You can easily take planes (and sometimes trains) to get to other countries, each with their own language, culture, and atmosphere. Because international flights are so easy and common here, they are also very inexpensive; for instance, my ticket to Sicily cost only $30. This makes getting around Europe really easy.
Other than flights, Europe has an extensive international rail system. In my last field note on transportation, I mentioned that in Switzerland it is very easy to get a train to any city in the country. I can say the same about Europe! I took a train first within Italy from Rome to Florence, and then again internationally to get back home to Switzerland. The trains are really comfortable and the ride is smooth. Train travel is my favorite way form of transport because you can easily hop on a train, while flights take a bit more preparation.
The most interesting place I visited this week was a church in Sicily called Capella Palatina (Palatine Chapel). Sicily is the largest island in the Mediterranean Sea and has been influenced by all of its former rulers. The Capella Palatina, therefore, combines Norman architecture from the 12th century, star decorations typical of Islamic architecture and Christian crosses throughout. The mix of influences comes through in this brilliant, golden mosaic of a cathedral.
