Love

Listening to the pattering of the rain hitting the floor and the rooftops, I am reminded of how much I love Europe, and how much rain reminds me of happiness. This week in Florence has been completely and ridiculously amazing. We began the week with museums and sculptures and palaces and culture. A trip to the leather market and a pretty normal reaction to a new city. What i've noticed is how I am able to feel more comfortable by finding things which remind me of something i associate with comfort. An example would would be Gelato. Though we're in a new city, Gelato is still as good as Venice and I believe we've had some every day at least once.
SO much has happened this week. I learned how important art can make you feel. Seeing the statue of david encouraged this feeling. Seeing how I have seen it in pictures my entire life as some statue which people are familiar with, and yet feet before me David stood, prideful and courageous and rather larger than i expected, I was struck by how this piece of work really was amazing and beautiful. I of course couldn't allow this experience go unrecorded, therefore, with a few precautions, I snuck a few photo's in after hiding from cameras and guards. Another piece which really stood out to me was the Birth of the Venus. I was in such awe of the beauty she held. She reminded me dearly of someone and I just stood with my mouth gaping open. Incredible i felt that a painting could emotionally stir me.
Friday was very exhausting, but so worth it. We climbed to the top of Michaelangelo's garden. Here, we climbed an exhausting amount of stares leaving me slightly breathless and this was after a long day of museums and what seemed like endless amounts of walking. Fortunately, Eugene was kind enough to treat us all to Gelato at the top of the climb. While enjoying our Gelato, we enjoyed a view which i thought couldn't get better. Before us was the city of Florence in it's purest form. No distractions, beautiful scenery to the sides and just a beauty I had never experienced. To the left were Villa's on the outskirts of the town. To the right were mountains and behind us was a grave and church. The view from there also was wonderful. Some of us decided to stay behind as a few went on back to the hotel. Those of us who stayed enjoyed dinner and the scenic view as well as an english speaking three man band. They were quite incredible. Slowly, the city changed colors as they complimented the colors of the sky. Oranges, golds and purples were cast upon the view and soon night came upon us lighting up the city with an electrical parade of lights. Just when you didn't think it could get better, God was like...uh...i can do better...watch this! haha.
After our exhausting day, and skyping with claire and my sister and my dad, I drifted off into a peaceful sleep. Early the next morning, I awoke and welcomed the day with a shower and preparation to embark on my own journey with Aubrey, Scott K, Gabby, Dana, and Rachel. We rode the train to Cinque Terre which translated is Five earths or cities. We didn't get to our destination until one and several trains. We stopped in Pisa and failed to see the infamous leaning tower, but that wasn't too bad. Getting off the train, we were welcomed with what seemed like a surreal paradise. The Mediterranean Ocean was as clear as those of magazines, but what looks like color enhancement in those pages was actually real. The waters were teal like none that i'd seen yet clear and one could see rocks below the surface. People snorkled and laid out on the beach. Some were in the water playing in the waves. As i picked my jaw off of the floor, we bought our tickets for what would be, though i had not anticipated it as such, the most intense hike of my life.
The hike itself was intense began with a small incline, and then...it completely slapped you in the face and said...make it or break it! The mountain was tall and when you thought you couldn't go any higher, you'd look and there were more steps or more ground to cover. The pathway was narrow and many parts were left without rail. Most of the trail was open to the sides and one could just imagine what it'd be like plummeting down the mountainside. Passing through vineyards and little homes and gates, I was on the verge of passing out a few times. How was this possible? The stairs only continued and my breathe got the better of me. I began ascending 15 steps at a time, passing people who would pass me moments later. Along the sides, i'd be grabbing for the nearest branches as people waited for me. I didn't realize just what a fear i had for heights. There were moments when lightheadedness would get the best of me and times when i could barely let air into my gasping lungs. My load was light, but my legs felt like rubber. Gabby stayed back with me and she encouraged me along the way. There was a moment when i was by myself...and the image of passing out and having no one notice was a scary thought. I bent over to catch my breath, and I was alone once again. No one around. The air was still, the rustling kept to a minimum. The pounding of my heavy heart pounding in my ears. Time and time again i've heard that expression and it took the altitude that i was at to make me experience that loudness in my ears. I listened the the sweat form my face hit the dirt. The solitude of such a hike was enough to make one go mad if time allotted. Each bead of sweat hit the ground, and as it hit, the impact would make a loud splash. I met several Americans along the way and each was exceptionally pleasant, encouraging each other, and excusing each other and moving for the other. Getting to the point where I was ready to descend, we finally began nearing the next town. What a sight it was. Visibility was clear, and the town was colorful against the beautifully blue ocean. We finally arrived to Vernazza from Monterosso and it was THE MOST BEAUTIFUL THING i'd ever seen. I couldn't have possibly described everything which made it so gorgeous. The water was beautiful and the colorful buildings made the town like a painting.
We immediately darted for the water which felt so great on our hot bodies. Seeing clearly through the water only made the experience more thrilling. It felt so good swimming in God's glorious creation. we jumped off rocks and to top it off, Scott, Gabby, and I jumped off a larger rock at the same time. Scotts height was 20ish feet, Gabby 16-14feet, and i 12-10 feet. It was sooo exciting. I almost didn't do it, but I knew i'd only be there once. What a rush it was. We finished the perfect evening with dinner watching the sunset and gelato. Sunday was relaxing and extremely lazy, but well needed. I loved it. And today, Monday, it poured rain and lightning struck several times in the distance as the thunder clapped several seconds apart. I did a shoot of myself in the rain and took a shower. It's now 6:30pm and the day has been so good. I love Euroterm. Thanks God and thanks to those who made it possible.

-Just Love Europe
John