London: Day 2!

Rain! Rain! Rain!

I don't think I have felt rain for nearly a month now. Finally, I feel like I am home! I actually missed it...I guess that is what happens when you grow up in the Northwest.

Anyway, after the great theatre night I had last night I decided to take it easy today. Primarily for financial reasons--have I told you yet how expensive London is!? It is insane.

So, with that said, I headed over to the British Museum (free!) and dabbled around for nearly two hours. It was alright, I am not gonna' lie. After coming from the Vatican Museum and the Uffizi in Italy it was a little underwhelming. The collection of European artwork was scarce. Afterwards I walked around some more and decided to take in a movie later tonight. I am thinking Pirates of the Carribean (sp?) at the moment, but that is subject to change.

Here are some random pictures of the London streets and some museum pieces. Enjoy. The marble bust is of Alexander the Great.

Love you all.


Alex

London!

London is one of the worlds greatest cities. I would put it only second to Paris on my list.

I arrived this morning around 10:30 with 0 amount of sleep. I took an insanely early flight out of Rome into one of London's smaller airports. It was an adventure--a long one. As with this entire trip in general and traveling, it was yet another test of my patience.

London is hustling and bustling. The atmosphere is incredible, and after spending three weeks in a country where I speak not a lick of their language it has been nice to get back to English. There is a comfort in language that I never realized before. For me, coming to London was like coming home. While I loved Rome, it was a relief to get away from the chaos that is Italy. I feel safer here because I can navigate with a little more ease. Italy is just a fricken' free for all for me.

I decided to take in a show tonight. London has a HUGE theatre district and I am staying within the vicinity. So, I went and saw a Tony Award winning Broadway show called 'Avenue Q.' In short, it was incredible and hilarious. It is really meant to be a sarcastic social commentary--something I can't get enough of. Plus, the crude humor was appreciated. I had fun and laughed a lot.

Final thoughts: I LOVE London! This is my third time here, but I feel like I have some more time to explore it! Yay!


I will post pictures as soon as I take some! Ha!

Love you all!!

Alex

Goodbye Roma!

I am leaving Rome within the next couple of hours. Here are some pictures from our final day--well, kind of. We went to the Vatican City museum on Thursday and the catacombs on Friday, but these pictures are from the museum.

I will post a longer reflection of my pilgrimage to Roma when I am in London and can have time to debrief. It was a long and arduous course, but well worth it. I don't think I have ever learned so much in an educational course. I was really stretched outside of my personal comfort level as well as my philosophical and theological comfort zones. I am forever grateful for this opportunity.

Some highlights of the Vatican Museum (not pictured):

-Sistine Chapel

-Rafael's rooms (School of Athens)

-Egyptian Art collection

Pictured:

-A collection of busts (kind of creepy, ya?)

-A long, beautiful hallway

-Crazy staircase

Til' London!

Love you all!

Alex

Salut!

I thought I would write a quick note with the itinerary of the rest of my trip.

I will post pictures/commentary on my day later. It was interesting to say the least!

Friday: In Rome for the day, then head to the airport at 11 p.m. for my 6:30 a.m. flight out of Rome into London

Saturday: Arrive into London approx. 8:30 ish.

Sunday: London

Monday: London

Tuesday: Fly out of London for Seattle!

I will be back the night of the 17th!

PS: For all of you in Washington right now--sorry about the heat! Yikes! That is incredible. I thought it was hot here in Rome!

Love you all. I will post soon.

Alex

Salut!

Hello!

Here are some pictures from today. We went to all of the Jesuit order sites and had a special mass in the house of St. Ignatius. It was incredibly moving and inspirational. I think for the first time I was emotionally moved during a Catholic mass--it was def. a highlight of my trip that I will never forget.

We also visited the Pantheon, a building built in the 5-6th century.

Love you all!

Alex

The Pope's Crib

Salut!

Today was definately a highlight of my time here in Italy. We visited St. Peter's Basilica followed by the tomb of the pope's. We took a private Scavi tour down into the 1st century crypts. It was quite amazing though somewhat eary. I guess walking next to dead people in a small, humid cave isn't my thing. Regardless of my claustrophobia it was a historical tour that was well-worth the effort and extra sweat. Although, seeing Pope John Paul II's grave site was especially moving.

Instead of telling you the in-depth history, I think I will just post some pictures. I have learned SO much in the past three weeks that usually my brain is completely fried by the time I sit down to write these blogs. One day, you'll all receive a little (when I say little I mean big and when I say big I mean incredibly lengthy and possibly boring) history lesson--don't worry. You may not listen, but it will make me feel temporarily smart. I would appreciate it. :)

Tommorrow is Jesuit day! Yay! I love the Jesuit order. We are visiting churches around Rome dedicated to the Jesuits. We will get some history on the roots of our school (Seattle University) and the impact they have had on the moral, philosophical, and personal education of the world. Part of the reason I love the Jesuit order is because of its open liberalism. It is by far the most liberal organization of the Catholic church focused on personal growth, education and acceptance.

I miss you all. Love you.

Alex

CROSS PICTURE: An interesting note about this cross. This cross is from Christopher Columbus' boat. No joke. That is what I love about Europe--so much history! Never would we see something as priceless as that in the Untied States. I mean, the wood from the boat Columbus used to 'sail the ocean blue' in 1492!? Just hanging on the wall in St. Peter's!? Crazy. There is also a movement to cantanize (make a saint) Columbus. This is interesting because there is such immense controversy over who Columbus was. Was he really a man who discovered the new world or merely a man who 'discovered' the world and then killed thousands of natives? Personally, it would seem quite ignorant to cantanize a man who took away the personal rights of many innocent people.

HIGH ALTAR PICTURE: This is the high altar built over (well, 8ft to the right) of St. Peter's tomb. We visited his tomb in the Scavi tour. The altar was built by Bernini.

Roma: Day 2!

Hello everyone!

I hope all is well with everyone.

It is HOT in Roma! A good friend in our group unfortunately suffered heat stroke today! Intense. I guess it is just a reminder to drink lots of water and stay healthy.

Today we had a long morning class session walking around the city. We met at 9 and were done around 2:15. We visited San Clemente church, the colosseum, the capital hill area, and more! It was really a jam packed day. A highlight was definately visiting the jail in which Peter and Paul were imprisoned. There is so much history in Rome, that it is difficult for me to place it all in perspective. For instance, we walked around the Forum today and were taking steps on 1st century ground! 2000 years ago! Paul, Cesear, and all of these historic figures I have grown up to know, traveled on the same road. So much rich history. The United States of America was not even on the map 2000 years ago, let alone an active and powerful empire! We only started our history hundreds of years ago.

Rome is often described as 'the capital of the world,' and I could not agree more. It really is the center of the Western World and for someone to suggest otherwise would be ignorant.

Here are some random pictures from a couple of days ago and our first full day in Rome! As always, the pictures do not provide much justice to these magnificent and historic sites.

Love you all!

Alex

PS: We are going to Vatican City tomorrow! Did you know it is its own country? The Pope is the head of state and the country has one of the most efficient postal services in the world. Interesting, huh? I will give some more history on the Vatican City tomorrow--one of my favorite bits of history. I really enjoy learning about the papacy and line of popes (some good, some bad, some mediocre). There really is a lot to talk about.

Florence, Cinque Terre, Roma!

Bonjourno from Roma!

I got into Rome today around 4:30 after a 4 hour train ride from Cinque Terre! Yuck. I find that I become more restless on 4 hour train rides then I do on 10 hour flights. It is weird.

I thought I would post some pictures now and do some more commentary when I get more time on the computer. I am really, really tired and would like to get back to our hotel and just crash. I think I might be getting sick as well---with so much traveling, it becomes easier to contract some sort of bug. Oh well. Comes with the territory I guess. I'll take it if it means I feel a little under the weather...in ROME! Better here than anywhere else I guess. I am in God's city! No joke. It is insane. I can't wait to post more pictures!

On an odd side not, Rome is one of the most romantic cities I have ever visited. I did not really notice it my first time here. It definately rivals Paris as the capital of PDA (public displays of affection).

The pictures above are from our last night in Florence (me with some great friends), followed by pictures from Cinque Terre (GORGEOUS! Think blue, clear, warm water) and then some pictures from our brief class walk-about after getting into Rome. Oh yeah, I have gotten really tan. In fact, since Cinque Terra all I have heard is 'Alex, oh my gosh, your face is soooo dark!' No complaints here.

Enjoy! I will post more soon including some more AMAZING Cinque Terre photos.

Love you all so much! Drop me an e-mail if you get the chance. LaCasseA@seattleu.edu

Alex

Hello!

Hello everyone!

I am currently in Cinque Terre! It is gorgeous here! Unfortunately, I am unable to put pictures up at this time. They only have one internet place--it is an incredibly small town.

We are leaving tomorrow for Rome! Yay! It will be the last week. I am excited to get home.

How is everyone!?

Love you all.

Alex

Off to Cinque Terre!

Hello everyone!

Happy belated 4th of July! I hope you all had an amazing time celebrating the birth of our glorious nation. I was a little dissapointed I was not in the states, but I am ok now. While I may not have been there physically, I was in spirit.

The past couple of days have been incredible. Almost magical, really--I'm not gonna' lie. I have fallen in love with the sisterhood here in Florence. They are truly amazing women who are dedicated to serving god and the human spirit. Their main focus has been in global education as well as the care of orphaned children.

Living in a convent for two weeks has really been a blessing. The sister superior came into our classroom and talked to us for about an hour about two days ago and really shed light on their mission and values. Her and all the sisters are kind-hearted and generous people who have their ticket into heaven for sure. To top it all off, the sisters made us dinner! This is the first time they have ever made a group dinner. It was incredible! I made sure to go up to sister superior afterwards and thank her in French (the sisterhood was founded in France, so all the nuns speak French fluently). She was very excited. Overall, it has just been a great experience. I already plan to stay in the convent again the next time I am in Florence.

Tomorrow the group leaves for Cinque Terre--a small beach town near Florence where we will relax for the weekend and soak up some sun. We then head down to Rome for the final week!

I will post more soon, once I have access to a computer in Cinque Terre or Rome.

PICTURES OF PAST COUPLE OF DAYS PLUS CINQUE TERRE TO COME!

Thanks, again, for keeping track of my blog! I really appreciate it, and hope you find it somewhat interesting.

Love you all.

Alex

Bonjourno!

It is Tuesday July 3 here in beautiful Florence! Today was a big day! We went to the Uffizi (sp?) museum and spent over 3 hours wandering the halls gazing into the works of Botticelli, Caravaggio and other renowned artists. Like many museums, I was unable to take a camera inside which was unfortunate but reasonable.

However, the most exciting thing of the day was running into former Polish president Lech Walesa. He was surrounded by security guards and at one point I walked right past him! Walesa was a union and human rights activist in Poland in the 80's. He also won a nobel peace prize in 1983 and was president of Poland from 1990-95. He was really a 'working mans' politician and did a lot for the new union workers at a time where rights were not abundant in Poland. He is a BIG deal in Poland. I learned about him in AP European History class my senior year of high school. It was amazing to see him in person!

The two pictures are of a really cute dog I saw in front of a sandwich shop. He was the owners dog and was just chilling out--trying to beat the heat like everyone else. I guess I am on a dog theme recently.

I also took some more random pictures of the convent I am staying at. There is one of the view from my window into our private garden and the hallway leading to my room. It is really quite amazing. Today I woke up to more chanting and singing from the nuns! It is like I am living in a book, I swear.

Tomorrow is the 4th of July and our class is having a special Independance Day celebration! I am excited. However, I am sad I am not in the U.S. for one of my favorite holidays. Oh well. I still love my country the same, if not more.

Pictures!

Here are some pictures of Asissi and two dogs I saw walking the streets of Florence. I put them up for my beautiful cousin Elora. Do you think they speak Italian!? Can they communicate with American dogs? Hmmm....I wonder. ;)

Elora, I am working on finding you a princess castle. Don't worry, though, I'll find a nice big one for the best princess ever.

Asissi

Hello everyone!

I am having trouble putting up pictures from the Asissi trip but will have them up later in the day. I think it is the computer I am at right now that is the problem. No worries.

It was by far the hottest day since I have been here. I don't think I have ever felt such intense, dry heat before nor have I sweat so much. Yuck. The train that we took there and back was quintessential Italy---hot and late. Having traveled on several different trains in different countries I always forget how time is not on the top of the priority list for the Italian culture. Things will happen eventually, right!? Umm...no. Not when it is 95 degrees and the air conditioning in your cabin car is not working! :) What was planned to be a 2:30 train ride turned into a 4 hour ride. It was worth it though--I will chalk it up as a cultural experience.

Asissi was amazing.

As many of you know it was the city where St. Francis spent most of his life and founded the Franciscan order of the monks. The story goes that a holy cross in a church spoke to St. Francis and told him to 'build the church.' He took this literally and built the largest church in Asissi--a really incredible building. However, what he finally realized it meant was to rebuild the church and make it stronger after all of the corruption it had been facing.

St. Francis gave up worldly goods (he came from a very wealthy family) and was believed to be able to talk to animals. He thought that animals, like humans, have a soul and the ability to comprehend gods words and grace. He would actually preach to the birds.

We also saw St. Claire (literally--her body is preserved) as well as her hair she cut off herself early in her life. It was quite eerie, though incredibly inspirational knowing a female took on such a powerful role in a religious world dominated by the male.

Finally, we saw where St. Francis was buried. It is interesting to look at the situation from an outside perspective. People from all over the world flock to the site of his burial and place images of sick family members in his grave site. The room is so peaceful and very indicative of the life St. Francis lead. He is surrounded by the four other priests who helped him found the order of the Franciscan monks--all of who, I believe, accompanied him to Rome to petition the pope.

Ok. That was a lot. Let me know what you think. Blogspot.com created this awful new system where you have to register to leave a comment. I apologize. However, I am always open to receiving e-mails. Not desperate, I just like em' :) LaCasseA@seattleu.edu

Ok. Love you all.

Comment.

I just wanted to make a quick comment on my traveling experiences in the summer in relation to summer terror attacks. It is really quite weird, and a little freaky.

First trip to Europe: About a week before we were on our way to London there were the terrorist bombings in the subway.

Second trip to Europe: About a week after I left London there was a plot to blow up 10 U.S. bound airplanes.

Third trip to Europe (Now): London received a terror threat yesterday and now Glasgow airport in Scotland has suffered a terror attack consequentially putting the UK on critical alert.

What is up!!? I don't get it. However much I do not want to fall into exactly what the leaders of these gorilla groups want us to fall into, I cannot help but feel somewhat terrorized. I mean, in a way they are succeeding, right? If this hinders our daily lives to the point where fear is invoked while walking down a street in London or taking a flight back to the U.S. they have very much accomplished their sickly, disgusting goal.

Social comment of the day: With this said, I can't help but believe that this could have all been avoided the day the Bush administration was elected. Has terror increased since the invasion of Iraq? Yes. Has fear been a main staple of life? I would have to argue yes. This is the point, in contrast with my previous point, where I am critical of my great country. While I love it, there are things wrong with it and things that need to be changed. Open and public discourse is one of my contributions, hopefully.

Ok. I will stop now before I get angry and worked up. I just wanted to point out this interesting coincidence of my Europe travels and terrorist attacks. Weird.

Let me know what you think. I will get back to my regular travel blog and off of my soap box for once. Sorry. :)

Love you all.

Alex

Bonjourno!

It is finally the weekend here in Florence! Luckily we do not have classes for two days so we are able to travel a little and explore some more of beautiful Italy!

Today (Saturday) I think I am just going to relax around the city and really explore some more of historic Florence. Tomorrow, however, I am taking a day trip with some friends to the little town of Assisi just south-east of Florence. We are meeting one of our professors there.

Other than that, I have just been studying and enjoying my time in Italy. It truly is a great country--incredibly different than the United States and any other European country that I have visisted for that matter. Things are slower here, which actually tends to bother me a little. There is a common stereotype of the United States (which incidentally turns out to be true) that we are always on the move. Going from that extreme enviornment to this extreme environment it really takes some adjusting.

Traveling to other countries, above all else, really puts ones priority's in place. However much I may get down on the U.S. for political mishaps, social downfalls, or anything else I could not imagine living permanently in any other country. Overall I think the United States has something other countries don't have---a general sense of optimism and openness. I think it was Bill Clinton who said something along the lines of, ''There is nothing wrong with American that cannot be cured by what is right with America." I agree, and find that I get quite defensive when I am abroad and the topic of American apathy, etc. is mentioned. While I am not pleased with my government, I still stand by the institution and stand by the fact that I have the right to actively participate in the change of my government. I am proud to be an American.

Ok. I got a little philosophical on y'all right there. Sorry about that. Let me know what you think.

I love you all, and hope that all is well.

Brief history lesson: The Ponti Vecchio, Florence's oldest bridge is currently a hotbed for jewelry and gold sales. In the past, it was used as a secret escape passage for the Medici family to get out of Florence in times of battle. Interesting story, though. When Hitler invaded Florence during WWII, he ordered that the majority of the bridges connecting the two sides of Florence be completely destroyed. However, he made a special order to his troops and told them NOT to destroy the Ponti Vecchio because of its immense amount of history. Hitler wanted to preserve it! I find it interesting that such a hate-filled man could have a minute amount of compassion for a historically important bridge.

Some more pictures!

Hello everyone!

Today was a great day. We went and saw Michelangelo's David. I have fortunately been able to see it once before, but it is still breath-taking everytime. It really is one of my favorite pieces.

Other than that, things are pretty status-quo. I might take a trip to Assisi this weekend (Think St. Francis of Assisi--- the saint who talked to animals).

I hope all is well with everyone.

I hear there are problems leaving comments. No worries. If you really want to you can e-mail me at LaCasseA@seattleu.edu and let me know how things are going.

Love you.

Pictures: We went to the Piazza Michelangelo for a dinner picnic overlooking the city.

Also, we went to Sante Croce church where many famous renaissance thinkers and artists are buried. The one pictured above is Niccolo Machievelli who wrote The Prince and is attributed to the creation of the modern governmental state. Even today a lot of his ideals have stuck aroundi n governmental organization. Galilleo is also buried at this church.

Firenze Update!

Bonjourno!

Hello everyone! Let me know how y'all are doing. I would be lying if I said I didn't miss everyone. How is life? What is new? Views on the war? You know, whatever floats your boat. :)

We have been studying and discussing the Italian Renaissance in length, and it is really incredible to actually experience first hand a lot of the famous architectural structures created in the 14, 15, 1600's.

The creepy statue pictured above is by Donatello and is of Mary Magdelane. It is an interesting piece that can be viewed in several different ways. From first glance it is a wood carving of immense tragedy, sadness, and depression. However, when one puts it in perspective and aligns it with her story it would seem as if while that may have been her lowest point, she recognizes that she has been forgiven over and over again. There is almost a sense of humility and respect. The knowledge and wisdom she has is so immense. We have really been analyzing a lot pieces--it is a lot of fun. This particular piece is one of my favorites.

Things at the convent are great. I wake up every morning to the group of nuns chanting and singing in the chapel below my room. They are very nice and speak French so I have been able to communicate with them.

Other pictures: A very dramatic depiction of the crucification of Jesus. This was an early Renaissance piece that does not shy away from the gory aspect of his death. We can tell it is early Renaissance primarily because of the way Jesus' body has been depicted. While it is very much in human form, the realism attached with it is not so obvious. It is not incredibly human-like as where in the Renaissance we would see a very detailed, humanistic depiction of an individual. The David by Michelangelo is often a symbol of this Renaissance humanism and orientation towards the realistic more desirable body. Oh man! I could go on and on! I love it.

A really good friend of mine, Tess. We climbed up the Duom (Florence's biggest, and the 5th largest church in the world).

Other pictures from the top of the dome.

Ok. That is it for now. I love you all.

Ciao.

Alex

PS: I am sure I have spelt several words incorrectly. For example, Renaissance. I never know how to spell it. I could be right, but I am probably not. Oh well.