Monday thru Thursday, so students can travel.

Our first weekend travel excursion was with the JFRC to Pompeii. The sheer size of that ancient city is ridiculous. The most ridiculous, however, is the fact that they seemed to think pensis’ good luck. You can find them on walls as you’re walking along the ancient streets, or on the streets themselves, pointing you to brothels. Oh, the things history  books don’t teach us.

My next great weekend excursion was to Florence. Florence (“Firenze”) is wonderfully compact, ancient and touristy. You lose the hustle and bustle of Rome in Florence, but still find yourself walking amongst history that is just as impressive. We managed to hit all the main sites before we left. This included the Duomo, Ponte Vecchio and THE David.

The Duomo is truly awe-inspiring, something like the 4th largest dome in the world. The entire outside is smothered in decoration and art. I didn’t really know what to expect from it, but it took my breath away.

Ponte Vecchio is also fantastic. It’s name means old bridge, and it is just that, currently full of classy jewelery shops. We had many a photo shoot there since my friend and roommate shares a name with the bridge.

And the David. At first I thought,” ah well, it’s just like all those pictures you’ve ever seen, right?” Wrong. In person, the size and detail of that statue makes you realize why it’s photo is everywhere and why it is so idolized. Things like the veins on his arm, the curls in his hair, and, unexpectedly, the handsomeness of his face are so poignant and wonderful, you really just have to appreciate it and MichealAngelo.

Also, overall, Florence is just quainter. You can find English spoken everywhere, because it is so full of tourists, but that’s ok. You can enjoy gelato or lunch in adorable little cafes (bars) right outside the Duomo. You can also meet many other tourists from across the world. We met someone from Ireland, Germany and California while there.

However, I do enjoy the size and vibes of Rome and am glad to be living here, even though Florence is so wonderful. So I’ve decided Loyola needs to make a sister school in Florence. John Felice Florence Center, let’s go.

Also, speaking of being in Italy, boy did we get a taste of that on the way home from Florence. Our first transportation strike experience! We show up at the train station to see that all regional trains are canceled. As we were discussing what to do, a man from Tennessee (I think) was explaining to us how no, that train was canceled too, and no, that one might be full, ect. ect. He then says “well, you can go and ask over there, but they’re all on strike”. AL ITALIA! So we waited in an exceptionally long line (thanks to the three people working not on strike) and had to pay an extra 30 Euro to take a fast train so that we might get home in time for classes. It was indeed an Italian experience!