Un "Petit" Voyage

Hello all! Today is my first full day back in France after my lovely long weekend in Rome.  I had been one time before, but man, do I love it even more now.  It was a great trip, but I'm really happy to be back in Compiègne!  I've been in Europe for 2 months as of yesterday! Can't believe it.

This past week of class was a little stressful.  The first three days of the school week are the only days that I have class, so all of the stress is compacted into the first part of the week.  Like I have amnesia, I forget about it until late Saturday, then begin to worry again.  I have to start making some decisions and taking some action.  By the way, I'm conducting a research project for the construction of an eco friendly neighborhood in Barcelona.  Did I sign up for that? Nope, don't think so.  Anyway, the week was fine, and then the perfect end to a week by relaxing a bit in Italy ;)

We got to Rome at around lunch time on Thursday after an early morning walk to the Compiègne station, followed by an hour long bus ride to the airport, followed by a two hour flight, then another bus ride to the station in Rome.  Despite all of the little legs of the trip, we were ready go upon arrival! We saw the Trevi fountain (including a gelato stop), Piazza Navona, Pantheon, and more. Friday, we spent all day at the Colosseum and the surrounding Forum and Palatine Hill.  BEAUTIFUL.

Gelato time!

Trevi Fountain

Chillin' at the Pantheon

Colosseum with friends

That night, Anna's friend that lives in Rome took us to the original Peroni brewery, where there is now a restaurant in its place; super cheap and super good.  And Saturday, after much thought and consideration, we made a voyage to Naples followed by a metro ride to Pompei.  Want to see something absolutely amazing? GO THERE.  One of the most amazing places I have ever been in my life.  Wow.  We didn't do a tour or anything, and the loose train schedule gave us the whole day there to soak up the sun and take our time walking around.  I even had time for a little nap in the middle of the "town square" where tourists asked my friends if I was alive.  Narcoleptic much?  

Dinner at the Peroni restaurant

Pompei

Quick snooze

Before leaving

Throughout the trip, I had noticed a couple of bites on my hands and arms.  I immediately thought of spider bites, until I was proven wrong by some bed bugs in the hostel.  Horrible, couldn't sleep, but we realized it on Saturday (late) and were leaving Sunday morning.  Not much we could do.  Sunday, in between scratching our bodies, we were able to get to the Vatican to see St. Peter's and stroll around before coming back to Compi.  We did so much in such a short amount of time, it was amazing.

Now, back in good 'ol Compiègne.  Had a great day today; ran around and got some things done, and am heading to bed early because I have class tomorrow at 10:15, but am going to the bank tomorrow to get my card (ROUND 2).  This weekend, I will probably hang around here in Compiègne, because the weekend after, Kels will be here.  What??? I can't wait!  Anyway, I hope everyone is doing well and I miss you.

xAmanda