Cinque Terre Travels

An early Saturday morning Florentine wake-up call arrived at 6 a.m. with squeaky-toy birds, construction noises and gonging bells, all accompanied by insensitive bright white sunlight no one can escape. It was ok though, because this time we were headed to Cinque Terre.

We made our way to an obscure piazza, almost off the map at the southern edge of town, to catch a bus ride we can’t stop laughing at now.

In single-file, we climbed the steep bus stairs, first catching a glimpse of the driver and then peering around the corner at the twin rows of people with whom we would spend the next 14 hours. The mix-up included a few energetic middle-aged women, a handful of college girls and a few boys who were ready to hit the beach.


The quiet chatter about sunscreen, sand and shopping ceased when our young tour guide from Florence University of the Arts, Marika, took the bus mic. The speakers filled the charter vehicle with a loud abrupt, “ciao!”

Our guide Marika works at FUA.

The wheels on the bus started round and round, and our adventure on the Italian coast commenced. Marika, unsure and painfully hesitant, asked who was planning to hike. The survey of hands showed that about 20 brave souls were eager for the challenge. Marika gasped and spewed worried Italian sentiments. She had never taken this trail before, and it was the only one available because of last year’s flood. Everyone on the bus cringed with sympathy as she anxiously joked about being carried up the trail.

A bathroom break beckoned after an hour and a half, so the bus rolled to a stop. A chocolate croissant, a latte and a toilette would tide us over. Fifteen minutes later, we met some lively bus characters.

Entering the middle door of the bus, we landed in our seats, but not before almost running into a serious hiker. A tiny, dedicated adventure enthusiast was getting ready for Marika’s dreaded hike. Grabbing the seats and sprawled in the aisle, she stretched her muscles out with deep lunges.

Seated, we acknowledged the odd occurrence and returned our attention back to our conversion—but only for a few minutes. A loud and obnoxious personality waltzed down the aisle offering “apple juice” to anyone who had a cup to fill. Confused and dazed, we cocked our heads and inspected the bottle in her hand: vino. Our jaws dropped into a smile of disbelief, and the snickering wouldn’t stop. We politely declined her offer as she continued up and down the narrow path. Three minutes later, she asked us to pass the bottle up to put in a trashcan. It was 9 in the morning.

The brink of Cinque Terre was upon us just 60 minutes later. Marika announced that we had six minutes to catch the train to our first city in the tropical Mediterranean jungle. After booking it to the train, we successfully made it to the first city, Monteroso.

Monteroso

We actually debated the hike. It could lead to spectacular views, and we weren’t sure we wanted to miss out. Marika described the trek to us as, “up, up, up, up, and then down,” with a plunging hand motion and exaggerated intonation, so we decided to opt for some down time at the cities instead. She said we were the smart ones.

Adventure didn’t exactly escape us, though. We caught trains to the other cities and even climbed sea rocks on the outskirts of the ocean.

The bus met us back at the first city and gave us a few more laughs. Marika’s heels clicked together as she jumped in the air—she survived the hike and was relieved. Cherries and spray fragrances that smelled like different foods such as olive oil were comically passed around and offered on the drive.

Evening hit us like dead weight and our muscles felt limp. Cinque Terre offered us unexpected adventures, comic relief and gorgeous scenery so stunning that all of your senses combined couldn’t get enough. All of the hikers and beach goers rested their heads on the bus windows and on their backpacks full of souvenirs as they slept. Marika whispered “ciao,” to wake the sleepy passengers as we arrived in Florence to welcome us back home.

Destination Weekend: June 9-10

Cliffs, coastline, climbing, shopping and organic food. Weekends in Italia are my favorite. I'm still awe-struck at everything I saw and experienced. The beauty of the landscapes and structures, combined with all the adventures we undertook, made for an extraordinary weekend.

It's Monday afternoon, and it feels like I was gone for a week at least because of everything that was packed into one weekend. Having noted that, I plan to write multiple pieces about this past weekend, which might take some time (both for the blog and class assignments.) I have to sort out my thoughts in order to successfully document it all through writing and pictures. I only took over 1000 pictures this weekend, so organizing and editing those should be fun.

In the mean time, here's an overview:

Saturday, we headed to Cinque Terre for the day--easily the most gorgeous place I've ever experienced. The day was full of relaxation on the beach, hiking on sea rocks and taking in the beautiful scenery. I had two great meals while visiting: at lunchtime, I had stuffed mussels and for dinner, I had something comparable to a chicken gyro. We visited all five coastal towns, and then arrived back in Florence around 9 p.m. 

Sunday was the Best of Tuscany Tour. We visited Sienna, an organic country farm, San Gimignano and Pisa, all in one day. Tuscany is filled with rolling hills of green vineyards and wild flowers. While traveling, I saw the oldest working bank, learned about the traditions of horse racing and neighborhood rivalries, experienced an organic meal and wine tasting, ate world champion gelato and yes, climbed the tour of Pisa.

I will never forget this weekend. I saw and experienced things that will be with me forever. I can't wait to write more about it and edit all my pictures.

More posts to come...Ciao!  

June 8, 2012 -- Firenze

"Squeaky-toy" birds (as we like to call them), bright sunlight, bells and construction noises are the usual Florentine wake-up calls. Today, I slept in and before I knew it, it was time to go to the Uffizi museum, which houses the Medici family's collection of art. Gorgeous pieces with brilliant colors and symbolic portrayals intrigued me. Despite my aching back and tired feet, I made it through and managed to pick up on some interesting facts.

Besides the beautiful displays themselves, I enjoy the history and story behind the piece of art. It makes viewing much more meaningful. For instance, in the renaissance, it was popular for the painter or the family paying for the painting to be included in the piece itself (they're the ones on the canvas that are usually looking at you.) Also, many times power-hungry individuals will be portrayed in religious scenes, as if they were there when it happened...talk about the early procedures of advertising and public relations.

After the tour, Catherine and I found this panini place that seemed local enough. I tried the tuna. The moistness of the mayonnaise and tomatoes was the best. Here in Italia, sandwiches are usually served dry, which has been a challenge for this sauce-heavy american.

We were beat by the time we arrived back at the apartment and settled for an Italian siesta. At 5:30, we headed out to find the place we're supposed to meet tomorrow morning and enjoyed hazelnut crepes for dinner at Astro Cafe (which has become my personal favorite hangout spot.)

Now it's time to pack for the day-trip to Cinqua Terre tomorrow morning. Six a.m. will come faster than I'd like, so it's off to bed in about an hour or so.

Ciao!

First Florence Monday Morning

On this cloudy, cool morning, I’m sitting at the breakfast table enjoying a cup of milk and a banana. As I’m writing this, I can’t help but to stare out the window at all of my new Italian neighbors’ green shutters against yellow concrete, layered with rusty brown shingles on top. It’s an absolutely breathtaking view.

This is my first morning in Florence. I’ve braved the crowded streets of Rome for a week, where I saw things that I can’t even begin to wrap my head around, that in essence, was the beginning of civilization as we know it—the coliseum, the pantheon, the Roman Forum and old catholic churches (just a few of the things we saw.)

Florence is different, though. I’m living in an authentic Italian apartment with six other girls. Meaning…no air conditioning, lots of mosquitoes, open windows, new kitchen appliances to learn and a temperamental door. The list goes on of the new things I’m going to have to learn to do and adjust to.  That’s exciting, but admittedly scary. I’m no expert on how to live the Italian life, but I figured it out in Rome. Give me a couple days here, and hopefully I’ll be calling Florence home sweet home.

Today, we are having orientation and class. At the end of all the information sessions, we will have our welcome dinner with the entire Baylor group. Basically, there’s not much on the agenda today except adjusting and exploring. Well, I feel like that’s going to be a continuing process: adjusting and exploring. I’m learning that is part of the experience. 

I’m so excited to start seeing things and learning more about Italian history and culture here in Florence. It’s been such a world wind of an adventure, that I’ve barely had time to update this blog or my journal or send emails. Hopefully, Ill get the hang of it and do a better job in the future. Until next time, ciao!

A City Beneath Us

My breath stopped short when I heard Giovanna say that everywhere you walk you are standing on ruins. Most people know that Rome is historical, but what I discovered is that every little corner, wall, street, painting and building has significance—and we haven’t seen it all.

Today, our tour guide told us that churning dirt still leads to finds of precious artifacts. As the cool wind blew, and the raindrops hit, I could feel the sense of religious, cultural and political significance, while walking through the Roman forum ruins. Craning my neck, I stared at magnificent marble columns built for the glory of the city. Next to the columns, was the place where the Biblical apostle Paul once walked, the beloved leader Julius Cesar was killed and up on the hill was the Roman Senate, the building that the United States modeled its own Senate after.

The old and the new clashes in Rome everyday. The city continues to excavate the territory and cancel or delay construction because everywhere you step, an ancient, once vibrant city, lies beneath. Since 1909, Italian law has stated that antiquities are primarily state property.

Whether or not you’re an art dealer who disagrees with the Italian state’s efforts or a bitter landowner who found some ancient pottery in your back yard, the importance of the history buried under our feet in Italian soil is the same. Everyone can marvel at the rich heritage in Rome and across Italy. The people here can feel it as they hit the pavement with fast-paced steps on a daily basis to accomplish every day tasks.

So much history packed into one city will take your breath away. There's a difference between knowing Rome is historical and understanding that Rome is historical. To understand it is to feel the significance weigh on your mind while your feet crunch against the gravel where the Romans walked, or to touch a piece of marble just because you know someone else influential has likley touched the same piece many years ago.

Giovanna insists that we know ‘why’ rather than ‘what.’ Dates and times and other monotonous info won’t stick and don’t leave lasting impressions. The reason is what defines the past and leads us to explanations of the present. Rome truly is a two-part city—an ancient portal beneath us and one of the world’s metropolises from the pavement up.

Coming Up Next...

I just ended my junior year and have acquired the senior status....So what's next?


1) Little Rock time
2) The Italian life
3) Getting down to business

I'll be in Little Rock hanging out with family, getting out on the boat, swimming, eating home cooked meals and getting ready for Italia. In a couple of weeks, I'll be studying abroad in the beautiful country of Italy. I'm taking two classes: Magazine and Feature Writing and Media Photo II. That’s six hours worth of writing assignments and photo stories. I hope to keep family and friends updated via email and blog posts. With any luck or motivation, I’ll be posting every week. That’s the goal at least. I’m super excited and really nervous at the same time. This experience will be full of adventures, culture and learning. I can’t wait to see what I will learn and how I will grow.

When I get back from studying abroad, I’ll be getting down to business. Meaning, I’m excited to say I’ll be starting my own business—Capture Photography by Brooke. I’ve been taking pictures for a while now, it’s time to start getting paid for it…hopefully. The second half of the summer I’ll be planning logistics and getting things started in time for August. I’m excited to chase this dream. Getting paid to do what I love to do…that sounds amazing.

Here’s a glimpse of my work and watermark:

Hannah at The Old Mill

Junior Reflections

I'm a senior. Well, practically. After tomorrow's on-line writing and reporting presentation, at approximately 11 a.m., I will officially be a senior.  That is really hard to accept.  And that previous statement is an understatement.  I think it is only proper, well actually obligatory, to reflect on this past year as a junior.

My senior ring

First, fall brought new roommates...same apartment complex, different place, but two new roommates. I got my own room for the first time since being in college, and I'm never going back. My semester was filled with plenty of sorority obligations including songs practice and skit day meetings, and some other fun events like Traditions Rally, Girls Fight Back and Tug For Tots. I love the sorority perks.

Fall is also one of my favorite times of the year because it's football season. Rained out? Check. Evacuated for lightening? Check. Beat Texas, Oklahoma, and TCU? Check. HeIIIsman? Check. That pretty much sums up my football season.

Another great thing about fall is Baylor homecoming! This year, my mom, sister, and grandmother were able to come and experience this tradition. I can't explain the joy I felt while showing them around and watching them as they got to live out these events with me.

Most of my weekends were filled the usual, but one October weekend, I took a road trip with two of my sorority sisters. Destination: Quitaque (population 432). It was a country, convertable top down, don't approach the bison, picnic in the canyons kind of weekend. Later in the semester, we traveled to Dallas to window shop, get our nails done, and eat some cheesecake.

With spring came even more sorority fun. I graced the stage as a pirate, adopted a little into my family, went roller-blading, and participated in Sing as a specialty dancer. I took some really interesting classes, where I was able to work on my writing and photography skills. This semester I also started my position as public relations chair and historian in my sorority, where I have been able to design, take pictures, and write as well.  Oh and a congratulations to the national champions: Sic 'Em Lady Bears! Between Sing, my work load, and photo shoots, this semester has definitely been the busiest so far.(Why do I keep saying this every semester?)

That's the short version. I just condensed my year into a few paragraphs, and I know I left some things out. So what were some of the most memorable things that I will take away from this year?

• My passion for writing and photography has intensified, especially photography, and I am so excited to see where it will take me. I feel so lucky and blessed to have realized my passions and part of my calling in the adult world.
• I am extremely thankful and blessed to be a Baylor Bear.
• It's really incredible to be part of a sisterhood.
• Tim McGraw was right...You really do find out who your friends are.

I am constantly reminded that God's plan is the best plan, and that everything is made so stunningly beautiful and incredibly perfect through Him. I love life. Seriously. I look forward to the next minute, hour, day, month, and years to come.