Boun giorno from Italia

Bringing the history back indeed, yall!

My cousin and I are now in my favorite Italian city, Firenze, or Florence. Yesterday morning, we took two trains from Brig to Milan to Venice to Florence. Yes, we spent about 6 hours on trains.

We originally wanted to leave Switzerland on Sunday, but thanks to a train strike (which happens monthly or so), there was no way to get to Italy. Needless to say, we were bored out of our minds in Brig, which only has a train station and a couple grocery stores. Insterestingly enough, we zoned out on German MTV in our hotel room. Its crazy to see the far-reaching influence America has on other cultures. All the shows are dubbed in German, even South Park and Family Guy.

Arriving in the train station in Milano reminded me of the 405 Freeway at rush hour. It was jam packed with tourists and locals alike. But being Italian, the train could only do one thing, that was being 1 hour behind schedule. After squeezing our bodies and backpacks into the train, we sat in the most hot, stuffy, annoying train ride ever! The aire condizzionata only funtioned when the car was moving, so we sat there for 40 minutes with no air and and dozens of sweaty tired backpackers.

Upon arriving in Venice, the previous adventure was forgotten with the site of the Grand Canal and the gondalas. Though Venice was once a trading superpower in the 16th century, it has become a tourist destination. Only 300 people live in Venice year-round, most of the locals live on the other side of the island and take water taxis to work.

St. Marks Square, with its gaudy Catholic decoration also bears some resemblence to Muslim architecture with its arches and geometric patterns. Of course, the pigeons dont seem to mind. They are fearless! I wouldnt be surprised to have one pickpocket me.

The train ride to Florence was comfortable because we took the Eurostar high speed line. Arriving in the majestic city was romantic for this history teacher. To think, Leonardo da Vinci, Raphael, Michelangelo, Bruneschelli, and the Medici family all walked these streets. Our hotel is near the Duomo and we woke up to the sound of the bells and of course, Vespas and Peugots whizzing by.

Before we went to bed, we walked the streets of the city with pizza and soda and listened to a street performer give a show at the Ponte Vecchio, the oldest landmark in Florenece. The bridge was originally built in the 1560s and was home to various leathermakers. It sits straddling the famous Tiber River that flows through Romes city centre. To think, the ancient Romans utilized the power of the Tiber to bring fresh water and public baths to its citizens.

Tomorrow, we leave to Rome but not before stopping by the Accademia to see a famous 17ft tall statue by the name of, "David." Michelangelo scuplted this masterpiece to the amazement of his peers. This museum is so crowded that reservations are needed to attend. So K. Merino and her cousin Evan will be having breakfast with this fascinating man tomorrow.

Until then, ciao bella y arriverdeci mis amores!
KM