Here are their impressions of these quite different destinations.
CINQUE TERRE REVERIE
By Christen Calloway
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By Christen Calloway
Full of German, Italian, and American vacationers and a mix of native Italians, Cinque Terre is an ideal location for outdoor recreation. Whether it’s lounging in the sun, swimming in the calm salty sea, or hiking from town to town through the terraced vineyards and lemon orchards.
Walking through the five small towns of Cinque Terre is a warm, welcoming experience. The coastal villages are filled with locals who actually get to live in such a breathtaking part of the world. The area is, of course, filled with anxious tourists during the summer, but is really made up of people that live their lives on the coast. Going on with their daily routines of working or hanging laundry, it is an easygoing lifestyle they seem to love, judging by their tans and smiling faces.
When hiking the paths of Cinque Terre, the view from above can be a little scary when looking over the edge. Sharp, dark rocks extend down forever, ending in the clear turquoise sea. A tricky balancing act requires staying alert at the steps and curves ahead while also stopping to appreciate the endless horizon, which can be done at almost any point through all 9 kilometers of Cinque Terre hiking paths. Sturdy shoes, not flip flops, are recommended on posters in the towns and in all guidebooks, although many were spotted slipping on path pebbles wearing thin sandals.
While outdoor activities are endless, some parts of Cinque Terre are skimpy on restaurants. The trails themselves are part of a national park, so don't expect any refreshments you don't pack in yourself. Beware of toaster-oven pizzas and microwave pasta seen in Riomaggiore cafes where service lags drastically, as far as servers completely disappearing. The pesto, which is famous in Cinque Terre, is tasty but not outstanding. Stick with the white wine that is made there, which is cheap and deliciously fresh (but be careful you don't get the tres-sweet variety, unless you are having it with dessert.)
Be sure to book hotel rooms in advance during the high season as accommodations are limited and Cinque Terre is a popular vacation spot for Europeans as well as Americans. Much quieter than Rome, Florence, or Venice, plan to relax and unwind at this charming destination.
FLOATING INTO VENICE
By Ashley McHale
Unlike other cities in Italy, Venice is one of a kind. Most Venetians consider their land a separate entity because of their unique culture and the major bodies of water that pour into the city.
The air is clear and no cars can swerve in the narrow roads. Through the Grand Canal boats roam through numerous waterways.
The waves splashing and the sun reflecting off ancient buildings is the first sight of Venice, and one of the most beautiful.
Most known for its gondolas, Venice's channels are filled with mystery and elegance. It takes exploring through the small pathways to get a true glimpse of its character, while creating a peaceful and relaxing journey to a gorgeous city.
Though a few tourists have discovered the land of brightly painted houses and tiny canals, foreigners are only on the main drag. It is easy to venture into an alley and find empty plazas with laundry hanging on clothing lines in front of pink and turquoise houses. We visited the separate island communities of Murano, known for its glass-blowing, and Burano, known for its lacemaking and colorfully painted homes.
It is a city that can only be explored by boat or by foot but the imaginative views substantiate the slow pace you will take while and taking the city in.
WHEN IN ROME...
By Pamela Birchard
Beautiful churches and ancient buildings span across much of Rome, displaying its obvious architectural significance. The city is vast, with many parks, tall buildings and wide streets and sidewalks, making this city the most modern in Italy while still being the most ancient.The sights in Rome are taught in classrooms and are seen in textbooks, but in person, the size and detail provoke a completely different feeling and lesson. Walking through the Vatican and analyzing each sculpture closely, you feel as though you are experiencing the creation of it.
Hearing about the trials and tribulations Michelangelo went through to paint the ceiling of the Sistine Chapel makes your heart soar for him and his dedication. Staring at the ceiling for as long as possible to take in every inch, your neck begins to ache and you can't help but wonder how he was able to produce such a captivating masterpiece. These masterpieces encompass the entire city and we are lucky enough to marvel at them all.
Beyond Rome's main characteristics we all know very well now resides Caravaggio's famous and Christen's favorite painting, Calling of Saint Matthew, at Chiesa San Luigi dei Francesei. He is one of the most famous painters of Italy because of his skill, his red-toned palette, and his use of "Chiaroscuro," an intense differentiation of light and dark.
The paintings are dark and barely visible until someone puts a coin into a machine and suddenly the painting appears: barefoot Jesus, barely illuminated, pointing at Matthew, with light from the window shining down on Matthew to heighten the experience of divine presence.
This presence can be seen through all of Rome, a city juxtaposed with ancient and modern architecture, stories both true and dear, connecting old and new in a place where the Empire once stood powerful and the heavens still shine down.THE WONDROUS CITY OF SIENA
By Kimberly Manning
Siena is a wondrous city of magical landscape and majestic buildings. Between the significant history of the city and the hundreds of grapes grown here, Siena maintains itself as one of the most beautiful and diverse cities in Tuscany.
Walking through Siena, the smells of sangiovese grapes will entice your senses. The winding and hilly roads lead to the main square in which the horse race, Il Pailo, has taken place for centuries, with teams from each city neighborhood competing.
Standing where Saint Benedict stood many times and gave some of the best speeches known to man, I can see the true origins of Siena. The narrow streets dictate the neighborhoods that separated this great Tuscan city as the Piazza Del Campo unites it.
Venturing outside of the city square, a garden oasis awaits. I step outside to a stone patio, climb the stairs and pass through the garden gates. Passing under trees and past tomato plants leads to a magnificent view of the city and the countryside. I soak in the view, the history and the legacy.
Walking through Siena, the smells of sangiovese grapes will entice your senses. The winding and hilly roads lead to the main square in which the horse race, Il Pailo, has taken place for centuries, with teams from each city neighborhood competing.
Standing where Saint Benedict stood many times and gave some of the best speeches known to man, I can see the true origins of Siena. The narrow streets dictate the neighborhoods that separated this great Tuscan city as the Piazza Del Campo unites it.
Venturing outside of the city square, a garden oasis awaits. I step outside to a stone patio, climb the stairs and pass through the garden gates. Passing under trees and past tomato plants leads to a magnificent view of the city and the countryside. I soak in the view, the history and the legacy.
BARCELONA, CITY AND BEACHES
By Ashley McHale
When I traveled to Barcelona with a friend I made in Italy, I was only looking forward to laying out on the beautiful beaches. So I arrived prepared with my bathing suit on under my clothes with much anticipation to swim and tan. When I arrived my new friends immediately took me on a tour and we went exploring through the downtown area of the city and visited the Museo Nacional de Arte de Cataluña, the Barcelona Olympic Stadium and the Temple De Sagrada Familia.
Following that we took a train to the beach and I was very pleased and excited to relax on the coast of the Mediteranean Sea. Considering the sun doesn't set in Barcelona until nearly 10pm I was happy with the time I got to spend at the beach, but I worked up an appetite and I couldn't wait to have a few Spanish tapas dishes. Tapas restaurants flood the streets while hosts stand outside their restaurant trying to lure you in with promises of "free sangria when you order two dishes," or "you get mixed seafood paella and a free pitcher of sangria!" We were hooked and took one host up on his offer. The seafood was very fresh and the sangria was sweet and refreshing.
On my last day in Barcelona I really wanted to see everything I could in a short amount of time, so my tour guides suggested that we visit Park Guell. When we were on our way we ran into a march or rally I guess you can say, lobbying for Barcelona's independence from Spain. A movement that has been taking place for years and is become a tough fight for the Catalans. The streets were crowded with people waving flags, holding signs, cheering and marching with pride for their homestead.
I'm glad I got to witness the march because the people were so enthused and powerful in their fight, while it was also very difficult to get through the crowds, it was a moment that can possibly change life for the Catalans. We moved onward to our journey to Park Guell and hopped on a train. The journey up the tall hills to the park is a great hiking experience because the walk is very steep and there are escalators built into the street to help you along. Finally, we arrived at the park which was breathtaking. The amount of detail in the tiling and structures in the park are unlike any other park that I have been to. It was a great experience and completely free I couldn't ask for more.
