City on a Hill

No family vacation is complete without an excursion- it is the best way to escape the big city and see what an area is all about. Following that mantra Katie, Bobby and I (along with baby P!) meandered into the Italian countryside. What did we come across on our early morning train ride from Rome? An imposing hillside town called Orvieto.

Standing dramatically above the countryside, Orvieto has been an ideal strategic location for the area's inhabitants. For thousands of years the Etruscans, the Romans and the Papacy all took advantage city's fortified location. This militaristic past as a stronghold has made the city an archaeological gem rich with history. Nowadays, Orvieto is a charming little town which is home to some of the best wine in the Umbria region.

We all found Orvieto to be a much welcomes retreat from the hustle and bustle of the Italian capital. Despite the high elevation and mighty winds, we found ourselves getting extremely comfortable in this slow city*.

We allowed ourselves to wander aimless through the cobblestone streets, feast on mounds of delish pasta and laugh together until we gave ourselves stomach aches. Isn't that what la dolce vita is about eh?


A lovely getaway. A perfect day on a city on a hill.


Tanti Baci,

Lauren

PS: Orvietois actually a "slow city." It is apart of a movement known as Cittaslow that looks to protect the diversity, uniqueness and quality of life in small cities.

On Roman Holiday

All roads lead to Rome, or so they say. This was the case for me when I traveled to the eternal city to meet my family for Spring Break.* I was lucky to experience Rome for the second time with my sister Katie and my brother-in-law Bob. However, what made this trip extra special was that my sister was pregnant with my beautiful niece. So it wasn't just three best friends experiencing this monumental city; it was four.



Rome is one of those cities that should be an essential on every persons travel to-do list. Between the art, the culture, the food and the wine it really is a must for all travelers young and old. It truly is a sensory overload; there is just so much to see and do that it can be overwhelming. Despite this overload that may occur while in Roma, you just have to push through and try to experience all the history you can. Just look to your trusty map for some guidance if needed (unless you are like us and get your map in the wrong language.)





My personal favorite sight in Rome is the ancient Roman Forum. Layers below the modern city, you have the ability to travel down into living history. While walking through the ruins you cannot help but be filled with wonder and perhaps almost envision the ghosts of famous Romans such as Caesar, Pompey and Cicero.



I also highly suggest the artsy Piazza Navona. The piazza was filled with such elegance and energy.


And no trip to Rome is complete without a trip to the Colosseum! *Queue chanting: MAXIMUS! MAXIMUS! MAXIMUS!*



I really can go on and on about Rome. But the city doesn't need me to advertise for it, Rome can speak for its self. Just go and see the eternal city!

Tanti Baci,
Lauren

PS: Whenever you are touring Roman ruins, it is CRUCIAL that you take some modeling shots :)




*"Spring Break" in February...Give me a break! More like "Mid-Winter Freeze My Butt Off Break!"

The Mosaic of the Adriatic

Mosaic: composed of a combination of diverse elements.

Trieste is a mosaic of a city. A glittering city on the sea that has been cobbled together over hundred of years. I feel like my professor, Dr. Georgia Mavrodi, described the city best when I told her I was traveling there:
"Trieste is a very interesting and peculiar corner of this country. A piece of Italy, a piece (or many pieces) from the Austrian Empire, a piece of the neighboring Slovenia, all these pieces come together there..."



This is a spot on evaluation. Trieste truly takes elements from all of these places and makes them her own. It was not like any place I traveled to in Italy or in the East. It is a lovely city, especially when the sun is shining and you make it out to the Adriatic coast. Matt and I truly enjoyed our day trip there. It was an excellent change of pace from Tuscany and the rest of Italy.



A must to while if in Trieste is Castello di Miramare, the castle of Austrian Archduke Ferdinand Maximilian and his wife, Charlotte of Belgium (You may also know them as as the ill-fated Emperor and Empress of Mexico.) It was absolutely breathtaking. With a place like that I just don't get why you would leave to go rule Mexico but then again, I have never been to Mexico...so va bene.



If you want to see a very unique city that is unlike any place you will ever go to in Europe, then go to the shining mosaic that is Trieste.

Tanti Baci,
Lauren

Tuscan Vacation

Their is nothing quite like a day trip with Sam and Matt. Whenever the nuclear family goes traveling together no church can remain unseen, no tower can remain unclimbed and no monument can remain unphotograped. This was certainly the case when with our trip to Pisa and Lucca. Sam and Matt "got after it" with their aggressive "take no prisoners" style of travel.





I, on the other hand, made sure to obtain photographic evidence of these events. I felt like it was my duty to share this with my dear readers. Oh and I also manged to take a few pictures of the lovely sights along the way :-)






Oh those silly boys!



Tanti Baci,
Lauren
PS: Lean much?

Firenze Friends

Living abroad isn't always easy- it can be extremely difficult being parted from those you love. But sometimes if you are lucky enough, some of those loved ones will come visit you. I was that lucky.




One of my dearest friends in the world, Brianna, traveled all the way to Florence to come visit me. She brought with her the lovely travel companion, Skylar. These two brought me some love and comfort from across the pond which is very much needed when you are in a demanding graduate program like mine. In addition to that TLC, they also helped me rediscover the wonders of Firenze and the beautiful Tuscan countryside.



Likewise, the ability of both old and new friends to come together is such a fun experience (and can get a little crazy especially when you hang out on the San Spirito steps!)



By far, their visit was one of the highlights of my year. I am truly lucky to have such friends!

Tanti Baci,
Lauren

Ghost Town

While on our weekend trip to Naples, Matt and I also stopped in the ancient ruins of Pompeii. In case you aren't familiar with the story behind these ruins our friends at wikipedia have offered to fill everyone in:


Pompeii was destroyed and completely buried during a long catastrophic eruption of the volcano Mount Vesuvius spanning two days in 79 AD. The eruption buried Pompeii under 4 to 6 meters of ash and pumice, and it was lost for over 1,500 years before its accidental rediscovery in 1599. Since then, its excavation has provided an extraordinarily detailed insight into the life of a city at the height of the Roman Empire. Today, this UNESCO World Heritage Site is one of the most popular tourist attractions of Italy, with approximately 2,500,000 visitors every year. Thanks Wiki!



In all seriousness, it was a very sobering trip. To see the almost perfectly preserved ruins of a city smothered by ash was very melancholy. Although thousands of years stood between us, my heart could not help but ache for these people and the terror they must have felt. I highly recommend making the trip to go out and see it- especially if you love ancient Rome.





Tanti Baci,
Lauren

PS: Matt and I also did travel to another Roman city that was a victim of Mount Vesuvius called Herculaneum. Sadly my camera battery died mid way through Pompeii so I was unable to share pictures to you. Nevertheless, I also highly recommend it!

When the moon hits your eye like a big pizza pie!

Pizza. Garbage. The Mafia. These three images have always come to my mind whenever I imagined what Naples would be like.




Well the pizza was OUT OF THIS WORLD. The garbage was really no worse than other cities in Italy. And their was no Cosa Nostra insight.



Naples just oozes the feeling of quintessential Italy for me. Perched beautifully on the exotic Mediterranean, Naples has this larger than life. It is a big ballsy city that despite it's rambunctious, in your face attitude has also perfected the art of la dolce vita. Not only that but I witnessed one of the most incredible sunsets I have ever seen while I was there. Bellessima!



All and all a splendid city; especially recommend for those who want to see more of what southern Italy has to offer. Even Matt, who I traveled to Naples with, liked the city and he CERTAINLY is not the biggest Italy fan (however I do think the incredible food played a major role in his decision making!)



Tanti Baci,

Lauren

PS: The awesome pizza shot was taken by Sam; he went to Naples the weekend after Matt and I did (We talked it up so much/he was jealous that we went without him that he had to go.) Thanks again Mr. Wex!

PSS: Sorry for all the coastline and sunset pictures- I just couldn't get enough of it!