Get more pearls: Valley Mirror, Live from London IV

"Live from London" by MB Farley

As published in The Valley Mirror on November 25, 2010

During my two months studying in London, I’ve had plenty of time to explore London and travel a bit around Great Britain. In the past two weeks I had the opportunity to travel to other parts of Europe, particularly Italy and Spain.

From November 9 to November 12 my university had Reading Week, which was a week off of classes for a fall break. Monday night I hopped on a plane with a few friends to Italy for two and a half exciting days in Rome before heading off to Venice for a day.

The 70 degree weather that I experienced in Rome was a much welcomed changed from the normal 45 degrees I was accustomed to in London. During my two days in Rome I ate delicious pizza, saw many ancient Roman buildings, and took a tour of the Vatican. The relaxed, friendly atmosphere of Italy was a much needed break from fast-paced London. I enjoyed walking down the small cobblestone streets and turning the corner to find the Colosseum only a few blocks away. I had fun talking to the native Italians, who spoke partially in Italian, partially in English, and mostly with their hands. After spending time in Rome, I gained a new appreciation for Italian culture and history and I definitely want to return in the future.

A short plane ride north brought me to the beautiful city of Venice. I had been amazed when reading about Venice and seeing it in movies because of all of the water and canals, but actually being in Venice was something that words cannot describe. All of the transportation in Venice is done by way of boat or by walking. My friends and I were lucky enough to take a gondola ride at sunset and by doing so we experienced the real Venice, by way of canal. We saw the sights that Venice had to offer and spent the rest of our time shopping and eating. One of the most interesting things I discovered about Venice while I was there is that during high tide, the water floods areas such as St. Mark’s Square three to five inches deep and concrete picnic tables are put up for people to walk on. I wonder if what they say is true, is Venice sinking?

Last weekend my friends and I went to Madrid, Spain for the weekend. I had the opportunity to evaluate my Spanish speaking skills (I’m pursuing a Spanish minor) and get a taste of real Spanish culture. I spoke to natives in Spanish in order to order meals and get directions and while they could understand me, I had difficulty understand their quick speech. It turned out perfectly however because we never got lost and I was never served a dish I wasn’t expecting.

The Gothic architecture in Madrid was especially beautiful, as were the multiple fountains that we found throughout the city. Madrid had a lot of plazas to walk around in, stores to shop in and was very easy to navigate. It was great to experience Spanish culture by eating traditional food, speaking Spanish and even watching traditional Flamenco dancers put on a performance. I got a real taste of Spanish culture on the last day that we were there when I ate tacos from a local stand on the street. The woman serving the tacos told me that the salsa was “muy picante,” or “very spicy.” In my entire life, never have I been unable to eat something because it was too spicy until I ate the salsa on that taco. Muy picante was right. Madrid got me this time, but I’ll be back for another try next time I’m able to travel Europe.

I continue to state it each time I write about my experience abroad, but I am very grateful for this opportunity. I have always loved to travel and the opportunity to travel to different countries in Europe is one of the most exciting things about being abroad. While I’m missing my family and my hometown more and more as the holidays start, I would not trade this experience abroad for anything.