Hello Florence, It's Been Too Long

Even though I arrived in Florence yesterday, I didn't manage to put up a post until now. I've enjoyed seeing the city again, and it's a slightly different place than Rome. It's much smaller, cleaner, and overall more pleasant. I haven't done much yet, mostly just walking around. Today I went to a museum in the Palazzo Pitti, the old home of the Medici family (they ruled Florence for many years). The museum was full of Renaissance paintings, and while there were a few gems, I wouldn't go back. Tomorrow I hope to climb Brunelleschi's famous dome! I'll leave you with a photo of the best thing in Italy: GELATO.

Last Day in Rome

Today was my last full day in Rome. I had a great time, and there still a couple of places I'd have liked to visit, but I feel very satisfied with my trip. One thing that has been unexpected so far: I haven't taken many photographs. It's partially due to the fact that I've been here before. I also don't always feel like bringing my camera around and taking it out. Anyway, about the only interesting photographs I've taken so far are of the students. I've posted a few below. Tomorrow I board a train at 11:15 for Florence, the birthplace of the Renaissance!

Hadrian's Villa

Today I spent the day about 20 miles outside of Rome to visit the ruins of the Emperor Hadrian's Villa. We struggled to get there. It took a ride on the Metro, then on a train, then a long walk, and finally a bus. The ancient villa was practically a miniature city, with temples, houses, offices, and a theater. Unfortunately my seasonal allergies were acting up and made my visit more difficult. After two hours of touring, I met a friendly dog and he posed for a photo.

Maroon Fridays

It's 12:30 am, so let's make this post quick. Today is Friday, and for us Mississippi State faculty and students, that means it's Maroon Friday. We're encouraged to support our school by wearing the MSU colors, so I did just that. Only one individual was brave enough to join me today, and that's Sam, pictured below. Our entire day was spent visiting the Vatican Museums, the interior of St. Peter's Basilica, and as you can see, the top of St. Peter's as well. The trip is going really well. I had never met half the students on the trip, but because of our shared experiences, I already feel like I know them pretty well. Now, I need a shower and some sleep!

We're Two Coins in a Fountain

I've only been to Rome once before, and it was in 2005. Alisha and I were dating at the time (I was 24), and we spent 3 days in Rome as part of our pilgrimage to World Youth Day in Cologne, Germany. Here  you'll see two photos from that trip. Above we're in front of the Trevi Fountain, and below in front of St. Peter's Basilica. According to tradition, if you throw one coin into the fountain, you are ensured a return trip to Rome. A second coin will ensure marriage. Our coins have done a pretty good job, with us getting married in 2006 and me returning to Rome this year. Something must've gone wrong with Alisha's other coin. Perhaps I'll head down to the Trevi fountain and put another Euro in for her.

The First Post

Tomorrow I leave for Italy. My bag is mostly packed, my phone is charged, and my shoes are by the door. I'm sure you can imagine my excitement. Five and a half weeks of travel with stops in Rome, Florence, Pisa, Genoa, and Milan. I'll be teaching Mississippi State students about drawing and lettering, something I haven't quite done before. Plus, I'm really looking forward to all of the drawings and photographs I'll be making myself. *Nerd alert: I even bought some new pens and pencils!

All of the excitement is great, so you might be surprised to know that I'm actually feeling bittersweet. I have to leave my wife, Alisha, and two daughters, Joan and Charlotte behind. We've known about the trip for a long time, and I hoped to at least bring Alisha along for a week, but the cost is simply too high for us right now. I've never been away from them for this long, and it's a bit weird to think that I will experience all of this without them. I will certainly miss them, but technology will help narrow the distance between us. In addition to following my trip on this blog, I'll also be able to speak to them through video chats and emails. If you're a friend or family member reading this, I hope you'll follow my blog too! But, this first post is for Alisha, Joan, and Charlotte. I love you all very much, and I hope all goes well while I'm gone.

Quick side note: I'll turn 30 this Thursday, May 26, and on Saturday Alisha threw me an awesome surprise birthday party! You can read more about it here.

The next post you read on here should be from Rome - CIAO!