So funny story: I didn't go to Prague with the rest of my friends. Yes, Maricor and I were left behind when the oh-so-helpful check-in staff at the Bergamo airport stared at us blankly and announced that we had no reservation of any kind. I bet you're thinking, "Julie wouldn't be so stupid as to take an hour bus ride to an airport for an international flight without some form of paperwork or at least a confirmation number." Well, you're right, but unfortunately my confirmation number, and I quote, "Doesn't mean anything." What do you MEAN it doesn't MEAN ANYTHING? And then they had the nerve to offer to put us on the flight for a mere 600 euros. Yea right. I'd rather walk there, thank you very much.

All is not lost however, because we were able to book a flight leaving Saturday and returning on Tuesday for a price comparable to the original. So we've missed the first night and the first full day of sightseeing but we'll be with the rest of the group for the meat of the trip. At this point, we just shrug our shoulders and say, "Welcome to Italy" when things like this happen.

And since I had been on a day trip to Bergamo the day before, I was able to find us a nice pub to have a bite to eat at. Might as well stay a while since we had just spent an hour getting there, right?

Bergamo is actually a lovely town, I think my favorite so far. It's nestled at the foot of some rounded mountains which make for picturesque views in every direction. The previous day, Ben, Jenna, and I arrived by train around noon and stepped out of the station without a plan or a care in the world. Taking cues from the hands of fate, we hopped on the first bus to pull up to the station which ended up taking us to Citta Alta. Bergamo is divided into two sections of town, Citta Bassa and Citta Alta. Obviously, Citta Bassa is at the foot of the main hill and Citta Alta is the old town on top of the hill.

Upon arrival, we said "right or left?" and the following series of decsions led us to the upper funicular train. It took us to a breathtaking view and an ancient castle fit for exploring. You could stand on top of any of the castle's four turrets and smile at the beautiful houses perched on the surrounding hills connected by terraced vineyards. Bergamo really is a perfect place to live because you can situate your home on one of these Italian hills but then still have the convenience of riding your bicycle to work in Citta Bassa or taking the train to the fashion shows in Milano.

We walked down through the narrow streets and found our way into their duomo. We were the only people there to interrupt the dusty silence and we stayed just long enough to admire the tapestries and ominous crucifix. That really was our only other activity of the day besides lunch which was... an experiment. I tried to be fancy and order a tradtional Italian meal. Turns out Beef Carpaccio translates to RAW. Serves me right for complaining about the lack of red meat in my diet here. I've just had a protein INJECTION and am awaiting the effects of Mad Cow Disease.

Finished off our day with gelato from an award-winning shop just off the main piazza. I had a TRIFECTA of deliciousness: walnut, baci (this chocolate covered hazelnut candy), and Cherubino (their house flavor with a chocolate base). After that experience, we decided that this Wednesday day trip was the first of many and that gelato tasting would be an integral part of each successive trip from now on.