Wednesday, January 30, 2013

Adventuring: London, Roma and Venezia.

The first time I went to London, I only stayed for a day. We took an early train in, and a late train back. It was really fun, but you could say I'm the type of person who likes getting to know a city. This trip to London was infinitely more enjoyable, despite the cold. Mauri and I were able to stay with our ever-so-gracious friend, Caroline, who's going to art school in London right now. She's a phenomenal painter. So, because I had such a great time getting to know London, I can't wait to share with you a taste of my journey! 



Trafalgar Square. We got to hang out with Kyle and Maddie for a day, as they had a day's layover on their way to Hungary. So we did a little tourism. And saw Trafalgar Square, and Big Ben. 



I loved seeing all the amazing street art, as it is all over Shoreditch. We explored the city, ate tons of Indian food, and had a jolly old time.


And... It snowed! It was beautiful, but freezing. 


So we made our way to Rome, where I very conveniently caught the flu, ran a fever, and stayed in bed for three days. So the only two things that I saw were the Pantheon and Fontana di Trevi, which were both pretty cool. Legend has it that if you toss a coin in the Trevi Fountain over your shoulder, you're destined to return to the "eternal city". :) 




We then headed to Venezia, which is beyond beautiful. Below is the Canal Grande. Walking the city is really neat, as you meander through tiny alleyways only to cross multiple canals and come upon hidden piazzas. The city itself is like a treasure awaiting discovery.




Cutest little boy feeding the pigeons. Just adorable. 


The biggest "tourist attraction" in Venice is probably Piazza San Marco, where the Basilica is located. You can climb both the tower and the Basilica for a fee. We climbed the Basilica, but wished we had climbed the tower. 



Pictures aren't allowed inside the church, but the entire interior was so ornately painted, it was amazing.


Yay Venice!