Nipote - Nephew

Yesterday in class Claudio was asking us about our families and what they do, their names and ages.  So when it came to me of course I told him that I had a 2 month old nephew, named Brody.  All the girls oouuued and ahhhed.  So then I got my ipod out and showed them a picture of my adorable nephew.  Claudio grabbed at his cheeks and asked how you say that in English...and he was talking about chubby cheeks.  Gosh I miss my family!

Last night we had a very classy going away dinner at Entoeca Italiana (remember from my wine tasting/ the wine museum).  We had big round tables set up in the bunker around all of the glasses of wine on display, a very cool set-up.  Dinner conversation quickly led to me and what I do back in Nebraska.  This dinner convo was a definite confidence builder.  Two of my friends had seen my photography portfolio earlier in the day.  They couldn't stop complementing me on my work and couldn't believe that I also had my real estates license.  (sometimes I still can't believe it myself)  I am so fortunate to be blessed with two very hardworking parents that have taught me to work hard for my dreams.

Today in class we had the verbal and listening test.  Once again I think I did good, but really who knows.  Claudio asked me what my name was, what I preferred to do, how old I was, where I was from and what I liked to eat.  So tonight I tried talking with the waiter, well it kind of worked! HAHA! I ended up asking him "what how his name was" and if he like to dance.  And the response, "Mary and un po"  I really need to practice talking with the locals.  I feel like I will learn and understand so much better than by just writing down exercises from the book.

Tomorrow is a big day! We take the finial written test, catch a bus to Florance, then taxi to our APARTMENT! YAY! It will be awhile before I get another post up, up to 3 days.  We will hopefully get internet in our apartment right away, like I said it's my lifeline :)

A few things about Siena: (I might have already written, not sure, so I will make sure they are down in history)

• Very small city (55,000 people)
• Epidemic: Dog poop on the street which is also the sidewalk.  I feel that I had to look down so that I wouldn't step in it thus I was missing the gorgeous architecture.  Have not stepped in it yet (thank goodness)!
• Siena is known for their pici.  I talked about this already :) Very fat, thick spaghetti.
• The gelato is amazing - rich creamy goodness.
• Lots of hills with cobblestones for the streets (Can be dangerous walking)
• Very fast buses and classy cars.
• Take your umbrella (My Lorenzo) everywhere with you - you never know when it is going to rain.
• Over 100 churches 
• Tons of shops - clothes, purses, scarfs, shoes, boots, belts (NOT GOOD FOR ME)

Wow, my first two weeks in Italy have went so fast.  I have learned so much more Italian than when I got here, made new friends and bought a few new things for my wardrobe :)  Very happy to be moving to Florance tomorrow.  Wish me luck :)

P.S. Keep Sarah in your thoughts and prayers as she goes through the recovering process.  Its tough and not very much fun.  Love and miss my baby sister :)

P.S.S Breaking NEWS! My dad said he is getting internet at their house! Wow, never thought that would happen :)

P.S.S.S Breaking NEWS Part II! There was an earthquake here today about 4 pm, but I didn't feel anything.  Other students said they saw the building shaking.  I think I am just used to the boys next door being rambunctious.   http://www.hindustantimes.com/world-news/Europe/Quake-rattles-north-Italy-felt-in-Milan-Florence/Article1-1001845.aspx
 

Pazienza - Patience

If anything I will learn patience this semester.  The change of pace is so different here that what I am use to.  Everything is just so much slower, which is great if you are accustomed to it. 

Have a ton of things to write about but its 12:21 am here.  I have a verbal and listening test at 9:00 am and then to study for the big exam on Saturday.  Hope to tell you all about it soon :)

Capire - to understand

Trying to keep up with this blog is crazy, but I am so glad I am writing it.  I love to look back at old post and its only been one day short of two weeks. 

Today class was much better with it only being a short four hours.  I started to like Claudio again and the Italian language.  After the discouraging test last week and a rough Monday I was in a slump.  But my test today was a true success story, if you work hard it does pay off.  I studied and memorized like crazy yesterday and whoop I did so good, I think! 

I have been learning so much about the culture of Italy and America in class.  Claudio goes through the language lesson very quickly so it gives us time to talk with him at the end of class about Italian customs, government, places and other European countries. 

Interesting facts from Claudio (this may not be accurate)

•  35 % of young people in Italy are unemployed
• 12% of the older generation are unemployed
• The avg. salary is very very very low compared to U.S.
• The most used word in the world is ok and the second is Coca-Cola.

We have in depth discussions about many events that have been occurring in the US as well as here in Italy.  Obviously the many shootings was first on the list to talk about.  Claudio thinks that it all starts within the family. The mother or father gives the child a phone or computer.  Pays no attention to what they are playing or who they are talking too. 

This leads to children playing games alone in dark rooms for hours on end.  And do you know what kinds of games they are playing?  Games full of people shooting, robbing, raping and getting rewarded for doing those things.  No parent is there to watch the what their child is playing or even in some cases parents play with them.  This is a problem.

My Views
Claudio is so on point.  This is an epidemic in our country.  I don’t believe that video games are the only reason for mass shootings, but other things as well: Young people all over the world are not taught discipline, respect, hard work and dignity.  I could go on for days and days, but I will stop my rant. :) Okay one more: (Starting to get overwhelming with all 160 students in one hotel.  Many are from very well off families and I think this is just a vacation for them.)  Three days and I am off to my apartment in Florence with 3 other girls (who are awesome)!

I have been having the most wonderful food over the last couple of days:  Gnocchi with Gorgonzola Sauce and Sausage, penne pasta with garlic, pine nuts and tomatoes,  different types of cheese with honey & cashews, Gorgonzola Pizza, panna cotta (kind of like flan), dessert pizza with nutella, and of course Vino.  

Tonight I had a cooking class.  Very awesome the food was amazing.  It was like I was on the set of food network...

• Pappa col pomodoro - Bread Soup.  Back in the day they only used to make bread once a week, so by the end of the week the bread was stale and dried out.  So then they made soup of it.  Start by putting extra virgin olive oil in a pan and adding garlic.  Then adding a few other spices and bread.  Add tomatoes and cook for an hour...one of the best soups I have ever had.  Right up there with the Sandstone’s tomato bisque.  I do have the recipe...can’t wait to cook for everyone when I get back to Nebraska :)

• Pici all’aglione - Thick, hand-rolled (by me) pasta, like fat spaghetti.  Dough is made only from flour and water.  Then we made a spicy sauce to mix in with the pici.  YUMMMMM!

• Tiramisu -  Talk about the best I have ever had...also have the recipe.

I am off to study for the big finial on Saturday...

{P.S.  My sister is doing very good.  She is at home in Burwell.  Finally got to chat with her for a bit tonight :)

Got this from my baby sister tonight! She looks so good...she is sooo cute! Love her!

(P.S.S will try to add more photos tomorrow.  The internet is too slow tonight :(

Long Day/Short Post

Sorry all! I haven't been getting the post up like I should be.  Today was crazy long with 6 hours of class (all Italian all six hours with little English) , the hotel internet broke down and my sister had surgery.  The internet is my main communication tool with my family...it's like a lifeline.  I miss being able to talk to my family or friends at any minute of the day.  Really learning about things that I take for granted everyday. 

Anyways, Sarahs surgery went well.  I did get to FaceTime my mom and dad for a bit after she got out.  I am hoping to talk with Sarah before I go to bed.  I also have a test to study for tomorrow....So I will be writing a big blog for you tomorrow.  Good NITE!

First weekend in Italy

Saturday

First day of no class and I got to sleep in.  My morning was filled with a well needed sleep.  For the afternoon we took a day trip to San Gimignano.  It was a little disappointing as it was raining and very foggy out.

San Gimignano is the city of beautiful towers.  The city is like Siena with it being walled in on a hill.  There are 15 towers still standing today, but back in the 1200’s there were 72 towers.  It was originally a Etruscan village.  It is named after the bishop of Modena, San Gimignano, who is said to have protected the city from Attila the Hun.

It was a very thriving city in the 1200’s because it was between Florence and Rome.  Many pilgrims stopped and stayed in the city for a few days on their pilgrimage.  Many wealthy families also lived there and that is why there were so many towers.  To build a tower was to prove that you had wealth and power.  It was a great competition to see who could build the tallest tower.

Inside the bottom of the tower there was a museum and about 4 different rooms with fresco’s in them.  One was of vice vs virtue of a young man leaving his parents home to go explore the world.  He instantly ends up getting his money stole from some prostitutes.  After he goes back home again it shows him marry a nice woman and living till the old age of 35, which was common during that time.

Since it was so foggy and rainy we didn’t get to see all of the towers at once, but you could see them if you walked close to them.  We even had the privilege of climbing up one.  Lots of steps and a ladder at the end to crawl underneath the bell to get to look out over the side.  It was a beautiful sight and well wroth the climb to the top.

After the tower climb I tried my first gelato, tiramisu.  It was so rich and creamy...yummy!  Then we had the 40 min bus ride back to Siena.  From there I had my first official night out in Siena.  We started out going to dinner, which I had lasagna again.  Then we went to a dance hall.  And everyone knows how much I like to dance.  We were lucky enough to find a live band that was playing American jazz, Johnny Cash and blues.  It was fun to do the twist and shout all the way over here in Italy. 

The band was really good.  Two guitar players, drummer and lead singer and piano player.  The piano player was wearing a white suit jacket with his hair slicked back..haha. He played with his hands, elbows and feet on the piano.  Very talented man, and also cute ;)

Sunday

Very relaxing day.  Homework, blogging, facebooking and a little shopping.  I bought my first purse from Italy today.  A red leather cross-body purse.  It is amazing.  Made in Italy and for a bargain :)  Well next I get to skype the family, Mom, Dad, Sarah, Brett, Taylor and Brody :)  So excited to see them all. 

P.S.  Please keep my sister in your prayers as she has knee surgery on Monday.  We all know its not fun.  Wish I could be there with her.

Long Week

FRIDAY!!!! It really has been a long week.  I feel like I have been in Siena for a month.  I have only been gone from the states for 10 days. 

Class today was not as much fun as I had hoped for.  I got pretty bummed out after I got my quiz back.  I had messed up an entire section.  I still did pass, but its just so difficult.  The whole week had caught up with me.  Learning another language can be very difficult, esp. if your not good at memorizing things.  Claudio did speak the most English he has ever spoken today but not while teaching.  We had a great discussion on the difference of culture from U.S to Italy and throughout Europe. 

Claudio is very concerned about all the children that drink Coke.  All the sugar that the U.S intakes and the diabetes is on the rise.  There really is so much less sugar in their diet here along with them using olive oil instead of butter. Claudio said this is their gold.   The climate is just right for growing olives.

Claudio also talked about the difference of pace.  His and most Italians view is that you only have 24 hours in a day, so you need to relax and just do what you can.  That is not how it is in the states....GO GO GO and make sure to get tomorrows work done today too.  Which I think I am hardwired to GO GO GO! My parents are the craziest (in a very good way) and most hardworking people. 

Also, he talked about how dinner is something special to be shared.  This is where we had something in common.  I think that my family is so close because we did gather around the dinner table and enjoy each others company.  I can still remember the seating chart and you could never change it or there would be disaster.  Such a special time from my life :)

Oh boy!

I am very tired tonight...it's 12:35 am here and 5:35 pm yesterday in NE (how crazy)!

Today was great.  Claudio helped me on my first quiz in Italy.  He said he wanted everyone to have a perfect score.  I can handle that kind of teacher.  :) I think I am starting to understand the language a little better.  I did order all in Italian last night at dinner.  Whoop, whoop!  I thought I ordered a glass of wine and whoops I ordered a pitcher of wine.  :)

This afternoon I went on a trip to Chianti Sculpture Park with a tasting of typical Tuscan food.  The sculpture park was amazing.  It was located about 40 mins from the walls of Siena up in the hills.  We had to take a very cruvey small road (was very car sick )! But it was well worth it.

The owner himself gave us a tour of the park.  You start on top of the hill and work your way down and then back up.  About every 50 yards there is a new piece of art.  The art is an integration of art and nature.

How they explain the park...

• Diversity of cultures
• Represented by artists from all over the world
• Variety of materials.
• Each artist has been invited to visit the wood in order to choose a location and subsequently submit a site-specific proposal.
• This accounts for the harmony of the sculptures with the trees, the sounds, the colours, the light, and other elements of the wood. 
• In fact, these man-made works do not extend beyond the limits of nature; rather, they integrate with it and enhance it.

Down the hill from the park was his house/gallery.  He lives, works and plays all in one place.  He had such beautiful art in his home as well as in the park.  He had an amazing view of the Tuscan mountains and hills.  His house is also a historical landmark, once a terracotta factory.  

We then had a tasting of typical Tuscan food.  We had bruschetta, cold meats, cheeses, olives, wine and croissants.  Then for a last treat we had oranges.  They where amazing, juicy and the best oranges I have ever had.

 

If you like art please check his websites out:

http://www.chiantisculpturepark.it/en-thepark.htm

http://www.solartgallery.it/

Good night!

P.S.  I am so glad that I was born and raised a country girl and from Nebraska.  I can not even count how many times I am thankful per day.  One point:  learning to pee outside and squat.  Point two:  leaning how to make the best out of a situation.  Point three:  well Nebraska people are just better.  :)

Palio

So much has happened today that is hard to remember all the way back to this morning.  Walking to school is also a bene (good) thing.  It is just amazing to even be here.  I am really blessed to be here and learning.  Even though it was raining most of the day it didn't bother me.  There is something magic about walking down the cobbled streets in Italy with an umbrella.

Class is definitely not getting any easier.  I did learn a lot about the ristorante (restaurant) today.  I learned all about the verbs, subjects and adjectives that you would use in a ristorante.  This did make it a whole lot easier learning since I LOVE FOOD.  Io ordino bruschetta, pizza e vino.  (I just ordered bruschetta, pizza and wine).

Claudio is such a good person.  He is really passionate about his country and language.  At the very beginning of class he looked straight at me and said something to the effect that if I needed him to slow down he would.  He is getting very good about coming to help when he has assigned a difficult task.

For lunch I stopped by a very cute bakery.  I did order in Italian, however after I ordered I was lost on what she was saying.  I bought a slice of pizza (green olives, sausage, and cheese), and a little creme pie.  :)  Then was rushing back to the hotel to talk with my family and tell them good morning both my sister and dad had very sleepy eyes, where mom was wide awake to go teach school. 

My afternoon was filled with the history of Siena.  I am so glad that I choose to go on that tour.  I learned so much about the city. More about that when I get back from dinner (Ristroante La Finestra)...

Siena is a wonderful city made of walls, gates and arches, narrow, winding alleyways and houses all huddled together,  in no particular order.  Siena was in its prime around 1186.  Siena is split up into 17 different districts.  Each district has its own animal symbol, church, baptism to become a member of the district & church, stalls, and courtyard for summer block parties. 

Siena is famous for Il Palio.  Il Palio is a horse race that takes place every year on July 2nd and August 16.  This famous race has been happening for years and years and years.  The race takes place on their town square.  They pack dirt on top of the bricks while they leave the middle open to let people stand and watch. 

Ten districts are selected to race as it would be too crowd to have all 17 districts race.  Then four days before the race there is a horse lottery.  This if for each district to get a chance at the fastest horse.  Horse have been selected from all over Italy.  Each district then has to pay the jockeys to ride.

After the district has selected its horse they take it back to their own districts stalls where people will watch it night and day until the race.  The day of the race the horse will be brought into the church to be blessed with holy water.  Then everyone dresses up for a magnificent parade. 

The jockeys are allowed to whip and block other jockeys.  The horse alone may win without the jockey.  Many jockeys get knocked down but none have ever died.

Not my photo! Just wanted you to see what it looks like! :)

Learning about Palio really made me feel connected to Siena.  With Burwell and the rodeo, parade and great community pride. 

On the tour we visited many of the districts, but we also got to see one of the most beautiful churches in Europe, Cattedrale di Siena.  It was made of bricks and then marble strips were put on the outside of the bricks to give the stripped affect.  The inside of the church floor was all marble.  Many famous artist have work done in the Cattedrale.  Since I don't have enough internet to upload photos of the church you can check it out here, http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Siena_Cathedral

So funny story for the day.

My umbrella's name is Lorenzo or the brand name of umbrella.  I am very proud of my big umbrella and it just makes me feel so good.  Well, Lorenzo got me into a little trouble.  We were on the tour and walking down a narrow alleyway (also just a regular street here) and a bus came barreling down the street.  As are big group is trying to huddle to the wall.  I can't seem to get over enough.  Lorenzo catches on the bus and is being dragged down the street, so what do I do?  I keep a hold and start running to keep up with the bus.  I soon realize that I can't keep this up, weaving through people and hanging on to Lorenzo who is attached to a bus.  So I let go and boom it falls from the bus and lands on three girls who start to scream and giggle all at the same time. 

Let's just say I laughed so hard I cried.

Cattedrale di Siena & Ravioli stuffed with cheese & spinach topped with meat sauce.  

Veno

After about a 30 min walk through the city we arrived at a fortress.  The fortress sat on the edge of the city just inside the walls.  The fortress houses Enoteca Italiana.  Entoeca Italiana is a museum/wine shop/wine school that carries most of the brands of Italy.  It is the largest gallery of Italian wine in the world.  Did you know that Italy has 60,000 brands of wine and over 30,000 wineries. 

The building itself was built as a bunker during the civil war.  They stored guns and ammo.  It was a beautiful bunker made out of bricks.  Not like anything in the United States.  Now the bunker is a fortress for wine. The bunker also stores ancient artifacts.  Such as vases from 5,000 years ago.  THe vases were huge but as he explained they were actual glasses that they drank from not vases. 

Our tour guide did a very good job of speaking English, yet his thick accent was sometimes hard to understand.  As soon as we walked down into the bunker he started explain all about the different kinds of wine.  "You are in the heart of wine country, can you feel the bottles beating?" 

After the tour of the museum we got to the good part...my first wine tasting.  We had a white (Vernaccia di san gimignnao docg "Privato" 2001), red (Chianti Montespertoli Docg "I Fossili" 2009) and another red (Toscano IGT "Pax" 2009).  First he talked about the history of the region, different types of grapes, and the steps to analyze wine.  There are 350 different types of grapes in Italy.

Wine tasting:  look at color, sniff, twirl, slowly taste and enjoy.  I also learned that wine has legs.  After twirling your glass of wine there will be wine left on the side of the glass.  The slower the legs come down the richer the wine.  Also, when they want to preserve wine they put in a plastic cork because the regular cork lets the wine breath too much.

The white wine was by far my favorite.  It smelled of crisp fruits.  The third wine seemed dangerous.  As he said, "Drinking too much can end up in a very slippery situation"  It also smelled of tobacco.  It was a wine that was to be enjoyed over a nice long dinner.

After the wine tasting we went for dinner.  Where I enjoyed an assortment of cheese, nuts and honey along with a salad.  And of course a glass of wine. 

Note:  There is no drinking age in Italy.  However, there is a drinking law.  You may drink but you may not become drunk.  Drunkenness is not acceptable in Italy. 

Learning Slowly

My alarm went off again, what a relief.  After a well rested sleep, it was pretty easy for me to get up at 7:40 in the morning.  I went straight to the window to see if it was raining...and it wasn't! Whoop! Whoop!  The walk to school was much better with no cars almost running me over.  My professors lives about 20 mins outside of the city walls and his name is Claudio.  He rides his bike into the city.  He says that it is very expensive to own a car in Italy.  You also need a special permit to drive in the city of Siena.  "In Italy...You Pay"  Claudio explaining that anything you want to do you have to pay for it.

Claudio even spoke less English in class today.  Maybe a total of 5 words.  They have said that is best to learn by only speaking that language...HA!  This is impossible it seems as I know none of the language.  But I am not going to let it bother me.  I will learn, maybe just at slower pace than the rest.  I just sit and listen to him speak, try to read the book and then end up looking out the window.  This is when Claudio comes over and starts helping.  He gave us an assignment to read a whole paragraph in Italian and to circle the correct beginnings to words.  He could tell by the look on my face that I needed help.  And with his help I read aloud the whole paragraph and if I say so myself not to shabby.

It almost feels like a dream.  It is so unreal that I am here in Italy. 

 Lunch was amazing.  I was so excited that I forgot to take the picture before I started eating my first piece of lasagna in Italy It was perfect :) I even had two glasses of the house vino.  Wonderful lunch with a few of my friends.  

I usually take the picture before I start eating... 

After I got back from lunch this is what I found looking out my hotel room window...

  

I enjoyed a relaxing afternoon of blogging, facebooking and trying to work on homework.  But here is the exciting part.  My first wine tasting was tonight.  I will explain tomorrow...tired and slow internet. :) GoodNight!

Culture Shock...No Way!

Italian the Language 

Today I woke up before my alarm even went off, at 7:40 am.  Now if you know me at all I am not a morning person so I must have just been excited for today.  We started the day off by meeting our professors at the hotel to walk with them to school.  So I opened up my huge umbrella and started the walk to school up front along side my professor.  I felt like I was in the movies or doing something crazy special.

In Italy pedestrians do not and I mean DO NOT have the right of way.  You need to walk as close to the buildings as you can when you hear the roar of a car, motor bike, truck or small bus.  They will run you over.  So after nearly getting ran over I made it to school safe and dry :)

I should have been overwhelmed or maybe started crying or should have pulled out my hair.  My professor barely spoke any English in the four hours of class.  I sat there and tried to listen and just take it all in.  He is a very funny, charming Italian.  If you spoke in English or said the wrong pronunciation of the Italian word he would yell NO! NO! NO! NO! or cover his ears and groan nooooo! 

He asked me to use the word bello in a sentence...so what did I do, told him he was beautiful in Italian.  Everyone laughed and he blushed and said NO! NO! NO! :)  I think the most important phrase I learned today was:  Io mangio il geltato (I eat ice cream) or maybe Io amo il vino   (I love wine)!  He even gave us homework on the first day.  Oh boy and the whole book and workbook have no English.  Let's just say I am still feeling blessed to be in this Country learning! Maybe not by the end of the week though...JK! 

After class is when the real fun began.  I met up with my two roommates for Florance and the other one had plans.  So we went to a restaurant that accepted the school vouchers.  This is where I got my first taste of REAL Italian pizza....SO GOOD!  I ordered one with a red sauce, mozzarella and spicy sausage.  The roommate situation seems like it is going to work out great.  :) big relief!

We then proceeded to an academic meeting where they talked about changing classes and all the rules for the rest of the semester.  The studio art director was introduced and talked with us about our classes.  I am soooo excited to start painting, photography and fashion marketing and merchandising, Italian not so much.

From there we went on a little shopping spree.  I got my first pair of Italian boots and a new cell phone.  Cell phone stores here are just like cell phone stores in the U.S., very busy, people yelling and long lines.  The cell phone is a little less exciting as it looks like a small calculator.  However, for 54 Euros I have a new phone, (250 mins & 250 texts to Italian phones) and 30 euros towards the U.S. 

If anyone calls me from the U.S. it is free for me, however I don't know how much it will cost you.  

My number is 340-936-0981.  Or you can reach me on my ipod when I have WiFi: 402-892-7619.  

Working on homework and checking out all my new things and drinking wine.  The bottle was only 3 Euros (Less Expensive Than Water :)

P.S.  Not sure if I have ever walked this much in one day in my entire life.  Legs and shins are tired.  Wine will help with that right?

Goodnight Friends!

 

Jet Lag

Today was rough.  I set my alarm on my ipod for 9:30 am this morning.  Well it never went off. (Also, not having my iphone has been rough)  So I woke up about 10:15 and we were supposed to be walking out the door at 10:30 with all of our documents to register with the police/orientation.  I frantically jumped out of bed put my camera and documents into my back pack and ran out the door. Well it was raining, I missed breakfast, and the jet lag had set in.

By the time we got to orientation I was soaked.  We then (all 160) proceeded to crowd into a small room where they talked to us about rules and other info.  They did help us fill out paper work to register with the police, bonus!  Walking back to the hotel I just didn't feel the greatest, but after a change of clothes, fresh fruit (banana and pear), water and cantuccini alla mandorlas (crisp almond cookies) I felt much better.  The almond cookies are like a very hard cookie in the shape of a very small loaf of bread.

This afternoon I signed up to take a cooking class, a tour of art galleries, a tour to a sculpture garden, wine tasting and a ticket to the Opera in Florance.   This made me feel a whole lot better. 

This evening we went to tour our school where we will be taking classes for the two weeks that we are here.  They had different kinds of fruit juice, peach and orange.  Peach was so yummy.  And also had some small breads with tomato sauce and cheese.  After I went with a group of friends (From CO nice to talk to Midwest people)  to dinner.  We went to Paini.  Did you know that in Italy at most restaurants you have to pay for your water.  :( I usually drink so much water during meals.  So I ordered 1/2 liter of water, 3 Euros. and a fresh mixed salad with smoaked ham and gorgonzola, 7,50 Euros.  It was very good.

Conclusion:  I need to learn Italian and fast.  Learned a few words to today.  I can say hello, goodbye, how are you, thank you, your welcome.  Thank goodness the people are very nice and know some English. 

I have also came to the conclusion that Italy is going to make me very skinny.  Tons of walking and small portions and a tight budget. :)

Siena Italy

 Italy Day ONE

A few more things from London: they do have really nice loos (bathrooms) maybe even the best in the world (very clean, floor to ceiling walls and doors & most of the time free)  some restrooms did charge up to .50 pounds to use the restroom.  They also have a different power system than we do here, it charges things faster but never try and plug an American blow dryer in. 

So today was a little uneventful.  Maybe I am just getting used to the fact that I am really doing this :)  Or it could be the jet lag, time change, or little sleep that I have had (but still loving it).  Traveling with 120 other American students can be very difficult.  Most girls brought 2 checked bags and 2 carry on bags.  Thats a lot people and luggage to get to the airport and get on the plane, BUT we made it Pisa Italy.

Once we arrived in the Airport we took a charter bus to Siena.  I badly wanted to stay awake but I just couldn't do it.  I woke up and was in BEAUTIFUL Siena.  I am now checked into the hotel (will be here for 2 weeks).  Getting ready for dinner and a night out on the town... I am now in Italy :) YAY x 100!

So I just had to post after dinner too.  We walked through the city...WOW! It is better than I ever imagined.  The streets are smaller than ally ways back in the U.S.  The houses are centuries old and have so much character...WOW again!  We walked for about 10 mins then the street just opened up to the most magnificent courtyard I have ever seen.  It all lead down to a huge church and clock tower.  We all ooooohhhed and ahhhhed.  We then went to dinner.  Italy had started a slow food movement.  We experienced that this evening.  We arrived at the restaurant, Medioevo, at 8:00 P.M. and didn’t leave until 10:30.  Our tables were set with wine glass and bottled water. 

First we started of with Mixed Bruschettas.  Wonderful bread with olive oil and a mix of tomatoes and garlic on top.  Best I have ever had.  After about 20 mins we then were served Pici with ragui and wild fennel.  This was a typical Sienese pasta with a touch of meat sauce.  Not anything like in America where we have tons of sauce and meat.  The Pici was a thinker spaghetti, almost chewy with a touch of meat and sauce.  The wIne was served along side our Pici.  A very amazing red wine, about half warm.   Another 20 mins later we had Cacciatroa,  a chicken stew along side spinach and potatoes mashed into what looked like a piece off a loaf of bread.  To finish off the meal we were served apple cake..YUM. 

Let’s just say I am now ready for a long nights sleep.

London Day 2

 Some British Dude, "I bet you Americans will see the whole city in a day!"

Yep, We Did!

London is so very different from the United States of America yet it is so similar.   Yes, the British Men are very handsome and the accent just adds so much more to the attraction.  But there not all that charming, by American standards: rude.

London is a very mixed culture.  Many people that I met were from London but they have only been here the last 10-15 years.  I assume that is because they were all in the service industry and came here for a better life and job opportunity.  My view is that London is a very successful and booming city.  Did you know that there are more banks here that trade in the U.S. than in NYC? The highest priced apartment was also sold for 142 million pounds (A lot more if in American Money)!  Wish I would have gotten the commission check on that property. 

The second day in London was very eventful.  First started off with a FREE breakfast at the hotel provided my AIFS.  I loaded up to save a little money later on in the day.  I had some wonderful croissants, a chocolate pastry, pork sausages, smoked bacon, scrambled eggs (looked reddish and runny but still very good), and orange juice and coffee.  While we were finishing up breakfast we almost missed the bus tour.

But we made it just in time.  We started out on the bus with the girls that I had met the night before (so thankful).  Our first stop was Buckingham Palace.  Wow, that was so beautiful.  So I do have a bummer though, it is only in the movie that you get to pester the non-moving gaurds :(  There was about 50 yards from the Palace to a gated fence so we couldn't even get close enough to pester them.  This is really where the photo madness began.  All I was thinking was Picture, Picture, Picture! So that's what I did.  I took pictures at Big Ben, the London Eye, the national gallery of art,Westminster Abby, Buildings and More Buildings, Fountains and Bridges, and of course My Food.  I will have these up on Facebook in a couple of days I hope ;)  I also went on the Underground, their railway.


We went to the famous Harrods and Harvey Nickels.  Both excellent shopping venues.  Harrods is really amazing you can buy anything there from fresh fruit and meat to perfume to clothes to wine to diamonds.  Sounds like your kind of store right?  But, unfortunately I didn't have that kind of money.  the gloves were running about 400 pounds with fur vest at about 3,000 pounds. 

My Food:

Lunch was at the White Lion.  I had a spinach salad with smoked bacon, honey mustard seed dressing with a fried poached egg on top along side a Pear Cider.  It was all so very yummy.

Dinner was at the Oyster Room.  I had the famous fish and chips (french fries) along with another Pear Cider.  It was a at a local pub by the hotel and very cheap about 10 pounds, so it was the best in the whole world. 

Few things:  Pound is their currency about $.50 to one pound (ouch), they do say cheers a lot and not bloody hell or cheerios,  the sun never shines, foggy, about 10 degrees Celsius, they love fashion and have name brand everything, speak in much quieter voices or rarely speak to the tourist at all, and they all seem to have lots of money.  Now I am talking about just my first 24 hour glance at the city.  I didn't have the chance to become friends with a local or learn from them. 

P.S.  I always felt like Harry Potter was going to jump out at me, only if I would have more time I would have went to all the places it was filmed. 

P.S.S I fly to Sienna, Italy tomorrow.  Ready or not here I come ;)

London

On 16 hour journey across the sea I met some very friendly people.  I sat next to a young man from Las Vegas.  However, he was born in India.  His mother and aunt were sitting just a few seats back, leading them to come and talk to us quite often.  The plane also carried about 60 Norte Dame Students coming to London to study at their sister school (they were still pretty sore from their loss).

Walked off the plane and all I could think of was that Miley Cyrus song.  Hopped off the plane...I'm I going to fit in...so I put my hands up!  Yes, I did all of those things :) also yelling I'm in London B*#&^*!
 

After getting my passport stamped for the first time I walked straight through customs to my driving.  He was a great guy.  Has lived in London for about 15 years and was originally form Portugal.  I quized him over the driving practices, money and what the weather was like.  Turns out they drive on the wrong side of the road, use pounds for currency and its about 5 Degrees Celsius.  

 

Arriving at the hotel I found a bunch of other students that were ready to explore London with me.  It turns out that all 6 women and 2 men knew each other from the east coast, most of them from New Jersey.  This was just a bit intimidating.  One even asked why I had come to Europe, now that made me mad.  Duh, I came to Europe for the same reason you did.  To learn, explore and have fun!  I was starting to worry a little bit. 

 

After walking around London and getting a quick bit to eat in a charming little cafe, I went back to the hotel to catch a cat nap.  In the middle of my nap I got to meet my hotel roommate.  She proved to be very nice.  She is from Kansas City, which is a lot more like NE than Jersey.  She is also traveling by herself along with 4 other women that joined our small group.  They were from Philly, Kentucky,  Chicago and Wisconsin. :)

We had some spicy fun tonight.  We had  wanted to go to a pub but they were all busy and couldn't seat us together.  So we went to a Club Havana.  We had a very nice meal, mine was about 20 pounds which is like 30 American dollars (I think)!  That included a fresh veggie salad, chips (french fries), and a steak with blue cheese sauce on top (YUM)!  I also tried out a few local drinks.  

 

After a very long day I got to facetime with my mom, dad and sister. (love them)  I also gained some very important insight from my best friend Mel...you are there to see the world...to experience new things and soak all the great things you will learn. Not nice girls are not even the first thing you need to worry about. you make friends so easily--you will be just fine with the friend situation.  (Thanks for all the support) :)

Anyways I'm off to bed to get ready for my big day in London tomorrow.  

P.S. We have a beautiful view of the city from our room!  Looking out at all the lights and old buildings.   Now where is my Prince Charming?

Arrivederci...also known as Good Bye in the English language.  Today I said good bye to my sister, daddy and mommy.  I will only be abroad for four short months.  They are also all coming to visit me in Florence. Yet, it was a much bigger goodbye.  It was a good bye to the customs and English language that I am so accustomed to.  It was a good bye to my former self.  I know that this trip will change me, hopefully for the better. ;) 

My sister and mom had to stay in Omaha to visit the knee doctor, our good friend Doctor Brown.  Equaling a tearful goodbye in Omaha.  My dad drove me the rest of the way to Des Monies.  Also, pronounced Da Monies.  I have to concentrate very hard to pronounce it the correct way.  Maybe I will do better with the Italian language.

Arriving in Des Monies my dad instantly changed.  I think he has been very worried about this day for a few weeks along with my mom who has been keeping it very well hidden.  It is tough to send your 22 year old daughter across to the world to a new country where she does not know anyone. My parents are so brave.  They are such wonderful people.

Saying good bye to my dad at the gate was tough....maybe I can tell you more about it later. 

As I am writing this in the airport tears are welling up inside me. All the while there is a very friendly grandma sitting beside me trying to talk to Louie on the cell phone.  I think the whole airport can hear her.  From tears to laughing in minute!!! Oh boy they just called for boarding!

Happy Tears of Good Bye

 

As I was driving down the highway this morning I realized that this was one of my last Nebraska sunrises before I took off for my amazing semester in Italy.  Coincidentally, We Are Young was playing on the radio. 

Tonight
We are young
So let's set the world on fire
We can burn brighter
than the sun


I am ready to set the world on fire.  Ready to explore foreign lands, to meet unique people and  places.  I cannot imagine what wonderful experiences and adventures await me.