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Viva La Vida: Amsterdam & Rome

I’m excited to see what happens at the end of this trip! Our guest blogger Ivory, a 3rd year, Computational Media major from Georgia Tech, recalls the end of her 10 day trip throughout Europe. Lets see what adventures transpired before she returned to Barcelona!

- Jessica Ebony

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Next Stop: Amsterdam, The Netherlands

As soon as we landed in Amsterdam, it was apparent that there was a new vibe to our vacation.

A City of Vices…

After walking through the city you can tell there’s such juxtaposition. You’ll see a couple of kids playing outside and then turn the corner to see a couple of teenagers sitting on a bench listening to Wiz Khalifa…. The locals seemed to stroll through the Red Light District like nothing out of the ordinary was happening while tourists tried not to make eye contact with the workers illuminated by the crimson lights. One of the city’s vices that I could connect to was the cool dessert shop, De Taart Van M’n Tante, we visited downtown.

Hidden treasures

We did manage to humble ourselves in this city and see some pretty amazing things. Visiting Anne Frank’s house was a surreal moment. Along with visiting the house, we also visited the Van Gogh Museum. I’ve never been a fan of art or museums, but that all changed with Amsterdam and Van Gogh. By the time we left Amsterdam, I was overly excited to get to Rome for one reason – the food!

Last Stop: Rome, Italy

Before you read this section on Rome, I just want to warn you that it’s a little biased. I am in love with this city and hope to come back one day.

Our Roman Holiday

Rome greeted us with an abundance of sunshine. We flipped down our sunglasses and pranced around on the cobblestone streets that eventually caused immense foot pain, but it didn’t matter – we were in Rome. The first place we went to was The Trevi Fountain where there’s a myth about throwing money in backwards to find your true love. I watched others in my group shell out some Euros (I only threw a penny, I didn’t need the myth) in desperation of finally getting a boyfriend! What a hilarious sight to watch…

Eat. Pray. Eat some more. Love.

After the fountain, we decided we better go get our first Italian meal. I was in vegetarian heaven! Biggest Question of the Trip: Pizza or pasta? I decided on pasta – a great choice. An even better choice was going to the Pantheon that night after dinner. Who knew it would be such a party! I got to experience an excellent concert and a highly entertaining magic show for free!

I was so excited to go to the Vatican in the morning. I got to see Raphael’s “School of Athens” up close and personal. I studied this in the 10^th grade and this summer I got to touch it! The icing on the cake was finally making it to the Sistine Chapel. If you have a bucket list, you should add this to it. After visiting St. Peter’s Basilica, we found the cutest hidden restaurant. I devoured delicious pizza and tiramisu and our suave Italian waiters gave us free limoncello! After eating some more pizza on my last day, I went to the Colosseum, and then finally we went to the Arc of Constantine. I was pleased with my journey, but sad to go.

When we returned to Barcelona, I walked into my room and exclaimed, “I’m home!” Home? Yes, Barcelona has become home. I can’t wait for our next vacation in a few weeks. I’m going to stay in Barcelona and explore the city I have grown to love.

Until next time,

Ivory