Making Up For Lost Time – Part 1, Italia

Seeing as I neglected this blog during my 2 months abroad, I’m guessing it’s about time I recap my adventures and post a few pictures. For those who are not aware, this summer I spent 7 weeks in Paris, France taking two classes — advanced technical writing for engineers and history of the city of Paris. Before the start of the program I also got the chance to travel for 10 days around northern Italy with my parents. Although I spent much of my time studying and writing papers, I still managed to explore the best that France (and a few neighboring countries) has to offer. I loved the beautiful parks, the quaint architecture, and don’t even get me started on French bakeries. Dee-licious.

Gondolas in Venice

Venice at Sunset

Rooftops of Florence from the Medici Gardens

Tuscany

The Cinque Terre

Like I said before, I was lucky enough to spend ten days traveling around Northern Italy with my parents before the program in Paris began. We started in beautiful Venice and then went to Florence, Sienna, Pisa for an afternoon, Portovenere, the Cinque Terre, and finally Lake Maggiore. The food was to die for, the colors were vivid, and it was such a relaxing break between Spring and Summer term. I had been to Milan for a day last year, but I had never been anywhere else in Italy and I immediately fell in love with the country. Florence, the birthplace of the Italian Renaissance, was thick with history. Michelangelo’s David was the most stunning piece of art I have ever seen – and trust me, I’m no art enthusiast. I’m surprised I’m still not lost amongst Venice’s enchanting streets that are crumbling from so much water and so much time. Sienna was golden at sunset, the hills of Tuscany lusciously green, and the Cinque Terre was positively a rainbow. I loved it so much that I was almost sad to have to leave for Paris.

Unfortunately, Paris is another story for another time. Right now I need to stop waxing poetic and start waxing… technical? Or whatever it’s called when you edit papers for your final writing portfolio that’s due this week. My sister’s wedding is this Friday, so time is in short supply.

A bientôt (Until next time),

Kristen