From Thanksgiving until January, Ashlyn had time off from her medical school rotations. This time is supposed to be used for research and interviewing for residency. However, with an ease in travel restrictions, Ashlyn was quick to book a discounted flight and grab her backpack for Italy.
She convinced her Aunt Angela to join her as well, since the rest of us still have school and work to attend. So while she did not research on medicine, she did do “research” on cappuccinos, pizza and Italian tourism.
Their trip started in Venice where they saw canals, bridges and toured the famous Piazza san Marco (also known as St Mark’s Square).
They then traveled to Cortina d’Ampezzo, a town in northern Italy, to snowshoe and hike the impressive Dolomite mountain range.
Florence, Pisa, and La Spezia were next on the itinerary. A major highlight of their trip was hiking along Cinque Terre, a string of five fishing villages perched high on the Italian Riviera connected by an 11km footpath.
Finally, their trip ended in Rome where they explored all the major tourist sites, including a tour through the Vatican museums, climbing 512 steps to the top of St. Peter’s Basilica, and seeing the Pope give an address at St. Peter’s on the Immaculate Conception of Mary.
