Rome Day 5: Coca-Cola...The International Language

Well, the next day of exploring was considerably better than the day before. The first thing I did when I woke up in the morning was check to see if my camera was working. Miraculously, it worked! That would have made my day, but the amazing things I got to see in the afternoon topped my working camera by far.

We made it to our Vatican City Museums tour on time and skipped the lines thanks to booking it early and with a tour company. The museums were so extensive...our tour guide was very good and had some great information to share (much better than the previous day). There were fresco-style paintings in almost every room with hundreds of statues, paintings, and tapestries. The highlight, obviously, was the Sistine Chapel. The moment we crossed the threshold into the room, I was in awe. The colors are so vibrant (thanks to a cleaning in the 90s), and everything is so detailed. It absolutely baffles me how Michelangelo could have stood on a scaffold, looking up at the ceiling with paint dripping in his eyes for four years. Michelangelo didn't even like painting! And yes, I took pictures even though you are not supposed to. Oh well. I could have sat there for hours taking it all in. Unfortunately, we didn't have that kind of time.

It was a Wednesday when we visited and the weather was nice which meant that the Pope was having his Papal Audience in St. Peter's Square. We couldn't get into the square or Basilica until 1:30 (it goes without saying that the Pope reserves the right to use any space in the Vatican at any time he chooses). We wandered around the museums some more, but went back to the square when it was open. We went inside St. Peter's Basilica, famous in Catholic tradition for having St. Peter buried beneath the alter. It is the largest Christian Church in the world; it can seat about 60,000 people. It was so gorgeous. There were so many statues and frescoes including the famous La Pieta. The sculpture has always been one of my favorites since I had studied Michelangelo in high school. We walked around for a bit, and prayed in a side room, but other things were calling us.

We went outside to the square which had chairs set up because of the Papal Audience earlier in the morning, so the pictures aren't the greatest. But, the day was bright and sunny like the day before, so that was amazing. I got to actually see the square and experience how massive it really is. I knew there were thousands of people in the square on Easter, but I didn't think the area could hold that many people. It is still difficult to believe that so many people could fit in the space, but it is larger than I thought it was originally. Oh, and I finally got to the some Swiss Guard in the their outfits! In the words of Emily, "I love me some Swiss Guard!" ;) The Vatican was the number one place I wanted to visit, and I could have spent all day there...I wish I had! I have decided that I will go back someday. I don't know when, but I know I have to!

We got a late lunch at a pizzeria...I had prosciutto, mushroom, and mozzarella pizza with a good ol' Coke. The waitress didn't speak a lot of English, but they always know what I mean when I say, "Coke, please!" It was so good. Italian at its best. From there, we walked to Castel Sant' Angelo to see it during the day. Although it was great at night and tourist free, I was glad I got to see it in the sunlight. Again, if we had had time, I would have gone in, but time was something we were short of. Then, we walked to the Pantheon. It was under construction on the front, so pictures were impossible, but the inside is an amazing architectural feat. It was built in 126 AD as a temple to the Roman gods. Today, it is a Catholic Church dedicated to St. Mary. We had our daily gelato outside the Pantheon (just for you, Emily!) and enjoyed the sun. From there we saw the Column of Marcus Arelius, and we walked to the Spanish Steps. It was extremely crowded, so we didn't stick around long. We did learn that the fountain by the Spanish Steps was safe to drink from, and apparently it has the sweetest water in all of Rome. I'm not sure if that's true, but it was cold and very refreshing!

Sorry if these updates are coming at a snail's pace, but I have been sick and at my internship, so I am trying to get caught up quickly so I can actually update about things going on this week! Hopefully I will get another one up today...we will see how that works out.

Getting lost in the Louvre? Priceless.

Bonjour! I successfully made it to Paris and back to London in one piece! What an exciting and hectic trip...with only a few days to see so much, Michelle and I were wiped out. This is going to be the abbreviated version, because if I mentioned what I thought of everything, this blog would take you an hour to read...and even longer for me to type. Starting from the beginning...

Michelle and I arrived at the train station around eight at night. Liz met us there to take us to the Eiffel Tower so we could see it at night. We made a quick pit stop at the Arc de Triomphe which was fantastic! So much detail...it's difficult to describe something that I've only ever seen in pictures. Seeing it in person was so much better. We then walked to the Eiffel Tower. It sparkles on the hour for five minutes which is the best part of the night. Liz brought a bottle of wine for us to drink under the Eiffel Tower which, surprisingly enough, is not illegal in France (in England, drinking alcohol in public is illegal). It looks massive in pictures, but up close, it was monstrous! Amazing view...one of the top experiences while I was in Paris.

The next day, we went on a major site seeing spree. We all went to the Eiffel Tower in the morning to go to the top. After waiting in line for two hours, we made it! Absolutely gorgeous view...it doesn't feel as high as it looks from the top. The Eiffel Tower and an amazing ham and cheese crepe...great way to start the day! Once we were done there, we headed to Napoleon's Tomb. It was actually pretty interesting, but it wasn't all that exciting, so we didn't stay for long. At this point, Liz had to leave to go to class, so with a map in hand, Michelle and I set out in Paris on our own. We didn't get lost, and ran across some amazing sites! We walked through a few gardens on our way to the Louvre and watched people relaxing by the fountains. It was very sunny at this point, so it was a great day for a walk. Eventually, we came across a large building...after contemplating what it could be for a few minutes, I saw a glass pyramid. Obviously, the massive building had to be the Louvre!

We spent a few hours in the Louvre. I got us lost on multiple occasions in the Louvre! The place is absolutely massive. So, I can navigate the streets of Paris, but the Louvre? Well, that's a different story. We beelined it to the Mona Lisa which was a lot smaller than you would think...not all that impressive, but still great to see! All of the descriptions of the artwork were in French, so we wasted little time reading about anything. We rushed through the museum and probably saw an eighth of the entire thing. It really would take you days to explore thoroughly.

After a rushed trip to the Louvre, Michelle and I walked along The Seine for a bit and relaxed. Eventually, we made it to Notre Dame where we were going to meet Liz after her class. Once she arrived, we were going to climb the 390 steps to the top, but the stairs closed. So, we settled for just going into the building. What amazing architecture! The stain glass windows were breathtaking, and the vaults in the ceiling were beautiful. It was very crowded because there was going to be a service soon, unfortunately, we didn't stay. On our way back to the foyer, we stopped at a flower market...just explored a little bit. It was nice to just relax after running around all day. We went to the supermarket to pick up some provisions, and in line, some man started talking to me in French. I just smiled and looked like I had absolutely no idea what he was saying...which I didn't. We met up with other people from the program that night, and had a great time hanging out with all of them! It was so nice to feel like you knew people in Paris!

The next day, we got up early and took the train to Versailles. Wow! The chateaux was fabulous...the gates were gold, and the inside was so detailed. I can't image what it might have been like when kings and queens inhabited it. There were so many rooms, and I don't think they even show most of them to the public. The gardens were beautiful even in March. I wish I could see them in May when everything is in bloom! It was rainy and chilly, but it was still worth wandering around the garden. We didn't go to Marie Antoinette's chateaux about a mile away because the wind was killer, but Liz told me that it is beautiful as well. This experience is probably the top of my list of things I saw while in Paris.

When we got back to the foyer, we took a nap because we were all exhausted. Again, we went out with some of the people studying in Paris. We got back a bit earlier than the previous night, so we headed straight to bed because we had to get up early to fit in everything else we wanted to see. We woke up an hour later than we were supposed to, so we tried to go quickly. Our first stop was the Arc de Triomphe to see it in the daytime. We hopped the metro, and went to Notre Dame to see if we could go to the top. It hadn't opened yet, and there was a long line, so we explored the back of Notre Dame. From there, we went to the Pantheon. We couldn't go in because our UK student cards don't work in Paris, so we couldn't get in free with that or our visas. We just took pictures of it outside in the rain. It was Palm Sunday, so palm branches were everywhere, and getting into churches was difficult. But, the Pantheon was amazing, even if it was a brief visit.

We walked down the street to Luxembourg Gardens. Again, a beautiful place even in the rain and when nothing was blooming. I think Versailles was better, but Luxembourg was great as well. We wanted to eat in the park and explore some more, but the rain thwarted us again, so we were off to find some food. Eventually, we ended up in the Latin Quarter, and there was this amazing crepe place. I had a nutella and banana crepe...it was heaven! I love crepes! YUM!

By the time we were done eating, the rain had mostly stopped, so there was no need for umbrellas. We got back on the metro and headed to Moulin Rouge. This was a quick stop because it literally was a sign that read, "Moulin Rouge" and huge red windmill. That was it. Unimpressive, in my opinion, but it is Moulin Rouge. Now, the highlight of the day was the Sacre Coeur. A beautiful church on a large hill. We climbed to the top, and went inside for a bit. No pictures of the inside, but it rivaled many of the other churches I have seen while in Europe. The view from the top of the hill was spectacular. I had a great time taking pictures around the side streets and hills. It was a great way to end the day.

Liz took us back to the train station where we made our goodbyes. Liz might come to Valencia while I'm there during her spring break, but if she doesn't, that was the last time I get to see her for a while, so it was sad leaving.

But, I was very glad to be back in London. As much as I enjoyed Paris, I love London more! It feels so great to be in England...even if it is rainy! Well, this may be my last update for quite awhile. I'm leaving for Rome on Friday for a week for spring break. I won't have my computer, so unless anything exciting happens between now and Friday...that is all for now. Cheers!

Jumping for joy in Paris!