So, Italy is pretty cool huh!? Now that we are leaving our final stop in Italy, it is crazy to compare the huge differences between each city. Venice was obviously quite unique, Rome is the large historic capital, Florence is very proudly the cultural center (both historically and currently), and finally cinque terre is a great vacation spot/
getaway for locals. And that's it, great country, see you in Switzerland!
Just kidding, I'll elaborate.
Rome was a sight to behold for sure. Large buildings and piazzas, that's a square for you uncultured folk, are all
over the place, Marble monuments and ruins are scattered about, and Catholicism is everywhere. You can almost still feel the sense of grandeur that was once here when this city was the center of the worlds greatest empire. For me, the coliseum and roman forum were the best part. The Roman empire was a society that had it all right for a long time. They had democracy, art, theaters, sports stadiums, they married for love. But, eventually it was all ruined by some selfish emperors who wanted all the power. The catholics have done a pretty good job of keeping up with the huge monuments in Rome though, with a whole separate country of their own. St peters basilica is not only the largest and most ornate church in the world, but it may beat out all other buildings as well. The view from the top is splendid though, and I highly recommend taking the 520 steps up (Greg thinks they counted wrong though).
We took a step down in size, but not in culture when we went to Florence. I think we'd all agree that this is a very cute little city. The start of the renaissance occurred here around 1400 and Florentines will be certain to make sure you don't forget that. The art and sculptures are everywhere and they sure are proud of their historic artists. If you don't like art and want to limit it in your trip, make sure to go to the academia and see the David. It is very impressive to imagine this thing once being a single solid block of marble, and the unfinished works by Michelangelo nearby only help make the David more impressive. Florence is littered with churches just like Rome, and the are all covered with green and white marble that is local to the area and very beautiful. The duomo was one of my favorite churches to see from the outside, but inside, well it's hard to compete with St. Peters basilica. Around the duomo is also a great piazza to sit in at night and watch people stroll about. Lots of young students eating gilato, lovers flirting, old friends, and lone photographers trying to get a unique angle on the often photographed duomo. The best way to see Florence though, is from above. The piazza michelangelo sits on a hill overlooking the city and is such a beautiful spot.
When we left Florence, I think I couldn't have been happier to see mountains instead of another giant church. These five towns, and the coastline they sit on are a wonderful change of pace. Theyre almost like a more colorful version of Oia in santorini. On our first morning, we woke and began hiking the 9km trail between the towns. We were warned about the Germans and French being extremely serious and pushy. I don't think they were pushy, but they certainly took this fairly moderate day hike WAY too seriously. It's about a 5 hour hike, with a stop in a town every hour and these people were ready to join bear grylls in the amazon for a week. They were geared up with hiking poles, huge boots and backpacks bigger than the one I'm using for this whole trip (okay maybe the backpack thing isn't saying that much). The trail itself was complete with some decent climbs, a few nice towns, and some amazing views of the cliff covered coastline. When we finished the hike, we had a nice swim in the chilly Mediterranean water and it was soo refreshing after a hot and sweaty day of hiking. Since I didn't have a bathing suit, I went european style in my undies! Finally, after training back to the town we were staying in we feasted on pizza and quickly crashed in anticipation for our 6am train this morning.
I am sad to see Italy and that coastal mountain area go, but extremely excited for what's ahead. I have been awaiting Switzerland and the alps this whole trip! It should be a great few days in the mountains before our final push for home. 4 stops left!
-bear
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