Catching Up {Summer 2014}

I have been absent from the blog world recently because I am working at Camp Hopetown this summer. This camp is different from all the others in so many ways. We have about 40 campers at a time and most of the kids attend Daystar, the counseling ministry that runs the camp. Plus we live in a lake house instead of air-condition-less cabins in the woods. 

Our last session is coming up, and I am so sad that this summer is coming to a close. Two weeks ago, we had our 2nd-4th graders. It ended up being my most favorite camp of all time. I've probably been to about 35 different summer sessions at Camp Hopetown-- thanks to my 7 years of attending camp and 3 years of being an intern. After all those years, certain camps run together but this one will always stand out in my mind. I learned so much about how young children grieve and play. 

I wanted to share a blog post about this camp from the Raising Boys and Girls blog. It gives a good picture of what the kids learned (and what I learned).  If you are curious, go ahead and have a look! 

http://www.raisingboysandgirls.com/raisingboysandgirls-blog/2014/7/13/camp-hopetown-for-2nd-4th-graders

This is a great blog, especially if you are raising children. Even if you are not, (obviously, like me) it is still provides a great perspective. 

Bringing Italy to America

It has been about 2 weeks since I left Italy behind. I was both ready to be home but reluctant to leave. Before I left, I wrote down some of the lessons about Italian lifestyle that I wanted to implement at home. Sadly some have fallen away but others have started making there way into my daily life.

Lifestyle Lessons to Take Home:

-Slow Food Movement-- Italians are passionate about this way to enjoy their meals. I want to take back the ability to enjoy meals and the people sitting around the table with me. Dinner is also the end of the day for Italians. Work is finished and no one is rushing the meal to complete a deadline. They sit and laugh and stay around the table for a couple of hours.

{Buying local fruit from the outdoor market in Rome}

-Mediterranean Diet-- They abide by this and believe it is the best way of eating. I love that they eat fresh, local, in season and are aware of preservatives. Americans tend to eat quick, easy and available.

{Making homemade pasta in Tuscany}

-Walking-- Europe is set up to where walking is easier than driving a lot of times. I want to implement this for places in walking distance. It feels silly to drive to the location if it is nearby because I can get outside and enjoy the day.

{Wandering through the little streets in the Castelli Romani}

-Building Relationships-- In Ariccia, it was encouraged to get to know the people you buy your goods and products from. It is easy in America to only tell the man behind the deli counter what kind of turkey you want. I want to start going to the same places with workers I can build relationships with. I don't want to see them as a stopping point to getting what I need but a person with a story.

{Town square of Ariccia}

I am so thankful for this adventure, and I will remember it for the rest of my life...

{Sweet friends from the trip}

It's Almost Over

My days in Italy are winding down. It's crazy to think my time is coming to an end!
I've loved this experience but at the same time I am ready to be home. I have mixed feelings overall.

This past weekend I visited a few friends in Madrid. The Spanish people live a much different lifestyle. Everyone is out and about late into the night (early in the morning)-- even senior citizens and babies. Plus everyone was very friendly and relaxed. So it was a fun culture to experience!

I did have a mishap on the metro because someone stole my iPhone out of my purse. So I am phone-less and pretty bummed about it, which means I have no pictures to show you all from my trip to Madrid. But I'm trying to be positive and let my lack of technology keep me present with the people I'm around.

This week is our last full week of classes before we leave next Friday. The classes have been fascinating because we are studying modern Italy. For instance, we are hearing about WWII from the perspective of an Italian living during that time. We also had the opportunity to ask a modern Italian family about the differences from their home life and ours in America. I've never seen this view of history before, and I've really enjoyed it.

Tomorrow we leave for Positano and the Amalfi Coast. I keep hearing people say this is there favorite part of Italy. I'm hoping to take a day trip to Capri and the Blue Grotto. More than anything I can't wait to lay on the beach! Sadly, this will be my very last trip in Italy and Europe before returning to the U.S. Hopefully, it will be a really sweet time with the girls in my program.

Catching Up

These past two weeks have been filled with great memories. After I left my mom in London, I met Andy in the Rome airport. I was spoiled getting to see both of them back-to-back.

Andy had to put up with my long class days so he explored Ariccia alone some days. But we took many afternoon trips into Rome. We took a bike tour around the city, saw a Roma soccer game, visited the Vatican City, and explored neighborhoods in Rome. I am so thankful he came in town, and I wasn't ready for him to leave at the end of the week. 

Here's a few pictures of our week... 

This week we left the classroom completely, and went to Florence. I loved this city. It was smaller than and cleaner (if I'm being honest) than Rome. The food was amazing. And so was the leather market. If I lived there this semester, I would be broke. I also saw Michael Angelo's "David" statue and the "Birth of Venus" painting. All very exciting!

On Thursday afternoon, I left with a few friends for Cinque Terre. This place is amazing. It has been warm and lovely. We have spent the past two days hiking from each town. The hikes have been treacherous at times because of the many stairs leading up and down the hillsides. But once I pause and look around I cannot help but admire the beauty. I have been in awe of God's creation. There have been many "wow" moments over and over again.

Here are some snapshots...

Unfortunately, we leave our cute beach town tomorrow and head back to school. I only have a few weeks left in Italy, which means our classes and homework are picking up.

I am trying to soak up these last few weeks in Italy. This has been an experience of a lifetime but I'm not finished yet! Next weekend I travel to Madrid to see a dear friend, the following weekend I will be in Positano and Capri, and then I will finally be retiring to the US.

Highlights of Spring Break

Tonight is my last in London, which means it is where my spring break ends. I leave my mom tomorrow as she heads back to the States and I return to Italy.

This week has been incredible! I have seen so many places that I have always wanted to see. Mom came in town last Thursday. I showed her around Ariccia and Rome before we departed on our grand adventures!

We started in Nice, France. The French Rivera is as picturesque as I imagined it to be! We then went to Paris. I was thankful for a second opportunity to explore this city! We ended our journey in London, which may have been my favorite leg of the trip.

Highlights of Nice:

-The Fluer Market: Rows of fruits, vegetables, and flowers. All fresh and smelling good. 

-Drive down the French Rivera to see Monaco and the other towns. The shore and mountain views were incredible.

-We rented a car, which proved to be extremely dangerous. Mom driving in Europe was a totally new experience (and one that I don't think I want to have again). 

-Sunday brunch at a cute cafe

{During our ride down the French Rivera}

{Enjoying the beach}

Highlights of Paris:

-Bike tour to see and learn about all the sites-- my last visit I only looked and did not know the history. It was great to be filled in on all the details!

-Dinner at a tiny restaurant. There were max 7 tables in a very small venue with an open kitchen. This meant we became best friends with the (quirky) couple sitting next to us. But it was all apart of the experience, and the food was delicious! 

-Hiking the Eiffel Tower. Last visit, we could not go up because of an unexpected hail storm (seriously, it came out of the blue). So we enjoyed seeing the views.

{Bike Tour}

{Eiffel Tower}

Highlights of London:

-I've always been fascinated by the royal family so seeing Buckingham and Kensington Palace were amazing. {Side note: the inside museum part of Kensington is weird/ not worth the fee. Plus I could not sneak around to find William and Kate, so if you visit just look from the outside.}

-We walked all through Hyde Park on the first day. It was beautiful and relaxing!

-I really enjoyed the some of the American touches in London. I am starting to miss some of America's comforts (and Italy has next to none). So I really enjoyed Starbucks, Chipotle, and everyone speaking English more than ever. 

-Seeing the Westminster Abbey

-One of my favorite moments of the whole trip was experiencing High Afternoon Tea at Fortnum and Mason. I could really get use to that part of British culture!

-Riding the London Eye at sunset, which was a great way to end our stay in the city!

{High Afternoon Tea}

{View from the London Eye}

I am sad our adventure is coming to a close! It has been an amazing trip with my mom, and one I will always remember. I head back to Rome tomorrow but thankfully I have a fun visitor coming!

{Thank you Mom for this wonderful trip, and for being an even better traveling companion}

Checking In

I hate that I have not updated in a while! I will hopefully add pictures soon from my weekend trip to Tuscany. It was an amazing weekend full of rest, good food and beautiful scenery.

Our spring break starts tomorrow, and my mom came in town today! I showed her around our little town and tomorrow we will spend the day in Rome. This week we will head to Nice, Paris, and London... So many adventures ahead!

I will make sure to add lots of pictures! I am so excited to explore Europe more-- especially with my mom!

I wanted to share a quick quote from my devotional book. I have been praying this over my week...

"There are very few people who realize what God would make of them 

if they abandoned themselves into his hands,

 and let themselves be formed by his grace."

{St. Ignatius}

Weekend in Venice

This past weekend we went to Venice! I think this city and I have a love-hate relationship.
I hate to even say it was anything less than amazing-- and parts of it were--but others were cosi cosi (so so).

The city was amazing. It's all on water. I knew that initially but I did not realize that by "all" it literally meant every aspect. There are no cars. Only boats. People own boats, the taxi system is on water and even the fire department goes by boat. It's crazy. But the craziest part is that the entire city is sinking. So I'm thankful I got to see it before that happens!

This weekend was the beginning of Carnivale, which is Italian Mardi Gras. It's a really big deal throughout Italy, and Venice is like the New Orleans of Mardi Gras. People deck out in costumes to the point where it seems more like halloween. If you are not wearing a costume, you are wearing masquerade masks. We opted for that. It was fun seeing it in full swing.

The first full day (Friday) we went to discover the islands off of Venice: Murano and Burano. Murano is known for glass blowing and Burano is known for lace. Both were beautiful but Burano was my favorite because every home and shop is painted with vibrant colors. It was delightful just walking around and looking.

The boat ride back to Venice was about 45 minutes, and I started to feel sea sick. Unfortunately that feeling stayed the entire weekend. I think I felt a little water trapped. I'm not use to boat being my only form of transportation.

The next day (Saturday) I ended up laying around the hotel with two of my friends. Partly because we felt sick but also because it was rainy and freezing cold. It was a nice day to bond with those girls and to relax. It was a time of much needed rest.

Sunday morning was sunny again. It was strange how different the weather was from one day to the next. But I was thankful for the sunshine. I went on a morning gondola ride (cue sea sickness) before leaving to go back home.

Glass making in Murano 

{He made this glass horse right before our eyes!}

Exploring Burano 

{Isn't it so fun?}

Seeing the Grand Canal from the gondola 

{And celebrating Carnivale!}

Weekend in Pictures {Paris}

Friday: We arrived in Paris in the evening of February 14th {Happy Valentine's Day to us!}

First stop: The Lourve

Group of friends traveling with me!

Saturday: The next full day we walked all around the city.

Luxembourg Gardens 

Notre Dame Cathedral 

Love Lock Bridge over the Seine River

Sunday: Our flight did not leave until the evening so we had another full day to explore!

Brunch in the Latin Quarter {one of my favorite spots}

The Eiffel Tower

The Palace at Versailles 

Overall, it was a wonderful weekend. Paris won me over! I love this city, and one weekend was not enough for me! Hopefully I will be back soon!

Week at a Glance

This week has been interesting. We had Monday off but headed to Pompeii on Tuesday. I had my hopes really high for Pompeii, and was dissappointed. I hate to say it. I liked seeing Mt. Vesuvius but the town itself is very touristy. Also, during all my years of Roman history, not one teacher mentioned that Pompeii was a very umm risky city. I won't go into details but let's just say it was graphic.

{Mt. Vesuvius and the Pompeii Ruins}

That night we came home exhausted but celebrated my dear friend's 21st birthday!

{Happy Birthday Friend!}

Yesterday was a full class day, which included Italian class, philosophy and history of Roman life. But my favorite was cooking class! Hopefully I'll return to the States with a knowledge of Italian cuisine.

Today was lovely! Despite the fact I was so tired this morning and a little cranky, the day turned out wonderfully. And it was all because we went to the gardens at Villa d'Esta.

{Villa d'Esta Gardens}

{View of the Gardens from Above}

I can't even believe what I get to do tomorrow... I am heading to Paris! France has always been my dream country. I feel giddy knowing I will be there tomorrow! I will take lots of pictures :)

Cultural Differences

When I arrived in Italy, there were certain cultural differences I did not understand. One was that despite having a grocery store they also have a separate butcher, deli, bread and fruit & vegetable store. It bothered me at first.

Yesterday during Italian class, our teacher made us split into groups and order something from one of the shops. I was assigned the butcher, which was the one I did not want because of my fear about the potent meat smell.

But to my surprise I really enjoyed my experience. I met the butcher and ordered my meat. He knows we are from the study abroad program and would not let us speak in English to him so that we could learn. Now I have a connection with the butcher in town.

Earlier that morning, I went to my favorite coffee shop. It's owned by this sweet middle-aged couple. We finally decided to introduce ourselves, and it has made all the difference. Instead of walking up to the Starbucks counter at home and ordering from a stranger, I know the owners of this quaint cafe.

Italy is very intentional about customers and shop owners having a relationship. I love that. Instead of our Americanized one-stop-shop, I will know the person behind the counter. It makes me excited for the weeks to come, and the simple relationships I will build with the locals!

Grand Tour Day 2

Today was all around breath taking. We started the morning at the Non-Catholic cemetery and ended in the Vatican City. I did not have much expectation for this day. I thought the cemetery would be creepy and the Vatican would not interest me.

I thought I might be a little bored but I was totally wrong about both.
Both are beautiful and hold so much history.
I kept walking around with my mouth open and my camera glued to my face.

The best part of the day was climbing the copula, and looking over the Vatican City. Seeing Rome from that height brought me so much joy. The city from above takes on a different type of elegance than it does on the ground.

Non-Catholic Cemetery: 

The Vatican City:  

The Grand Tour Day 1

We've been learning in class that during the 1800s, European young adults would travel across the continent to further their education. This was called the Grand Tour. Italy was considered the most important country, and  Rome was the pinnacle of the journey.

They said on the Grand Tour that these young adults would enter Italy as children, with wide and unknowing eyes, and emerge as adults. I love that. I hope my personal journey in Italy will develop me into a more full version of myself.

Anyway, our program creates a 3 day excursion to Rome to have our own version of the Grand Tour. Today was day 1, and we hit the ground running!

Literally running. I am so tired right now in the best way possible. We walked all over Rome, which was extremely exhausting but also rewarding. Seeing those sights are amazing. And the sun was finally shining! So thank you Jesus for that!

Here are some pictures from Day 1:

{First stop was the Colosseum!}

{Inside the Colosseum with some friends}

{The Roman Forum from above}

{Inside the Pantheon}

Something to Check Out

For one of our class assignments, each girl has to write a blog post for the program's blog. I had to write the first one, which was a little daunting. But if you want to read it or keep up with the program blog in general here's the link:

http://wp.auburn.edu/italy/

Sunday Evening Service

Across the street from our home is a beautiful Catholic Church. My good friend on the trip is Catholic so I decided to go with her. I've never been to a Catholic Church but have always been curious to see what it is like.

It would have been interesting back in the States but it was even more interesting in Italy. I didn't understand anything the priest said because he spoke Italian. I sat there as an observer rather than an active participant. And I was fascinated.

As I was sitting in this stunning church, I kept thinking that despite our differences, we are still worshipping the same God. It's simple but it was an interesting moment. 

This semester I am experiencing Jesus in a different way than usual. I am out of my comfort zone in many ways. It is hard sometimes to figure out how He fits in this adventure.

During the homily, I was praying (mostly because I didn't understand the language) that I would not put God in a certain box. He is so much more complex and grand than I can fathom. I don't know what that will look like as I continue this journey but I am curious to see how He moves in that way.

Isn't the church beautiful? I can't imagine what it would be like to worship there each week!

When in Rome...

My first trip into Rome was incredibly successful. I was in awe the entire time.
We basically walked around with our mouths wide open and our eyes big. There was so much to take in!

The trip started a little differently than I would have guessed-- at the Apple store. One of my friend's computer crashed so we had to take a trip to the mall. Thankfully, our instructor who is Italian (and she's awesome) offered to take us.

The mall in Rome was a cultural experience in and of itself and we were clearly Americans. They have a full grocery store in there and use shopping carts throughout the mall. Also instead of escalators they have "magic carpets," which are basically the incline of an escalator but with no steps. So that was interesting.

I was ready to get out of the mall and finally experience Rome. Our instructor dropped us off at the Marta to navigate the city on our own.

Most of the time in the city we were lost. Then all of the sudden we would run into a famous monument. It was a little humorous how many there were and how often they would pop up.

We ran into a group of our friends who are also on the trip. Both of our groups were on a mad hunt for gelato. Together we found the most fabulous gelateria, threw coins into the Trevi fountain, drank wine overlooking the Pantheon, and found a little Pizzeria to enjoy for dinner.

It has been quite the day. I kept wondering the streets in disbelief thinking "I cannot believe I am in Rome." I think I will always remember this day because of that

Here are some pictures...

{Even mall cappuccinos are yummy}

{Best gelato in Rome}

{Making wishes in the Trevi Fountain}

{Hello Pantheon}

{Wine with a view}

Discovering Castelli Romani

Today has been pretty amazing. It's my favorite day so far, which is not saying much because I've only been here 3 days. We toured the Castelli Romani-- my little town is considered apart of this area.

It's so charming and each town has it's own character.
Here are some pictures from my day!

Castel Gandolfo: 

{The summer home of the Pope}

{My second cappuccino of the day. So good!}

Grottoferrata:

{The Abbey of Santa Maria}

Frescati:

{Fun friends at lunch. Frescati is known for it's white wine!}

{Beautiful macaroons}

Nemi- my favorite:

{Known for it's little bitty strawberries grown from the side of a volcano}

{Looking over Lake Nemi}

{Charming street}

Tomorrow we will discover more of Castelli Romani and this weekend I will journey into Rome for the first time! More pictures and updates to come!