Study Abroad

Three hundred stairs to go.  Two hundred stairs to go.  I stop at the landing because I do think I can do another two hundred.  It is getting tighter and steeper the farther up we go.  My legs feel like they’re about to buckle and I’m out of breath.  I decide that it would be a waste to climb two hundred and not go through with the rest.  I walk away from the elevator.  There’s no turning back now.  Adrenaline kicks in and the next hundred stairs fly by.  I’m almost there.  Excitement pushes me faster.  I am so close to the top.  I look behind me to see my friends trailing not to far behind.  I get to the opening that is going to lead me to the top of the Duomo.  As I climb out on to the landing, sunset has just hit.  We didn’t even plan it, it just worked out that way.  I look out and can see the entire city of Florence, the buildings and the hills farther off into the distance.  The sky is an unreal wash of colors.  I take a breath in.  It was worth every single one of those four hundred stairs.  I stand around, gazing out into the most beautiful, picturesque landscape I have ever seen with my own eyes.
During my three week study abroad trip to Venice, climbing to the top of the Duomo was by far the most breath taking.  Despite that being my favorite, there were so many other moments that made the trip a life changing experience.  Italy has such an abundance of culture that no matter what corner you find yourself in, you are guaranteed to be amazed.  During my time there I traveled throughout Venice, and spent a weekend in both Rome and Florence.  Walking through a cities that have been there for centuries and looking at artwork that is known throughout the world is an eye-opening experience.
There was so much to see in Rome, it was hard to cram it all into three days.  One thing in particular that was amazing was to stand foot in was the Coliseum.  It was a beautiful day, 60 degrees and sunny.  Walking into a structure that massive, that has survived through so much, is astounding.  Looking down at an area where you know people fought to the death and others cheered in excitement is equally eerie as it is exciting.
Then there is Venice.  What can I say about Venice.  It’s not just a city, but place with its own characteristics and personality.  Being there for three weeks, I got to experience the real Venice.  The squares, the cafès, the buildings.  It has so much history, but it still has so much life in it.  I loved walking over the bridges and passing the canal, walking past different buildings on my way to the institute for class.  Venice is a magical city and four months later, I am still under its spell.