Lisboa, Portugal

Olá from Portugal!

Last weekend I visited Lisbon with some friends. The weather was great and there wasn't a cloud in the sky. The first day we explored the city and took a lot of photos. The next day, we joined a tour group and drove to Sintra. There, we tried Portugal's famous pastry at a patisserie that had been in the same family since 1755! Next, we went to an estate called, "Quinta da Regaleria". The property consisted of a romantic palace and chapel, wells, benches, fountains, a tennis court, and secret underground tunnels. For lunch, we went to a nearby farmers market, where we were given homemade Portuguese bread, cheese, and of course--wine! In addition, I had strawberries and cherry tomatoes. Everything was so natural and fresh. After the market, we arrived at the "End of The World": the most western point of Europe. The view was breathtaking. Then we drove down to where we could see the famous waves for surfing. They were monstrous! To finish the tour, we visited a beach with calmer waves and enjoyed the sunshine. I had never thought of traveling to Portugal, but it was definitely worth it. Next stop...Barcelona!

Exploring Lisbon

Exploring Lisbon

Sunset from Lisbon 

Palace of Quinta da Regaleira 

Farmers Market

Fin del Mundo: End of The World

When in Rome... Day 3 (Valentine's Day) & Day 4

Happy Valentine's Day from Rome! This year's Valentine's Day was definitely a surprise. Although I could not be with my boyfriend, I still enjoyed eating my heart out in Italy... <3 At about noon, I walked around the city searching for the perfect restaurant to try some homemade Italian pasta. After some time, a handsome Italian waiter convinced me to try his favorite dish at his restaurant: homemade spinach tortellini, with a complimentary glass of champagne from none other than himself. It was a pleasant offering, that I had no choice but to say yes. The tortellini was to die for and the champagne was a perfect addition for Valentine's Day...along with his heart-shaped balloon saying, "I like you. Miss Roma 2016". My day ended with a beautiful sunset that had "love" written all over it. It was definitely an unforgettable Valentine's Day. XOXO

For my final day in Rome, I visited Vatican City and St. Peter's Basilica. It was the most beautiful basilica I have ever seen...

St. Peter's Basilica

When in Rome... Day 2

My second day in Rome was VERY busy...but worth every second! First, Marge and I began our day walking up a hill to see a gorgeous view of Rome in Trevestere. Then, we headed to Campo Di Fiori to explore the market, where we got delicious caprese paninos to eat in Piazza Navona. Next, we met up with Marge's friend and visited Trevi Fountain. It was very crowded because it was a Saturday, but it was on my bucket list and was just as beautiful as in the pictures.

View of Rome in Trevestre

Campo Di Fiori

Caprese Panino (SO GOOD)

Trevi Fountain

Once we saw Trevi fountain, my friends brought me to a very interesting place: a Cat Sanctuary. Located in Largo Argentina is the Torre Argentina Cat Sanctuary, which is a no-kill shelter for homeless cats (which Rome has plenty of). Something very unique about this place--aside from the fact that it is inhabited by various breeds of cats--is that it is also where Julius Caesar was killed. Following our visit to the Cat Sanctuary, Marge and I visited the famous Colosseum.

Kate with her furry friend at the cat sanctuary 

Cat Sanctuary

Colosseum

At about mid-afternoon, we visited a cathedral filled with chandeliers. It was so unique and beautiful. Then we climbed up some steps  to Capoltini Hill and saw a view of the Roman Forum...and of course, ended the day with gelato again!

Chandelier Cathedral

Roman Forum

When in Rome... Day 1

For Valentine's weekend I was fortunate enough to be in one of the top romantic cities in the world: Rome. I visited my sorority sister, Margaret Biebel, who is studying abroad in Rome. After a long night/morning of traveling I had finally arrived in Ciampino, then took a 40 minute taxi ride to my hotel in Rome. The drive wasn't anything special, although toward the end, my cab driver gave me some much needed advice: "In Italy, we Italians follow one word: Live lightly". At first, I didn't take his motto into deep consideration, but eventually I realized it was something very valuable. We tend to live our lives with heavy weight on our shoulders: academics, finances, relationships, etc. I stress about so many small things, and never take time to just breath or "live lightly". Being abroad is finally making me realize that I can't keep sweating the small things, because it won't get me anywhere and only diminish my happiness. The Italians live life to the fullest: eating as much as they please, making plans loosely, and simply being. To many individuals this taxi driver would never serve as a significant purpose, but I believe that everything happens for a reason and for me, it did.

Once I arrived in Rome, I met up with Marge for brunch. My first bite of Italy was impeccable. We both shared chocolate chip banana pancakes and a giant salmon eggs benedict. After brunch, we explored Rome, seeing the Tiber River, Pantheon, and Piazza Navona, ending the day with real Italian pizza and gelato! It was the perfect first day in Rome.

Chocolate chip banana pancakes & Salmon eggs benedict 

                   

Tiber River

Salmon and Mozzarella Pizza 

  

Pantheon

Piazza Navona Fountain

Marge with her Italian gelato!

Reflect Upon Your Experiences

Excursion to El Escorial

This past Friday, my classmates and I went on an excursion to El Escorial. El Escorial is the Royal Site of San Lorenzo de El Escorial, near Madrid. Constructed between 1563 and 1584, this historical residence of the King of Spain functions as a monastery, royal palace, museum, and school. Simply from its exterior alone, the tedious and extensive work that was put into its construction is evident. After touring the palace, I was unquestionably overcome with amazement. Over almost two hours of viewing the Royal site, I had seen: The Courtyard of the Kings, the King's Chamber, the Queen's Chamber, the Basilica, the Palace of Philip II, the Hall of battles, the Pantheon of the Kings, the Pantheon of Princesses, an Art Gallery, an Architectural Museum, the Gardens of the Friars, and the Library. Words cannot describe how incredible this palace really is... I have seen nothing like it and was left simply astonished.

El Escorial (Birdseye view)

El Escorial (West Side view)

El Escorial (Backside)

Courtyard of the Kings

Gardens of the Friars

Pantheon of the Kings

Brooke and myself with view from El Escorial