Sunday, November 23, 2008

Gahh!!!

Ok, I know I have been a horrible blogger lately, and I'm probably still going to be, but I just wanted to give you a heads up at what I am doing!
We have officially left Cortona, spent about 2 days in the beautiful Naples area which was beautiful... (went swimming during sunset in the Mediterranean with Mount Vesuvius on the horizon... soooo amazing and probably one of my favorite times of my entire trip!)
We had to say goodbye to everyone in our program, which was very sad, I will really miss everyone in our program.  Each of them had a different impact on me in one way or another and I hope to reunite with some of them soon.
McKenna, Kate and I began our travels!!  We took an all day train to Venice.  Venice is soo completely amazing and beautiful.  A city built on water full of history and class, what could be better?  We were able to hang out with three people from our program who were also traveling to Venice.  We stayed in a budget hotel which was pretty decent considering the price we payed.  We also went on a gondola ride!  It was so beautiful.  We were in Venice for two nights.  
This morning we left for Austria.  We have officially left Italy and ventured on to other countries.  
So today after being on the train a few hours, we come out of a tunnel, look outside and see the entire landscape covered in white.  Yes, there is an abundance of snow here.  Its something three California girls didn't really think about when planning our travels.  So pretty much, Im keeping warm by wearing my entire wardrobe at once. 
But I can't even believe how beautiful it is here.  The mountains are so tall, full of trees and snow!  The architecture is beautiful as well.  Today after we arrived and settled into our hostel, we took a walk down into the town and found a Christmas festival!  There were many booths selling Christmas decorations and ornaments, there was a choir singing (reminded me of home) as well as many hot food items being sold.  One of the most popular warm drinks here is hot wine.  It kind of tastes like apple cider, and its great for keeping warm.  It feels so good to be in the snow during a Christmas event.
On the walk home back to our hostel I thought my legs were going to fall off I was so cold.  I honestly don't know if I've ever been that cold in my life!  I buried my face in my jacket and just walked as fast as we could.  It was so cold.  Like, really cold.  But I will just have to put more of my clothes on tomorrow cause we are going on the Sound of Music tour!  As I'm sitting here in the hostel lobby typing this, the Sound of Music is playing on the TV and they are singing the doe a deer song.  I feel so happy!  haha...
But anyways, just a quick update of what I have been up to. 
Pretty much I am so extremely blessed to have this opportunity to travel through Europe.  It is amazing how beautiful the earth is.  Everywhere I go, I am continually amazed at Gods creation.  All these places are so different, yet every single one is so beautiful.  

Thank you Lord for this opportunity.  Thank you so so so much!  I am having the time of my life!



6 comments:

trulyjulie said...

Yay! I am so glad you are having so much fun! sounds amazing! I can't even imagine. Thanks so much for updating us....I want to hear all about the Sound of Music tour! Swimming in the Mediteranean!!!wowee wowee!!!!! Enjoy every moment.....

Now, as a mom...I am worried about you being too cold! I remember being that cold in Boston, and I thought I was going to DIE! You must wear thermals under your clothes, that will really help, and a hat helps to keep the heat in! Don't forget mittens!

Love you so much! Talk soon!
mom

trulyjulie said...

From Dad:

COLD!!!!

COLD!!!!!! I could tell, you were really cold. That was a great bit of description there. It reminded me of a time your Mom and visited Boston during Christmas.

I've been in California now too long to weather the cold...

Sounds like you're still having the time of your life.

Be careful, safe and sane... and warm.

Love Dad

Marybeth Christman said...

Oh my gosh, I hate being cold!!! But, what a memory!!! From swimming in the Mediteranean to all your clothes on at once.......I can't even imagine all the places you get to see. It sounds like you know how blessed you are! I can't wait to see you home. Please be VERY careful and if you see any cute coffee mugs........

joy said...

oh joanna--how wonderful. i love your descriptions and it's so wonderful how you recognize God's and wherever you go. sounds like good parenting to me--who are your parents? :) seriously, i'm glad you're having an amazing time and building such wonderful memories.

Marybeth Christman said...

Let's give a hand to these 4 faithful commentors!

Anonymous said...

Jo :))) hehe. Wow, sounds beyond imagination. I'm sooo happy for you and the awesome, amazing trip you're on. I can't wait to hear more about it and see some dope pictures you're probably taking ;) can't believe you got to ride a gondola! ahh so awesome. love you and hope you're staying really really warm. hugs and kisses from me. miss you. love you. be safe. blessings<3