Even More Excerpts From Italy and Belguim

7-15-2013

Right now, I am currently in the middle of extravagant trips. I have just returned from my trip from Cinque Terre, and I will be riding a midnight train to Venice tonight. The trip to Cinque Terre was magnificent! The coastline where the five towns were situated were unbelievable. Enormous mountains suddenly dropping off into the sea created the spectacular view. We took a ferry to see all of the towns, but we were only able to get off to see one because
we were on a time crunch. The town we did see was nothing short of amazing. The only hiccup I spotted was the trashy condition of the beaches. It seems as though littering in public areas is not as big of a deal as it is in the United States—where police can fine you hundreds of dollars for littering. Trash littered the water of the shoreline. Moreover, the experience was something I wish I could have all over again. The views were simply amazing.

7-19-2013

                After a relaxing day in Cortona—one day removed from my amazing trip to Venice—I am ready to go to Florence tomorrow. I am seeing so many places that time is flying by. I will be back in the United States by this time next week, but I could not be happier with my visit. Traveling to all of these cities has made me wonder about the history of these places and monuments. It seems so hard to imagine the many city plazas and streets filled with mainly local Italians rather than with thousands of tourists. The city square outside of Saint Francis’ Church in Venice was filled with tourists and street sellers. Although the street sellers were probably common 500 plus years ago, the swarms of tourists were not. The area was probably filled with small markets. The local people selling their goods to the other locals. I cannot really imagine what that would be like; however, living in Cortona has enabled me to have an experience close to that. Not many tourists come here, so the locals seem to behave in a similar fashion as what I have been imagining. Early bus to Florenece tomorrow, so I have to leave. Ciao!