Florence Update

Here are a few snaps of my first semester in Florence! I was not able to document everything that I did because I simply did not bring my camera or I just wanted experience it only. Although these pictures show only the good side of studying abroad, there are days that are filled with different obstacles and challenges. But I want to remember the good times so that I can stay grateful for this opportunity. Enjoy~

This was my first day/night in Florence! 

There is the duomo! 

Train ride to somewhere I forgot! Hahaha

Our first night out in the city! 

The night was brightly lit and warm! There was a lot people (tourists) out.

A street performer captivating a large audience. 

First gelato ever in Florence, Italy! 

Duomo di Firenze! I am amazed by the architecture of this church each time I pass by.. Also it is too big for me to capture in one photo. 

The first view

I had the opportunity to take mass in the Duomo di Firenze one Sunday afternoon.

Those are euros...!! I discovered them while exploring the streets of Florence. 

I got to experience a unique flag ceremony at my director's house! She was also in it, which made it even more special!

Our school made a trip to the 9/11 Memorial Cemetery in Florence

Siena

I never thought I would able to see this beautiful church in Siena. 

Lunch time!

Palazzo Della Signoria

There is so much history in Florence

We woke up bright and early to go see the Pisa.

The friends I went to go see the leaning Tower of Pisa

A wedding shoot spotted in Pisa!

Ponte Vecchio

Close-up of Ponte Vecchio. 

Nutella... *drool*

Pistachio gelato!

My first soccer game in Italy! Boy, are they so passionate!

Looking a little cloudy on our first day in Cinque Terre! 

I have a thing for clothes hanger.. 

Shops in Cinque Terre displaying food outside for tourists

The beach was not very sandy but the water was very clear. 

Out of all the five towns, Manorola was my favorite! It was so fun swimming in the ocean and jumping off cliffs with my friends! Hopefully I will be able to come back to this beautiful place. 

Manorola on the other side! 

It was a bright and sunny on our second day.

Besides their pesto pasta, Cinque Terre is known for their seafood! 

Some town that we discovered on our way to Mount. Carrara!

I had no time for makeup or whatsoever... We left before the sun came up to see this! However, it was totally worth it!

It was bit scary because there were rocks falling down and it was so loud and dusty!

I tried to capture the rocks rolling down... I tried.. Hahaha. 

You can see better in this photo of the dust/ash it created from the rock sliding down the mountain.

Close up of the remaining marbles we saw on our closer to Mount Carrara. 

I walked on the marble mountain! 

The view of Carrara! 

Heading closer!! 

On our way to Viareggio.. But we spotted a cool street art. So photo time!

Viareggio! The beach water was just the right temperature! And I could walk out pretty deep and the water would only come up to my knees! 

Our school went on a group educational field trip to an island in Italy: Sicily.

The view from our hotel.

I grabbed some pictures on our tour because it was breathtaking. 

We had a short but sweet time at the beach.

The locals in Sicily... I forgot the town.. Hahaha.

The Greek Temples in Arigento!

One of my friends who is beautiful inside and out! I am so blessed to have met her in Florence. 

My roommate during our trip in Sicily and I posing in front of the Greek temple.

Do you see my professors? :) 

Seafood because Sicily!

Mount. Etna! It is known for being the largest active volcano in Italy!!

One of my good friends from freshmen year!

I got to witness a beautiful scenic wedding in Taoromina, Sicily!

Seafood Paella in Barcelona, Spain.

Spotted some cool street art in Barcelona. 

I barely slept during my time in Barcelona.. So I do not recall the name of this church.. But it was pretty amazing!

Exploring. 

This is where they filmed the Cheetah Girls! 

Oh, the details. Amazing. 

The architecture was amazing. 

On our way to see the fountain show!!

We stopped in Milan for a couple of hours on our way back from Barcelona. It was more modern compared to Florence. 

In Zagreb with my good friend! 

There was a lot of ships decked out.

I have a video recording of the sea organ playing. It was pretty amazing. 

We went in November, but during the summer I assume a lot people go swimming in the ocean. 

This is called "The Greeting to the Sun." At night it lights up from the energy it absorbed from the sun and makes patterns based on the waves below! Pretty rad!

Not to be creepy.. but spotted an adorable couple exploring the town of Zagreb!

We came back later that night to see the solar panel all lit up!!

Delicious Croatian food!

On our way to the lake!! The color of the leaves were incredible!

The next day, we travelled to see the Plitvice Lake! It was an unforgettable experience. 

My camera cannot do justice.. The scenic view was just breath-taking... 

View from the top! If you look closely, you can see the trails that my friends and I walked on!

I have a thing for waterfalls.

I have seen so many dogs in Europe, but not this one. 

This dog is cooler than me...

One of my last trips outside of Italy with some of my favorite people!! Paris, France.

I present to you - zee Eiffel Tower~ 

The Lourve! We got to see the Mona Lisa! There was so many people in this enormous museum! 

I fell in love with the beautiful city of Paris. I will be back! 

On our way to see the Love Lock Bridge!

But first, Notre Dame! 

The friends, Love Lock Bridge, and Notre Dame! 

We went to the Christmas market in Paris and also visited some of the best designer boutiques. It felt even more special with the people I travelled with and of course the beautiful Christmas lighting!

Arc de Triomphe 

Currently, I am back home for winter break, but I will be heading back for second semester! Hopefully, I will be able to edit the clips and post it! Other than that, I will be updating more regularly.. :)