Roman Holiday

[breelee10]

I just returned ( and by just I mean 6 days ago) from the most amazing trip of my life.  A ten day "Roman Holiday" if you will, though it included a bit more than Rome.  I've spent the past six days in a kind of daze, avoiding writing this journal because that means I'm back.  Instead, I've been in a state best described as limbo.  But tomorrow it'

Comments

[wendylady1]

Bree

[breelee10]

oh I am so very jealous! You know, I can go to Canada and Mexico for cheap... ;)

I haven't traveled a lot, in fact, this was my first trip to continental Europe. I've been to England, Scotland, and Wales, and though those were absolutely beautiful places, I too have a fascination with the Roman Empire, as well as the Italian Renaissance, so needless to say, I was in the right place! I remember from my trip to the UK, my favorite part was Bath and Hadrian's wall! So yes, I was in heaven.

For the first few days we were there, I felt like I was at Disney World or something. You know, they were all facades and made of plaster and such. If I looked behind the buildings there'd be stilts holding up the front and men with hardhats eating sandwiches from they're pails. But by the time I made it to Rome, I was over the initial shock, and so I think I was better able to appreciate the Roman ruins.

I love being reminded about holidays we have enjoyed, so your post has struck a chord...can you tell ???oh I can tell! And can you tell

[wendylady1]

Bree,
"I haven't traveled a lot, in fact, this was my first trip to continental Europe.

I always wonder whether Americans and Canadians enjoy Europe more than we Brits do, because you see the European countries as different cultures, whereas we Brits don't really....they are Europeans just like us, with a shared history of Royalty, and Alliances, and historical ties, not to mention wars and the like...they just happen to speak other languages, that's all...

Over there in the US, Europe is regarded as a whole foreign place, consisting of many different cultures, whereas we think of the French, Belgians, Swiss, Germans, Spanish, Italians, and Portugese as all Continental, accessible for a small amount of cash for a budget airfare...

Our history goes back thousands of years, and possibly that is why Americans like coming here so much...as well as tracing, or at least getting a little taste of their own roots, quite often !!

Last year, we have tasted what we definitely think of as a foreign culture...that is Poland and the Czech

[breelee10]

Perhaps the reason Americans see all of the European countries so differently is because we see ourselves as so different from our neighboring countries. That is strange a strange comparison that I never actually thought about.

And I remember your BEAUTIFUL pictures from Poland and the Czech Republic. It is rather interesting, how I see Eastern Europe as almost a different "continent" if you will. I actually don't know a lot about Eastern Europe, but your pictures were pretty captivating!

I would love to go to Nimes, mostly because it has a lot of Roman architecture that we learned about in my architecture history class. And I feel like I have to go to Paris. Not to mention I'm 3/4 French, so I feel like I have to go, but I've just heard such terrible things about how the French treat Americans that it dampens the spirit a little...

[breelee10]

You're right, Florence is a Renaissance heaven, and therefore, I was in heaven! I love Renaissance architecture, so I just loved walking up and down the streets! I love how even the newer buildings are in the Renaissance style, it keeps the city consistent.

And Rome... so very different from Florence! But 4 days there is just not enough. I'm thinking 2 weeks at least to properly enjoy it.

I'm bound and determined to go back!

[rohancricket]

SO jealous of you all! Am I the only one who hasn't found a way out of this country? I may have to resort to selling my soul...

[breelee10]

or body...

[rohancricket]

my body only has only been offered my choice of the Bahamas, Tahiti, or Australia... no Italy. No Europe at all for that matter.

[mechtild]

Oh, Bree, how exciting! I adored touring Italy, but that was ages and ages ago, although not long ago in terms of art history. I am so pleased for you and loved reading your report and looking at your photos.

And you've been to England, Scotland and Wales! Already! I only made it to London, Stoke-on-Trent (to see my relatives) and Dover (for the ferry).

Go, you! After all you've been going through this year, you deserve it!

~ Mechtild

[breelee10]

You know, I have a sneaking suspicion that everyone adores Italy. Is it possible that it is the most welcoming country in Europe? Not sure, but I loved it!

And I have this traveling problem. The grass is always greener, and I always want to be where I'm not. I think I got a bad bite by the traveling bug at a young age! (Guess that's what happens when you've got a military dad!)

And yes, it was a lovely start to a fresh year. Though last year did start with meeting Elijah Wood...

[lembas_junkie]

I just LOVE travel reports! :D Thanks for the great pictures and recountings of your new-found love: Florence!

My godparents and an auntie are making their way to Europe for two weeks in May, I'm so excited for them. I requested a nice, folksy, hand-made shirt from Austria or something. :)

Lembas
:)

[breelee10]

Oh, no problem whatsoever! I could just talk about it for ages and ages... Might start annoying people actually... ;)

Austria would be absolutely lovely. I can't help but think of all those gorgeous panoramic views from the Sound of Music, and I don't even know if that was filmed on location in Austria. That must be one big tour of Europe, sounds nice!