Semester Break, Part 2 (dedicated to Wan-ting)

So I was standing there, in front of the 2,000-year-old Roman structure. The great amphitheater built for ancient Roman entertainment and gladiatorial events, where blood was spilled and so many violently lost their lives, the Coliseum in Rome. I find it now ironic how peaceful I felt standing in front of this magnificent piece of architecture. A place remembered not only for its genius construction but for the violence. It’s funny how calm I felt.

Sarah, Ali and I visited the Coliseum our first night in Rome. It was dark and the ancient structure was beautifully lit, accentuating its architectural qualities, the arches, the detail. There was hardly anyone around and it was a peaceful night. I walked off a little by myself to admire the structure I’ve been longing to see since seeing one of my favorite movies, Gladiator, and learning about it in art history class. I stood there and had one of those moments in life when you feel so transcendental. A “high on life” moment where it seems as though everything is as it should be and you’ve finally found that next puzzle piece to your life (only 3,224 pieces to go!).

I stood there. I smiled. I was in Rome with old friends standing on the same ground as the seat of the ancient Roman Empire. I felt content, took a deep breath in until my belly was full and blew out a few things I’d been holding on to. I let go and have felt lighter ever since.

Rome wasn’t the first place my old friends and I visited after their long anticipated arrival, but for me, it was one of the most memorable. The day of the big arrival had finally come, Feb. 18, 2009. The morning after my return to Salzburg from Ireland I traveled once again to Munich Airport to meet my friends. The culprits: Sarah Sparks, my opinionated but loving college friend, colleague and roommate. Ali Cooper, my soft-spoken but passionate friend. We were introduced to each other by ex-boyfriends, and though the relationships didn’t last, our friendship did.

After a few days acquainting my dear friends Ali and Sarah with my current home, Salzburg, we departed for a 5 day trip to Paris. It was on this trip to the city of romance that I realized just how much Europe has changed me. The relaxed, slow pace of life has taken over a bit of my severely organized, must have a plan and a list personality. Before heading to the Munich Airport, which is a two hour train ride from Salzburg, to hop on a plane and fly to Paris, I roughly estimated the time I thought we needed to leave Salzburg without checking train departures. We almost missed our flight. Although I’ll never do that again, I’ve realized how relaxed I’ve become and I’m actually grateful. I still make lists, but I let go of more things that have tended to hold me back in the past.

So, Paris at last. The city of art and goat cheese sandwiches. With all that Paris has to offer, I think Ali, Sarah and I were most excited about the most famous art museum in the world, the Louvre. We awed at the view along Seine river, stood by the Eiffel Tower at night with its jazzy lighting, guzzled cups of espresso in a few Paris cafes, and even paid homage to Jim Morrison’s grave in Pierre Lachaise Cemetery. However, we spent 10 glorious hours in the Louvre. The Venus de Milo and Winged Victory of Samothrace, Delacroix’s Liberty Leading the People, David’s The Oath of the Horattii, Gericault’s Raft of Medusa, and of course Leonardo da Vinci’s Madonna on the Rocks and Mona Lisa. A surprise appearance by one of my favorite paintings, Ingres’s Grand Odalisque. It was an exhausting day with many breaks for sustenance, but I think all three of us left the Louvre feeling satisfied and as if we had accomplished something great.

These trips to Paris, Venice, Rome and Amsterdam had been planned on a budget, a budget for three unemployed young adults. But, sometimes you have to splurge. Our last night in Paris we decided to act like civilized adults, walk through the Paris red light district, and eat seafood at a fancy restaurant. Up until that point we had considered ourselves experienced seafood connoisseurs and excited to show off our culinary expertise in Paris, but we were not prepared for what we had ordered. Shrimp, muscles and clams are ordinary seafood specialties. But, when the waiter brought out the ice-covered tray topped with raw, unseasoned muscles and slimy clams still in the shell and teeny, tiny shrimp with eyeballs still attached we sat in silence deciding how to eat this strange food and not appear as uncivilized Americans. With cues from our French neighbors and much laughing the meal was devoured. I can say that the experience was enjoyed much more than the cuisine.

And then there’s Italy… Sarah and I took to Italy much more than France. Though we enjoyed the beautiful city of Paris, Italy seemed to offer us comfort. It was more welcoming and easy-going. We didn’t feel as though we always had to be on our best behavior. Though Ali I know enjoyed Italy as well, and even stayed in the country after Sarah and I left, I think she had left her heart in Paris.

Venice, the city of canals, was of course beautiful, romantic and offered overpriced gondola rides. We spent one day roaming the canals, visiting the shops and eating gelato in the city on the water and then hopped on the train on to Rome. As I’ve mentioned, Rome sparked something in me. The Vatican City (including the Sistine Chapel), the ancient ruins of the Roman Forum and the Coliseum… I felt as though I was walking among the great Caesars, philosophers and artists of the Roman past. I stood in the midst of the remnants of Palatine Hill, where the wealthy Romans built their homes before the common era, and couldn’t help but speak out loud, “for the glory of Rome!” For these reasons I hope I’m able to return to Italy again and visit the cities I wasn’t able to see during this trip... Florence, Milan, Naples, Pompeii, Sorrento…

And eat the best pizza I’ve ever tasted in my life! Slices of eggplant on a thin buttery, crunchy crust… mamma mia!

After a week apart, Sarah in Germany visiting a high school friend, Ali bravely gallivanting around Italy by herself, and me back in Salzburg attending my first classes of the summer semester, we reunited in Amsterdam. All I can say about Amsterdam is that it wasn’t quite what we had expected.

Sarah and Ali left a month later on March 17, 2009. I can’t explain how exciting it was to see familiar faces and mesh my old life with new. We partied hard, traveled hard, ate well, and crammed in an insane amount of site-seeing for one month’s time. I think we also learned a few things about ourselves and each other. Of course no trip with three women can go smooth sailing without a little bit of drama, but we worked it out and were still grateful for the opportunities and the company. I miss Sarah and Ali already, but they’ve tided me over for now and I’m ready to make the most of my three remaining months in Salzburg. The sun is shining, it’s 70 degrees Fahrenheit, I’m on Easter break and life is good.

P.S. Congratulations to my dear friends Mike Walker and Wan-ting Huang who just got engaged in Las Vegas!!!