Spring Break

A week in Italy really deserves at least one blog for each day, but in deference to any readers out there who don't won't to be bored to tears, I will attempt to sum up my whole week in one blog. Wish me luck.

The Cinque Terre Region: These five little towns were probably the highlight of my vacation. I would definitely recommend going.

Lessons:

• The six and a half mile hike from one town to the other is gorgeous and worth the fatigue. But be prepared for stairs. Lots of stairs.
• These towns are infested with every type of cat you can imagine.
• Always stamp your train ticket. The fines are a major boo-boo to your wallet.
• Gelato is good. Real good.

Florence: I saw more art than I could possibly imagine in this city, and every corner has it's own little statue.

Lessons:

• Spontaneous, drenching rainshowers don't just occur in Ireland. One should dress accordingly.
• David is definitely worth seeing, and it is far more stunning in real life than in any picture.
• The Uffizi cafe contains the best pasta that I have ever encountered.
• Wine tastes just as gross in Italy as it does in America.
• Even for a practical accounting major who has never taken an art class, some art can truly move you to tears.
• Gelato is good. Real good.

Rome: Rome is also an amazing city. But what Florence is to art, Rome is to ruins.

Lessons:

• The Colosseum is amazing, but be prepared to wait in line for an hour to see it.
• Christians did not live in the catacombs during the persecution, but they did worship there.
• The metro is a very efficient way to travel.
• You can lose someone very easily even in St. Peter's Basilica, which is really only a circle.
• Gelato is good. Real good.

Italy is a truly amazing place, but coming back to the green, quaint country of Ireland with no imposing statues in sight was definitely a relief. Coming home to homework is not.