Time for a break...

Sorry for the lack of updates. It was midterm week and time was spent trashing the house (because I couldn't have cared less), eating too many stress cookies (because I couldn't have cared less), and well... a lot of studying (because I actually had to start caring). Whoever told me that midterms were going to be a breeze must have been playing a joke on me, because I found them the exact opposite. However with a little more studying than usual, I feel pretty good about them. This morning I kissed my last short essay, last multiple choice question, and last fill in the blank answer goodbye for a wonderful relaxing 11 day(ish) break. Afterwards I rewarded myself with a cookie and cleaning up the mess in the kitchen that had accumulated over the week. Not my usual kind of reward, but the fact that you can see the kitchen counter is rewarding in itself.

Tomorrow I head out in the morning to see the beautiful Cinque Terre. We'll be staying there for two nights and if the weather permits, get as much vitamin d as possible, hopefully a few hikes too! Unfortunately, because of the floods of October 2011, most of the Cinque Terre 5 hour hike through the 5 towns is closed. But there are many side trails that are ready and open that I hope with give some amazing views and step into nature. Cinque Terre has been on my list for "a must visit someday" ever since I saw a picture of the beautiful, colorful homes lighting up the scenic cliffs. Its pretty unreal that I'll get to see them tomorrow! Also, the town of Vernazza (most hit by the floods) has made a tremendous effort to get everything back in shape for the summer season. With this, colorful murals and paintings have sprouted up around the town-- something that shows how wonderful a community these towns create. I hope to be able to look around at the murals and see how the town has progressed (from the devastating pictures I had seen on the internet). Last but not least, I can't wait to try the pesto. If I splurge on anything there-- it will be the pesto genovese with pasta (some priorities I have!). Liguria (the region of the Cinque Terre) is the birthplace of pesto, and well.. I'm basil, pine nuts, parmesan cheese, and olive oil's number one fan. (Number 2 is probably Austin... so look out Liguria!)

After cinque terre, we'll be headed to Sardinia for 4 nights. To be honest, most of this trip will probably be completely spontaneous as we won't have any form of private transportation. But were we are staying is only meters from some of the most beautiful beaches in the world and only a few short kilometers from some of the most beautiful coastal mountains in the world! I couldn't be more excited to get out of the concrete (yet wonderful) jungle of Florence to a more natural setting. Hopefully, our days will be spent relaxing and hiking and enjoying the sun. I can't wait to see the off the beaten path parts of Italy and experience a side that I have yet to see.

For the last couple of nights, we'll fly back to tuscany and spend a night back in Lucca (I told you I liked it there). Then for the next two nights, I'll finally get to see the italian countryside I have been hoping to see. We'll be staying on a farm a little bit outside of Lucca and hopefully get to learn about the agriculture in tuscany! They also have a donkey that "likes to take walks" and the Apuane Alps are near by.

Just writing about everything, is getting me excited, I'm so incredibly thankful to be able to have all of these experiences that I have only dreamed about for years. Buon Viaggio!

* I don't take credit for any of these pictures, but I hope to take credit for some when I get back...