Rome in 24 Hours

Unfortunately, my visit to Rome was particularly shorter than I would have liked, but I did manage to see the major sites on my list.  We started our first day at the Vatican and then ended up separating from the group at St. Peter's Basilica.  Must see's included the Sistine Chapel, St. Peter's Basilica itself, and Michelangelo's Pieta. When then headed towards the Pantheon, passing through a market along the river and stopping for lunch at a sidewalk cafe.  For dinner our group had planned this ridiculously long 5 course meal.  A few girls and I stayed for the first three courses and then decided to high-tail it to the Spanish Steps on recommendation from a friend.  Knowing we had limited time in Rome, we decided it was better spent exploring the city rather than sitting in the basement of a restaurant waiting for the next course.  There is a time and place for a relaxing Italian dinner, but my first visit to Rome was not it!

The next day we headed to the Coliseum only to find workers on strike, so our reservation would have to wait until after noon when the workers were expected to return. Instead we made a trip to the Trevi Fountain and the Spanish Steps area to see the designer shops and take in some Roman culture. Luckily when we headed back to the Coliseum we were able to enter and look around.  Shortly thereafter it was time to head home.

TO THE BIG APPLE!

I'm still catching up on everything I need to share from Italy, and Switzerland, and Paris..., but I thought I would go double time and also let you know what is going on right now -- which consists of enjoying some time in my hometown with family and soaking up all of the humidity that the Midwest has to offer. However, school starts in just under two weeks. At least, orientation at my beautiful new school in the Big Apple! I'm heading to the Fashion Institute of Technology to study Fashion Design in a one-year accelerated program.  My class schedule includes Flat Patterning Design I, Introduction to Computer Design, Apparel Design - Structured Silhouettes, Life Drawing, Apparel Design - Soft Silhouettes, Fashion Art & Design, and last but not least, Sewing Techniques.  This girl couldn't be happier. :)

Italy's Hidden Gem

The most beautiful place I've ever been is this lovely island named Ischia.  It's just west off the coast of Naples, and just north of the better known island of Capri.  This was the location chosen for our first weekend getaway in Italy, and boy did we make a good decision! The island was not full of tourists as most places in Italy are, but rather we found beautiful tropical flowers, picturesque beaches, and the best local wine and cheese.  Not to mention, the pizza in the entire Naples area is to die for.

Naples is known for being a rather dangerous city, however when our group was there, I didn't necessarily feel threatened or unsafe at any point.  I think as long as you are aware of your surroundings, your bags, and your actions, then you will be fine.

One of the "must-see's" at Ischia is without a doubt the Castello Arogonese, a castle built in 474 B.C. which you can tour for only 10 euros.  The views and history of the castle are unrivaled, as well are the peaceful walks one will find wandering through the old churches, olive gardens, and look-out points.

If you do plan on visiting, here's a helpful tip.  You can get to the island from the Naples port one of two easy ways.  First, you can take a hydrofoil for roughly 18 euro which will get you there in a matter of maybe one hour or so.  The other is to take a ferry.  While significantly slower, is also significantly cheaper at 5 to 10 euros.