Raphael's Frescos

Last friday API scheduled a tour to see some amazing Frescos. It was incredible the talent of these paintings that covered the walls, ceilings, and even the floors covered in mosaics. Because i'm just minuets away from leaving for a weekend trip to Stockholm, Sweden I'm crunch for time but wanted to share these pictures before I left. 

This first painting was actually done by Michelangelo and is the only black and white painting in the building. 

Did you know that the picture of beauty in these times were larger women with milky white skin because the rich were the ones who could eat and didn't have to work outside. So being larger and pale meant you had money. 

This is ancient graffiti still on the walls.

Outside of this museum was a small garden. The orange trees were cold, how cute. 

 We then ended the afternoon with a fantastic lunch and delicious craft beer and a place I plan to make a regular visit.

My next post will be about STOCKHOLM :) 

Until next time, 

Emily :)

What I've learned thus far...

Here is  a list of what I have learned living in Rome for about 2 months.

1. There is an acceptable width of your legs that will keep you from falling on the tram while still looking lady like. 

2.  The little green/red guy that tells you when to walk and when to wait for cars to cross, is more of a suggestion.

3. Stop signs tend to be more for pedestrians than cars.

4. If you want to go shopping never do it around lunch time.

5. If you like personal space, never take the tram any where from 7am-10am or 2pm-8pm

6. The tram will most likely break down on the one day you are running late, it's raining, you forgot your umbrella, and you have an exam.

7. NEVER leave the house without an umbrella, no matter how beautiful it is. Weather in Rome is like a teenagers emotions.

8. Notice all the Italian women wearing flat boots, it's because they know it is impossible to walk in heels on cobblestone and still look cute. When in Rome... do as the Romans do. 

9. If you like pepsi products, don't leave the US.

10. Always bring tissue in your purse/pocket, toilet paper may or may not be available to you.

11. When packing to come to Rome, buy pants a size smaller because as soon as they stretch out there are no dryers to shrink them back to there form fitting, flattering size. 

12. Just because they claim to have ranch does not mean it is Hidden Valley Ranch. (Unfortunately)

13. Anywhere that has karaoke is full of American's, or Italians that speak broken english who want to meet Americans. 

14. If you have 3 hours to spare, by all means sit down at a restaurant. Also learn the phase "il conto" or the check. 

15. If you are looking for an adventure that seems to fly by (2 months already, crazy!) but will open your eyes to a world that is so beautiful and different then grasp #'s 1-14 and travel to Rome :) 

Until next time, 

Emily :)

Firenze!

This past weekend I went on my first trip! API (the program I went through) took all of the students studying in Rome on a weekend trip to Florence. Florence is home to the original David Statue, The Basilica di Santa Maria del Fiore, and many more beautiful sites we couldn't get to in one weekend! 

The Statue of David is to say the least, absolutely incredible. Although no photographs are allowed to be taken of the statue my crafty friend Trevor snuck some shots that turned out amazing.

David is among a plethora of fantastic works of art in the Accademia Gallery but is definitely the most impressive. David stands 14 feet and 3 inches tall and was started in 1501 by Michelangelo. With technology we have today tiny sensors were placed on the back of David to monitor cracks and any movement that may occur. It's amazing that this piece of history still exists and I hope it will always be considered such a prize possession of european history. 

The Basilica di Santa Maria del Fiore is better known as The Duomo and is the most beautiful building I have EVER seen in my life. Pictures don't do it justice... but here are a few :) 

The Duomo stands almost 300 feet tall and was started in 1296 but didn't open until 1436. The immense detail of the gothic style building was incredibly impressive. Every inch of the building is covered with intricate detail. This next picture is from atop of a small building that had a cute little Cafe at the top so one could enjoy a cappuccino while marveling at the beauty of Florence. 

As we were leaving Florence we stopped at a spot that had an amazing skyline view where you can clearly see the importance of The Duomo as it is the prominent building. It was breathtaking! 

After we left Florence we stopped in a small very old town called San Gimignano. Which also had an amazing spot for unbelievable movie-like views. 

We then climbed the tallest tower in the town and saw an overview of the town and to say I felt small would be an understatement. The world is so incredibly beautiful and I'm yet to see any of it! 

My trip to Florence was wonderful. I'm beginning to make friendships that are making this trip even more wonderful and I'm loving every second of being astonished constantly. 

Until next time, 

Emily :) 

A little sappy and a little trippy :)

So here I am, sitting on the terrace of my school in between classes listening to Deeper Conversation by Yuna and I'm in paradise. A wave of serenity and recognition comes over me. I'm in Rome, and so extremely blessed to be here. I'm so thankful for everyone in my life who helped make this possible and I'm sorry for not blogging more. 

I walk around this enormous city and i'm engulfed by the history of  centuries that is directly under my feet. I walked past the terrace that Mussolini used to give his speeches off of. I walked on the same ground that so many Nazi's march through praising Hitler. I get to photograph famous monuments on a daily basis. It's all too overwhelming to really grasp so the only way I can explain it is serendipity. Don't worry I'm not about to break out into poetry and get all sappy. But I do have this for you:


"It is easy to touch up your outward appearance, to look as if you have it all together. Your attempts to look good can fool most people. But I see straight through you, into the depths of your being."

From the fabulous daily devotional my mother has given me to read, Jesus Calling: Enjoying Peace in His Presence by Sarah Young. 
Powerful. Be true to yourself, that's how it all begins. Get rid of the masks that cover your true self.

Okay, I'm sorry... I got a little sappy there at the end. Anyway I'm enjoying my adventure and taking full advantage of it! With all the searching and planning i've been doing for weekend trips I could probably change my major to travel agent. My roommates and I have booked three trips in total. 

-The first weekend is Stockholm, Sweden
-Second weekend is Frankfurt, Germany
-Fourth weekend is the start of Spring Break!!
     1st: Manchester, England 3 nights
     2nd: Brussels, Belgium 4 nights
     3rd: Dublin Ireland 3 nights

I want to plan a trip to Paris and also a trip to Switzerland but we will see how much money and time I have :) 


Until next time, 

Emily :)