Lucca

The city center of Lucca

For our last free weekend in Rome, megs and I traveled up the Tuscany area of Italy. We stopped at Pisa and spent the night in Lucca. We took the train to Pisa first- and the town was adorable. The main street was a pedestrian walk way filled with Christmas decorations and bustling with Christmas shoppers. As we wandered our way to the Leaning Tower of Pisa, I soaked in the lively atmosphere. I know I will miss seeing old woman on the street meet up with one another- kissing one another on the cheek with affection. The leaning tower was huge, we didn't pay to climb it. After seeing the main attraction back onto the train we went to go to Lucca. This medieval town is known for having a wall surrounding the city. We arrived just as the rain started to pour down. :( I had a feeling this wouldn't be good for our walk to our hotel. I was right- it took us two hours to find our hotel. I had an umbrella but this did not help me when a car splashed a puddle right into my face. I was so Frustrated! However, now that I am looking back at my experiences I realize that this moment taught me patience. ( still learning though) Anyways we finally made it to our hotel. We spent the night relaxing in the warmth of our 4 star hotel beds :) Lets just say that this was a nice change from staying in hostels... We woke up the next morning with the sun shining and dry clothes. I knew that this was a great start to a day! And breakfast was included! All right! After our filling breakfast and lunch we toured the town of Lucca. Passing through the gate to the city center. This was my favorite town in Italy. It was so quaint and cozy feeling, with Christmas decorations covering the streets. We walked around the town til 2, stopping at numerous piazzas and churches, just enjoying the urban landscape. Than it was time to go back to Rome. We got back on the train, and away we went. The most relaxing weekend in a beautiful country side was just what I needed.

The main entrance to Lucca- there are walls circling the town

Lucca! 

Megs in our hotel room, realizing that she did have an umbrella... after a night of walking in the rain.

Italia- got to love the gelato

I have been in Italy for over a month now. I have so far been to two concerts, many museums, and Naples, Sorrento, Pompeii, Subiaco, Naples, Florence, and viewed many many monuments. My favorite experience thus far has been touring the Vatican Museum + Mass beneath St. Peter's Basilica, and watching the sun rise over the Colosseum.
I spend most of my days going to class. There is a harder course load here in compared to Athens. Which is okay since this is STUDY abroad.... Anyways I like all of my professors- even my Theology prof (many dislike his "old" style).
Okay I need to go back to FLORENCE. If you have an opportunity to come to Italy you must stop and see Florence. It is a beautiful town. With a huge leather market. I purchased my real Italian leather boots here- a big dent in my wallet but worth it. I also bought many Christmas presents there, so family get excited! One thing I was a bit disappointed in was Thanksgiving. No one comes close to making mashpotatoes like my family does. The effort our hotel made to make the meal was extremely thoughtful. They even made our cake red, white, and blue. I loved the hotel (Hotel California) definitely did not want to leave.. All the more reason to come back :)
Back to Rome. When we came home (funny how I call Rome home) the whole town was getting ready for Christmas. There was lights hanging up all around town- and even a giant Christmas tree in the train station. While at the Vatican- there are tarps up to prepare for the huge nativity scene going up. I'm getting more and more excited for Christmas!!! AH! Our director, Greg, has found a place where we can go ice skating :)
I have realized that I have only 2 weeks left in this breath-taking, busy, loud country. I have loved every single minute here. I can honestly say that I am homesick, however, I just want my friends and family to come here to experience the different pace of life here. Many members of our group are homesick. Especially with the holiday season approaching. I am going to try and live life to the fullest here. I have even made two Italian friends (they own the bakery down the street). These little things are what I'll miss the most. I'll miss not knowing what people are saying to me, pasta being my only food, and the family I have made with my study abroad group.
Megs and I are going to Lucca this weekend- so more news to come! Ciao