Finally, an Answer to the Question

Hello my dearest friends!

I know it has been quite some time since I have written, but that is due to a combination of a few things: 1.) lack of internet access and 2.) lack of time, for I've been exploring the world!! ((At least now you know I am still alive and thriving!!))

Since my last post (which was, I admit, weak in detail,) I've been to Berlin, Venice, Florence, Volterra, Pisa, Rome, and now I am currently in Naples.

It appears the weather has finally caught up with me. Even since Berlin the rain has been following me. I don't mind it though; its actually quite nice--except for all the men chasing me down to sell me an umbrella. I mean, can't they see how much I am enjoying the rain? Or the fact that with my arms full of luggage and a huge sack on my back their tiny little umbrellas would be utterly useless to me? Ahh, we'll I can't hate them for trying to make a living. There have been a few rays of sunlight now and again but nothing to promising. When you all see my picture, you will now understand the gray skies and the blurry photos ( I don't know how many times I had to wipe my camera off.)

Berlin was good, especially going to the museums (for free) late Thurday evening. I quite enjoyed that. I met a girl from PA who lived in London. It was uncanny how many similarities we had, and I devoted a good amount of time to discussing her recent break-up. I was able to throw in some details of how God provided for me even when things seem dreary. I mean really, look at how fantastic everything is going for me (at least in my opinion!) I still did not have my bonus so I was unable to visit a country with a different currency (Czech Rubuplic and Switzerland were in the plans...) so I just headed down to Italy. Its a good thing, really, because I already feel like I do not have enough time here.

So, Venice! Ahh, its so beautiful! I loved walking over the bridges and just meandering through the piazzas and narrow cobble-stone "streets." Unluckily, I lost track of days and arrived in Venice just 3 days after Carnevale ended (mardi gras.) So I missed everyone dressed up but loads of shops and street vendors were still selling masks. They were truly magnificent, some upward of 250 euros! Too bad I don't have any room in my luggage.

Next was Florence. I was quite happily surprised on my first evening to find Emily "groovy" Grubbe in my hostel! She was studying there for the semester and invited me up to dinner. We also went out for a gelati and ohhh mannn how I love those babies. Seriously, you guys should not be surprised if I weigh like an extra 300 pouds when I come back. She also told me about Volterra (were shared some intimate Twilight fan moments) and I made arrangements to take a bus trip there the next day. It was exciting just because I am a fan and now I just want to go back and read through that section, well, the whole book, or series, for that matter. haha. And off I go on Edward Cullen fantasies...

oh wait, Florence, yeah. Its great. I love it. I really love Italy. Even with the rain. :) And then, Rome... Like the post's title, I have finally found an answer to the question, "What is your favorite place you've vistied?" ROME. yes, my friends. A combination of the history, age, beauty, and flair of this city has allowed me to gladly label it MY FAVORITE! The Vatican took all day and I was so impressed by the details included in St. Peters Basilica as well as the artwork of masters like Michealangelo and Raphael. It was absolutely awe-inspiring. And then the Colosseum, Palantine Hill, the Roman Forum, the Fountain of Trevi, the list goes on! I left today but I really was not ready. It is truly an amazing city!

And Naples. I just arrived here today, though I did wander the streets and see the castle. The pizza was goooood. I also managed to find a ridiculous good pair of shoes at a good price! I couldn't help myself, Italian leather boots, yeah, come one...

Tomorrow I plan on going to Pompeii. I am quite excited about this and have dreamed of going there ever since that fateful day I rode the Pompeii at Busch Gardens... thanks Uncle Lee...haha Seriously though, it should be good.

And I can't believe that Monday I will be back in London and on Tuesday headed back for the states. Its crazy how quickly the second half of my trip has passed and that the whole thing is nearly at an end! I am looking forward to coming home though my dreams are full of excitement and anxity for my return. I very much look forward to seeing all of my loved ones again and celebrating my birthday in the Bahamas with some of my favorites!

I think I have fallen in love with Jesus several times over on my trip and am never surprised at how perfectly everything falls into place. I am ever thankful to God for this glorious trip and my safety throughout the whole thing. Thanks to all of you for your continued pray and support, and I pray for safety on my flights. I probably will not post tomorrow (ie: the rest of my journey,) but look forward to a reflections post upon my return.

P.S. For those of you wishing to know of my safe return home, I fly out March 10th on British Airways flight number 69 at 4:55pm from London Heathrow and I will arrive in Philly at 9:20 pm. :) talk to you and see you all soon!! Love you!