Behind the Scenes

inside vatican city of course.

apologies for the overload of photos, this was honestly just the most amazing thing.

Did you know the vatican is its very own monarchical state? Did you know their are only about 50 people total that live there, two in which are pope francis and previous pope benedict? 

tuesday morning was not a normal tuesday morning. this particular tuesday morning I walked past the swiss guards into the vatican city state (with my amazing professor Seán who is an official knight of the vatican), i touched the popes clothing and I walked through the VIP doors of St. Peters basilica (the same doors Obama was brought through on his tour).  Tuesdays behind the scenes tour of the vatican city state was something I will never forget thanks in large part to my professor.

1. The back of St. Peters. A few most people will never see, because they can't.

2. Communications Professor, Knight and head of Vatican Radio my friends.

3. Vatican Gardens

4. The Popes Bösendorfer Piano

5. Pope Francis's apartment building..Room #201

6. The VIP Entrance and most chilling piece of artwork I have ever seen.

7. Pope Benedict's thinking bench, find him here at 4 pm daily.

8. He played Red Hot Chili Peppers.... On the Popes piano.

9. Fountains

10. Inside Vatican City State

M

TBT

In honor of today, I had to look through my old halloween photos. Oh how I miss my girls and  celebrating halloween in the states.

M.

All Things Fall

A couple fall must haves.

1. Red lips // 2. Boots // 3. A snuggly blanket // 4. Pumpkin Everything // 5. Chunky Sweaters // 6. Simple Jewelry // 7. Leather

M.

Weekend Travels: Florence

 This weekend we traveled to Florence.  We started our weekend off by touring Banfi winery and having a wine tasting. Florence was absolutely stunning.  Here are a few photos from this beautiful trip.

I barely ever complain these days (how could I, I'm living in Europe?) BUT i must say i've officially grown tired of sweaty, smelly, ass grabbing, no concept of personal space europeans on public transportation.

that's all for now!

M.

5&6/15

whoops i missed a week because i was busy spending time with my family!

Already missing Paris, like crazy.. but taking in every second in Rome. My trip is already half way over. *slight panic attack*

"a portrait of me, once a week, every week in Europe"

c.r.e.t.a.

Have I ever mentioned my internship here in Rome? If not, it's at a ceramic art studio/school called c.r.e.t.a. rome. I've been handling all of their social media and blogging! It's so great to work in such a fantastic atmosphere.

This week I got to participate in an Italian apertivo (which is like happy hour) and ceramics class hosted at the studio. It was great to get back to using my hands, making some art and drinking wine with my friends.

I'm so lucky to have such a great opportunity.

Now it's off to florence for a weekend filled with wine tastings and old friends. 

M.

Paris

The first part of my fall break was spent in Paris.  It is the most incredible city i've seen yet. I can't wait to return someday!

M.

Excuse me..

I'm sorry for such a dull blog this week. I'm spending every possible second with two of my very best friends.  When I thought Rome couldn't get any better, it did.  Having mi mamma e sorella here for a week has been absolutely perfect.

There will be plenty of posts coming on my past week in Paris and rediscovering the beauties of Rome.

happy weekending. 

M.

4/15

It's done, I'm in. I'm packing my bags, learning French and moving to Paris. I am completely smitten with this city. 

"A portrait of me, once a week, every week in Europe" 

Fall Break

The time is finally here to add another stamp to my passport! Today is the start of my fall break, and in less then eight hours I will be on a flight to Paris, France.  I can't wait to spend the next five days staring at the Eiffel Tower, eating the best crepes in the world, touring The Louvre, drinking pumpkin spice lattes and being surrounded by the amazing fashion Paris has to offer.

...and when i return to Rome I will be greeted by my two favorite ladies. how lucky am I?

M.

I know, I know..

I go on and on...and on about my communications class with Sean Patrick Lovett. I just love it so much.

Each week after our tour, or lecture we are responsible for a paper. The paper is not to be a summary of the facts we were told or what we learned during our time, rather what we felt and what we learned from our feelings.

"This is Marissa finding her voice, speaking her mind, revealing her heart.

This is Marissa expressing herself with confidence and creativity.

This is Marissa making connections, relating ideas to actions, thoughts to experiences.

And I think she's fabulous.

A." -- Sean's response to my paper this week

I can't believe how much this class is teaching me.  It has to be documented.

M.

Tuesday's Tours

Todays tour was of Italian design and contemporary style. It was also a rainy one. 

1. Modern

2. Under my Umbrella

3. This insane hotel.

4. Every floor was a different color.

5. Tourist takeover on the Spanish Steps.

6. Does a nose made out of gold have golden boogs?

M.

It's Monday

So how about a link list?

The only thing on my Christmas list.

Check out this dolls blog, i'm so happy for her.

This will be my view Friday night.

Going on my list of DIY projects for Christmas break.

Can't stop listening. You're welcome.

Happy Monday friends.

M

3/15

I finally feel like Rome is home. Every time I understand an Italian conversation or someone asks me for directions I get a little giddy inside. 

p.s. there is just something about a set of dark red lips.

"a portrait of me, once a week, every week in Europe" 

Can we talk?

A while back you may have read my post introducing my professors. If not, Sean Patrick Lovett, is my communications professor and by far the most inspiring person I have met on this trip. He is also the head of Vatican Radio (yes THE Vatican) and just an overall extraordinary human being.

Sean has a way with words and he makes every single lesson, one I will remember for the rest of my life. He starts every lecture pulling up a chair and asking "Can we talk?" in which he follows with a story or advice that has us all quickly scribbling in our notebooks to record every word he says.

Today he took us for coffee and to an on site tour of Castle Saint Angelo. Every place he takes us to is an emotional experience and rather than filling our heads with repetitive facts, he informs us of the stories normal tourists will never get the chance to hear.

"Because we feel bad for the poor souls who walk around with sweaty feet, backpacks and audio guides pressed to their ears, the tourists who only get the impressionistic view of Rome. They return home and people ask how their trip was and they simply apply with an awesome or a good" -- Sean Patrick Lovett

Moral of the story, i'm so lucky to have him as a professor. I have known him for a month and he has changed the way I see the world. 

M.

countdown

Have I ever mentioned how much this little family of five means to me? Literally everything. They are my best friends, my biggest support system and my role models. I am missing them like crazy and everyday i'm here i'm realizing more and more how much I cherish them. 

With that being said, you can probably imagine how excited I am to have my mom and sister flying into   Rome two weeks from today! I can not wait to show them the in's and outs of Rome and have them see my new life in Italy! I'm wishing my dad and brother could join but i'm so thankful to have my favorite ladies here for a week! 

and so the countdown begins!!

M.