I am currently in Dubrovnik, Croatia and it has proven to be a beautiful place as they refer to it as the hidden gem of the Med. Sea.
Well, our previous port was Italia where we spent a total of 7 days traveling up and down the entire country. I had the chance to see the following cities: Rome, Venice, FLorence, Verona, Pompeii, and Naples. Here I took the trains up and down constantly throughout the days and night. Rome was incredible. Mzžy first shocking experience was causually walking down a road trying to figure out which street I was on and than I turn my head and look to the right and bam, there is the Colleseum right in my face. This took a bit to process. Along with the Colleseum I got to visit all of the major tourists locations thorughout Rome including Michaelangelo,s sistine Chapel, and unbelieveable sight, it is definately a breath taking experience. Well, In Rome I had the privilege of sitting in on Mass with the Pope, :) and now I can hoinestly say that I have been blessed by the Pope as he concluded his message by blessing the people sitting in. All of the cities in Italia have there own individual taste and beauty about them, but I would have to say that VErona was definately my favorite city. We hung out in Verona for the day and waiting until 3 in the morning there for a night train. It was interesting to encounter the cities night life. Familes were out til around 1:30 in the mrning just hanging out in the town square and shopping area. The Opera in there old outdoor thestre got out at midnight creating even more chaotic intriquing expereinces with the local families and there interactions in the evening. The townspeople also window shopped until 1am while eating they,re Gelato. It was cool to experience the chill and laid back culture of Verona. This was follwed by the weirdest and most obscure bus trip I have ever encourntered and dont expect to again. We get on our train at 3 welcomed by numerous kids hanging out the windows of the train. It created the effect of convicts headed to prison, a little abnormal start to our long night. We than entered the train to find out that we didn,t actually have set seats, so we had to sit on a little narrow hall, and sleep with the many others that slept along the side of the narrow hall. It proved to be quite the humble and patient needed experience. It definately helped going into it not expecting much, so throughout the train ride as I woke up from the loud shouting of the teenage boys I could only laugh of the crazy experience that I get to share with my friends and family. Definately wouldn,t change that one for anything. The city of Venice also proved to show its beauty as well as Michaelangelo,s David and Ghiberti,s Gates of Paradise in Florence. My last few days in Itlaia I spent hiking MT. Vesuvios and exploring the city of Pompeii. The city of Pompeii was incredible, but I little heartbreaking to see the plastered statues of people frozen in that catastrophic and traumatic moment in time.
Next stop, Croatia!
Here in Croatia I have had some amazing cultural experiences. I had the privilege of visiting a poor city to enjoy a night of folk dancing and dinner with the townspeople. Upon entering they hand you a little shot of something that they tell you is a cultural drink to begin an evening or to end an evening with, and this shot happened to be moonshine, nasty stuff. It sits in your chest with a burning sensation, whish they provided figs and orange peals to wash it down with. The food for the evening was exquisite and the dancing was extremely entertaining as we interacted with the townspeople. Along with the great food provided by the family they also provided the house wine made in their own Vineyard, which was definitely the best wine I have ever drank. The following days we explored the Old city walls, which were previously under attack just ten years ago. The Serbs were throwing bombs over the hill onto the city. We also got the chance to take a kayak ride around a nearby island and also snorkeled in the beautiful clear waters. Our last night here was the begining of their summer festival, so we had the privilege of seeing the town awake at night to enjoy the night in celebration with fireworks, wines, music, tradition, and dancing. Another successful port with only four more countries to go! It is flying by! Well, many more stories to come, Ill try my best to keep this updated.
