It's crazy to think that we are a little more than a month into our trip. Time really does fly when you're having fun. This week, we went on two student lead tours and everyone did a wonderful job! Gabby and I have ours tomorrow and I'm actually pretty excited to share with the class what we found.
My favorite spot that we went to this week was the Pantheon. The size of the building amazed me, then we went inside. It was crazy how they do not have any lighting and that all the light comes from a giant hole in the ceiling. There were drains directly below it for when it rains. In the Smiles of Rome, Muriel Spark says, "but, if I can get, say, a glimpse of the Pantheon-- even passing in a taxi on my way to fulfill some banal commission-- I find the journey worthwhile." I found our trip that day worthwhile because I have seen so many pictures of the Pantheon and it was amazing finally being able to see it in person.
Finally Friday came around and we were all excited to be heading off to Florence! We have heard nothing but great things from other students who came on the same trip. Florence was a small city and the entire time I was there, my sense of direction was off, but, as Alice Steinbach said in the Smiles of Rome, "to avoid corners altogether is, after all, to refuse to live." So my friends and I went off and wandered the streets.There was a lot of shopping and I bought good leather products for my family and myself. The Italians in Florence I thought were much nicer than the ones on Rome. We made several new friends from the shops and they were able to recognize us when we went out shopping the next day.
The night life was more than I expected it to be. We all wandered around town to experience the night life and I think it's safe to say we all had a blast! I feel as though this was the big trip that made everyone closer together. In my opinion, I think we are all starting to feel like a real family. Florence so far has been one of my favorite trips.
Aubree, I totally agree! I feel like we are all a lot closer after this weekend, and also because we have spent a month together so everyone is getting more comfortable with each other. It is pretty sweet!!
ReplyDeleteAubree, I completely agree with the pantheon. I didn't expect all the lighting to come from the hole in the ceiling it was a huge surprise. I also think that Florence is the best trip so far!
ReplyDeleteSo, the Pantheon was pretty cool right? The hole in the ceiling was smaller that I thought it would be, not dissapointing just surprising. The quote from Steinbach's story was a really good one "to avoid corners altogether is, after all, to refuse to live." I pointed it out in class I do believe. The whole feeling more like a family, is true, I think that the dinner every night really helps.
ReplyDeleteThe Florence trip did indeed make us all closer than ever and the city itself was fantastic!! I really enjoyed the night life and the shopping as well!! I agree with you about the leather markets and the people being very nice and recognizing us as well!!
ReplyDeleteAubree,
ReplyDeleteGreat blog! The Pantheon is pretty amazing. I like the quotes you used in your blog and I completely agree. Also, Florence was amazing and I can't wait to see what our last group weekend trip has to offer!
Aubree,
ReplyDeleteI totally agree what a weekend. I'm so glad that we are all finally able to bond a lot better, growing as a "family." I cant wait to see what else there is too offer! =] Great blog, good luck tomorrow!
Ciao Aubree,
ReplyDeleteGreat blog. Nice connections made between the readings and your experiences. Good work.