Michelangelo's Ceiling of the Sistine Chapel is legendary. Who hasn't seen the mural where the hands of God and Adam reaching towards each other? During height tourist season, one must navigate through the Vatican Museum and the hoards of crowds in order to reach the acclaimed Sistine Chapel. History buffs can see art and artifacts in the city's history.
Read MoreA far less crowded site than the nearby Vatican City during the height of tourist season, it is a great reprieve from the sun, offering shade, history, and some light provisions on top. Not to mention the 360 views of Rome, including the Tiber River and Vatican City.
Read MoreThe Roman Forum and Palantine Hill is an echo of what used to be the center of Roman life. Situated next to the Colosseum, it's a great way to see how the Romans once lived and perhaps astounding to see what a big part the Colosseum's entertainment played for some of the residents.
Read MoreThe Colosseum is on most tourists' bucketlist of things to see while in Rome. An impressive structure that is nestled between a combination of old ruins and new complexes, Rome's appreciation for their past is evident. So much history is preserved in the bustling city.
Read MoreThe Basilica of Notre-Dame de Fourvière is a minor basilica in Lyon. The structure itself is iconic in Lyon's postcards. It sits next to the Tour métallique de Fourvière or Metallic Tower of Fourvière, known so some as the sister Eiffel Tower. The courtyards provide expansive views of the city, all the way to Mont Blanc. Inside, the murals glisten with gold leaf adornments.
Read MoreThere is something so serene about blue skies and blue water. The red roofs of the houses lining the hillsides and the colorful paint on the buildings along the river are a perfect complement to the blues. There is a point at the end of the Presqu'île (peninsula) which is the Confluence, where the two rivers meet.
Read MoreThe Romans were a widespread civilization. I had studied them before but even I was in shock that their reaches included this seemingly quiet stronghold of France. Standing in 2,000 plus years of history feels surreal. Dirt and grass patches filled where people once walked. The stairs down towards center stage are as steep as they look. Take a moment to sit in one of the higher rows and breathe in the view of the city in the distance.
Read MoreThe funicular or tram that brings us up towards either the Roman Amphitheatre or Fourvière is an adorable little red cart that climbs the steep hill so we don't have to.
Read MoreLyon was home for a solid two weeks when I was studying abroad for grad school. I'm not sure where I picked up the philosophy from, but every new city I go to, I try to find the Birdseye view and memorize the map of the city. I find it centers me and lets me appreciate the city from a different point of view.
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