"The Sun is Always in My Eyes"

Sorry it's been so long since my last post! Anyways, a few things to catch everyone up ...

This past week my cousin Kim and her friend Connie were here. It was exciting to have someone from home visit ... and they brought me Jiffy PB, so you can't get much better than that. On Wednesday, I skipped my class and showed them around Rome. I was pretty impressed with their speed tourist abilities after flying all night from the States. On Thursday, I had class all day while they saw the Vatican. But for dinner, I introduced them to Amadeus (the best and cheapest pizza in Roma).

Friday, we left for Capri.
I am in love with Capri. Absolutely, head over heals in love. I want to go back, and I know my version of Heaven will be just like it. It was a long day of traveling to get there - 2 1/2 hour train ride, bus ride, and a ferry.

We finally made it to our B&B, Il Tromonto ("sunset") around mid afternoon. I am 2-2 for finding amazing hostels and budget hotels. I am beginning to think I have a gift. Our B&B had an amazing hostess who went out of her way to help us with anything and everything. After awhile, we decided we wanted to climb up to the top of AnaCapri (top of the Capri island), and on the way we met an Italian women who showed us a path to take up. It's amazing how friendly Italians are as soon as you step outside of Rome. Everyone said hello, they were all warm and friendly, and would help you find your way. We finally made it to the top of a look out point ... the view was breathtaking. The vastness was indescribable and nothing I say will do it justice. We met another Italian, and he showed us another path that would give us a view of the Faraglioni (the three stacks off of Capri in the Med. Sea: Stella, Mezzo, and Scopolo). We spent a decent amount of time trying to communicate with the older man, who knew about as much English as I know Italian. It was fun though, and Kim's spanish came in handy while were were talking.

On the way back down from the hike, we stumpled upon Parco Filosofico (Philosphy Park). You could either follow Idealism or Realism, and at the end you followed a sign labeled Ultimo or "The Highlight", which led you to the most amazing view of the Bay of Naples. Later that evening, after seeing the most beautiful sunset, we stumbled upon an old church (I know, shocking to see a beautiful, one of a kind church in Italy). We went inside and actually were just in time for mass. So lucky and such a blessing. After church, we went out to dinner at a restaurant recommended by our B&B hostess. I figured that since I was on an island in the Med. Sea, I should have some seafood ... I ordered sea food spaghetti which ended up having mussels and clams. It was actually really good! I know Mom and Dad, it's okay if you don't believe me. Haha.

The next day we tried to go see the Blue Grotto, but it was closed. We were on the island in the off season, so no tours were open. But we still went walking around and stumbled upon Il Faraglioni on the other side of the island. It was breathtaking. I can't think of another word to describe the scenery. We were so lucky too, because we were the only people there. So unusual and definitely a highlight for coming in the offseason. This part of the trip was probably my favorite, and it was more exciting when I saw jellyfish in the water. I immediately thought of you, Maggie, and the cruise. Haha.

Well, now I am back in Rome. I have been here 6 weeks - unbelievable!
I can't really believe how fast time is going by.
Next weekend I am going to Hamburg, Germany to meet up with our family friend, Nicky. And next Sunday just so happens to be my 21st! It's not too late to send me presents ;)

You are loved and prayed for,
Kaitlin

"I think life is too long to be a whale in a cubicle."
-Andrew Bird

"Yes the road is calling, so I've got to go"

"Wherever you go, go with all your heart." -Confucius

Hi!

So I actually stayed in Rome this weekend, and it was wonderful! I slept in every day, went for a couple runs, went sight seeing, did homework, and relaxed.

Thursday night I went out with a group of girls from MSU, and on the way home we were introduced to the 24 hour bakery. Let me just tell you that if you find anyone who doesn't believe in God, take them to this bakery. It's incredible. And it's cheap.

On Friday I went to a Rembrandt and Vermeer art exhibit. I had a moment where I had to stop myself, and take a moment to pinch myself. I couldn't believe I was seeing "Girl with a Pearl Necklace" in the flesh. Also on Friday, some of the State girls and I decided it was about time we found a theater with movies in English. With luck, we found one in Piazza del Popolo and we saw Revolutionary Road. It was a great movie, intense, heartbreaking, but definitely a must see. It's interesting at movie theaters in Rome, because they have little cafes inside them along with popcorn. Also, they stop the movie half way for intermission. It made me laugh.

On Saturday, I went to the Picasso exhibit at Complesso del Vittoriano. They had two full stories of Picasso, and they chronologically showed his paintings. It was amazing. The exhibit also had a couple paintings that are originally from the UofM Art Museum. Later that day, my friend Abby and I went to Santa Susanna, the American church in Rome. It was AWESOME to finally hear a homily in English. It was also the childrens mass, and the Priest asked all the kids questions during the homily, which is always entertaining. All of the children were adamant on how much God loved everyone, and were quick to share this fact with everyone.

Today, on Sunday, I went with some friends to get some gelato and then we went to study at St. Peter's square. I know, I am a spoiled brat. I can't believe that I actually get to study and be with friends in God's country.

Some fun things:
1. In Italy, the cafes are called Bars. You go in, ask for a drink (my favorite is the cappuccino) and sit while you read or chat with friends. You can take as much time as you want, and you pay only when you are heading out the door.
2. Italian men are starting to gross me out. They are way to flirty, and to them you don't have personal space.
3. I had my first Italian cannoli this weekend. Heaven.
4. Many European cities have a "Carnivale". Venice is famous for their Carnivale because of the outlandish costumes and masks. Carnivale falls on Fat Tuesday/Mardi Gras, but the celebrations last for about two weeks. It's fun because you'll see little kids dressed up in costumes for about two weeks (see the Finding Nemo picture).
5. I was able to reserve tickets (finally!) for Easter Mass at the Vatican!!!! For those that know me, you can imagine my excitement. The Pope and I are going to be BFFs.

Alright, well that's about it for news from across the pond.
Hope everyone has an amazing week.
You are loved and prayed for, Kaitlin

"Don't ask yourself what the world needs; ask yourself what makes you come alive. And then go out and do that. Because what the world needs is people who have come alive." - Harold Whitman

"The wisdom's in the trees, not the glass windows"

Ciao!

One of the most difficult things to do in Rome is to go for a run. I was so spoiled back in East Lansing and in EGR, and I didn't even realize it. I've had to rearrange my schedule and go early in the morning to avoid the busy traffic and the gross Italian men. My Italian professor recently told me that Italian women never wear shorts while running or working out. As a matter of fact, it's rare to see an Italian woman running around the city. Which leads me to Mistake #1: Running outside in my Detroit Tiger's t-shirt and hot pink running shorts. But, in the end, my mistake was rewarding. I ran all the way up to the top of a hill by my apartment, and once at the top, I could see the most amazing view of Roma. It's one of my new favorite things to do and it makes running all the more worthwhile.

In other news, I have been in Rome for almost a month! Time is going by so fast. I have narrowed down the list of places I want to see and put up a calendar of all the things I have to do in the next 3 1/2 months. I have pretty much come to the conclusion that school is getting in the way of me exploring Europe ... but I guess that was to be expected.

This past weekend I was blessed enough to travel to Venice! It was amazing. As soon as I got off the train, Venice took my breath away. The atmosphere was so relaxed, there were no cars or vespas, and you could feel that time was moving much slower. I went with two friends and we stayed at an amazing hostel. I'm not sure if any in the future will be able to compare. The hostel was ran by Gustavo, a Florence native, who is now one of my favorite hippie friends. Gustavo had studied cooking in Florence, and he graciously cooked for us on Saturday night. The food was amazing! For the rest of the weekend, my friends and I explored Venice and tried not to get lost. We went to the Basilica di San Marco, shopped, went on a gondola ride (!!), and went to the Guggenheim Art Museum.

1. Cool fact:

Gondolas are actually passed down by generation and you have to be Venetian to be a gondolier.

2. The Guggenheim exhibit was amazing.

I could have spent the whole day just looking at one painting in order to decipher everything I saw. The intensity of the paintings in the museum was outrageous, and the range of emotions in the paintings left me without words numerous times.

My favorite part of Venice though was the Beatles Memorabilia shop we stumbled upon. It's official - my Mecca is in Venice. The shop was filled with Beatles memorabilia, vinyls, and everything classic rock. The owner of the shop was playing acoustic guitar when we came in, and I immediately felt at home. If you can believe it, the store had a copy of Don McLean's "American Pie". I have been searching for that vinyl for two years, and could not believe I found it in Venice. Now all I have to do is to make sure it gets home safely...

"There have been joys too great to be described in words, and there have been griefs upon which I have not dared to dwell; and with his in mind I say: climb if you will, but remember that courage and strength are naught without prudence, and that a momentary negligence may destroy the happiness of a lifetime. Do nothing in haste; look well to each step; and from the beginning think what may be at the end."

-Edward Whymper

You are loved and prayed for,

Kaitlin