My past four blogs have all been about the different cities I visited over my fall break. They were all beautiful and unique in their way, and so full of history! It was amazing to see how connected all four of them were, especially during World War II and the few decades after.

I must say though, after spending ten days on the Northern Loop trips, I actually got my first chance to really miss Florence! I longed for my apartment, the delicious cappucinos, and the relaxed feel of the city. Being in those other cities made me realize just how well-preserved Italy’s culture and history is in Florence. All of them were great and I learned so much there, but they were also a lot more modernized, and some even reminded me more of cities at home.

If I could go back a few months and change where I decided to study, I really don’t think I would. There have been ups and downs and times I’ve thought being somewhere else would be better, but in the long-run, I think this experience has really forced me to challenge myself in ways I never thought I could. I really do love this country

Location: Florence, Italy

“Writing in a diary is a really strange experience for someone like me. Not only because I’ve never written anything before, but also because it seems to me that later on neither I nor anyone else will be interested in the musings of a thirteen-year-old schoolgirl.” -Anne Frank (June 20, 1942)

Little did she know, her diary would become one of the most important books of the 20th century and be published in over 60 different languages. One of the many places I visited in Amsterdam was the Anne Frank House, where Anne, her family and a few others, hid for two years before someone turned them in. It was so strange walking through the house, seeing the rooms they lived in for so long without being able to step outside. Even though I read it in school a few years ago, I bought a copy of her book there. I think after seeing the living space they had and having a little more background on the other people she was living with, it will be an even more eye-opening story than before and I can’t wait to read it. If you’re ever in the area, make sure you take the time to explore the museum; it will definitely give you a new perspective!

Okay so I’m not a big art museum person. I respect artistic talent, and I definitely enjoy looking at it, but spending hours upon hours reading the microscopic sentences outlining every single detail about the piece it is not really my cup of tea. However, I figured I’d give it a second chance and check out the infamous Van Gogh Museum, and I was pleasantly surprised! I loved the way the museum was laid out. It was set up so that you would walk through the museum in the order of his life, showing the progression of his works, with explanations of what was going on in his life as well as in the world. It made it very easy to see his development as an artist, and how the things surrounding him affected his artwork.

Anne Frank’s a pretty inspiring little girl and Van Gogh painted some pretty cool stuff, but you’re probably wondering about the Red Light District and Coffee Shops as well. Don’t worry, we explored those too, and I must say, even with some background on the city, it was still kind of shocking seeing how nonchalant it was. Walking past the windows with women standing in them or posing on beds was kind of unnerving, especially when we spotted the functioning Kindergarten sandwiched between two of them.

I do think Amsterdam has a pretty unfair reputation though. People tend to assume that the city is this crazy place with a bunch of people smoking weed and paying prostitutes, but I never felt I was in an uncomfortable or unsafe situation, and actually the city was really beautiful and had so much other stuff to do! It’s a really fun atmosphere and very laid back. I’d love to go back again at some point.

Oh but just a warning… If you’re ever visiting the city, watch out for the bikes! If you hear the bells you’re probably too late. The locals have no mercy.

Location: Amsterdam, Holland

“Berlin combines the culture of New York, the traffic system of Tokyo, the nature of Seattle, and the historical treasures of, well, Berlin.” – Hiroshi Motomura

As a matter of fact, here’s a picture of the spot his gigantic bunker was located.

Of course a part of the wall is still up, and tourists from all over the world come to see it.  The remaining portion of the wall definitely had an eerie feel to it. It was so interesting being able to see the changes the city has made since it came down just 22 years ago. Berlin is alive with commerce, music, culture and history. It had so much to offer and is somewhere I definitely recommend visiting.

Still a little confused as to what these random blocks had to do with the multitude of people who lost their lives, I skeptically started walking through the memorial. A few yards into the memorial, I turned around and realized I had already been separated from my friend. As I continued walking, I felt anxious and lost. I had no idea what direction I had come from at all. I stopped to get my bearings and that’s when it hit me. That was the point, disorientation, and believe me it worked.  I know that feeling couldn’t even come close to what the people persecuted during the Holocaust felt, but it’s something I will never forget.  

Location: Berlin, Germany

Prague is this magical city where you feel like you’re living in a fairy tale. The palace grounds are beautiful, with spectacular architecture and breath-taking views. The Old Jewish Cemetery, with some graves ten to twelve layers deep, sends chills down
 your spine as you try to imagine how it must have been to live in the Jewish quarter a few decades ago.  Old Town Square takes you back in time with its stunning churches and infamous Astronomical Clock. Yet right around the corner, the architecture changes to a much more modern feel and there are signs everywhere pointing to the closest McDonald’s. The Lennon Wall catches everyone’s eye with its vibrant colors and inspiring messages. It was so strange to see the contrast between Old Town and New Town, but there was something really special about it too.

The Czech people’s story is one that doesn’t get told enough. It is long and complicated, filled with tales of Prague’s important role in the Holy Roman Empire, all the way through the 20^th century world wars, and on to the country’s new found freedom in 1993. And no, that was not a typo… the Czech Republic is younger than me! I won’t bore you all with the details, I know not everyone is into history as much as I am, but Prague has been a key player in so many historical events, and they have all left their mark on the city. Through it all though, the people remained true to themselves and eighteen years ago they finally got what they had been fighting for.

Czech Republic National Anthem

Location: Prague, Czech Republic

Two thousand years ago Mount Vesuvius had a catastrophic eruption. Thousands of lives were lost, but under the ash and pumice, the town of Pompeii became one of the most well-preserved sites in history. I’ve been learning about Pompeii and the disaster that preserved it since elementary school, but seeing it in person was unreal.

Next we headed down to Pompeii, where we toured the ruins. It was overwhelming at first; I had no idea how big the town actually was! Luckily we had an amazing tour guide who helped us a lot.   

Location: Pompeii, Italy

The other day I was walking back from the school and I was in an awful mood. The mosquitos were buzzing everywhere and it was way too hot for October. I was exhausted, hungry, and incredibly annoyed with all the tourists blocking the streets on the way to my apartment.

Louis Armstrong – What A Wonderful World

Location: Florence, Italy