Saturday, April 28, 2012
Sunday, April 22, 2012
Monday, April 16, 2012
Monday, April 9, 2012
Rome
April 6-8, 2012.
Friday Night: Fontana di Trevi, Piazza di Spagna (Spanish Steps)
Saturday: Colosseo, Foro Romano, Palatino, Pantheon, Castel Sant'Angelo, Campo del Fiore, Piazza Navona
Sunday: Hop on/Hop off bus, Circo Massimo, Terme de Caracalla, Bocca della Verita, Basilica di Santa Maria Maggiore, Scala Sancta
Friday Night: Fontana di Trevi, Piazza di Spagna (Spanish Steps)
Saturday: Colosseo, Foro Romano, Palatino, Pantheon, Castel Sant'Angelo, Campo del Fiore, Piazza Navona
Sunday: Hop on/Hop off bus, Circo Massimo, Terme de Caracalla, Bocca della Verita, Basilica di Santa Maria Maggiore, Scala Sancta
Florence - the abbreviated version
March 23-25, 2012.
MY FUTURE RESIDENCE :)
Saturday: 2.5 hour bike tour with a gelato break at Gelateria Pitti = a WONDERFUL experience; lunch at Fratelli da Bufala (great pizza place!); Santa Maria del Fiore and walk to the top of the dome (it was awesome!; while waiting in line I bought a mini bottle of chianti to quench my thirst); dinner at Osteria del Cinghiale Bianco with our French "suitemate" from our hostel.
Sunday: Galleria degli Uffizi (beautiful, but most of the pieces I wanted to see were either not there anymore or in the areas under restoration; I'm glad I went though); Palazzo Vecchio (nice, but looks better from the outside); lunch at I. Ghibellini (yummy food and we sat outside and got some rays on the beautiful day); Santa Croce (BEAUTIFUL and houses the tombs of Galileo, Michelangelo, Dante, Machiavelli); shopping on Ponte Vecchio; San Spirito (which has the most beautiful crucifix I have seen, it's by Michelangelo and the whole thing is made of wood...unbelievable what they could do back then); Cantina del Gelato.
Things I was not able to do on this visit, but plan on doing while there for another visit: the Bargello, Galleria dell'Accademia, Santa Maria Novella
MY FUTURE RESIDENCE :)
Saturday: 2.5 hour bike tour with a gelato break at Gelateria Pitti = a WONDERFUL experience; lunch at Fratelli da Bufala (great pizza place!); Santa Maria del Fiore and walk to the top of the dome (it was awesome!; while waiting in line I bought a mini bottle of chianti to quench my thirst); dinner at Osteria del Cinghiale Bianco with our French "suitemate" from our hostel.
Sunday: Galleria degli Uffizi (beautiful, but most of the pieces I wanted to see were either not there anymore or in the areas under restoration; I'm glad I went though); Palazzo Vecchio (nice, but looks better from the outside); lunch at I. Ghibellini (yummy food and we sat outside and got some rays on the beautiful day); Santa Croce (BEAUTIFUL and houses the tombs of Galileo, Michelangelo, Dante, Machiavelli); shopping on Ponte Vecchio; San Spirito (which has the most beautiful crucifix I have seen, it's by Michelangelo and the whole thing is made of wood...unbelievable what they could do back then); Cantina del Gelato.
Things I was not able to do on this visit, but plan on doing while there for another visit: the Bargello, Galleria dell'Accademia, Santa Maria Novella
Venice
March 16-18, 2012.
This trip started with a 4-5 hour drive after work to the ferry station, then we took the ferry boat to Lido, an island of Venice. As soon as we checked into our hotel/hostel, we went down to the pizzeria for a late dinner...which didn't disappoint!
Saturday morning came early, as we wanted to get as much done in two days as possible! We first went to Piazza San Marco and just walked around taking pictures. The first place we actually went in was Palazzo Ducale (Doge's Palace), but the best part of that (for me anyways) was walking across the Ponte dei Sospiri (bridge of sighs) which connects the Doge's palace to the old prisons - apparently the prisoners would "sigh" as they got their last view of Venice from this bridge as they walked from the Doge's Palace to their prison cell (but that is most likely untrue...I like the story though).
After that, I met up with a friend that lives an hour train ride away and she took me all around Venice. We walked through the tourist parts and the off-beaten track as well. She took me to a small, wonderful place for lunch where we snacked on appetizer-like food and prosecco. While wandering around we stopped by the Rialto Bridge and the Jewish Ghetto (which is much better to walk around when you are with someone that knows the history...thank you Deanna!). While in the Jewish Ghetto we stopped in a cafe to have a glass of wine...Brunello (my new favorite). After more wandering around, catching up, and a GONDOLA RIDE!, we met up with my roommates for dinner, and then parted ways.
Sunday morning started off gloomy, but like Saturday, cleared as the day progressed. We all had our own agenda and split up when we reached Piazza San Marco. I really wanted to visit Basilica di San Marco before 1:30pm when it opened for visitors, so I went to the 10:30am service (surprisingly and lucky for everyone, the place didn't burn down when I sat down for mass!). It was so beautiful, but the best part was the floor...an uneven terrain of tile and stone. After that I just walked all around, shopped, and ate until I met up with my roommates to climb to the top of the campanile of San Giorgio Maggiore to see the "best" view of Venice. The view was spectacular (a little windy and cold, but totally worth it).
Then, sadly, it was time to drive back to Laghi di Faldo. Pictures to come...somehow...I promise :)
This trip started with a 4-5 hour drive after work to the ferry station, then we took the ferry boat to Lido, an island of Venice. As soon as we checked into our hotel/hostel, we went down to the pizzeria for a late dinner...which didn't disappoint!
Saturday morning came early, as we wanted to get as much done in two days as possible! We first went to Piazza San Marco and just walked around taking pictures. The first place we actually went in was Palazzo Ducale (Doge's Palace), but the best part of that (for me anyways) was walking across the Ponte dei Sospiri (bridge of sighs) which connects the Doge's palace to the old prisons - apparently the prisoners would "sigh" as they got their last view of Venice from this bridge as they walked from the Doge's Palace to their prison cell (but that is most likely untrue...I like the story though).
After that, I met up with a friend that lives an hour train ride away and she took me all around Venice. We walked through the tourist parts and the off-beaten track as well. She took me to a small, wonderful place for lunch where we snacked on appetizer-like food and prosecco. While wandering around we stopped by the Rialto Bridge and the Jewish Ghetto (which is much better to walk around when you are with someone that knows the history...thank you Deanna!). While in the Jewish Ghetto we stopped in a cafe to have a glass of wine...Brunello (my new favorite). After more wandering around, catching up, and a GONDOLA RIDE!, we met up with my roommates for dinner, and then parted ways.
Sunday morning started off gloomy, but like Saturday, cleared as the day progressed. We all had our own agenda and split up when we reached Piazza San Marco. I really wanted to visit Basilica di San Marco before 1:30pm when it opened for visitors, so I went to the 10:30am service (surprisingly and lucky for everyone, the place didn't burn down when I sat down for mass!). It was so beautiful, but the best part was the floor...an uneven terrain of tile and stone. After that I just walked all around, shopped, and ate until I met up with my roommates to climb to the top of the campanile of San Giorgio Maggiore to see the "best" view of Venice. The view was spectacular (a little windy and cold, but totally worth it).
Then, sadly, it was time to drive back to Laghi di Faldo. Pictures to come...somehow...I promise :)
Sunday, March 25, 2012
Volterra, Pisa, Siena
This was our first weekend trip! We drove straight to Volterra after work on Friday, March 9, and got there just in time to check in to our hotel/hostel and get some dinner! The drive there was so beautiful...through the Tuscan hills! For dinner, we ate at "La Vecchia Lira," which a woman at the hotel recommended...it was wonderful and we had a few items that Giulia, our clinical instructor, recommended that the area is known for: pici pasta and pecorino cheese...both of us had pork dishes, vino, dessert (I can't remember the name, but I'm sure Hannah has it written down somewhere), and limoncello (you know, for the digestion).
The following day, March 10, we walked around Volterra in the morning...viewing the scenery (beautiful), buildings (beautiful), parks (beautiful), etc. We also went to the Museo Etrusco Guarnacci (which was cool...a lot of history and relics), Museo della Tortura (the museum of torture...crazy!...my camera was on the fritz but Hannah got some good pics), and the Pinacoteca e Museo Sacra. Finally, we grabbed some lunch (take away) and headed to Pisa!
The only thing we wanted to do in Pisa was see and walk up the tower, which was a success! We went to the duomo as well, and it was magnificent! Walking up the tower was interesting, and when we got to the top, it was a crazy experience to slope up/down depending on where you were walking. The whole structure and history is just amazing! Hannah made me take a cheesy picture of her leaning on the tower before we left, but that's why I love her :)
After Pisa, we headed to Siena! Thank goodness Hannah was driving...our hotel was right in the city (where people walk and cars are just an annoyance), and our GPS was just spinning us in circles. We finally found the place, and were disappointed to find out that the "available parking" at the hotel was outside the city walls in any of the "free parking" spots we find available...bleh! Anyhow...we got settled into our room and went walking around looking for dinner. I don't remember the place we ate at, but we shared a grilled vegetable appetizer, each had pizza, some rosso de montepulciano (recommended by Giulia), I'm pretty sure we got dessert here as well, and maybe some limoncello (it was so long ago, I'm not sure!).
The next day we were up early and ready to go! We went to: Basilica di San Domenico (where the head of St. Catherine of Siena is), Casa di Santa Caterina, Cattedrale, Battistero, Cripta, Museo dell'Opera, and Panorama dal facciatone...pictures for everything, I swear (except for the places that don't allow pictures)!
Then we headed back to Montone/Umbertide, Umbria, where we met our two new roommates...Stephanie and Zarah, PT students from Missouri.
The following day, March 10, we walked around Volterra in the morning...viewing the scenery (beautiful), buildings (beautiful), parks (beautiful), etc. We also went to the Museo Etrusco Guarnacci (which was cool...a lot of history and relics), Museo della Tortura (the museum of torture...crazy!...my camera was on the fritz but Hannah got some good pics), and the Pinacoteca e Museo Sacra. Finally, we grabbed some lunch (take away) and headed to Pisa!
The only thing we wanted to do in Pisa was see and walk up the tower, which was a success! We went to the duomo as well, and it was magnificent! Walking up the tower was interesting, and when we got to the top, it was a crazy experience to slope up/down depending on where you were walking. The whole structure and history is just amazing! Hannah made me take a cheesy picture of her leaning on the tower before we left, but that's why I love her :)
After Pisa, we headed to Siena! Thank goodness Hannah was driving...our hotel was right in the city (where people walk and cars are just an annoyance), and our GPS was just spinning us in circles. We finally found the place, and were disappointed to find out that the "available parking" at the hotel was outside the city walls in any of the "free parking" spots we find available...bleh! Anyhow...we got settled into our room and went walking around looking for dinner. I don't remember the place we ate at, but we shared a grilled vegetable appetizer, each had pizza, some rosso de montepulciano (recommended by Giulia), I'm pretty sure we got dessert here as well, and maybe some limoncello (it was so long ago, I'm not sure!).
The next day we were up early and ready to go! We went to: Basilica di San Domenico (where the head of St. Catherine of Siena is), Casa di Santa Caterina, Cattedrale, Battistero, Cripta, Museo dell'Opera, and Panorama dal facciatone...pictures for everything, I swear (except for the places that don't allow pictures)!
Then we headed back to Montone/Umbertide, Umbria, where we met our two new roommates...Stephanie and Zarah, PT students from Missouri.
Istituto Prosperius Tiberino...
...Is the name of the clinic Hannah and I are at right now in Umbertide. It's essentially a rehab hospital, and the patients stay for about 1-2 months for their treatment. What is interesting (and completely different from the US) is that it is not just post-op patients; right now Hannah has a low back patient that is a resident of Prosperius during the course of his treatment. We like to call it a "summer camp/resort" for physical therapy.
All the people we work with are nice, and we enjoy learning as much as we can from them. Our patients are wonderful as well; we just wish we could communicate with them better. However, they get laughs out of our mixed up Italian, so that's okay too ;)
Most importantly...the FOOD! First of all, there is this wonderful coffee/espresso/capuccino/hot chocolate machine that everyone frequents throughout the day...coffee breaks are essential! Also, there is always some kind of pizza, panino, or pastry to enjoy for "second breakfast."
All the people we work with are nice, and we enjoy learning as much as we can from them. Our patients are wonderful as well; we just wish we could communicate with them better. However, they get laughs out of our mixed up Italian, so that's okay too ;)
Most importantly...the FOOD! First of all, there is this wonderful coffee/espresso/capuccino/hot chocolate machine that everyone frequents throughout the day...coffee breaks are essential! Also, there is always some kind of pizza, panino, or pastry to enjoy for "second breakfast."
Saturday, March 3, 2012
UMBRIA!
Hannah and I are finally together again! We are in our home in Montone, Umbria that we will be living in for the next 2 months. It is so cute and the scenery is beautiful! We have a lot to catch everyone up on. Hannah went to Salzburg while in Austria, and I visited Vatican City and the Spanish Steps my last day in Rome (no strikes!). Right now we have a slow dial-up connection, so connecting to the internet and posting pictures is not as easy as it usually is...we'll catch up with those soon :)
Thursday, March 1, 2012
STRIKE!
Well, all my planning went down the tubes today! I had a big day ahead of me this morning: Vatican City, and if time, The Spanish Steps, Trevi Fountain, the Pantheon, and Santa Maria Sopra Minerva. Come to find out this evening (through a cousin of a cousin that lives in Rome - thank God!), that there was a strike (it happens about twice a year), which is why the metro I wanted to take was closed! Since I didn't have a back-up plan, and my attempts at "winging it" failed, I gave up on that plan; however, I was able to visit one of the four main basilicas in Rome, which is just walking distance from where I'm staying - San Giovanni in Laterano. Here are some pictures (I'll have to use another way to show pictures...it's taken me FOREVER to upload these few here)!
HANNAH update: After some bumps in the road for the first couple days (she'll write more later), she had a really good day in Salzburg today!!!
HANNAH update: After some bumps in the road for the first couple days (she'll write more later), she had a really good day in Salzburg today!!!
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Wednesday, February 29, 2012
FISH OUT OF WATER
That is quite an understatement as to how I feel in Rome right now! I have become so spoiled using my phone for everything - getting around, internet, entertainment, etc. Looks like I'm going to have to go old-school and plan my trip for tomorrow before I leave my room! So far, Vatican City is all I have on the list, but we'll see where I end up!
Monday, February 27, 2012
AND WE'RE OFF!
Hannah and I wanted to create an easy way for everyone to see what kind of mischief we are getting into while in Italy for the next TWO MONTHS!!! We will try our best to keep this blog updated with pictures and details of our travels; however, if you know us at all, there may be a delay ;)
Hannah left for Italy yesterday, and I will be leaving tomorrow morning! We won't be together until Saturday though - Hannah will be in Austria and I'll be hanging out in Rome. Once we finally meet up, we'll drive to Umbertide, Umbria where we will be living and enjoying our clinicals for the next 8 weeks.
Hannah left for Italy yesterday, and I will be leaving tomorrow morning! We won't be together until Saturday though - Hannah will be in Austria and I'll be hanging out in Rome. Once we finally meet up, we'll drive to Umbertide, Umbria where we will be living and enjoying our clinicals for the next 8 weeks.
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