Thursday, June 16, 2011

Pictures of Rome





















Rome then Home

I do not know where to start. I have not wrote a blog entry for some time now. I had mix feelings about Rome. I loved it and at the same time I wish I was back in Florence. From the Vatican to the Forum and Coliseum, Rome has it all. Besides the sites, I found other reasons to love Rome: Sarah Beth. However, I learned that Rome is a city with too many people in it. A city that has millions of tourists a year should have more than two metro trains. In the end, I believe I loved Rome. Some of my favorite events occurred when I was off by myself. When my group and I were walking around the forum, I walked ahead of the group and just thought to myself. Following that time of solace, we ran into a gay parade that reminded me of the importance of the family.

Another event that I enjoyed while by myself was in the gardens near Flamino square. We had a large group that had planned on having a spiritual meeting, but instead of sticking with them, I walked off. I wondered around the park and took picture after picture until I found a bench to ponder on. My last wondering event occurred on Monday night at the Coliseum. I decided to walk around the Coliseum instead of sitting on the wall with everyone else. I reflected on the trip and how I was going to miss it, but I thought about the adventures to come and how much fun life is going to be because of this trip.


In conclusion to my trip, Rome was a great end to something that was well worth the time and finance. I will always remember this experience and I hope to reflect on it in the future. I learned much and have been blessed for the knowledge that I have gained.

Sunday, June 12, 2011

Pescara to Rome

Our drive from Parma to Pescara was incredible. Besides the fact that we were on a bus for a couple, the journey was worth it. We were blessed with a business visit along the way, so the drive was not that bad. We met with Brioni. Brioni functions much like Ducati. The whole factory line was interesting to see due to the fact that only humans deal with production process and not machines. I do not think I would have the patience to do what any of those women and men were doing. I did not understand all the random stitches, but the final product was incredible. I would not be able to tell the difference between a suit and a Brioni suit unless I could wear the suit. Our tour guide allowed me to try on a suit jacket and it felt amazing. The weight and the feel of the material made my missions suits look like play toys. ha! The suit jacket alone was $3,000 dollars, so I do not think I will ever be buying one soon, but it was nice to at least try one on.

After Brioni, we made our way to Pescara. The drive to Pescara was fun. I had planned on sitting next to Sarah, but instead I sat next to Christina. We talked the whole way there about the temple and other gospel topics. I feel like I have talked about the gospel a ton on this trip due to individuals like Christina and Adam. Adam loves to bring up the gospel and just talk about what prophets and apostles have said.

When we finally arrived in Pescara, we were all blown away. Out hotel was located across the street from the beach. Pescara is located on the eastern coastline of Italy. Everyone was excited to jump in the water due to the fact that we were at a beach and who can say they have swam in the Adriatic Sea. Sarah, Ashlyn, Bristal, and I enjoyed dinner before we jumped into the water. Where we ate was very convenient. The pizza shop was just a couple yards from our hotel. From the pizza, we went to the water. The water temperature was perfect as well as the sunset. Swimming was very easy because of the sodium levels.

At the conclusion of the night, we all went to a gelato shop that was yet again near our hotel. It was by far the cheapest place we have gone to this whole trip. It was good, but not the best that we have had though.

Friday, June 10, 2011

Italy Photos

























Austria Photos



 Sound of Music in Salzburg!


 On the steps at Schonbrunn in Vienna!
                                                            Sarah Beth and I on the steps.

The above photos exemplify what the gardens of the palace looked like.


 I am just preparing myself for the Opera!
 When we were in Vienna, one of our free days was a holiday known as ascension day. This was the celebration at the palace. The Vienna Phil Harmonics performed.

 This was taken at Broadman Pianos. This piano was made out of granite and it is rare. I was privileged to sit on the seat and play a chord.
 Best ice cream in all of Vienna.
 This is known as St. Stephen's Cathedral. It was strange to walk into a cathedral and see colors on all the walls. It does not feel right.
 Classic jumping photo.