Something for Everyone!

Here is the weblog I just wrote as a class assignment. You can see it complete with pictures at http://www.humsci.auburn.edu/pmachine/weblog.php, along with entries from my classmates.

We just got back from a whirlwind tour of Venice, Milan and the Cinque Terre. I could spend paragraphs writing about the beauty of this country, but I am not eloquent enough to do it justice. If there is one thing I have noticed that I did not expect, it would be the diversity of cities and scenery in Italy. Every place we have visited has its own personality, citizens, and ambiance. Going to three places on the heels of each other helped me to observe these differences. Venice was our first stop on our Grand Tour. I absolutely love it; it is my new favorite city in the whole world (and that's not an exaggeration)! It has an old-world feel to it that is fresh and unexpectedly relaxing. The elaborate buildings and slow-moving gondolas are reminiscent of Venice's glory days, when it was the height of elegance, wealth, and luxury. You could get lost in the maze of streets and canals and not even care if you ever find your way!

Milan was a total surprise to most of us. I heard someone say that it reminds them of New York but with less traffic! It is very cosmopolitan, but somehow it manages to keep that Italian charm. At times I even forgot I was in Italy, at least until I tried having a conversation with anyone! We visited art exhibits, skyscrapers, and design studios, and we learned many interesting things about architecture, fashion, and interior design. Milan has a strange tradition that requires every visitor to the Galleria to stand on the private areas of Torino's Bull mascot and spin around three times!

Traveling from Venice to Milan was an adjustment, but it was nothing compared to the contrast between Milan's big city atmosphere and Cinque Terre. Cinque Terre literally translates to "five lands." It is a National Park based around five coastal and mountain towns. There are trails linking each town, complete with breathtaking views at every turn. We spent the whole weekend hiking and enjoying the sunny weather. It was a nice change from the hustle and bustle of Milan.

I knew I was going to love Italy years before I came. I expected it to be beautiful, fun, and interesting. What I wasn't prepared for was the variety of experiences to be had here. There is truly something for everyone in Italy!