To be on the top of the world. That’s what it felt like when I reached the top of the Duomo yesterday, but I didn’t think I would make it up. The sign at the bottom said that there were four hundred and eighty-two stairs to climb. I was tempted to turn away but the picture perfect view beckoned me. So I paid the eight euro to climb the stairs. They were tight and uncomfortable. Only one person could go up at a time (which makes me glad I didn’t go when they were busy). The corridors were stale, musty, and humid. The only relief came for the small, sometimes 4X4, windows that were staggered every five feet (and that was that was only if they were opened). That’s how it is as you climb the spiral staircase, until you got closer to the top. The breeze is strong and fulls the corridor with fresh sweet air and just when you think you’ve reached the top…they give you vertical steps and you groan inwardly. However, the moment you make it onto the tower; you lose what’s left of your breath. You can see all of Florence and  you felt like you rule it all.  You could be God….if you are brave enough to look over the edge (which I wasn’t). You can see for miles and the mountains surround you on three sides, some of them you can see the top of while the other peaks are covered by clouds. There is no other word to describe this amazing view except for breathtaking.

  What can one say about Italy? I just don’t think there are words to describe a country so rich with culture and history. As amazing as it is to see Michelangelo’s David or the great Colosseum, it is always good to get away for the city life. Just like everything else in Italy, pictures just don’t do the Italian countryside justice. The rolling hills dotted with olive groves and vineyards were a sight to behold. It’s so different from back home. Where Pennsylvania has large areas of woods with little to no visual homes, Italy is has little rustic homes and dozens of flowing meadows. Getting out of the city was the best thing for us, at least for me anyway. Instead of being surrounded by concrete and cobblestone, we had deep green trees, colorful red bushes, and clear blue skies. When I saw David for the first time, him being just about perfect in every way, I didn’t think I could love anything more, but I wasn’t wrong. I did, however, completely fell for these breathtaking sights and fresh country air. Then to tour an olive grove, where they make olive oil (among other things) had to be the best part of going to the country. Getting there was a little more interesting since there was a one lane road (the bus had to force cars out of the way), but all-in-all we got there in one piece. We learned and saw so much in the country, but I would live there in a heartbeat.